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We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Christi Edwards, where she shares her final two strategies for ensuring students don’t just succeed on class assignments but can apply their learning in future assessments and beyond. 

In this episode, Christi focuses on helping students regulate their own thinking and communicate their ideas effectively—two key skills that build confidence and deeper understanding.

Key Topics Covered:

• How to teach students to self-regulate their thinking so they take ownership of their learning.
• The importance of in-the-moment reflection, not just after an assignment is complete.
• Why exit tickets and visual cues (like red, yellow and green cups) help students track their progress.
• How to encourage students to explain their thinking and engage in meaningful academic conversations.
• The power of questioning strategies to build deeper understanding and confidence.

Resources Mentioned:

• Self-regulation tools (checklists, journals, anchor charts) to help students monitor their progress.
• Peter Liljedahl’s “Building Thinking Classrooms” strategies for promoting student-driven discussions.
• Keisha King’s episode on classroom discussions for tips on getting students to talk more.

Quotable Moments:

• “Instead of asking students to show their work, ask them to show their thinking.” — Christi Edwards
• “Reflection shouldn’t just happen at the end of an assignment—it needs to happen throughout the learning process.” — Ashley Shaw
• “A coach’s job isn’t to give teachers the answers—it’s to help them become curious about their own teaching.” — Jason Adair

Don’t Miss:

• Ashley’s realization: Why she needs to build reflection into her lessons earlier, not just at the end.
• Christi’s exit ticket strategy that helps students assess their own understanding before they leave class.
• Jason’s coaching takeaway: How instructional coaches can spark curiosity in teachers, just like teachers do for students.

You can get feedback from Christi by sending us a message through social or email.  

The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.

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