So Each May Soar

About the Author

Carol Ann Tomlinson is a renowned educator and author specializing in differentiated instruction. She is a professor at the University of Virginia's Curry School of Education and has authored numerous books and articles on the subject of learner-centered education. Her work emphasizes the importance of adapting teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring that each learner can thrive in a supportive and engaging environment. Tomlinson's expertise and passion for education have made her a leading voice in the field, inspiring educators worldwide to adopt practices that honor each student's unique potential.

Main Idea

"So Each May Soar: The Principles and Practices of Learner-Centered Classrooms" by Carol Ann Tomlinson illuminates the next step in the education revolution—creating learner-centered classrooms that empower every student. The book explores how to establish positive learning environments, craft engaging curricula, use formative assessments effectively, and design instruction that taps into students' curiosity and fosters deep thinking. The overarching goal is to humanize education, ensuring that each learner can develop intellectually, affectively, and socially, thereby preparing them for a meaningful and productive life.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. From Standardized to Learner-Centered
3. What Learner-Centeredness Is—And Is Not
4. The Learner-Centered Teacher
5. Honoring the Learner
6. Creating the Learning Environment
7. Curriculum that Honors the Learner and Learning
8. Learner-Centered Assessment
9. Learner-Centered Instruction
10. Conclusion

Introduction

In her book, Carol Ann Tomlinson sets the stage for a transformative journey in education. She argues that traditional, standardized methods have often failed to meet the needs of diverse learners, leading to disengagement and inequity. Instead, Tomlinson advocates for a learner-centered approach, where the focus shifts from rigid curricula and high-stakes testing to practices that recognize and nurture each student's unique abilities and interests. This shift requires educators to be flexible, reflective, and committed to continuous improvement, always keeping the learner at the heart of their efforts.

From Standardized to Learner-Centered

Tomlinson traces the history of standardized education, highlighting how it has often de-professionalized teachers and marginalized students from diverse backgrounds. She quotes Love (2020), who questions the impact of high-stakes testing on student self-worth:

"How does a student feel like he or she matters to a country and a system that measures knowledge against a gap it has created?" - Love, 2020

The alternative, she proposes, is a learner-centered model that empowers teachers to use their professional judgment and creativity. By focusing on the needs and potentials of each student, teachers can create environments that foster genuine engagement and deep learning. This approach humanizes education, preparing students not just for tests, but for meaningful lives.

Principles of Learner-Centered Classrooms

• Establishing a positive learning environment
• Crafting relevant and engaging curricula
• Using formative assessments to guide learning
• Designing instruction that promotes curiosity and deep thinking

What Learner-Centeredness Is—And Is Not

At its core, learner-centered education is about placing students' needs and potentials at the heart of teaching. Tomlinson emphasizes that this does not mean lowering standards or coddling students. Instead, it involves providing the support and resources necessary for each student to achieve their best. She writes:

"Learner-centered classrooms are designed to increase voice, autonomy, and agency for young learners and for the people who teach them." - Carol Ann Tomlinson