It Just Comes Naturally

In chapter 10 of Zull’s book, he discusses natural thinking. I love the idea that he thinks teachers need to trust their students. “Thinking is natural.” (Zull, 2002, p.189) By allowing students an opportunity to think for themselves about presented information, it allows the connections (text-to-self, text-to-world, etc.) to come naturally. The learning will not feel forced. As I reflect on my own teaching, there have been times where it was difficult to let go of some of the control. Yet, when I did (in certain situations) the outcomes were pleasantly surprising. As I read about natural thinking, I made the connection to concept attainment lessons I have done in the past. In concept attainment lessons, students are given an opportunity to think, problem solve, and connect information and ideas on their own. The teacher is just the facilitator. For example, in the past when working on 3-D shapes, I have used the strategy of concept attainment. I presented my students with a large group of 3-D shapes. From there, my students had to sort the shapes however they saw fit. I made sure to stress there was no wrong way or right way; as long as they were able to fully explain their thinking and attain properties of 3-D shapes (number of bases, sides, edges; etc.). What made this activity so much fun was that students became engaged quickly. By allowing students to tap into their natural abilities their processes, procedures, and products which are created in the classroom will be of a much higher quality. Also, since they are in charge of their own learning, the students will have a stronger connection to the concepts/information they discover.