Routledge Eye On Education

In today’s world of being able to find answers at the click of a button,
students need to learn how to grapple with complex concepts. But when is that
struggle actually productive, and when is it just frustrating or discouraging?
I am proud to introduce you to my new book series designed to help students tackle hard topics in ways that will truly aid their learning.
You’ll learn how productive struggle is connected to intrinsic motivation
and how to scaffold instruction so you’re not just throwing students into the
deep end. You’ll also find out how to pick the appropriate level of struggle and
how to scaffold learning for students. Throughout, there are tons of practical
charts, rubrics, and examples across subject areas, along with reflection
questions to help you apply what you’ve learned.
Bonus: Each chapter has a QR code that takes you to related videos and additional tools.
Available to order now via www.routledge.com and learn more about Productive Struggle with FREE access to support resources by Dr Blackburn at: www.barbarablackburnonline.com/productivestrugglebybarbarablackburn

Routledge Eye On Education My Lesson

Love hearing all the praise for the Productive Struggle books by Barbara R. Blackburn. Check them out at routledge.com and Amazon!

Happy publication day to Joseph Jones and T.J. Vari! Their new book Time, Tools, and Tactics of Instructional Leadership is out now. Check it out now at 20% off on routledge.com!

Productive struggle is an opportunity for students to participate in a structured instructional situation in which they adapt current knowledge to solve a novel problem.

There are several key words and phrases in my definition.
First is student participation. You simply can’t have productive struggle without students participating in the process.
Next, it is a structured instructional situation. Generally, teachers plan and craft the opportunity for students to apply prior knowledge in a new situation at a level which requires the right level of struggle—not too little, not too much. Finally, students are using the knowledge they already have, just to something that is new to them. Connecting the two is an intricate part of productive struggle.

My NEW conversation on the wonderful Principal Center Radio Podcast with host Justin Baeder is available to listen now at:
www.principalcenter.com/barbara-blackburn-productive-struggle-in-the-classroom

Eduleadership Routledge Eye On Education

Looking for a great resource for your next school or district book study? These new books from Barbara Blackburn come with a free video study guide!

A video for each chapter helps teachers discuss and learn from the book with peers. Check it out at barbarablackburnonline.com/productivestruggle

Are your students really struggling… or productively struggling? 🤔📚

Join Barbara R. Blackburn on March 25, 2026 at 2 PM EDT to explore how productive struggle can transform learning in any grade level or subject area. Walk away with practical, classroom ready strategies and tools to help students build the dispositions they need to succeed.

Let’s turn challenge into growth 💡

Register now: https://sharemylesson.com/webinars/productive-classroom-strategies AFT Teach AFT

Don’t miss this upcoming webinar, and preorder Barbara Blackburn’s upcoming books on productive struggle at routledge.com!

"I believe all students are motivated, just not necessarily by the things we would like. Many of our students are not motivated by a desire to learn; rather, they are motivated by the approval of their friends or something else in their lives. With intrinsic motivation, students appreciate learning for its own sake. They enjoy learning and the feelings of accomplishment that accompany the activity, and that is key to productive struggle".
I am excited to introduce my new FREE webinar "Productive Struggle: Classroom Strategies for All Grades and Content Areas". A FREE webinar available for 1 Hour Professional Credit as part of the Share My Lesson Virtual Conference 2026.
I hope you can join me on March 25. Registration is free at:
https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5247458/D2FB428859E1AAF3F8899BC0467F48D7

Share My Lesson Routledge Eye On Education AFT

📚 What does productive struggle actually look like in the classroom?

Barbara R. Blackburn shares practical examples across grade levels that help students think critically, apply prior knowledge and defend their ideas. From sorting activities in kindergarten to designing math models in high school, struggle can be structured so students build deeper understanding.

Barbara will also explore this topic during the 2026 Share My Lesson Virtual Conference. Read the blog and learn how to bring productive struggle into your lessons.

https://sharemylesson.com/blog/productive-struggle-k-12-students 😊AFT AFT Teach

Communicating with parents is one of the most challenging and potentially stressful tasks that educators face daily.

The Teacher Edition of 'Dealing with Difficult Parents' offers key strategies for communication with parents, getting them off your back and back on your side.

Walk away from parents feeling that you have made a positive and meaningful impact.

Find the link in the comments now 👇

What really works for motivating children today?

Filled with practical information and stories, this book guides parents through the top eight myths about motivation.

Find out more - link in the comments 🔗 👇