Consider, Construct, Confirm

“I now feel excited by the idea of designing my own lesson plans to fit within the unit, which has always been a source of dread and overwhelm for me in the past. I never know where to start! I had thought that doing a unit design would be even more daunting, but now I can see how starting to think in thematic units will make it easier to plan out a whole school year from a birds-eye view, and then zoom in on one day at a time to create compelling lessons that fit within the larger structure. Professor Goodwin, your text has made me feel very supported through this process. Thank you!”- Cassidy

“I LOVE this book! It reads like a narrative versus a typical textbook which makes it a lot easier to connect with the author and the material. It has been an adventure. Overall, I have been interested in all of the topics talked about thus far. There have been moments of confusion as to why the author was discussing something when it did not initially sound like a constructivist model, however, he made things clear later and truly helped me realize new aspects of teaching. It makes even more sense when I get into a classroom and get the chance to practice what I learned or simply observe students doing what was explained. I cannot wait to continue learning more and applying that new knowledge in various grade levels and subject matters.”- Amanda Fiorentino, student

“This is one of the few textbooks that I am actually reading (and enjoying).”- Jamie Platt, student

“Two of the leading educational theorists, Piaget and Vygotsky, believed students learn best from experiences. Dr. Goodwin takes that a step further with the Consider, Construct, Confirm Learning Cycle, explaining that it is the unveiling of prior learning, combined with the stimulation of new lived experiences, AND a reflection of where that new information fits into the students overall understanding that truly facilitates student learning. Followed through to the end, the CCC Learning Cycle will take prior knowledge and combine it with new lived experiences to create a deeper, more lasting understanding, which the student now owns.”- Frank Bartsch, student

“The textbook is very well written, applicable, and the videos were beneficial for elaboration on certain topics. I appreciate the thoughtfulness and casualness that the textbook is written in. It felt as if I was at a conference discussing new ideas with a fellow colleague, and the chapters were written in easily digestible chunks.”- Brittany Heller, student

“I honestly feel that this style of teaching has really led me to have a better understanding of building units and developing a constructivist mindset for teaching. I feel more prepared now and the work in this class directly aligns with what I am doing in my job as a first year teacher. I think this will be my approach to guide my students through their education.”- Anonymous student

“I like the book a lot. It has given me so much information already and is written in a way that I can understand and use in the future.”- Anonymous student

“This class was AMAZING and I know I will take every piece of it with me as I go off and teach students on my own. LOVE the book, love the approach. Excellent!”- Anonymous student

“I enjoy the style the book is written in with storytelling as a strong thread throughout it. It makes it enjoyable to read.”- Anonymous student