Why Reimagine Learning Now?
Written by Kelli Marcus
Reimagining Learning: A Year of Purposeful Change
Hey there! Ever feel like the world our students are growing up in is moving at warp speed, while our classrooms are sometimes stuck in slow motion? You're likely not alone in that observation. Consider the rapid evolution in how information is accessed, connections are formed, and even the landscape of future careers. This prompts a crucial question: are the learning experiences we are currently providing truly equipping our students for success in this dynamic and complex world?
"We need to shift from a system that sorts and selects to one that ignites passion and unleashes potential in every learner." ~Ted Dintersmith
Welcome to the initial phase of our "Reimagining Learning Journey." Over the coming months, we will explore various perspectives and practical strategies aimed at bridging this potential gap. While the concept of "change" can sometimes evoke apprehension, perhaps recalling past initiatives, our focus here is not on dismantling existing structures. Instead, we aim to thoughtfully examine our current practices, acknowledge what is effective, and then consider how we might adapt and evolve to better serve our students' needs.
My intention for this series is to foster a collaborative dialogue, a space for us as educators to connect, share insights, and perhaps even rediscover the inherent wonder of learning, both for our students and ourselves. So, please take a moment to settle in as we begin by exploring a fundamental question: Why is this the opportune time to engage in a significant re-evaluation of education?
The impetus for a shift in education extends beyond fleeting trends; it arises from a tangible sense that traditional methodologies may not consistently meet the demands of today's learners. Reflect on the historical model, often designed for a more predictable era with less readily available information. In contrast, our current students are digital natives, navigating a constant influx of data, and the competencies they will require to flourish emphasize critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and effective collaboration over mere factual recall.
It's important to clarify that advocating for change does not imply a dismissal of the valuable contributions and dedicated efforts of experienced educators. Rather, it is a recognition that while core principles of effective pedagogy remain essential, the frameworks and approaches through which these principles are enacted must adapt to the evolving educational landscape. The integration of digital technologies, for instance, presents unprecedented opportunities for personalized learning, access to diverse resources, and collaborative knowledge construction – possibilities that were not as readily available in previous times.
Furthermore, the skills increasingly recognized as vital for success in the 21st century extend beyond content knowledge. Critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration are now widely acknowledged as crucial competencies. Traditional educational models, with their historical emphasis on individual assessment and direct content delivery, may not always cultivate these essential skills to the necessary depth.
"Education should be a process of discovery, not delivery." ~Sir Ken Robinson
Consider also the increasing diversity within our student populations. Learners enter our classrooms with a wide array of backgrounds, experiences, and learning preferences. A uniform approach risks leaving some students feeling disengaged or underserved. The rationale for change, therefore, is not about discarding established practices, but about building upon them with a more refined and responsive understanding of how learning occurs and what our students need to excel in the world they will shape.
The significance of these considerations becomes evident when we observe the impact of more contemporary approaches in real educational settings. Educators who have integrated student-centered projects often report increased levels of student enthusiasm and a more profound grasp of concepts. When learning experiences are perceived as relevant and connected to their lives, students demonstrate greater investment, evident in their inquiries, their innovative thinking, and their persistence in overcoming challenges.
Conversely, a continued reliance solely on traditional methods can lead to student disengagement, a perception of learning as a passive obligation rather than an active pursuit. As dedicated educators, witnessing this can be disheartening. Moreover, the evolving world demands more than just the retrieval of information; our students will need to be agile thinkers, effective collaborators, and innovative problem-solvers.
Imagine a learning environment where students are grappling with authentic, real-world challenges, such as developing sustainable solutions for their school or local community. In such contexts, they are not merely memorizing facts; they are actively applying knowledge, collaborating with peers, and cultivating essential 21st-century skills. Or consider a teacher strategically leveraging technology to offer varied pathways for students to explore complex ideas, thereby accommodating diverse learning styles and paces.
These are not merely aspirational concepts; they represent practical shifts that are contributing to enhanced outcomes for students – not only in terms of academic achievement but also in their self-assurance, their sense of agency, and a lasting appreciation for learning. This ongoing journey of reimagining education is fundamentally about cultivating these meaningful and impactful experiences for all our learners.
To facilitate our initial reflection, I have prepared a guide titled "Considering Our Learners: Guiding Questions for Educators." This is intended not as an evaluation tool, but rather as a framework to encourage thoughtful examination of our current practices and to identify potential areas for exploration and growth.
Purpose: This guide aims to stimulate your individual and collective reflection on how effectively our current educational approaches are meeting the diverse needs of our students and preparing them for the complexities of the future.
How to Use It: Take some time to review these questions independently, perhaps noting initial thoughts. Subsequently, consider sharing your reflections with a colleague or within your team. The objective is to foster open dialogue and explore the insights that emerge from our collective consideration.
Some Initial Steps to Consider:
Dedicate some time this week to individually reflect on one or two of these questions that particularly resonate with your current context.
Initiate a conversation with a colleague during a planning period or break to discuss your perspectives on one of the questions.
Consider proposing one of these questions as a starting point for discussion during your next team meeting or professional learning community.
Reflecting on the initial question of whether our classrooms are truly keeping pace with the evolving world marks the beginning of an important journey of educational reimagination.
Reflective Question: As you review the "Considering Our Learners" guide, what is one question that sparks the most significant reflection for you at this time?
Sources Informing Our Thinking:
Couros, G., & Novak, K. (2019). Innovate inside the box. IMPress.
Dintersmith, T. (2019). What school could be: Insights and inspiration from teachers across America. Edu21c Foundation.
National Research Council. (2000). How people learn: Brain, mind, experience, and school: Expanded edition. National Academies Press.
Robinson, K. (2015). Creative schools: Revolutionizing education from the ground up. Viking.
Further Exploration
21st-century skills:
Student engagement:
Student-centered learning approaches:
Try this next: In our subsequent post, we will explore how even though the change we're discussing can feel challenging, it is indeed possible. We'll address some of the common emotions that arise when trying new things – such as fear, overwhelm, and inertia – and offer hope, practical starting points, and examples of small but significant shifts that educators are successfully implementing.
