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Guide on the Side
Sequencing Instruction for Self-Regulated Learners
Julia A. Simms explores self-regulated learning through brain-based learning, instructional sequences, and action research. Grounded in educational psychology and the research-based approach of Marzano Resources, this book examines cognitive skills, working memory, and self-efficacy. By implementing these strategies, educators can empower students to take charge of their learning.
A guide to self-regulated learning
Through research-backed strategies and practical applications, author Julia A. Simms explores self-regulated learning, instructional sequences, and brain-based learning. She examines the development of cognitive and metacognitive skills, working memory, and effective explicit instruction, offering step-by-step guidance for teachers to facilitate student learning. By supporting students through guided practice and monitoring, educators can help build declarative and procedural knowledge, enhance self-efficacy, and bridge learning gaps.
K–12 teachers can use this book to:
- Enhance student learning outcomes through development of self-aware learning practices
- Understand how knowledge, memory, and metacognition work to inspire further learning
- Incorporate strategies that develop students’ mental capacities as independent learners
- Employ action research processes to align goals with strategies that ensure successful outcomes
- Make students active agents in lifelong learning, setting goals with curious mindsets
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“Guide on the Side transforms complex cognitive science into a revolutionary framework for self-regulated learning. Simms delivers powerful classroom-ready strategies that reimagine the teacher-student relationship and unlock students’ capacity to drive their own learning journeys.”
“Julia Simms hands educators a road map to the holy grail of instruction—students who can direct, monitor, and own their learning. Bold, research-rich, and strikingly practical, this book will supercharge every educator’s approach to teaching and leading teachers. Every page is an invitation to transform classrooms into launchpads for lifelong, self-regulated learners who are powerful partners in the learning process.”
“At a time when student agency is essential and yet elusive, Guide on the Side offers a clear and practical path forward. Julia Simms transforms the science of self-regulated learning into tangible actions, equipping teachers to develop the thinking, motivation, and strategies students need to take charge of their learning. This is more than a book; it’s a blueprint for building confident, capable, and self-directed learners in every classroom.”
“The new age of education demands teachers go beyond simply delivering curriculum and assigning grades. They must become experts in the learning process. This book presents valuable insight on cognition and motivation in a way that teachers can understand along with strategies they can use in their classrooms immediately. It’s an excellent contribution to our field!”
“Julia Simms shows that self-regulation is critical to improving student academic achievement. Through careful analysis of the research, she provides teachers a clear explanation of self-regulation’s role in motivating students. More importantly, this book offers concrete strategies teachers can use to bring the practice into play in their classrooms.”
“Guide on the Side is an essential, must-read resource for educators seeking to cultivate self-regulated learners. Drawing on the latest research and presenting clear, practical processes, Simms offers actionable strategies that empower teachers to shift from directors of learning to facilitators of learning.”
