BRIGHT SPOTS

Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration

Dear Educator,

There is a common misconception that in learner-centered systems students get to do whatever they want. This happens when the goals are not clear and the systems to support learners don’t exist. Learner-Centered education is not a free-for-all.
A clear distinction in learner-centered systems is a culture of purpose, agency, and authentic work rather than compliance and control.

In learner-centered environments high school students have meetings off-campus, connect with mentors, and work on projects in hospitals and boardrooms. Students are using tools, building houses, writing code, and starting movements in their communities and beyond. Early elementary school kids are allowed to choose seats, get a drink of water, and even move freely in and out of the classroom. Kids are celebrated and coached to make good choices and are not scolded, trained, and managed.

This week I want to highlight a project from Sage Creek High School in Carlsbad, CA where students have high expectations, but they also have the support and freedom to carve their path to get there.

With Gratitude,
Katie

BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK

Create Structures for Learners to Engage in Purposeful Work

At Sage Creek, teachers provide students the opportunity to discuss current events and engage in relevant real-world situations. They are taught to think about their opinions, have conversations to hear other perspectives, and discuss what they are thinking and why. I was blown away by the level of discourse, collaboration, and ingenuity we saw.

I especially loved talking to the students about their progress on their Genius Projects. They were developing their speeches, getting feedback, and preparing to share their ideas and projects. The school website highlights more about the process and the final project:

The Sage Creek Genius Project is a year-long, student-chosen, passion project. Students are invited to choose their projects, execute their plan, and then reflect on their experience in a TED-Style Talk presented to peers and community members. Students’ projects fulfill three criteria: passion, impact, and challenge.

Yes, the teachers and students had and used flexibility to design experiences for meaningful learning. However, far from a "free-for-all," students had clear criteria for success which enabled them to engage in successful, purposeful work.

Interested in discussing how you might create structures for learners to thrive in your school or district? Let's connect!

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Below are some resources to help educators design structures for learners to engage in purposeful work.

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