Tools of the Mind and Self-Regulation Learning: Does it Work?
So, what is this Tools of the Mind program and why are so many parents and educators learning more and choosing it? Tools of the Mind is a self-regulated educational program. While many educational programs often rely on the physical abilities and successes of children, Tools of the Mind utilizes and trains the mental capabilities as well.
It is purported to give teachers and students the tools needed for the children to become, not only physically capable of completing assignments and tasks, but mentally capable as well, or self-regulated. This means that the children will be able to better mentally process the information they are physically able to use. So, is it better than other programs out there?
In reading the information on this program, I couldn't help but wonder how this really differed from the way young children already learn. It is my observation that from birth, many parents often begin mental training and focus with simple activities. Those activities and stimulation increase as the child grows older and more capable.
One of the goals of Tools of the Mind is to conform the children to current learning standards, which could either be a positive or a negative for some educators. Not all educators agree on whether or not children should conform to standards.
While some parents send their young children to daycare centers or early learning centers and some choose to stay at home, in my opinion and experience, many children will already be mentally stimulated in some way each day. Parents often teach children how to be independent thinkers by giving them choices, assigning chores, and having them practice early learning skills (e.g. colors, counting).
This is not to say the program isn't good, because it very well could be. I have not tried the program myself, but in teaching my own children, who happen to be home schooled on a customized curriculum plan I designed, some of these strategies are already implemented. However, these are things I already did early on and simply expand on as they grow older, further proving the point for me that there are children who have already been taught these skills as a natural way of life.
Mental stimulation can occur through active play, group discussion, and even pencil and paper games. These types of activities are very common among many households. While children do these actives already, is it fair to say that they could still be practiced more in an organized learning environment? I personally don't feel it will do any harm and it certainly could help.
At the MCREL website, I was able to download a PDF copy of a case study on a public school program that implemented Tools of the Mind and the program did seem to prove very successful in this case. As with any teaching tool, for any parent or teacher considering this program, I would suggest doing your own research, using the links provided, as well as other sources, and deciding what is best for the child or class involved.
Sources:
http://www.mcrel.org/topics/products/178/
http://www.mscd.edu/extendedcampus/toolsofthemind/
Published by Y! Lyn - Community Advocate
Lyn Lomasi is the Community Advocate at Yahoo! Contributor Network. Email her with community issues & ideas (contributor-lyn@yahoo-inc.com). Read her tips for success on the official Yahoo! Contributor Netwo... View profile
- The Tools of the Trade: Birdwatching ToolsA descriptive overview of the tools necessary to an avid birdwatcher.
- Internet Tools for the New Internet MarketerEvery person who begins an online business usually has one goal in mind - to make more money! But making more money online becomes virtually impossible without having basic tools to get you from where you are today to...
- Fantasy Writers: Tools of the TradeCreating works of art are a fantasy writer's dream. These article will give you some suggestions of software programs you can utilize to help create your masterpieces.
- Tools of the TradeAs a personal trainer I have several tools that are invaluable to anyone looking to improvetheir Health, loose weight, decrease chronic pain, or just to remain active.
- The Development of the RifleThis article describes the transition from the era of muskets to the development of the rifle.
- Tools of the Mind and Self-Regulated Learning
- "Tools of the Mind" Versus Good Ol' Fashioned Dicipline
- Tools of the Mind Program Not for All Children
- Does Your Child Really Need a Preschool?: The Importance of Early Childhood Education
- Oh...You're Gonna Love This Gal!-Momie Tullottes
- The Power of the Mind: Reduce Your Fear of Public Speaking
- The Plight of the Inner-city Disadvantaged
- This program is based upon the principles of Russian psychologist, Lev Vygotsky.
48 Comments
Post a CommentWhat makes Tools of the Mind different is that it teaches the children to plan what they are going to do and then focus on the task until they complete it. It's not just "mental stimulation".
First part of that should say the chances of such a systems seeming new or unique when based on theories from 1978 is unique.
The chances any learning system based on theories that go back to at least 1978 is remote. The question should be does the compilation of theories and techniques comprising "tools of the mind" work, in general, to improve childhood development and education. That should be followed by asking how it compares to other techniques in controlled settings and further study into each of the individual techniques that comprise the overall "tools of the mind" system. There are a number of studies referenced in "Nurture Shock" that indicate that there is data to support that it does indeed work. Seeing echoes of what the author or someone else has done is anecdotal at best and for a home schooling situation you're not likely to have a statistically relevant sample to compare your technique to this one as a general tool. Remember your statistically small sample is also very likely not genetically diverse either (i.e. they're likely your kids) which is another reason you can't generalize your
It is obvious that you don't have a clear picture of this program and have not really done your homework. In the book "Nuture Shock" by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman numerous studies of the efficacy of this program are sited.
What a useless article. You've read--what?-- one article on the topic? You are more ignorant about this than I am. Keep your uninformed opinion to yourself. Please.
I realize this is an old article, but I'm shocked to see straight out naive American ignorance in most of these comments. I have nothing against home schooling if you're a competent and responsible enough person to teach your own children....but people like that are few and far between. Not considering people who are in lower class situations who are unable to even conceive of keeping their kids home. There best hope is a daycare that will help their children more than harm them.
Tools of the Mind is actually an incredibly smart program based on several of the most prominent child development theories....ever. It's not just Vygotsky, who's main idea (simplified) was to help children from one stage of development to the next and not just leave them to figure it out for themselves. Tools of the Mind is also heavily based on Montessori and Piaget, which Vygotsky is also based on.
The program focuses on self control, and it doesn't do this in a way that is "common" at all. It
Many references to "mind control." How true. Wasn't Lev Vygotsky a Marxist? And many of his theories were developed from Marxist theories?
See link...
http://wik.ed.uiuc.edu/index.php/Vygotsky,_L.S.
One worth revisiting :)
Very interesting, and lots of good research here!
Wow....interesting....I think you're probably right on about it being the same type of thing already being done!! Great job as always!