How to Develop an Asset-Based Approach in Teaching

An asset-based approach revolves around strategising what students can do instead of working on their weak points. It is true that if a young mind continues listening to what it cannot do, it will lower the self-confidence and became a hurdle in their overall growth. Thus, many school management services providers, especially those dealing with creating customised curriculums can’t stress enough on the importance of asset-based approach. In simple words, the approach focuses on the strengths of the student so that teachers can plan how to work with the child to promote growth mindset.

How to adopt the approach?

Step #1

To start with, teachers need to have diagnostic learning activity to understand what all things a student can do. There are Disciplinary Core Ideas, English language arts standards and other measures to find out the capabilities of students. Based on the information gathered, teachers can come up with strategies to improve the skillset of the child.

Step #2

It is the responsibility of the teacher to provide students with different learning pathways so that they get equal opportunities to meet high expectations. Create learning plans and use them in different settings, and make sure every student completes them. This way, every student will work on meeting high expectations.

Step #3

Based on the analysis, it is important to give the feedback to students. The young minds are at such a phase that some of them aren’t aware of their strengths. Make them aware of what they are capable of doing and simultaneously work on their weaker areas.

The Next Step

Every feedback should cover the three important aspects - Strength, Need and The Way Forward.

Strength is the areas that you have identified after evaluating the child on several learning, understanding and growth parameters. Need is the area where the child needs to work on, while you are ensuring that their strengths aren’t been overshadowed. The way forward is the last but important step. As a teacher, you need to have a central idea around the whole activity planned for the child, for a better implementation and results.

When a teachers looks at what their students know, can do and understand, it is the first step to the adopting an asset based approach. Reputable schools are turning to educational company in India to help their teachers with adopting an asset-based approach in classroom environment.