Beyond Remote Learning

Remote learning brought many things to the surface, giving us all an opportunity to realize that real change is not only important but necessary as we move forward. We've seen that our learners must be given the opportunity to drive their learning and we must design experiences that not only engage but empower them to make connections beyond the walls of the classroom. That being said, what will the new normal look like? I believe that it will involve students being given opportunities to learn both at school and at home. While some will return to the classroom in a way that is similar to what was known before, the reality is that many will not. Students may be required to learn from home some days and return to the classroom on other days. The unknown is a little intimidating, but doesn't have to be if we use what we know to plan for what we don't.

I've always shared this model as a way for educators to plan daily experiences. It just makes sense to me. I believe that if we can shift our mindsets to designing weekly cross-curricular, blended experiences that require learners to dive deep into content while practicing life-ready and social-emotional skills, we will begin to realize the power of student-driven learning.

Designing learning experiences this way will result in our students being able to learn regardless of where they are. If they are in the classroom, educators will be able to support and facilitate learning while helping with things that are difficult to understand. When students are at home, they can explore, create, and learn through the connections that can be made beyond the walls of the classroom.

More information on this idea as well as resources and content will be coming soon. Stay tuned and remember...this is a mess, let's make it meaningful!

Weekly Learning Example

The great thing about this model is that it is so flexible. Below is ONE example of what this might look like. Every situation will be different and what works for one educator might not work for another. I simply what you to see what this could look like and how you can use these pieces to design an experience that makes sense and will result in real learning.

I believe that collaboration among educators in an effort to create cross-curricular experiences will be important. Expecting learners to work within each content area may be too much to ask. However, designing an experience that weaves in a variety of content as well as life-ready and social-emotional skills has the potential to change the way we plan both now and in the future.

Monday - Students receive their Weekly Experience Topic and opportunity to ENGAGE from their teacher. . This might be a hook, a video, a clue, a game, whatever might most likely encourage them to WANT to learn more.

Tuesday/Wednesday - Students will be given the opportunity to learn either in the classroom or at home through an EXPERIENCE. This might be a video from their teacher, small group mini-lesson, or an activity that requires them to learn by doing. The word experience simply implies that whatever is done during this time should leave an impression.

Thursday/Friday - Learners will be EMPOWERED as they are asked to apply what they've learned in some way beyond the walls of the classroom, practice the idea through application in the classroom, as well as receive support that is needed if they were unable to understand what was shared.

Enrichment and Encouragement should be planned as part of the experience. This prevents gifted learners from being an afterthought and educators being caught off guard when learners don't understand the content. Being proactive will result in an experience that will impact EVERY learner and provide the opportunity for real learning to take place.

This model simply helps educators think through what needs to be present in order for a learning experience to be meaningful. It can be used as a template but it is important to also see it as a mindset that has the potential to maximize the learning experience. To learn more, visit the Home Page or connect with me at andimcnair.com.

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