Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration
February 8, 2024
Dear Educator,
Last week researchers, educators, and system leaders gathered at UCSD to dive deep into a crucial question:
"How might we promote relational trust, belonging, and flourishing in education?" 🌱
The research findings weren't surprising – they echoed what we know about the vital role of trust, belonging, and flourishing in learning environments. What truly amazed me was the humility and openness of the incredible educational leaders involved.
My Bright Spot this week is educators who are curious and humble learners.
With Gratitude,
We want to hear from you! Share your Learner-Centered Bright Spot with us here.
BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK
Belonging, trust, and flourishing in education
At our Learner-Centered Collaborative and UCSD research convening last week, participants showed up reflective, open, and invested in evolving our educational systems. No one claimed to have it all figured out, rather new ideas were welcomed and fueled conversations. In small mixed groups, we ideated on possibilities and how to integrate research-based practices aligned with our vision for learners who know themselves, thrive in the community, and engage actively in the world as their best selves.
The result? A list of groundbreaking ideas ready to be tested in our research collaborative. But beyond the innovative solutions, what struck me most was the power of convening and community-building.
In just a few hours, we felt the impact of coming together—validation for the incredible work being done, newfound inspiration to lean into expertise, and commitments to more vulnerability, play, and intentional connections. Dr. Alan Daly reminded us: "This isn't fluffy; it's hard science guiding us in creating communities that let everyone flourish."
Yes, the pressure is real to stick with what's familiar, but the true power lies in working together. It helps us identify practices to keep, discard those not serving our communities, and cultivate new systems that foster trust, belonging, and flourishing for all. Let's keep this momentum going!
What models do you use so all students are building the skills and practices they need? Reply to this newsletter to share or tag me @katiemartinedu and #LCBrightSpots on social.
RESOURCE ROUNDUP
If all learners flourishing sounds like something you strive for in your classroom, school, district, state or community check out these resources.
1. Human flourishing. Did you know Harvard has a whole program devoted to human flourishing? Similar to our research collaborative it aims to integrate quantitative social sciences and humanities in order to promote human well-being.
2. The UCSD/LCC Research Initiative. Learn more about this unique research collaboration that combines research, practice, and the dissemination of research-based learnings.
