Academic Dialogue in the Mathematics Classroom

Academic Dialogue in the Mathematics Classroom

As we work to prepare our students for rigorous mathematics standards, I am continually reminded that the focus needs to move away from the teacher and shine on the student. Academic Dialogue is one way of focusing on the student. It allows students to talk about what...
It’s About the Work: The Power of Protocols

It’s About the Work: The Power of Protocols

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the roles protocols and strategies play in our Adolescent Literacy Model. They are closely linked in enhancing learning. We introduce content literacy strategies to help students learn, and we use protocols to have conversations...
Teaching Critical Thinking

Teaching Critical Thinking

Research into critical thinking is clear that the skill can be taught and that it can be taught to young students as well. For CTL’s Postsecondary Success Skills Model, we use Robert H. Ennis’ (Emeritus Professor at the University of Illinois and author of several...
Writing to Learn in Mathematics 

Writing to Learn in Mathematics 

In this three part series, we will explore just a few of the types of writing to learn that teachers are utilizing as part of their work inside of the Adolescent Literacy Model.  Writing in mathematics takes a variety of forms, styles and purposes. When mathematicians...
Developing the Notetaking Skill

Developing the Notetaking Skill

Background: Taking notes from teacher presentations or from text or electronic material is an expectation for students beginning in the intermediate grades that increases at each level:  middle school, high school and especially college.  For some students, figuring...