Free write about what learning is and how it jives with the readings. I've read before the How People Learn, and I think it's quite consistent with what I believe about learning. I have been in schools that took one side or another on content versus process; or facts vs (one understanding of) constructivism. But somehow these debates missed the importance of combining a grounding in content knowledge with the ability to think flexibly with one's knowledge. Also, even when schools espouse more enlightened ideas of learning, finding a true emphasis on active learning and student metacognition seems rare. As I mentioned in my review last night, I also think that scant attention has been paid to teachers as a learning community-- in the US anyway. I could list lots of influences that have led here, from Lave to Stigler to project zero folk to lesson study and so on. But time's up.
Dan Gilbert Thanks Mark, I especially appreciate your point about thinking of teachers as a community. I wonder what role, if any, a space such as a teachers lounge could have in building a stronger sense of community amongst teachers. Good point about importance of combining multiple points of view.
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