The Power of Productive Struggle

Matt Carlson

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

The Power of Productive Struggle

Enhance problem-solving skills

This lesson explores the concept of productive struggle in learning, emphasizing its role in enhancing problem-solving skills. Students will engage in activities that challenge them to persist through difficulties and reflect on their learning process. This lesson is important as it helps students develop resilience and a growth mindset, which are crucial for academic success and personal development.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

45 mins

Approach

Enhance problem-solving skills

Materials

Whiteboard and markers, Post-it notes, Worksheet: Productive Struggle Reflection, and Discussion Questions: Embracing Challenges

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what students think 'productive struggle' means.
Explain that productive struggle involves working through challenges to enhance learning and problem-solving skills.

Step 2

Activity: Problem-Solving Challenge

20 mins

Divide students into small groups and present them with a challenging problem to solve.
Encourage them to work together, discussing different strategies and solutions.
Remind them that the goal is to persist through difficulties and learn from the process.

Step 3

Reflection

10 mins

Distribute the 'Productive Struggle Reflection' worksheet.
Ask students to individually reflect on their experience during the activity.
Encourage them to think about what strategies worked, what didn't, and how they felt during the process.

Step 4

Discussion: Embracing Challenges

10 mins

Use the 'Embracing Challenges' discussion questions to facilitate a class discussion.
Encourage students to share their thoughts on the importance of facing challenges and how it can lead to growth.
Highlight the value of resilience and a growth mindset in learning.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points discussed in the lesson.
Reinforce the idea that productive struggle is a valuable part of the learning process.
Encourage students to apply these concepts in their future learning experiences.

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Worksheet

Productive Struggle Reflection

This worksheet helps students reflect on their experience with productive struggle during the problem-solving activity.

Describe the problem your group worked on and the strategies you used to solve it.

Think about the different approaches your group tried.

What challenges did you face during the activity, and how did you overcome them?

Consider both individual and group challenges.

How did you feel during the problem-solving process? What did you learn about yourself?

Reflect on your emotions and personal growth.

Discussion

Embracing Challenges

This discussion encourages students to share their thoughts on the importance of facing challenges and how it can lead to growth.

Why is it important to face challenges in learning?

Discuss how challenges can lead to deeper understanding and skill development.

Can you think of a time when you learned something valuable from a difficult experience?

Encourage students to share personal stories and insights.

How can embracing challenges help you in other areas of life?

Explore connections between academic challenges and real-life situations.