Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration
Dear Educator,
Last school year our team spent two days exploring innovative schools. We noticed that all the schools, regardless of their model, had designed their schedule to support an intentional, interdisciplinary, authentic learning block of time for ALL students.
Environments that focus on deeper learning experiences not only develop skills learners need, but help them apply them so they are transferable to future learning opportunities. When students learn these skills and can apply them, their sense of confidence and preparedness for post-secondary study and life is increased. I like to think of it as a braid weaving together knowledge, skills, and habits with authentic work, which once interwoven add purpose to the others.
Evolving Education: Shifting to a Learner-Centered Paradigm (Chapter 9)
This week I am excited to highlight a school that has created a schedule that makes time for what matters most.
With Gratitude,
We want to hear from you! Share your Learner-Centered Bright Spot with us here.
BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK
Schedules that make space for deep, authentic learning
The School for Examining Essential Questions of Sustainability, more commonly referred to as SEEQS, has a schedule that is intentionally designed for learners to develop skills and apply them through their Essential Questions of Sustainability course. As their website states:
“SEEQS strives to create a seamless link between academic content and real-world application through project-based learning. As a fundamental part of the SEEQS experience, all students participate in an interdisciplinary, project-based course designed around examining an Essential Question of Sustainability (EQS). These courses meet four days a week in two-hour blocks which may include student-directed project time, teacher-led tutorials, community outings, guest visits, and, in later years, formal internships for upperclassmen.”
SEEQS not only aspires to develop young adolescents who are learning about the world and how they can make an impact, they specifically design their schedule to ensure they do. Check out a sample weekly student schedule:
How does your schedule support your vision for learners and learning? I’d love to see your examples! Reply to this newsletter to share or tag me (@katiemartinedu) and #LCBrightSpots on social.
RESOURCE ROUNDUP
Access examples, inspiration, and (my favorite) student perspectives around deeper, authentic learning experiences.
1. Podcast season 3 is here! My first guest of the season is Buffy Cushman-Patz, Executive Director at SEEQS. She shares details on the school model and how she came to create SEEQS. Listen to episode 16.
2. Hear directly from learners at SEEQS. In this video students at SEEQS describe the impact of their experience and why exploring essential questions matters to them.
3. Gen Z talks about the future. Check out Gen Z's perspective on school and the skills and experiences that are most important to them.
LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!
What are some of ways you foster deeper learning?
Share your #LCBrightSpots on social media!
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