What is productive struggle?

Productive struggle is the process of effortful learning that develops grit and creative problem solving. When students face problems they don’t immediately know how to solve (like on new assessments), we don’t want them to give up.

What does productive struggle look like?

Productive struggle is developing strong habits of mind, such as perseverance and thinking flexibly, instead of simply seeking the correct solution. Not knowing how to solve a problem at the outset should be expected.

Why struggle is essential for the brain?

Neuroscientists have found that mistakes are helpful for brain growth and connectivity and if we are not struggling, we are not learning. Not only is struggle good for our brains but people who know about the value of struggle improve their learning potential.

What is productive struggle in reading?

Some Definitions of Productive Struggle. “…productive struggle—effortful practice that goes beyond. passive reading, listening, or watching—that builds useful, lasting understanding and skill.”

Why is productive struggle good?

Productive struggle also enhances students’ metacognitive self-regulation—the ability to set learning goals, plan strategies to meet those goals, monitor progress, and know when and how to ask for help along the way. Critical thinking requires these types of self-regulation and thought processes.

How do students shift academic struggles?

Shift the script and begin lessons by asking students to experience struggle. Explain what you are doing and how grappling with concepts will help them learn before support is given. In math, use an open-ended problem or provide a solution with a mistake in the work and ask students to analyze the error.

What is productive struggle for kids?

Productive struggle means more than simply giving a student “hard work” and leaving them alone to struggle. It is a learning opportunity that requires a teacher to create, facilitate, and monitor the process, especially as students are learning how to struggle productively.

What is cultural responsiveness education?

Culturally responsive teaching (CRT) is a research-based approach that makes meaningful connections between what students learn in school and their cultures, languages, and life experiences. Students bring this knowledge to the classroom every day, including their culture, language, and life experiences.

How do you know if you are a struggling student?

Straying off-track — Difficulty with multi-step directions, remembering to complete or hand-in assignments, or time management can be signs of a struggling student.

How do you teach a struggling student?

Here are 10 simple teaching strategies that you can use to help your struggling students so they can become more independent workers.

Fight the Urge to Tell Students the Answer.
Give Students Time to Think of the Answer.
Allow Student to Explain Their Answers.
Write Down All Directions.
Teach Perseverance.