The important thing to teach our students is how to make informed, rational, evidence based decisions. We need to teach them how to gather reliable data, interpret their evidence and then form reasonable conclusions. This can only happen if we give them enough room to investigate. If we provide them a plethora of materials, walk them into a luscious mind-library of books, periodicals and primary sources. They need to be exposed to things just outside of their reading level. They need to feel uncomfortable a bit with the struggle of acquiring new knowledge.
For when they do, they rise to the challenge. They ask questions and they inquire about new ways to connect with the information. They seek understanding as much as they do a sugary treat. Sometimes they just don't know it yet. But give them a taste of freedom of thought. Of strategies to strengthen their reasoning skills and problem solving skills and- its addictive. Being able to think for oneself- to have the opportunity to teach yourself, priceless.
Make them experts. Every student an expert in how they think, process information. Give them the experience. Give them the moment of pause- so they can formulate their own opinion and they will. My opening statement every year "I am not here to teach you science, I am here to teach you how to teach yourself science." This I stand by every day. Virtual or in person. I believe in them. They have great minds, they just need the practice of self-thought and idea processing.
If we step back and guide- not like a docent with too much explanation, but more like a quiet muse- it is incredible what the can accomplish. "Trust in the process," I tell them daily. "It has worked this way since day one, it knows how to lead you on your journey. So let it lead and one day you will be the leader. You will become the expert and your mind will be forever grateful."
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