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When Does Productive Struggle Stop Being Productive?
Drawing from my classroom experiences, I reflect on productive struggle, the challenges students face, and how to recognize when it's time to step in or let them keep trying.
Not all struggle is productive struggle. This became clear to me a few years ago. I was nearing the end of a Game Theory Unit. My students had already played a variety of games and studied the main tenets of game design...Looking back, it's evident that my students were experiencing varying degrees of struggle. But much of that struggle was anything but productive.
The Five Factors of Productive Struggle
Explore five factors that influence productive struggle and how teachers and families can use them to make thoughtful decisions about when to step in, offer support, or let children continue exploring.
Related Download: Is This Productive Struggle? - PDF
A one-page printable featuring five questions to help recognize productive struggle and five possible responses to consider when students need support.
