By
Sharon Coletti, InspirEd Author
From all we’ve seen and
heard, it seems there’s a LOT of confusion about the Common Core Standards. So we
at InspirEd Educators decided to devote a series of blog entries to examining
“issues” surrounding the Common Core. We hope to become both a source of ideas
as well as offer a forum for inspired educators everywhere to share their
insights. We decided to start with the basics: the MAIN difference between
then, BCC – Before the Common Core, and now, ACC.
Learning takes place when new
information or skills are integrated into a person’s existing framework of knowledge.
And while each student may learn differently and see things their way, certain
“teaching methods” have been shown to work with wide ranges of students. And they
ALL have one thing in common, AN EMPHASIS ON CRITICAL THINKING!
A 1950’s study (Benjamin Bloom, et al)
found that the vast majority of classroom activity was spent at the knowledge
level in which students spend most of their time memorizing content for tests. (shown
below left). But numerous studies and practitioners have
found that students “retain” FAR more content if they’ve examined it critically
in some way. Therefore, it makes sense for students to spend more time thinking
critically as shown on the right in the diagram below. Plus, we’re also teaching
useful skills they’ll need to function in the 21st century world!
Critical thinking is what the Common Core is
all about. Each specific standard requires students to go beyond fact-based
knowledge and demonstrate skills that will help them across the curriculum, in
college, their career, and in life.
Years of brain research has proven among
other things that learning occurs more readily when the brain is challenged
(Cain, Cain, et al). Posing thought-provoking, multi-faceted questions that
require students make a choice and defend it enables them to “process” content
and see “the point” of what they’re learning. Simple examples to use in the
Social Studies classroom include: analyzing a historical decision, serving as
an “advisor” to a famous leader on a key issue, or collaborating with others to
solve a local problem. And of course students must support their ideas with
relevant text or other content! The simple requirement that students express AND
SUPPORT their ideas complies with the Common Core and fosters interested,
involved students in the process!
What is your state or district doing to implement the Common Core? Have you had staff development, received new resources, had new positions created? Tell us about your situation and its reception in the schools!
This sample lesson offers an example:
