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My Big Questions:
My Big Questions:
How do students learn?
How can teachers teach their students in an inclusive way?
How can we build a learning community that encourages students to make mistakes?
The Solution
The Solution
After spending an entire year learning about the purpose of alternative learning strategies and working with my GSD classmates on passion projects, I constructed a list of qualities in a classroom that encourages learning through inquiry, passion, and mistakes.
Change the power dynamic in the classroom
Instead of teachers standing at the front of the classroom in every class, allow students to sit in a circles or groups with teachers participating as a "mentor" and "guide."
2. Allow students to take charge
Students are full of curiosities and passions. We can develop those big questions by encouraging students to express what they want to learn to the teacher, or allowing them to start the discussion.
3. Eliminate grade-based fear mongering
Most students want to learn and overcome challenges. Using grades as a motivating factor, or constantly referring to them in the classroom creates a false notion that students are only learning for the grade. Focusing on the subject matter and its importance creates a healthier learning environment.
4. Give constant flow of feedback
Students cannot learn if they are not given constant feedback. Learning objectives, goals, and progress should be discussed with the student so that the grading process is open, and nothing comes as a surprise.
The Method:
The Method:
Competency and Project-Based Learning Models
These learning models are emerging solutions that schools around the country are embracing. Competency and Project-Based Learning allows students to demonstrate a skill multiple times, whereas traditional testing measures our capabilities based on a single test. Competencies are assessed on projects and assignments constructed to allow students to apply their understanding of a particular subject.
But why are these methods important?
The old-school system lacks authenticity: students study to pass, not to learn. Students are tested on their ability to quickly memorize and regurgitate facts, while most of the information is lost after the exam. As a result, students get discouraged and lose interest.
The old-school system discourages mistakes. One bad test and it screws up your entire grade. Teaching students to fear failure is dangerous because it does not allow room for them to learn how to recover from those mistakes.
In addition, the old-school model is not inclusive. It does not allow all types of students to learn and grow. Introducing more "forward-thinking" approaches to learning will nurture those who have been traditionally left behind.
The Barriers I Faced:
The Barriers I Faced:
With any change, there is resistance. I realized that high schools cannot begin implementing new curricula that reflect contemporary teaching and grading strategies until parents start embracing the reality that the educational process is slowly transforming. Unless there are active conversations and widespread support from students and parents, it is almost impossible for schools to make this change.
My Action Project:
My Action Project:
I sought to...
Demystify new teaching concepts so it's not "scary"
Decrease resistance from teachers, administrators, and students
Speak with educators from around the world to start productive dialogue among education stakeholders
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