Lindsay Krueger

“Tell me, and I’ll forget. Teach me, and I’ll remember. Involve me, and I’ll learn” (Franklin, n.d.).

Creating a new culture of learning involves embracing an approach that fosters meaningful

and transformative educational experiences. This approach encourages educators to move

away from traditional, rigid learning models and towards the creation of significant learning

environments (CSLE). In doing so, we can enhance the learning process, address key issues

in education, and drive innovation. Let's explore how this shift can be beneficial and what

fundamental ideas from "A New Culture of Learning" should be integrated into this

perspective. 

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In my innovation plan implementing ePortfolios in CTE classrooms, I am able to shift towards

creating significant learning environments that will allow my students to engage in deep,

meaningful learning experiences. These environments will promote critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity, which are essential 21st-century skills. Focusing on meaning and relevance makes my students more likely to retain knowledge and apply it in various contexts. Using ePortfolios allows my students to see the transformation of their learning and growth. Traditional education often struggles to engage students, especially in CTE classes, where practical skills are crucial. Creating a significant learning environment will allow me to design experiences that are more relevant to the real world, connecting classroom learning to actual career applications. This makes learning more engaging and meaningful for students. Significant learning environments will affect my innovation plan by encouraging choice, ownership, voice, and authentic learning "COVA" (Harapnuik, 2011). It will increase student engagement, motivating them, while also fostering peer collaboration. We will focus more on deep comprehension rather than memorization. Every student is unique, and traditional one-size-fits-all teaching methods often leave some students behind. Significant learning environments can be tailored to individual needs and learning styles, providing a more personalized learning experience. Preparing students for a rapidly changing job market requires them to develop skills for continuous learning.

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Challenges: Challenges in implementing these significant learning environments may include resistance to change, the need for professional development, and assessment concerns. These can be addressed by providing training for educators and involving them in the decision-making process. Also by demonstrating the benefits of this approach through success stories and data. Other challenges to the success of my plan is the access to technology, effective assessment and feedback. Supportive policies and a culture that encourages "COVA" are crucial. "When the COVA approach is combined with CSLE, you get a significant learning environment which takes into account all the key elements essential to effective active learning" (Harapnuik, 2018). These factors collectively create an environment where innovative ePortfolio implementation aligns with the goals of CTE, facilitating its effectiveness and enhancing student learning experiences.

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In the book "A New Culture of Learning" by Douglas Thomas and John Seely Brown, the authors emphasize the importance of embracing the principles of play, passion, and culture in education. To bring these ideas into CTE classes, educators can:

Encourage Exploration: Create an environment where students are encouraged to explore and experiment, enhancing their passion for learning, making learning an enjoyable, self-driven process. Encouraging students to explore and discover things helps them become more curious and less afraid of making mistakes. When students are allowed to explore and learn in their own way, they improve thinking critically and understanding different subjects. As Thomas and Brown state, "Only when we care about experimentation, play, and questions more that efficency, outcomes, and answers do we have a space that is truly open to the imagination. And where imaginations play, learning happens" (2011).

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Promote Connected Learning: Promote connected learning in CTE classrooms by integrating subjects, engaging with the real world, and empowering students to make meaningful connections between their education and future careers. Use technology to create a culture of collaboration and connectivity, allowing students to learn from each other. Encourage learners to connect with diverse peers and mentors to foster a broader understanding of subjects. 

 

Embrace Change: As Thomas and Brown state,"Change motivates and challenges. Change forces us to learn differently" (2011). We need to be open to adapting and evolving the learning environment to suit the needs of students. When promoting my innovation project, I plan to use my Influencer and 4DX strategies to encourage teachers and stakeholders to support my ideas. Effective communication is essential, whether it's clarifying expectations, dealing with resistance, or aligning stakeholders.

 

The adoption of significant learning environments can transform our school district substantially. It can promote a culture of continuous improvement, increase student engagement and achievement, and prepare students for a rapidly changing world. By adopting this perspective, we can attract students seeking an innovative and meaningful learning experience, potentially increasing interest in our CTE courses. It can also lead to improved outcomes, which may attract more funding and support from our community.

 

To encourage broad and holistic thinking, it's crucial to promote interdisciplinary learning and emphasize the correlation of knowledge. Encouraging students to tackle complex, real-world problems can help them see the bigger picture and think holistically. Encouraging individuals to think more broadly or holistically involves fostering a growth mindset and emphasizing the value of lifelong learning. This perspective can become foundational in shaping learning philosophies and actions.

 

The perspective of creating significant learning environments has the potential to become a foundational philosophy in education. It aligns with the shift towards student-centered learning and lifelong skill development, which are increasingly recognized as essential in the 21st century. By emphasizing deep understanding, adaptability, and a passion for learning, it can fundamentally influence learning philosophy and actions, making education more relevant and effective. This shift towards creating significant learning environments is essential for staying relevant in education. The information I've provided can guide our district in reshaping its educational approach, improving learning outcomes, and ultimately making a positive impact on students' lives. By adopting this perspective, our district can influence not just its own practices but also the broader educational community, helping to create a culture of learning that truly prepares students for the future.

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References:

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Duplessis, J. (1785). Benjamin Franklin, [Digital photograph]. Retrieved from https://npg.si.edu/learn/classroom-resource/benjamin-franklin-1706%E2%80%931790 adapted by Lindsay Krueger.

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Franklin, B. (n.d.). "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn". Retrieved from https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/benjamin_franklin.html

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Harapnuik, D. (2018). COVA. It's About Learning. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6991

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Thomas, D., & Brown, J. S. (2011). A new culture of learning: Cultivating the imagination for a world of constant change. Lexington, KY: CreateSpace.