Breaking Free from Myths about Teaching and Learning: Innovation as an Engine for Student Success, Dec/2010

When you hear students say that what they learn in school doesn't have much to do with life, or that getting the answer right is the most important thing, or that learning is only about getting good grades, what they're doing is reflecting a general set of expectations that are reinforced by schools themselves. Here's a book that boldly contends that there's a way to change that by breaking free from these myths that negatively affect learning.

Teacher, author, and consultant Allison Zmuda explains how schools can rewire for a more optimistic, empowered, and dynamic view of learning by

Changing from teacher-directed and highly routinized programs to practices that engage students in thinking, working, and interacting with others.

Inviting students to apply their prior knowledge and personal interests in solving relevant problems and communicating their thinking.

Aligning daily practices with how the brain works and how learners learn.

This call to action stakes out clear goals for any school that wants to become a 21st century learning organization, such as

Redefine curriculum as essential questions and complex problems.

Design lessons that promote your students’ construction of knowledge and continued curiosity.

Base student performance on hard work and powerful habits rather than speed of recall.