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If This Is Wrong, I Don't Want To Be Right

If This Is Wrong, I Don't Want To Be Right

Just Tell Me What To Do

One of the most frustrating classroom experiences occurs when students disengage from learning because they're scared to be wrong. As a teacher, I met many students who wanted someone to just give them the answer and now with my own children, I see it again. In many schools, students will sit and wait for the answer, whether that answer comes from another student or from the teacher. And if that answer doesn't come, many are unwilling to look for one themselves. Students often feel that the quest is only for the "right" answer, and they are more willing to wait and copy it down than to risk the possibility of putting in the work only to find out that it was wrong. Unfortunately, this perspective oftentimes generates surface learning, not deep learning. It can interfere with a student's entire notion of what learning is, causing them to think that school is a place to complete work, rather than grow one's mind.

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Recent Comments
Brian Hanselman
Very interesting article. There is definitely a difference between the compliant learner and the engaged learner. Although they ca... Read More
Saturday, 03 January 2015 16:18
Lauren Mezzino
I think students are afraid to take risk because they are afraid to fail. I have several quotes on my office door that pertain to ... Read More
Monday, 26 January 2015 22:39
gillian smith
* oh my gosh yes the class size makes a huge difference. I have begun to employ "student teachers". giving their peers an opport... Read More
Tuesday, 13 January 2015 16:40
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