Week 3 reflection

This week focused on how much we should allow our students to figure out things on their own. I think this is such an interesting topic. As I was working to write my main blog post for the week I had a lot of conflicting thoughts about letting kids not succeed at something. I think so often as teachers and students we are taught that when we aren't successful at something we are somehow at fault and that we are not smart. I think this is a harmful thought to have. We need to support our students as they explore throughout their learning and when they do not succeed at something we need to have a real conversation about why didn't work, what they can try differently next time, and what they learned from it not working.
As teachers who are often evaluated on the success or failure of our students through test scores I think we are less comfortable to allow our students to figure out things on their own with out at least a little guidance. I understand the conflict, but really will strive to find a balance that allows all my students learning still happen and showing them its ok to not succeed at everything.

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