This tip’s name actually comes from the title one of my favorite books about teaching by Robyn R. Jackson. She argues that the secret is not a specific strategy or technique, nor it is endless hours of prep time. It’s developing a master teacher mindset—rigorously applying seven principles to your teaching until they become your automatic response:
- Start where you students are.
- Know where your students are going.
- Expect to get your students there.
- Support your students along the way.
- Use feedback to help you and your students get better.
- Focus on quality rather than quantity.
- Never work harder than your students
I know that as teachers, we have a tendency to grab control of the instruction and try to do everything ourselves. “Who else?” you may wonder. Well, …your students? Here are some tips to give your kids control of what they are learning:
- Communicate clear instructions and expectations.
- Assign roles.
- Create check lists and charts so they can track their work.
- Create opportunities for discussion, self-correction, and reflection
- Give them choices
- Channel their super-powers! Can they help others? Can they do it themselves?
- Don’t tell. Ask and encourage them to find the answers.
- Be there as a check point, advisor, or consultant.
I hope this helps alleviate the workload on your shoulders. Let me know if you have questions.