Learning Is Like Driving

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Many middle schoolers can learn all of high school math if they have the right setup.

Algebra 1 all the way through Calculus in just 3 years.

That might seem kind of crazy.

But here’s how to think about it:

Think about driving 100 miles.

On back roads, that might take 5 hours.

But on a highway, it only takes 2 hours, or maybe 1 and a half.

The distance didn’t change, but the conditions did.

Learning is the same way:

You can learn fast when your path is paved, straight, and there aren’t tons of bumps and potholes.

You don’t have to bring the destination closer.

You just have to improve the learning conditions.

Here’s how:

Make sure students know the prerequisites for each new thing you’re trying to teach them.

Scaffold each new thing so that they can practice it one bite at a time.

Rinse and repeat for each topic.

That’s how you get students learning faster.

Further reading: What Happens When Middle School is Put to Good Use .

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