CREDE

I like the idea that Dr. Tharp refers to as "forever assisting." It is so important that what we do in the classroom sparks curiosity. We need to help our students become thinkers! Our lessons need to be engaging and support higher order thinking in our students. When we tell them facts and show them information it does not require much interaction on their part. I agree with Dr. Tharp when he states that worksheets do not promote complex thinking. To me they are just fact checking devices. I also have many students who tend to copy and cheat so worksheets are even less effective in that regard. They just want to fill in a blank... get the point in the grade book. They don't really invest in wanting to know it. When we do lab activities and create artifacts by doing projects the students display self expression that gives us insight into their personality, interests, likes, and dislikes. This in turn creates positive momentum. The more we understand the influences on the students the better we can serve them.

Even something as simple as a poster can be a useful tool. It is common knowledge among educators that teaching is the highest level of Bloom's Taxonomy. When students take information and attempt to construct meaning and present it back to the class or other students, the process itself is much more enriching. They have to decide what it means to them and convey it to others... a powerful thing.

Truly the most challenging lessons make them think... and think... and question... and connect... and organize....