Why am I writing this personal entry? Well, it is not an attempt to gain any sympathy. It attempts to show what is possible if a clear intention and goal serve the learner's needs. In May of 2022 just near the end of another fantastic school year, I do not remember what happened. But, I was unable to finish the school year and was unable to teach the following year. Why? On May 21st, 2022, I fell down a flight of 16 stairs (luckily carpeted) from the 2nd to 1st story of our home. I was found at the bottom of the stairs. I was found foaming at the mouth. This would lead to a 2-month hospital stay which included an induced coma because my seizures would not stop, several rounds of lumbar punctures, and relearning basic physical movements like something as simple as being able to roll in the hospital bed. Simply put, when I was admitted to the hospital, I was diagnosed as being “critically ill.” Please take a moment and read those words: critically ill. They are not terms that are
I have finally been able to start a book I’ve been wanting to start since it was released earlier this year, Students at the Center by Bena Kallick and Allison Zmuda. It is a great read so far. Lots of information that addresses the “what” and “how” of personalizing learning in the classroom. Just as importantly, it has lots of examples of what it looks like across a wide variety of classrooms. So, you’re bound to find an applicable example for your classroom or school. There is a lot in the book, so imagine I’ll have a few reflection posts as I continue reading.
But, what better place to start then with chapter 1. It outlines the 4 attributes of Personalized Learning. What I appreciate is that they are presented in a easy to grasp framework for teachers and learners.
When evaluating or framing an activity or unit, ask yourself where you are providing opportunities for these four elements.
Voice: You may have standards, but where do students have options to voice their ideas for specifics of within those broadly framed outcomes and routines? Students need to have a voice in what the classroom experience looks like for themselves.
C0-creation: Where is there room for teachers to conference with individual learners about their learning and goals? Strong relationships are the foundation for learners being willing to take risks in the classroom.
Social Construction: Where is there room for students to collaborate and share in order to construct understandings together and refine their own ideas? Personalized learning doesn’t mean learning happens in a silo. We can’t allow learners to lose the social aspects of learning.
Self-Discovery: Where are opportunities for learners to leverage their strengths, address challenges, and explore interests? We can’t teach students everything. We want to create lifelong learners. Every learner is an individual so they need to learn how they learn best.
Trust me, the book is much more eloquent on these points.
Honestly, this is just the first half of chapter 1. I haven't even addressed on habits of mind, yet! As I begin reflecting and planning for next school year, these are 4 areas I’ll be auditing and finding ways to strengthen in my classroom model at the course, unit, and lesson level.
Such a good collections thanks for sharing your valuable post.personalized learning and development
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Personalized learning is a transformative approach, distinct from seeking shortcuts like "take my test for me." It tailors education to individual needs, interests, and pace. This method empowers students, encouraging active engagement, deeper understanding, and lifelong enthusiasm for learning. It's a key to fostering well-rounded, self-driven scholars.
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