Anchor and Twist

Have you heard? The new CPR isn’t really CPR.

Those of you required, or just plain disciplined enough, to stay current on your CPR/First Aide certifications likely know what we’re talking about. Those of you still in the dark, fear not, this isn’t really about CPR.

The new CPR (the kind when only one person is around) isn’t technically CPR because there’s no breathing (AKA the Pulmonary component). Research demonstrated that just doing chest compressions was ultimately more effective. CPR is practically already a household name, but it took many years to accomplish. A change in names could have set back the cause. So, a smart group of marketing folks convinced the medical gurus to keep the “CPR” and add the words “hands-only” to it. The theory here: anchor to something people already know and twist it to show them the difference. You can apply to same thing in your classroom. Start with providing your students’ brains something they are familiar with and then explain how this new thing or process is different.

Here’s how it might sound:
If I had never seen an earthworm and you had to describe to me how to draw one, what would you say?....(drawing) How does it look?...Anything I should change?...
Now, we’ve been investigating amphibians. Are earthworms amphibians? Nope, you’re exactly right. However, if I were to color this in with a bright color like blue or orange, it would look just like a certain type of amphibian. These bright, worm-like amphibians are called caecilians .That’s spelled c-a-e-c-i-l-i-a-n, but pronounced “see-sill-ee-un.” Say that with me….

Next time you introduce a new concept to your students, figure out what you can anchor to from their world and you’ll need only explain the “twists.”
Sidenote: The scary thing is that infomercials do this really well. They show you all horrible and non-functional products you’re familiar with and then show you their miracle-gadget and its new features. Now admit it, you’ve wanted to order at least one as-seen-on-TV item!

A big thanks to FastCompany Magazine for sharing the “Anchor and Twist” concept below. I’ve done my best to summarize, but you should really read the original article. It’s short, sweet and to the point.