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Do you often find yourself throwing around the term "scaffolding" when you teach with primary source texts? This article by Alfie Kohn really got me thinking about how education tropes can trap us in one-size-fits-all teaching.
I posted the link (orange bar above this post) here in the Question Strategies group specifically because of the last line: "Above all, the process of devising appropriate scaffolding would not displace the more important task of working with students to devise a thoughtful, question-based, learner-centered curriculum that involves understanding ideas from the inside out."
Of course, that one question-based link led me still deeper, but if you only have time to read the short article I've shared here, it'll be worth it!
Pre K - 2 3 - 5 6 - 8 9 - 12 scaffolding learner-centered curriculum teaching strategies
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Helps understanding and application for different levels (of students and time) and uses of sources. Student interaction and ownership of their learning. Conversation starters. 6 - 8 Social Studies/History English/Language Arts Art/Music
I also liked the author's take on the importance of modeling curiosity, questioning, and skepticism. "There is evidence that an adult's expression of curiosity can be contagious, such that children will explore more on their own than will those with teachers who seem to lack curiosity (Engel, 2011; Johns and Endsley, 1977).
I'm a full believer of modeling the use of primary sources with students so we can explore and dive deeper together to wrestle with the meaning and importance of a source. Actually, I'm not sure I could ever hide my own curiosity or excitement! Once you "have it", it becomes part of who you are and your way of thinking. It does take more time in the classroom, but it's so worth the initial investment to foster a group of questioners and thinkers.
Thanks for sharing this article, Mary!
Excellent article, 
Mary Johnson
, thanks for the link. This has stuck with me: "“Teachers tend to monopolize the right to question; rarely do more than procedural questions come from students,” says Dennie Palmer Wolf (1987)." Lots of food for thought here.
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