BRIGHT SPOTS

Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration

Dear Educator,

A critical aspect of a learner-centered model is that it gives purpose and relevance to the knowledge and skills that students are gaining and focuses on the application rather than memorization. As I shared in Learner-Centered Innovation, when we focus on learners and connect to their interests, needs, and goals, we can create experiences that ignite curiosity, develop passion, and unleash genius.

In this week’s issue of Bright Spots, I want to highlight how educators are empathizing and connecting with learners to intentionally bring their strengths, interests, and goals into the classroom.

With Gratitude,
Katie

BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK

Understanding Learners

I have advocated for taking time to conduct empathy interviews, which essentially means asking questions and listening to other perspectives to gather ideas on how to best move forward. In Our View: From a Collection of Empathy Interviews, Anita Young describes how she used empathy interviews to understand what students needed from their teachers.

In the article, she writes,

“In a time of confusion and craziness in all our lives, it is clear what our students want in a teacher. These responses shed some light on their past experiences with teachers and what they hope for. While they all want and need different things, the truth is those small adjustments in our interactions with our students can go a long way in creating a learner-centered classroom that inspires them to learn and be successful.”

— Anita Young, virtual learning specialist at World of Learning Institute

Through empathy interviews, educators have come up with insights to design for learning rather than to design for schools. I have no doubt that educators can create new opportunities to meet the needs of students by reframing the challenges and considering multiple perspectives.

Empathy Exercise

It's easy to assume we know the best way forward; however, we gain so much more from empathizing with others. I want to share 6 questions that I love to ask learners and educators alike to get to know them and understand their perspective.

Interested in discussing how you can connect with your learners to create new opportunities in the classroom? Let's connect!

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Below are some resources to help you consider multiple perspectives to create new opportunities in your learning community.

2. Exclusive sneak peek of Street Data. Street Data, a new book, reminds us that "What is measured is not the same as what is valuable, and that data can be humanizing, liberating and healing.” Preview the book.

3. Listen to student voices. Transcend has put together a great resource with conversation guides and a study survey to listen to student voices and make leaps toward better, more equitable learning. Check it out here.

LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!

How are you working to understand learner perspectives in your context?
Use #LCBrightSpots to share your experiences on social media!

Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up here