Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration
September 28, 2023
Dear Educator,
I was walking through classrooms the other day and I got to talk to learners, as I often do when I am in schools. In one classroom I asked a student about his assignment. The student avoided the question and told me that I should ask his friend who is always the one to answer questions. This is important to think about because those who are doing the work are the ones learning, and when we get more learners reflecting, thinking, and sharing their ideas, we get more learners learning.
This week I want to highlight some strategies that get more learners sharing their thinking.
With Gratitude,
We want to hear from you! Share your Learner-Centered Bright Spot with us here.
BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK
Participation Strategies
Poster paper, sticky notes, and whiteboards are essential to any learning environment. When we can make our thinking visible, it allows for multiple modalities and it also sharpens thinking as we write, clarify, and synthesize ideas. Learners in Talladega County Schools in Alabama work in triads to collaborate on math thinking tasks to solve complex problems Encouraging learners to collaborate, share, and document ideas can allow for a more robust dialogue about ideas and deeper learning.
A triad math discussion among learners at Talladega County Schools.
Strategies that encourage non-verbal participation are important to ensure we are engaging all learners and offering them ways to demonstrate their thinking and learning. It can look like a simple, low-tech thumbs up or down response from each student to a quick tech-enabled poll. These non-verbal participation methods are so important we’ve created a strategy page on providing non-verbal options for participation.
Using strategies can help you create a learning environment where every learner feels heard and valued as they are supported in multiple ways to participate. This not only fosters equity of voice, but also helps create a more inclusive and collaborative learning community where learning is expected for all, not just a few.
I’d love to hear about the verbal and non-verbal participation strategies happening in your classroom. Reply to this newsletter to share or tag me @katiemartinedu and #LCBrightSpots on social.
RESOURCE ROUNDUP
More resources to help you explore equity of voice and identify areas of opportunity for encouraging participation among all learners.
1. Equity of voice audit. Are all learner voices, verbal and non-verbal, being heard in your classroom? Use this audit tool to find out.
2. 3 strategies for equitable participation. Some students are hesitant to speak up and that’s ok. These practical strategies offer a variety of modalities and ways for learners to fully participate in their learning experience.
3. Amplify Learner Voice Course. Learner voice is a big deal in learner-centered education– such a big deal we offer a self-paced course on it for just $100, with the option to add CEU credits.
LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!
How are you bringing out the voices of all learners?
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