Redefining Smart

Awakening Students’ Power to Reimagine Their World

"Every idea in this book is critical for educators: from the idea of a classroom functioning as an ecosystem, to addressing creativity, to encouraging and learning from failure, to the ideas of collaboration."

"An urgent call for redefining educational outcomes and a compelling argument for personalization of education. Markham convincingly explains why education is much more than developing cognitive skills and proposes practical ways to cultivate what matters for life."

"'Choose courage, over fear'” With these words Thom Markham begins his book, Redefining Smart. He offers a research based educational vision for changing our definition for student success in the 21st Century. The book goes further to offer practical advice, tools, and reflective questions to assist teachers in choosing to have courage to change their practice and student's lives."

"For over twenty years it’s been known that intelligence is far more than one’s IQ, and that a powerful relationship exists between the heart and brain that affects one’s ability to self-regulate and navigate the complexities of life. By integrating the new science of heart intelligence into the conversation about deeper learning, inquiry, and 21^st century skills, Thom Markham not only redefines intelligence, he shows that positive emotions hold the key to sustained optimal performance, sharper cognitive functioning, and the kind of heartfelt collaboration and mentoring that inspires young people to become resilient, capable, and open-minded adults. This book points the way to the future of education."

"In Redefining Smart, Thom Markham makes an urgent call for school change that will resonate with anyone who entered the teaching profession because they care about children. Joyful learning that engages both heart and brain is not a squishy, feel-good idea. Nor is it in opposition to today’s rigorous standards. Indeed, as Markham explains in detail, today’s students will not be prepared to tackle the challenges ahead unless we help them learn to think, collaborate, communicate, and feel. Speaking directly--and respectfully--to teachers, he outlines practical steps to create the culture of inquiry that all children deserve."

"Dr. Markham offers up smart research and fresh thinking about our most powerful and human way of teaching; inquiry. Written as short, accessible chapters with reflection questions to guide the experience, the overall effect of this multi-course experience is, not surprisingly, a wide smile and full heart. One of the most accessible, thoroughly-researched and empowering books on the transformative power of inquiry-based teaching that I’ve ever read."

"It only took until 2015, but we finally have the book that provides the quintessential guide to 21^st century learning. Redefining Smart offers a simple, yet complex, road map to transform our students’ educational experiences. While you read, throw out everything you think you know about determining students’ abilities, focus on authentic learning over time and visualize your schools and what they could (and should) be. The book is a call for change in our instructional practices, but clearly defines the Why? behind making these essential changes and the impact they will have on students. I cannot wait to put it in the hands of all my instructional leaders! Markham nailed it!!"

"My work with Thom Markham began in 2005 as we embarked on a process of revision how learning looks at Olds High School. Teaching today requires personalization; connecting the heart and mind for both educators and learners, the fostering of personal rigor in project based learning environment, and the ability to work in a team rather than a group. Thom has achieved in his book the same outcomes he achieves when working in schools face to face. That special ability to connect someone to the sacred responsibility we have as educators in exposing our students to the skills they need. Markham has truly put his heart into the words of this book."

"In a world that is struggling to figure out what 21st century teaching really means, Markham provides a clear path for moving forward.  Redefining Smart reaches beyond a compartmentalized view of lesson design and curriculum by creating an exciting imperative for a new rigor.  Markham sets a vision for classrooms that build relationships, embrace emotions, develop academic mastery, and ensure that students graduate with the ability to communicate and collaborate. I can't wait to share Redefining Smart with our K-12 faculty."

"Redefining Smart emphasizes the importance of unlocking a passion for learning within our students and guiding them to exercise their curiosity about the world inside of the classroom.  Thom Markham provides resources, examples, and guided reflection questions to spark rich discussions about what it means to teach in the 21st century."