Apples and Chalkdust by Vicki Caruana

Author:Vicki Caruana
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: 2008-07-15T00:00:00+00:00

The Aha Effect

Not covered in any college textbook is the sensation of “Aha!” when a student finally understands what was once an incomprehensible concept to him. Judy learned that firsthand when she tutored a boy diagnosed with a math disability. It wasn’t her student’s discovery that changed her, however; it was her own.

She had learned how to break the learning of a new concept back down to the concrete level if a student was having trouble. So when it came to fractions, a trip to the pizza parlor seemed in order. Not just because it would be fun, but because Judy herself had always struggled with fractions. Teaching the lesson step by step (including consuming the prop) led Judy to an amazing discovery—she finally understood fractions! For the first time in her life, she really understood them! This made teaching them not only easier, but more exciting.

Should it have taken Judy until she was twenty to fully grasp fractions? Unknown. What is known to her now, however, is the power of the Aha effect. She knows that it doesn’t really matter how long it takes, as long as it happens. Maybe it will take a different approach. Maybe a student just needs more time. What are you willing to do to ensure your students’ success? Your work is not done until you hear, “Oh, I get it!”

Take Away:

Do you know which students “get it” and which don’t? You should. Take the time to give more when needed.

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