What is your vision for the days, years to come? Where are you headed on your learning/teaching path?
Before I embark on the Deeper Learning MOOC and as I consider my teaching/learning efforts, I want to take a few minutes to strengthen my vision for the year/years to come. I have queried leadership about the vision as well so that I can make sure that my work is inline with the system I work for as well.
I've broken my vision down into categories.
Writing
Writing remains an integral focus of my grade level. Our team is employing SRSD this year which is a powerful strategy for learning and a strategy that empowers students' writing efforts. I will continue to invest in developing my own writing, learning about the teaching of writing, trying new strategies, and employing multiple tools and projects to forward students writing in ways that are engaging and profitable.
Reading and Research
I will continue to be on the lookout for the best books and best strategies for enhancing students' online and offline reading and research. I will advocate for greater use of digital books since those books make reading/research more accessible to many.
Math
I will continue to look for ways to invigorate students' mathematical thinking, enthusiasm, and fluency. I want to continue my own study in this area with a focus on the underpinnings of math--why we study math, what happens to the brain as we learn math, and how we can foster apt math growth and development. I also want to create more opportunities for interdisciplinary study that embeds mathematical standards and practice.
Project Base Learning
I will continue to employ this approach, and continue to look for the best umbrella topics--topics which are age appropriate, timely, and interesting to young students. I will also look for ways to enhance this study so that students are "learning to learn" with terrific tools, strategies, and processes--constructs that they will be able to use as they continue down their many learning paths.
Learning Design
I hope to continue my study of learning design with a focus on brain science, the best tools, and optimal strategies for meaningful, deep learning. The next step for this is the Deeper Learning MOOC.
Collaboration
To continue to think about and develop my skill as a collaborative team member. As I've noted many times this is a challenge since schools are just beginning to create optimal constructs for forward moving collaboration and collaborative learning design. I also want to think more carefully about my writing and share, as I want the posts I write, words I share, and consult I give to help forward educator's work to teach children well. Similarly, I want to continue to consult the writing, work, and ideas of others to best my own work for children's benefit.
In summary, the vision is to continue to focus on the same areas but to grow those ares with greater research, and more tailored strategies, processes, and materials/tools.
