Max Thompson’s Learning Focused Schools

1. Max Thompson’sLearning Focused Schools John F. vonEschenbach University of West Georgia

2. Max Thompson’sLearning Focused Schools • Research-based Learning Principles: • New learning is easier when it is linked to prior knowledge. • Learning is a social activity BEFORE it is a cognitive activity. • There is a need for numerous strategies for organizing, storing, and internalizing knowledge.

3. Max Thompson’sLearning Focused Schools • Students need to write frequently in a variety of subjects: • Every single day • It should not be “copying” • Writing forces the brain to make sense. • Performance assessment is the predominant form of assessment • Get away from the use of worksheets • Use a variety of knowledge applications

4. Max Thompson’sLearning Focused Schools • Teachers are a key element in students’ achievement: • Teachers need to collaborate regularly, especially at grade levels. • Teachers need to allow students to apply and not try to do it all! • Teachers need to be consistent and pervasive

5. Max Thompson’sLearning Focused Schools • Essential Questions: • Demand more than one word answers • GPSs need to be phrased as questions at the front-end of the unit to guide student learning • Must provoke critical thinking and inquiry NOT literal recall of information • Key Question is content driven and is within the Essential Question

6. Max Thompson’sLearning Focused Schools • K-W-L plus A • Knowledge- What I know • Want- What I want to know • Learned- What I learned • Affect- How will it affect me • K-W-L: • Uses graphic organizers • Forces students to categorize and summarize information