Schooling is experiencing an extraordinary disruption and, as usual, our Learn Forward school leadership is asking, “What matters most?” Of course, our answer, “Student learning.” So, we are re-working and expanding the definitions. This is as natural as peanut butter and jelly because the learning ‘journey’ is always the best part for us!
While COVID19 shut down in-class instruction, our Learn Forward community is clarifying learning definitions, amidst this disruption. We’re talking with advisors, digesting in leadership team meetings, and re-examining our culture of learning.
Like every school and school system, Learn Forward puts learning at the centre. So, what makes our philosophy distinct? Let’s explore what matters most in learning right now.
Learning is central.
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We are noticing:
- new roles and responsibilities emerging in the learning process,
- learning that is more holistic than ever,
- the lines blurring between formal and informal learning,
- the expansion of the places we define for learning,
- nature becoming one of our powerful teachers, and
- curiosity is in the driver’s seat.
Here is an actionable set of ways to reconsider learning, even though schools are closed!
Remembering, for certain, it is always a journey…
Our Roles at the Table are Shifting
Learn Forward posits that we all are at the Table of Learning: students, educators, and parents. Now, our roles are changing. We are all still dining at the table and learning a TON!
Currently, students are owning their journey in powerfully new ways. For some students who struggled to find their way within the competitive and comparative environment of the classroom, this newfound freedom is refreshing. For others, they are growing into independence as parents juggle working and schooling. Ultimately, they are capable. Their learning is more self-directed now.
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Teachers are relegated to a distance. That has the potential to invite students to step forward and discover their own learning path. It must be designed to be an invitation or a provocation, rather than a checklist of activities, assignments, or worksheets.
Parents are engaged in all-new ways. Whilst the emotions run high for parents, it is a good journey. We benefit from seeing it up close and personal. We are learning too! It’s scary, but everyone will benefit.
What is your role at the Table? What part of that role makes you feel at ease? Or, are you losing your sanity? Why? How can we discover new opportunities amidst this shifting definition?
Listening and Following Curiosity
Does this feel overwhelming? Where to start? Of course, start with the child.
Listen deeply to what is intriguing, sparking, or motivating the child.
Where is imagination alive?
If WWII’s Battle of Midway is more captivating than today’s assignment, then follow the child. If you have an emotional or unmotivated child, then wait for Play to do His work of unfolding curiosity. Then, the child can lead. Don’t be afraid to “let up” and give space for the questionings to unfurl. This is the womb of creativity.
The action is easy, give yourself the freedom to be flexible! Whether you are an educational leader, teacher, parent, or student, what would it look like to follow your curiosity during this time?
Next week, we’ll chat about two additional ways our definitions of learning are widening. They are steeped in generations of wisdom and learning theory: Indigenous conceptions of learning and Dewey.
I’m looking forward to digesting more…
For the sake of the children,
Karine Veldhoen
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