Three-part instructional strategy: build community, scaffold inquiry-based instruction while reducing cognitive load, and explicitly develop skills, habits, and mindsets¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The report describes three key strategies Bronxdale teachers employ to teach the way students learn best: "They build community that allows adults and students to know each other well; they design and implement inquiry-based instruction with strong scaffolding and with attention to reducing cognitive load while teaching cognitive strategies; and they incorporate explicit development of social, emotional, and academic skills, habits, and mindsets." The strategy links relational trust, scaffolded inquiry pedagogy, and explicit executive-function and growth-mindset development, as students plan projects, receive feedback, revise, and see competence grow with effort.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Teachers must know students well, design scaffolded inquiry tasks, and provide feedback-and-revision cycles so students experience competence growing with effort.

Constraints¶

• The report notes strategies providing student voice, such as instructional targets and self-advocacy opportunities, were unevenly practiced across the school, motivating team-based work toward common practices.

Target Learners¶

• High school students in inclusive classrooms, including students identified for special education

Target Learning Goals¶

• Inquiry and proactive learning, clear communication, executive functioning, growth mindset, intrinsic desire for lifelong learning

Related Strategies¶

• Educative and restorative discipline implemented through restorative deans, circles, peer mediation, and youth court
• Teacher professional learning structured as an ongoing community of practice with trust, collaboration, and inquiry
• Classroom strategies for developing student psycho-social supports and academic mindsets
• Bronxdale whole-school design — the school design these strategies sit within

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Ancess, J., Rogers, B., Duncan Grand, D., & Darling-Hammond, L. (2019). Teaching the way students learn best: Lessons from Bronxdale High School. Palo Alto, CA: Learning Policy Institute. https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/social-and-emotional-learning-case-study-bronxdale