The Reflective Learner : Seeing 'Missed Takes' In Mistakes

<p>Is there a way of exploring the work of students beyond just right and wrong? </p><p>If mistakes are an important part of the learning process do they need to be explored deeply?</p><p>Does a teacher stand to gain a better understanding of the workings of her students minds if an attempt is made to systematically examine the thought process behind every mistake? </p><p>What is the hidden takeaway (missed take) in every mistake for a student as well as a teacher?</p><p>Four teachers (two language two maths) examined such questions as part of their action research into students mistakes - and eventually effected a turnaround in the way that their struggling students began to approach subjects like English and mathematics. </p><p>In this compilation of four engaging journeys the impact of such an investigation on both the teacher and the taught emerges: as teachers begin to gain new insights into their own mental biases and tacit assumptions students too begin to loosen their grip on age-old fears and prejudices - the phobia(s) slowly giving way to the desire to look for stimulating challenges.</p><p>There is also a roadmap for teachers who wish to try such an exploration in their own classes in order to empower students to turn into reflective learners. </p>