Habits of Mind

The habits of mind – teachers tend to use resources that are ready-made and as is, which is not entirely bad. Usually curriculum experts (expert teachers, and domain-subject experts, expert editors and publishers) have created resources that are helpful and very appropriate for students. However, in some circumstances – in light of creating a more inquiry-based class or a more differentiated approach to the lesson – teachers may consider modifying and adapting resources. Differentiated learning requires teachers to evaluate the resources and then, based on the student needs make the lesson ‘fit’ their class. Flipping the lesson around by looking at the students’ questions is a great way to begin.

Although the end result could be the same – the process and the intent is not. The students are more involved from the beginning when we encourage students to ask questions…and this will guide your lesson. The next steps are often investigation based and process oriented. The biggest difficulty is the uncertainty of how the lesson will be directed, however the protocol focuses on simple elements that are strung together to help the students develop their own understanding about the concepts.