How to Help Students focus on What They’re Learning, Not the Grade Article by Sarah Schroeder Full article: edutopia LINK
There are a lot of gems in this article to think about during planning, grading, prior to PLCs and especially prior to conversations that teachers have with parents. While I feel it’s great to have these conversations with students & teachers emphasizing the article’s key points, often times how we understand grades carries over from the expectations families have for their children as well. Spread the word and help alleviate the unnecessary stress that’s placed around grades and scores.
“…take the focus off what students are expected to produce and place it on the act of learning, or the process.”
3 reasons to focus on process over product (1) reduce stress & anxiety; (2) develop expert learners; (3) measure what matters
(1) Promote a sense of belonging, support and collaboration
(2) Have clear, simple expectations
(3) Encourage manageable, realistic learner goal setting
(4) Connect learning and assessment to meaningful life experiences
(5) Offer choice and autonomy to avoid a “narrow view of smart”
(6) Offer multiple attempts and revisions/resubmissions
“Start by avoiding a sense of finality in grading. As student (and educator) mental health becomes a priority, find ways to increase flexibility, support, and an attitude of continuous improvement.”
Expert learners have purpose, feel motivated, are resourceful, knowledgeable, and are strategic and goal-directed.
“To support expert learning, we need to increase opportunities for step-by-step goal setting and reflection.”
Grades should be a part of the discussion, not THE discussion.
In the article see the bulleted list that provides ideas on what the process involves when it comes to learning. What’s your favorite one? I like “using quick collection (i.e. Google Forms, quick writes, and other formative assessments) that emphasizes the importance of learners identifying their strengths and gapes for goal setting.”
This article provides many resources to develop expert learners including edoprotocols.com, The Big List of Class Discussion Strategies, and peardeck.com.
“Grades have never served students well; they don’t show a student’s ability to think, write, and problem-solve. They just show which kids have the luxury of finishing their homework at home or on time.” – Mariela Tyler
