Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration
Dear Educator,
Last week I had the opportunity to be part of the World EduLead Conference in Singapore. I facilitated two Masterclasses each with educators from over 10 different countries, all with very different systems and cultures. What was most surprising, and also inspiring, was that even across 20 tables our visions for learners and learning systems were remarkably similar.
As educators, parents, and community members, we want our kids to be happy, successful, and have skills to navigate the world with joy and purpose. Yet, this common aspiration for our education systems is too often held back by our own experience of what has been.
My Bright Spot this week is the mindset shift of many educators and their willingness to create something different for learners they serve.
We want to hear from you! Share your Learner-Centered Bright Spot with us here.
BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK
A vision for learners that transcends borders
After a day of collaboration nestled within a full week of learning, I was inspired by the mindset shift that many participants highlighted. When we shared our plans for next steps, many had started to see ways that they could use their power as classroom teachers to not just teach the content, but to create different structures for students to learn the content in a way that made the most sense to them. They experimented with choice boards, revised lessons to further promote agency and ownership, and designed portfolios to document and share the process of learning.
As we closed out the day, we synthesized our learning with one of my favorite thinking routines: “I used to think, now I think.” This is an examples of one table’s reflections:
Across all tables the biggest takeaway was: change doesn’t always have to come from the system or the school leader; classroom teachers have a tremendous amount of power in how they teach.
I am excited participants walked away with ideas to test, and perhaps more importantly, I am excited about their mindset shift that will not only carry on throughout the experience they planned but also into how they design future learning experiences. That is what will have the biggest impact.
How are you innovating within your district, school, or classroom? I’d love to hear about it!
Explore resources that support delivering on a learner-centered vision for education.
1. Learner-Centered Collaborative podcast. I hope you check out my latest podcast episode, Assessment Practices that Empower Learners, with Tom Schimmer where we talk all things assessment from sound grading practices to effective feedback strategies and how assessment can drive learning.
2. Apply now for LC Connections 2023-24 Cohort. Get a front row view into school models around the country and explore the throughline from education to the workforce alongside a collaborative network of nationwide educators and leaders. Learn more and apply.
3. Developing a Learner Profile. A learner profile articulates a district’s shared vision for learners and in this blog post Devin Vodicka shares a few simple tips for getting started.
LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!
How are you shifting mindsets to best serve your learners?
Share your #LCBrightSpots on social media!
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