Ever felt like you’re juggling content and skills in your tutoring sessions, trying to make sure your students not only grasp the material but also develop the behaviors that will make them lifelong learners? Well, buckle up, because the “Double Whammy” might just be the secret weapon you’ve been looking for! This powerful instructional strategy, discussed in depth on the Minimalist Educator podcast, intertwines content with essential learning behaviors, promising a more holistic approach to education. Let’s dive into how you can harness this technique to transform your tutoring sessions.
What is the Double Whammy?
The Double Whammy, a term coined by cognitive scientist Guy Claxton, emphasizes the importance of teaching content alongside learning skills or behaviors. It’s not about doubling up on content, but rather about integrating two different elements—content and learning behaviors—simultaneously. This method ensures that students are not only learning the subject matter but also picking up crucial skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom. By being intentional about these behaviors, tutors can guide students towards becoming more effective, self-aware learners.
3. Co-Creation with Students: Involving students in identifying the skills they need to work on can increase their investment in the learning process. This collaborative approach not only empowers students but also ensures that the skills chosen are relevant and meaningful to them.
Why Intentionality Matters
Intentionality isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the backbone of the Double Whammy. As Tammy Muski-Bornman and Christine Arnold discuss, students pick up cues from their educators, whether intentional or not. By being deliberate about the behaviors we want to instill, we can shape students’ learning experiences more effectively. This approach is especially crucial for tutors, who often work one-on-one with students and have a unique opportunity to tailor their teaching to individual needs.
Aligning Skills with Content
The beauty of the Double Whammy lies in its flexibility. Whether you’re teaching math, science, or literature, there’s always a skill or behavior that can be paired with the content. For instance, during a lesson on fractions, you might focus on self-management skills, helping students learn to pace themselves and manage their time effectively. This not only reinforces the content but also prepares students for real-world challenges where these skills are invaluable.
Whether you plan for the learning skills, the learning behaviors to be picked up or you don’t plan for that, the kids are going to learn something anyway. – Christine Arnold
Co-Creating the Learning Experience
One of the most exciting aspects of the Double Whammy is the opportunity to co-create the learning experience with your students. By asking them to identify the skills they need to work on alongside the content, you foster a sense of ownership and engagement. This approach can be particularly effective for tutors, as it allows you to build stronger relationships with your students and better understand their learning needs.
You can co-create that list and post it up and then again that’s one of those reminders for students while we’re learning this content, these are the skills that I’m going to focus on. – Tammy Muski-Bornman
As a tutor, you have the power to transform your students’ learning journey by embracing the Double Whammy. By intentionally pairing content with essential learning behaviors, you can help your students develop the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. Remember, the brain is a marvel of neuroplasticity, capable of changing and adapting throughout a lifetime. By challenging old narratives about fixed learning abilities and fostering a growth mindset, you can unlock your students’ full potential. So, why not take your tutoring to the next level? Join the Learning Success affiliate program to enhance your tutoring services and boost your income while helping your students overcome learning challenges.
Author: Laura Lurns
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