Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration
Dear Educator,
Each year, current events provide a host of projects for students to engage in that are both relevant and important. These topics may include: the science of infectious disease, exponential growth or spread, economics and the impact of closing businesses, the history of our voting and political system, civic engagement and protesting, the history and implications of racism, and global warming and our environment. These subjects might pique students’ interests; however, they likely cannot be found in textbooks.
In this week’s issue of Bright Spots, I am excited to share how one teacher took a conversation with a parent and created an authentic learning experience to learn more about the diverse backgrounds and interests of his students.
With Gratitude, Katie
BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK
Creating Authentic Learning Experiences Through Project-Based Learning
In an Edutopia article entitled “Exploring Social Justice Issues Through PBL,” educator Teague Tubach shared how he implemented project-based learning in the classroom by giving his students a choice about what to research and investigate for their persuasive essay assignment.
“Justice for Ahmaud Arbery,” Created by Melanie Nguyen for Teague Tubach's Social Justice Project.
“As they learned, they talked. They talked with friends and classmates, with me and their families, and with community members. Some attended protests. What might have been a trivial ‘What did you learn in school today?’ turned into a powerful discourse on injustice and the human condition.”
— Teague Tubach, Middle school humanities teacher
I am so inspired by what his students learned, as well as what he learned as an educator through project-based learning. The project impacted not only his students, but also extended to their local and global communities.
Interested in discussing how you might inspire learners in your context? Let's connect!
Below are some resources to support you in creating authentic learning experiences that inspire and engage learners.
1. Inspire. If students need inspiration for what to study or investigate, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals provides a framework with seventeen challenges that are relevant to each and every one of us. These goals provide authentic and meaningful topics to learn more about, delve deeper into, and most importantly, take action to make an impact locally and globally.
2. Make an Impact. Author, educator, and all-around awesome person, Jennifer Williams, has launched a Global Goals Project where classrooms across the world can sign up to work on a goal together and learn to make an impact. These projects engage learners from kindergarten through high school and model how even our youngest students can make a huge impact.
3. Podcast. In a recent Podcast, I chatted with Rebecca Midles from Getting Smart about my new book, Evolving Education and the opportunities we have to create more authentic learning experiences in school.
LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!
How are you inspiring learners in your learning community?Use #LCBrightSpots to share your experiences on social media!
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