If you're aware of what's going on with technology, information, innovation and invention, you know it will never be the same again.
It will not be a slow, methodical, step by step change because the world is moving too fast for that. We need to take some leaps to correct the slow movement of the past few decades.
So, in my sphere, what can I do?
- Keep students' humanity and learning center stage.
- Work with close colleagues to rethink the way we do the work we do.
- Make time for passion: inspire the dreams, hopes, energy and vision students bring to school.
- Develop skill, and explore the most engaging, efficient ways to build those skills--enlist the support of students, parents and community members in this exploration.
- Foster metacognitive awareness and learning-to-learn mindsets and habits in students.
- Trust that students are natural learners and work as a servant to their needs, interests and passions.
- Make time for the intersection of ideas in the classroom--give students time to teach teachers and teach each other about new tools, strategies and ideas to make learning engaging, efficient and effective.
- Think deeply about the purpose and rationale for broad unit topics before embarking on those units. Then provide many avenues for students to develop skill, gain knowledge, create, explore and share.
- Work with students and families to strategize and choose optimal learning paths. Work to create an open door, open idea exchange attitude and action for the learning community: parents, students, community members, and school staff.
Those that guard the gates to protect children from the future guard in vain as education is quickly taking new shape and focus--shape and focus with amazing potential and possibility. It's time to get on board.
