04/08/2025
The learning pit by James Nottingham, illustrates the process students go through when they are using critical thinking to solve a probelm.
Sometimes it feels messy , uncomfortable and frustrating, but that's often when most growth happens.
First they are confident-they think they understand.
Then comes confusion-the dip as they realise its more comet then they thought.
That's the pit -the place of struggle questions and doubt.
And then with support ,reflection and resilience they climb out with deeper understanding.
It's important not to rescue tutees to quickly from the pit. Instead given them the tools
Question prompts
Time to reflect
Peer discussion
Permission to be stuck
Because the pit it not failure, its learning in progress. And it's not just for students ,its for teachers, leaders, parents we all have our own version of it.
The challenge to ,normalise the pit, celebrate and honor the process .
The Learning Pit, developed by James Nottingham, illustrates the process students go through when they’re challenged to think critically. Sometimes it feels messy, frustrating, even uncomfortable but that’s often where the most growth happens: 📍 First, they’re confident—they think they un...