The Cynics

I had the pleasure of participating in a panel discussion last week at the math conference at Exeter.  We were asked by the moderator to talk about our successes and difficulties with implementing discussion-based learning, as well as any changes in assessment practices we found necessary.  I always enjoy being on these panels, as it forces me to really think through the method I have found to be so successful for the kids.

As we reached the end of the hour, the final request was to give one piece of advice to those in the audience who are considering implementing discussion-based learning in their classroom.  My immediate reaction was: Outlast the cynics.  Any time you make a substantive change in your classroom (or in your school for that matter), there will be a host of people lining up to criticize your every move.  Without the conviction that what you are doing is what's best for the kids, without the preparation to have the confidence in the way you are going to run your classroom, you will be talked out of making any changes before you begin.

So whatever changes you're thinking of making in your classroom next year, do the work this summer to give yourself the opportunity to succeed, and in that you will give yourself the means necessary to survive the detractors.