Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration
September 14, 2023
Dear Educator,
This weekend, both of my kids refereed their first soccer games. Although they have been playing the game since they were 5, this was an entirely new experience. As I watched them lean into this new opportunity, with a mix of fear and excitement, I couldn’t help but reflect on the learning experience that prepared them to become referees and collect a paycheck for their first official job!
This was a true learner-centered experience. First, they had to take courses and demonstrate basic proficiency with the rules and role of a referee. Although they each had to meet a deadline and a certain score, they went through at their own pace. Next, they had to attend a workshop and demonstrate proficiency in basic roles. Once they were certified, they had to demonstrate competence in a live setting with other aspiring referees. Finally, they were scheduled to referee. They were assigned games and had to put all they had learned into action. All the skills and knowledge were only ideas until they had to put them into practice in a real life, authentic context.
Learning like this is also happening in schools across the country. Today's Bright Spot is one example of this where students are learning skills, practicing them in authentic situations, and getting college credit or industry-level certifications to prepare them for post-secondary careers.
With Gratitude,
We want to hear from you! Share your Learner-Centered Bright Spot with us here.
BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK
Career and Technical Education
This week, in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky I was working with school and district administrators on ”look fors” to support the shift in practices to their Learner Profile. We saw examples of practices across campuses that supported authentic, personalized, competency-based, inclusive and equitable learning. A big realization for many, however, was how the Career and Technical Education (CTE) practices, strategies, and approach to learning by doing were developing the desired characteristics of the Learner Profile as well as the technical skills needed to engage in meaningful work.
We saw students learning techniques to practice with patients in the health care class. The welding and electrical courses collaborated to build sheds and sell them to the community. Agriculture courses were delving into relevant topics that local families experience on their farms.
Opportunities to work on authentic, purposeful tasks in meaningful and relevant ways are critical to developing the learner confidence and competence that is critical in school and, even more importantly, life.
How are you integrating authentic, real-world experiences in your classes? Reply to this newsletter to share or tag me (@katiemartinedu) and #LCBrightSpots on social.
RESOURCE ROUNDUP
More inspiration and tools to bring the experiences you want for learners to the forefront.
1. Schedules unblocked. Schedules getting in the way of innovation? Explore five high school schedules that are expanding student opportunities and increasing educator collaboration time.
2. Learning Walk tool. Make the most of your next classroom visit or learning walk with this tool that helps spark conversations, create alignment, and notice “aha” moments when observing learning in action.
3. Profession-Based Learning playbook. Dive into the CAPS Network’s research and playbook on how profession-based learning prepares students to contribute in a project-based world.
LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!
How are you making learning authentic?
Share your #LCBrightSpots on social media!
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Learner-Centered Collaborative, 49 Stevenson Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
