Students need to lead the classroom, not teachers | Katherine Cadwell | TEDxStowe

Summary

In a thought-provoking discussion, a high school teacher reflects on her journey from disillusionment to revitalization in the classroom. Faced with students focused on grades over learning, she transformed her teaching by encouraging inquiry and student-led discussions around a Harkness table. This shift fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and civil discourse, emphasizing that democracy thrives on dialogue. By grounding her pedagogy in brain research principles, she empowers students to become curious learners who engage meaningfully with one another. Her experience illustrates that transformative education doesn't require massive resources, but rather the courage to change how students learn.

Takeaways

• 😀 The teacher expresses their passion for education, noting that they have been learning from students since 1981.
• 🤔 Disillusionment arose when the teacher noticed students prioritizing grades over genuine curiosity and inquiry.
• 📚 Traditional education often emphasizes memorization and regurgitation rather than critical thinking and understanding.
• 🗣️ The classroom environment was transformed to encourage open dialogue and student-driven discussions through Harkness tables.
• 💻 The teacher highlights the negative impact of technology on students' attention spans and social interactions.
• 🔍 Inquiry-based learning is essential for fostering students' ability to ask meaningful questions and engage deeply with material.
• 👥 Civil discourse skills are vital for students, as they learn to respect differing opinions and engage in constructive dialogue.
• 🌍 The teacher connects education to democracy, asserting that informed dialogue is crucial for a healthy democratic society.
• 💪 Educational reform does not necessarily require significant funding; it can begin with empowering teachers to change their practices.
• 🎉 The transformation in teaching approach has rejuvenated the teacher's passion, leading to more enjoyable and impactful learning experiences.

Q & A

What prompted Mrs. Cadwell to change her teaching approach?

Mrs. Cadwell became disillusioned with traditional teaching methods when she noticed her students were more focused on obtaining grades than on engaging with the material and asking questions.

What does Mrs. Cadwell mean by saying she was a 'cog in a wheel'?

She refers to her previous role in the educational system, where the focus was on rote learning and standardized testing rather than fostering genuine inquiry and critical thinking.

How does the Harkness table facilitate learning in Mrs. Cadwell's classroom?

The Harkness table allows students to engage in discussions as equals, driving the conversation themselves, which promotes collaboration, critical thinking, and ownership of their learning.

What are the four key principles of brain research that underpin Mrs. Cadwell's pedagogy?

The four principles are: 1) The one who does the work does the learning, 2) New learning must be organized around significant ideas, 3) New learning must be useful, and 4) Interference must be reduced.

What rule regarding technology does Mrs. Cadwell enforce in her classroom?

Mrs. Cadwell enforces a no cell phone rule in her classroom, as students requested this to help them focus on discussions and engage with each other rather than their screens.

What skills did Mrs. Cadwell emphasize in her classroom to improve student interactions?

She emphasized skills of civil discourse, including eye contact, active listening, and respect for differing opinions, to enhance communication and engagement among students.

How have students' attitudes toward learning changed in Mrs. Cadwell's classroom?

Students have become more curious, willing to express their opinions, and engage in constructive disagreements, demonstrating a shift from passive learning to active participation.

What does Mrs. Cadwell believe is essential for a healthy democracy?

She believes that democracy depends on civil discourse, which should be cultivated in classrooms to prepare students for active participation in society.

How does Mrs. Cadwell’s teaching approach differ from traditional methods?

Unlike traditional methods that focus on information retention and testing, her approach encourages inquiry, critical thinking, and collaborative learning among students.

What outcome does Mrs. Cadwell hope for her students through her new teaching methods?

She hopes to empower her students to find their own voices, drive their learning, and develop the skills necessary to engage thoughtfully in a democratic society.