Bright Spots: Integrating new models of learning

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BRIGHT SPOTS

Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration

Dear Educator,

Authentic, meaningful learning reaches a pinnacle when students are exploring and solving real-world problems that are purposeful, have meaning to them, and are building skills aligned to academic content areas and standards. This is a lofty goal and it can be helpful to start with stand-alone programs that have low barriers of entry. This models what is possible for educators while offering students meaningful, purposeful, hands-on learning experiences that provide a strong foundation on which to build a more integrated authentic learning program.

This week I want to highlight a learner-centered program that is artfully leveraging technology for authentic, real-world problem solving.

With Gratitude,
Katie

I'd love to hear from you! Reply to this email to share your Bright Spot this week!

BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK

Real-World Problem Solving at the Verizon Innovation Lab

When I was visiting Compton Unified in the fall, I was really impressed by the experiences that students were engaged in throughout our visits. In particular, the VILS (Verizon Innovation Lab) was a highlight of my visit. Students were in stations and engaged in Challenge Based Learning focused on the essential question: What designs or innovations are needed to meet the challenges of surviving on Mars?

Collaborative teams selected different systems such as life support and renewable energy sources, habitat design and construction, and Mars agriculture and food production to research and design a solution for.

I observed students creating habitats in Minecraft, using the 3D printer to create parts for their vehicles to navigate the terrain, and using the scientific process to test the soil’s nutrients.

Overall, students were invited to explore bigger questions and guided to research, test, learn and create. It was a joy to listen to these middle school students talk about their work and what they were learning. They were clearly invested in meaningful work and taking ownership as they collaborated and addressed authentic challenges.

Interested in how you can create opportunities for learners to engage in real-world problem solving in your school or district? Let's connect!

Get in touch

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Below are some resources to support educators and leaders adopt new models of learning in their school or district.

1. The tail is wagging the education system. Our system focused on selective university admission is no longer serving 98% of its students. How can we design systems for the right outcomes? Read the article.

2. Is technology changing how we learn in schools? In my blog post, I consider how we might structure our time and tools to ensure meaningful learning in the classroom, and provide 3 strategies to connect in order to provide guidance for learners. Read now.

3. Enabling learner-centered education. As new models of teaching are introduced, the role of the teacher also changes. Here are 4 characteristics of the evolving role of the educator.