Lesson #1: All Students Are Not Created Equal

Q: How are students different? What do we need to do for them (that was not done for us)?

A: Well, first of all, not all people are alike. We know this. So why do we treat students like a bunch of clones? In most classrooms, there is no system of diversification. There is ONE lesson plan with ONE set of assignments with ONE schedule of due dates that every student is expected to complete satisfactorily. How can we expect this type of system to work when each student learns differently and at a different pace? As teachers, we cannot expect a “cookie cutter” approach to learning to work. Instead, we need to give our students options; we need to loosen control over how they learn and merely control what they learn. By measuring achievement in a more free form way, instead of offering only one route to success, students will be happier and more motivated to learn on their own. Skeptical? Try it. I'm sure you will be amazed at the results.