One of my favorite education thought-leaders is Carol Ann Tomlinson. So, when I received a copy of her latest book in the mail, I was like Steve Martin in the movie, “The Jerk,” thinking about this book the way he liked receiving the new phone book. Silently, I found myself thinking, “Her new book has arrived! Her new book has arrived!”
And even though I’m only through the preface of Assessment and Student Success in a Differentiated Classroom, (ASCD, 2013), I know this book won’t disappoint. Tomlinson is a great reflector and always willing to share insights gained by mistakes of the past. And, she doesn’t mince words either. For example, she notes “Unless the educational frameworks we follow nurture a teacher’s capacity to enact these truths in daily practice, our schools, our profession, and our students will come up short.” (p. xi)
To what truths does Tomlinson refer? They are listed below and I’ve posted these by my desk to serve as a daily reminder of what matters most when it comes to teaching and learning.
• Teaching is about perpetuating the human desire to understand the world around us so the young people we teach become increasingly engaged and informed stewards of that world.
• Learning happens when students care about what they are studying and feel safe and supported in taking the risk of learning.
• People learn more readily, more efficiently, when what they attempt to learn connects with their lives and experiences and when it leads them to understanding.
• Learning happens within people, not to them; because of that, learning is a messy process and cannot always happen on a prescribed time line or in the same way for all students.
• A key aspect of learning is an individual’s belief in his or her capacity to learn.
• Successful learners understand the learning process, accept it as worthy of their time and effort, and accept the centrality of their role in contributing to their success.
• How teachers view learners and learning shapes how young people see themselves as human beings and as learners.
• Every aspect or element of the classroom is related to every other one. Learning environment, curriculum, assessment, instruction, and classroom leadership and management are absolutely interdependent. When one of the elements is strengthened, all of them benefit; when on is diluted, all are diminished. (pp. xi-xii)
Take a moment to reread (think close reading) these truths. Then select one that you find to be the most compelling and reflect on where you are related to that truth I’m interested in learning about your thoughts and insights!
