A New Culture of Learning
In a world that's constantly evolving, our education system needs to adapt and evolve alongside it. The needs of our students have shifted significantly over the years, so a one-size-fits-all approach to teaching is not effective. We must customize our methods to meet the diverse educational needs of each student and equip them for the evolved world they will face after completing their education.
From the day they are born, children learn naturally from everything around them, with the world acting as their classroom. Then, what changes as they begin formal schooling? We're stuck in a learning model where most knowledge comes from the teacher through lectures, and then students are tested on what they've remembered. A “New Culture of Learning” by Douglas Thomas and John Seely Brown states that there are two elements needed for a shift in the way our students learn. First, “a massive information network that provides almost unlimited access to resources to learn about anything” (Thomas & Brown, 2011, p. 74). The teacher should no longer be the main source of knowledge. As I develop my Innovation Plan to implement the rotational model of blended learning in the classroom, a goal is to transform the teacher's role from that of a content provider to a facilitator of learning and allowing students to gain knowledge from a variety of resources.
In this blended learning program, students will engage through exploration and collaboration in an environment tailored to their needs. Often, we overlook one of the most valuable resources students have, each other. Students often learn more from their classmates than from the teacher repeating the same information multiple times. So why not use this to our advantage? This approach will help cultivate lifelong learners who explore their interests, develop a love for learning, and succeed in diverse educational settings, knowing they have the resources all around them to support their growth.
By shifting the teacher's role in the learning environment, we also transform the student's role, giving them ownership of their own learning. Thomas and Brown state that the second element needed is “a bounded and structured environment that allows for unlimited agency to build and experiment” (2011). By combining the COVA Approach to learning and the rotational model of blended learning in my innovation plan, students are given choice and ownership to express their voice and learn at their own pace. We create a learner-centered environment where students begin to take a meaningful interest in their own education.
One challenge we will encounter in making this shift is granting control to the students. As educators, we aim to ensure student understanding by repeating information in the same way, reflecting traditional teaching methods. This approach tends to focus on memorization rather than fostering a deeper understanding of the concepts. I believe the most effective way to address this challenge is to demonstrate it in practice. By starting with just one classroom, teachers can visually observe the collaboration, learning, and growth taking place. I believe that, given the current educational landscape, we all recognize that traditional teaching methods are falling short in preparing students for real-world challenges. As the world changes, our approaches to education must evolve as well.
Creating a Significant Learning Environment (CSLE) in our organization will significantly impact our students. As a Title 1 elementary school, I believe it’s crucial for us to lead the way. How students perceive school and learning begins on their very first day. We must cultivate a love of learning early on and engage students in their education as soon as possible. Furthermore, by giving students ownership of their learning from an early age, we will be fostering lifelong learners who are equipped to thrive in various environments throughout their lives.
References
Harapnuik, D., & Thibodeaux, T. (2023). COVA: Inspire learning through choice, ownership, voice, and authentic experiences. Learner's Mindset Publishing.
TEDx Talks. (2012, September 13). A New Culture of Learning, Douglas Thomas at
TEDxUFM [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM80GXlyX0U
Thomas, D., & Brown, J. S. (n.d.). A new culture of learning: Cultivating the imagination for a world of constant change (1st ed.). CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.