2017

Jan 17th

I have been reading 'How Children Succeed'  by Paul Tough:   http://www.paultough.com/

The main idea I have got from this book is that as important as cognitive skills are metacognitive are just as important. Students need; self-control/will-power, grit, zest, social intelligence, gratitude, optimism and curiosity. These skills are often not ingrained and students should be taught how to do these skills. Students should know how they are doing and how to get to the next level.

The implications for me are that next year I get to know the learning support students and try to work out where their strengths lie in these areas and which areas they need to develop to succeed. I think it is also to have high expectations of them and help them to have high expectations of themselves. As with the pre-mentioned qualities they can have more success in learning and life.

I also read the article (in googledocs) - Metacognative Strategies

From this I found out it is important for students to talk aloud about the learning process, emotions and goal setting and I would like to make this part of my ESOL teaching this year.