First Steps

So our journey to Leading Innovative Change was well received during our initial conversation.  Sunny and I then began to think how we would make connections to all of the educators to do what is best for learners.  We wanted to gather data regarding how educators felt about giving their learners voice and choice.

We started by sharing Three Trends that Will Influence Learning and Teaching in 2016 by Debbie Morrison.  We felt this article provided the perspective of how learning is driving so many of the decisions being made by the learner, the owner of the learning.  Our learners no longer need to wait for a class period to access information when a device and connections are readily available to them at most any time.  A common question we keep asking ourselves is how are we writing tests that are not "google"able?

After reading the article we asked the educators to reflect using two different statements on a Padlet.  First, they needed to share an "I like" from the article where they agreed with or affirmed what they are already doing in their learning environment.  Second, we asked the educators to to share an, "I wonder" take away from the article in order to collect varying points of view, questions, or concerns regarding change.  Well thought out comments were shared by the educators demonstrating a desire for innovative change offset with slight hesitation of taking risks.

We then shared with educators one option of meeting diverse needs of learners through the use of menu boards.  Giving learners voice and choice can come in a variety of forms, but one form we have used in our district many times are menu boards.  When it comes time to creating a menu board, ask for help and suggestions!  Collaborating with similar content educators can also provide the resources when creating menus for learners.  Looking at Pinterest can be a great starting point when trying to create a menu board.  Menu options can vary from online tools and apps familiar to a classroom and those that are completely new and have not been used in a particular classroom before.  Learners will jump at the opportunity to support another learner, or educator, when tech support is needed.  And, YouTube is a must have, for me anyway, when I'm trying to learn a new tool.  I feel pretty confident moving around new tools, but when I get stuck the first place I go to find resolutions is YouTube!  I know I'm not the only one who has ever had a problem!!

At the end of the day, educators had been introduced to the possibilities of the learner-centered learning environment; and, being reminded how previously used tools such as a menu can promote student-centered learning while also providing a platform of differentiation.