Reflect: How One More Problem Reveals What Students Really Know
In this episode, we dive into the power of reflection in the Word Problem Workshop (WPW). If you’re an educator seeking to enhance student learning through meaningful discussions, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Learn how adding just one simple step—Reflect—can shift your classroom dynamic and help your students internalize what they’ve learned.
A Problem-Solving Journey: The Missing Piece
Why the “Reflect” Step is Essential for True Learning
When I first began using Cognitively Guided Instruction and the 5 Practices for Orchestrating Discussions, I thought I had it all figured out. We’d discuss a math problem, and then I’d send students off with their new insights. But something was missing—students weren’t retaining the learning.
The “Aha!” Moment: Introducing the Reflect Step
How Reflection Makes Learning Stick
That’s when I introduced the “Reflect” step to WPW. Rather than wrapping up a discussion and moving on to the next topic, I began asking students to revise their work and think critically about what they had just learned. It’s a game-changer, and it all boils down to one powerful quote: “We do not learn from experience, we learn from reflecting on experience.”—John Dewey.
Quick and Effective Reflection
The Power of Self-Reflection in the Classroom
Reflecting doesn’t have to take up a lot of time. In fact, you can engage your students in just two minutes of self-reflection. One simple way I’ve done this is by asking students to evaluate their listening and thinking during the discussion. This builds investment, keeps students focused, and empowers them to take ownership of their learning journey.
Building a Culture of Active Listening
Why Self-Reflection on Listening is Critical
In WPW, listening to each other isn’t just a passive activity—it’s an essential part of the learning process. By asking students to reflect on whether they were truly listening and thinking during discussions, we help them become more engaged and thoughtful learners. The result? A community of students who are actively participating in their own educational journey.
Encouraging Student Autonomy: Reflecting on Growth
How Reflection Encourages Student Ownership of Learning
The magic happens when we shift the responsibility for reflection onto the students. Instead of teachers dictating what students learned, we ask them to honestly assess how they engaged and what they can do better tomorrow. This small shift builds confidence and fosters a growth mindset, empowering students to take charge of their learning.
The Power of “One More Problem”
How a Simple Strategy Can Elevate Your WPW Routine
As we wrap up this episode, I tease an even more powerful strategy: “One More Problem.” This method completely transformed my approach to WPW, enabling me to gather meaningful data on student thinking and provide the support every student needs. Stay tuned for an upcoming episode where I’ll dive into this strategy in more detail.
The Big Takeaway: Empowering Every Student to Become a Problem Solver
Reflection and the Fight Against the “I’m Not a Math Person” Mentality
The ultimate goal of these strategies is to empower every child to see themselves as capable problem solvers. We can break down the “I’m not a math person” mindset and create a classroom culture where everyone feels like a mathematician. Remember, the problems worth solving are never easy—but together, we can go farther.
Ready to Empower Your Students?
Listen, Subscribe, and Leave a Review!
This episode offers just a glimpse of how reflection can make your math lessons more impactful. To dive deeper into these strategies, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Don’t forget to check out the upcoming interview episode on October 9th—it’s going to be epic! And for those of you ready to level up your WPW routine, grab your copy of the book—pre-order it now before the bonuses disappear!