Are You Tired of All Your Problems? What to Do?

Problems, problems, problems.....everyday here at school, most everyday at home!  This special article by Jim Dillon understands problems and peoples' various reactions toward solving them.
Make no mistake.  Problems are here and everywhere.  Learn Dillon's approach and evolution from problems to problem solving to education.  He even quotes a Zen Buddhist saying...."the obstacle is the path.'

No problem with problems.  Jim Dillon. 8.13.14. SmartBlog on Education
http://smartblogs.com/education/2014/08/13/no-problem-with-problems/?utm_source=brief

Confused Yourself? Your Students? That's Great!

Recent research from brain scientists tell us that although confusion seems like an obstacle it really is a positive when it comes to learning.  So often we as teachers present problem solving situations with as little confusion as possible.  That could well be the wrong approach.  Although this article is written for adults, the basic themes and strategies can be transferred to students.  However, it's best to try them yourselves.  Then as you find out how they work, you can teach them to your students.
Very interesting!  Well worth reading and experimenting.  (Check out the embedded links.)

Why Confusion Can Be a Good Thing.  Annie Murphy Paul. 2.18.13.  Mind/Shift
http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/02/why-confusion-can-be-a-good-thing/