Taking responsibility for one's own learning is a key part of 21st Century Skills, but the key word in the article title is "OUR." As we discuss MAP test scores and other classroom goals with our Title I students we need to make sure those goals are also the student's goals. If not, then taking responsibilty for them will not be taken seriously. Sometimes we adults - teachers and parents - determine the goals and wonder why the kids aren't taking responsibility for them. Read this article and see what can be done to remedy these situations. If you are a parent, you'll find this useful too.
Share you thoughts....as teachers....as parents.
The Responsibility Myth: Asking Kids to "Own" Our Choices. Bob Sullo. 10.3.12. The Whole Child Blog - ASCD
http://www.wholechildeducation.org/blog/the-responsibility-myth
I really enjoyed the tone of this article. I often ask my younger students who struggle with behavioral expectations, "Who decides if you have a good day or not? Me? The other students? Or you?" Obviously, I want them to consider that they are responsible for their own choices and actions. At the same time, it isn't entirely true that the people around us have no impact on our day.
ReplyDeleteI was also reminded of my data chats when I read this article, because that reflective process is sometimes challenging. I used the MAPS goal sheets with my second grade students, and asked them if they knew what a goal was. None of them could tell me. One student returning for his second year of Title 1 services actually said, "I've never heard of it," which surprised me because he should have at least heard of it last year. The language on the goal sheet is also very challenging. Topics like, "Number and Operations in Base Ten" don't mean much to emerging readers. I made a picture chart to help my students understand what we are working on. For example, next to "Measurement and Data," I drew a ruler and a bar graph, and I put their names around the topics they are working on. I explained that a goal is something we still need to work on, and the test told me things they are good at and things that are goals. They like finding their names on the wall chart and I think it is a good reminder to leave it up. It also does not have a linear structure, which is more supportive than a chart that shows some students with 20 gold stars and lots of progress and some with one or two stars. They are just grouped based on topics. Thanks for this great article, Pat. I will certainly keep it in mind as I continue working with students on understand responsibility.
Catherine, thanks for sharing how you are helping students set goals. Whether a student recalls goal setting from the past - or not - YOU are moving them forward by helping them understand the concept in very meaningful ways.
DeleteI think too often we get caught up in trying to "have students take responsibility for their own choices". I will admit that I do the same thing. I have learned quite a bit this current year through a student who has little control over his behavior. He literally cannot choose his own behavior due to little impulse control. My best tool is to remove him from the room and discuss the behavior that needs to change. There are many students who do not have the understanding of behavior choices. Many students live "in the moment" and do not consider the consequences of their behavior. It is our job as teachers to guide students to make the correct choices and goals.
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