Three Things in the Classroom that Get a Bad Rap (and shouldn't)

For Your Consideration:

1. Rote Memorization

When most of us were in school, we learned our multiplication facts. How did we learn them? Flashcards. Games. Studying. Saying them over and over again until they were automatic and we were having nightmares of products and tiny x's. 

In general education there's a push away from memorizing things and towards student generated content. Research is pretty clear that student generated learning is where deep understanding and growth can take place. But don't think rote memorization has no place in your classroom. 

Multiplication facts are important! But one of the most helpful skills to have is being able to recall them without hesitation. If kids spend all of their time trying to figure out 8 x 7 while solving a bigger problem, it's time that's wasted. But, think about the kiddos who aren't developmentally able/ready to have that moment of student generated understanding. What's the lesser of two evils here? Is it better off for Johnny to know that 8 x 7 = 56 and not understand why, or for him to NOT know it and not understand why?

Check out this article from the Washington Post: Save Rote Memorization! And please, save rote memorization! Think about what skills and strategies kids need to have in their toolbox, ready to utilize without a moment's notice. Rote memorization is worth it - maybe not for every kid in the same way, but everyone has something that they just need to know.

2. Teaching to the Test

I hear this all the time. "We're tired of teaching to the test! It takes the creativity out of learning!" But I quote an old college professor when I say that here's the bottom line: "Teaching to the test is okay, when the test is an accurate reflection of what the kids need to know." Our beef shouldn't be with teaching to the test, or teachers who do, but the tests themselves. 

This isn't at all a statement for standardized testing - but a cry for the need of authentic assessments. The first question is "What do kids need to know?" Kids need to learn how to solve problems, how to be critical thinkers, analyzers, collaborators, creative dreamers, and communicators. Unfortunately, standardized tests are here to stay for awhile, so we have to adapt and make the best of it. But we can infuse in our curriculum authentic assessments that test those other things that kids can't necessarily learn from a test book. So I say TEACH TO THE TEST! Just make sure it's actually a good test.

3. Skill and Drill

Ya know, skill and drill is not pretty. It lacks a lot of the pizzazz that the new-age lessons and activities have. It's not high on the creative end of the spectrum (though it could be) and it definitely gets a bad rap. But simply put, it works. Find some ways to spice it up, make it exciting and use it. Research shows it works and kids will improve if it's used correctly and kids can get feedback and show success. Show it a little bit of love - especially if you need some ways to help your kids make growth.