Professional Development

Podcast-Book Review

 Learner-Centered Innovation: Spark Curiosity, Ignite Passion and Unleash Genius by Katie Martin

Publisher: Impress, LP

Publication date: Originally published December 2017

My reasoning for selecting this book was because I had heard Katie Martin’s TedX Talk, and had heard her on education podcasts as a guest and was curious about what her book would be about. Additionally, I went through the list of books and Googled each one and marked the ones that aligned with the type of teacher I am trying to become. Overall, I chose her because I knew what her beliefs in education are and it aligns with mine. I am so glad that I picked this book, she had me remembering why I became a teacher. She also helped me discover that I was missing my autonomy at where I have been teaching for the past few years. This Ed Tech class has really helped me realize that I missed being able to use my talents and technology skills in the classroom. Crazy enough, I am switching schools in the FALL to gain that back.

Katie’s book is super motivational for teachers in that she is advocating for students to have access to technology in the classroom. She is calling teachers out that don’t integrate technology into student learning. I wanted to read her book to rediscover purpose, improve student engagement, and create more meaningful learning experiences. Her book discusses practical strategies and real-world examples for shifting from traditional, compliance-based teaching to a student-centered approach that fosters curiosity, voice, and ownership. It encourages teachers to build empowering classroom cultures, embrace lifelong learning, and lead change from within. By blending inspiration with actionable ideas, the book helps teachers make learning more relevant, personalized learning for their students. I like that she gave examples to make her points relevant and real. In the first chapter (and her TedX talk) she talked about how her brother did a backflip and didn’t land it but was happy because he had made progress towards his goal. Her son took the uncle's example and felt better about the struggles he had skiing that day. I think it is ok to be making progress. I know that starting out trying new innovative things will take time to fine tune them into effective activities. I really liked how often she loops back to the point of traditional schooling and how it is too constrictive for creative and curious learners. She puts student agency at the center of their opportunities to show proficiency. I think they all need choices in how they are going to demonstrate their understanding of the materials. I liked that she wants learner-centered environments for the 21st centery learner because those skills would transfer into lifelong skills. Her book had me rethinking how to run my classroom in the future and thinking about who else I needed to share her book with!