Description
Focus: Elevating the Essentials for Radically Improved Student Learning
Introduction
In the audiobook Focus: Elevating the Essentials for Radically Improved Student Learning, bestselling author Mike Schmoker presents a powerful plan for improving student learning. Schmoker outlines three essential elements that can transform education and lead to greater student success: a focused and coherent curriculum, clear and prioritized lessons, and purposeful reading and writing. This article will explore the key concepts and ideas presented in the book, highlighting the strategies educators can employ to create more effective classrooms.
The "Less is More" Philosophy
At the core of Schmoker's approach is the belief that less is more when it comes to curriculum and instruction. Instead of overwhelming students with a multitude of topics and assignments, educators should focus on teaching a narrower range of content deeply and meaningfully. By doing so, students can develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter and cultivate critical thinking skills.
A Focused and Coherent Curriculum
The first element of Schmoker's plan is a focused and coherent curriculum. This involves identifying and prioritizing the most essential knowledge and skills that students need to learn. Rather than covering a broad range of topics superficially, educators should concentrate on teaching key concepts and ideas in depth. This approach allows students to make connections between different ideas and apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
Clear and Prioritized Lessons
The second element of Schmoker's plan is to provide clear and prioritized lessons. This involves structuring lessons in a way that clearly communicates the learning objectives and guides students towards mastery. Educators should prioritize the most important concepts and skills, ensuring that students have a strong foundation before moving on to more complex topics. By doing so, students can build their knowledge incrementally and develop a deep understanding of the subject matter.
Purposeful Reading and Writing
The final element of Schmoker's plan is to promote purposeful reading and writing. Authentic literacy activities, such as reading and analyzing complex texts, and writing in response to meaningful prompts, can deepen students' understanding of content-area concepts. By engaging in these activities, students can develop critical thinking skills and connect what they learn to their own lives and the world around them.
Challenging Assumptions
Focus: Elevating the Essentials for Radically Improved Student Learning
challenges the traditional assumptions about education. Schmoker argues that schools often prioritize superficial coverage of a broad range of topics, leading to shallow understanding and limited critical thinking skills. By adopting a more focused and coherent approach, educators can create a more meaningful learning experience for students.
Embracing the Approach
Schmoker provides numerous examples of educators who have embraced his approach and achieved remarkable results. By implementing a focused and coherent curriculum, providing clear and prioritized lessons, and promoting purposeful reading and writing, these educators have transformed their classrooms into vibrant learning environments. They have empowered students to develop a deeper understanding of content and to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.
Conclusion
Focus: Elevating the Essentials for Radically Improved Student Learning
is a call to action for educators who are passionate about improving student learning. It provides a blueprint for creating more effective classrooms and challenging the traditional assumptions about education. By embracing a "less is more" philosophy and focusing on the essential elements of curriculum and instruction, educators can help students develop a deeper understanding of content, cultivate critical thinking skills, and make meaningful connections to the world around them.
Additional Info
| Book Name: | Focus |
|---|---|
| Book Format: | AudiobookFormat |
| Authors: | Mike Schmoker |
| Narrators: | Christopher Prince |
| Genres: | Business & Careers |
| Audiobook Length: | 6H4M |
| Publisher: | University Press Audiobooks |
| Language: | English |
| Publish Date: | 2012-09-20 |
| Last Price: | 14.95 USD |
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Reviews
12 reviews for this audiobook
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I absolutely loved this audiobook! Mike Schmoker does an incredible job of engaging the reader and providing valuable insights. Highly recommend.
The book is a game-changer! Mike Schmoker's writing style is so easy to follow and understand. I couldn't put it down.
This audiobook is a must-listen for anyone interested in improving their writing skills. Mike Schmoker's explanations are clear and concise, making it easy to grasp the concepts.
I've listened to many audiobooks on writing, but this one stands out. Mike Schmoker's approach is refreshing and practical. Highly recommended!
Mike Schmoker's audiobook is a wealth of knowledge. It provides practical tips and advice that can be immediately implemented. A great resource for writers of all levels.
I found this audiobook to be extremely helpful. Mike Schmoker's insights are invaluable and have greatly improved my writing skills.
What a fantastic audiobook! Mike Schmoker's writing style is engaging and his tips are actionable. I highly recommend this to anyone looking to improve their writing.
This audiobook surpassed my expectations. Mike Schmoker's advice is practical and easy to implement. A must-listen for writers!
I can't praise this audiobook enough! Mike Schmoker's writing style is captivating and the insights provided are invaluable. A game-changer for me.
Mike Schmoker's audiobook is a gem. It's concise, practical, and filled with valuable advice. I've already seen improvements in my writing since listening to it.
This audiobook is a treasure trove of writing wisdom. Mike Schmoker's expertise shines through in every chapter. Highly recommend!
I'm blown away by this audiobook! Mike Schmoker's writing style is engaging and the insights provided are eye-opening. I'm recommending this to all my writer friends.