Bright Spots: A learner profile explained, by students

BRIGHT SPOTS

Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration

November 2, 2023

Dear Educator,

It’s November and that means it is your friendly reminder that this time of year is hard! You are likely deep in the routine of school and feeling the pressure to get it all done as the holidays approach. In a world that is moving fast and requires us to continually evolve, it can feel like we are not doing enough. When you hear feedback or see new ideas, it’s normal to think you should be doing more, yet it can also feel impossible to squeeze in one more thing.

My Bright Spot this week is a teacher who took what could have been perceived as “one more thing” when she learned about her district learner profile and the grade level competencies. Instead, she turned it into an amazing lesson of what young learners are capable of when we give them purpose, an authentic task, and creative control.

With Gratitude,

We want to hear from you! Share your Learner-Centered Bright Spot with us here.

BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK

A learner profile explained, by students

Instead of the teacher creating a lesson to teach about being a Wellness Advocate, a core competency defined by the Encinitas Union Profile of a Learner, 5th graders were given the task to learn and teach each other. They created this amazing video to bring the competency to life by providing examples and non-examples and share what they learned about the importance of being a Wellness Advocate.

Bright Spots_Wellness Advocate video thumbnail

What I love about this project is that students had agency in the process and they developed and used so many crucial skills. They had to read, organize ideas, write a script, revise, get feedback, and collaborate to produce a high-quality product that was shared with the school board, and now, all of you get to see it.

All graphics are from frames in the student written, performed, and produced video.

It is one thing to say “We give students’ voice,” but it’s different when they have purpose and clarity on the goals and ownership over the process.

What are some ways that you can empower students with more ownership over their work this week? Reply to this newsletter to share or tag me @katiemartinedu and #LCBrightSpots on social.

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Students driving their own learning is foundational to learner-centered education and I hope these resources spark ideas and inspiration that get us closer to a more authentic, learner-driven experience.

1. New Podcast episode. Check out my latest podcast and get to know high school English teacher Monte Syrie who started "Project 180," where he gave every student an A at the beginning of the school year to essentially “remove” grades and shift the focus to authentic learning and feedback.

2. New on the blog. Access 3 ways for students to get and give meaningful and timely feedback in Using Feedback to Drive Learning, Connection, Purpose, and Ownership.

3. Authentic learning strategy. Harness the power of students teaching each other, much like they did in the Encinitas video, with this collection of strategies to help learners teach each other.

LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!

How are you encouraging learners to teach each other?

Share your #LCBrightSpots on social media!

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