When a deep learning moment is happening, it looks so natural, and flows so well that it can appear effortless.
But in education, there has to be a choreographer behind the scenes intentionally moving bodies and minds to spaces that will best meet the learning needs of the students.
This is what I observed in Karl’s room this week, and it reminded me that at PDS, it is the everyday moments that often produce the most extraordinary results. In this intimate setting Karl is balancing three learning strategies, all of which are simultaneously dynamic and adaptive to each students’ need. On the right, students individually tackle complex math problems. The presence of a high level of challenge and deep engagement is clear. These students are not in their ‘comfort zone’, but rather Karl has assigned a task that is just outside their comfort zone, where they will have to focus and work through multiple layers of problem solving in order to find the solution.
Also present is partner work, in which Karl has paired two students whose levels of mastery of the material are complimentary. This work will help these students build on their collaborative skill set, both in their recognition of where they need help, as well as in the skill set of helping another. Together they will have to practice effective communication to complete the assignment.
Finally, Karl is engaged with a student providing one-on-one guidance. This individual attention is tailored specifically to meet the needs of the student based on her understanding of the subject matter at hand. The goal here is not to complete the problem for the student, but rather to gently nudge the student towards discovering the next level of mastery on her own.
Each time I walk through the Learning Commons, I notice these remarkable moments in every one of our classrooms. The picture above may seem unremarkable, but to me, it captures a true learning moment in progress, one that is also a perfect blend of what makes a PDS education so unique, and what makes our teachers so effective. – by JJ Morrissey, Head of Middle School