[agykeen]

in reply to: Learning Communities and Engagement #9956

I think by actively sharing in our learning communities, teachers build a professional connection that is centered around the student. When a building’s main focus can be on student learning and the success of the student, because they feel all the teachers are on the same page, the energy and connections throughout the building become contagious.

[agykeen]

in reply to: Learning Communities and Engagement #9955

I think students need to be given an opportunity to explore and name their learning style preference in order to successfully drive their own learning. When students can name things, they have a better understanding of them, and thus a better understanding of how to best meet their needs as a learner (and drive their own learning). I think this should be a gradual process. Throwing all 6 types of learning into a few lessons will be overwhelming to them. In my opinion this process would best start in the 5th grade and then gradually be complete by the time they leave middle school. Not only will they have a better understanding of their learning style, but the freedom they begin to have as they reach high school in selecting classes and content that they feel connected to, will best drive their learning.
By establishing PLC’s as John Hattie states, we can continue to grow student learners. In my opinion it is like having multiple coaches on a team. Each one of them plays a vital role in the player’s success, but their “jobs” can look very different. This is where it is very similar to Amy Berry’s engagement continuum. By having multiple people looking out for the best needs of the player (student) they can determine where that individual is on the continuum and what best supports can be provided to them. By collaborating together, they can get a more holistic view of the student and not just a one dimensional approach. Students change drastically throughout the day. From being tired to hungry, to medicine kicking in or wearing off, to the dynamic of a certain class, to many more, all of these factors greatly impact student learning. By having teachers work together to best identify strategies and skills to meet the needs of each student, students will feel empowered to drive their own learning.

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