"Student ownership," "student-centered learning," "lifelong learners;" these are educational buzzwords you might have heard at school. What they mean is that we, as teachers, are working to give you the tools to take charge of your own learning!
What are you talking about, Ms. Carlson?
From a student's point of view, this means that you have the opportunity to study what you like, meet the standards in the ways that you enjoy, and, except for a few administrative necessities (Common Quarterly Exams and the like), be assessed on what you want. From a teacher's point of view, student-centered learning means "doing school" in a way that teachers have never done before! As a teacher, I am trying to figure out what those buzzwords are supposed to look like in our classroom. (Any suggestions would be much appreciated.) Why are we doing this?
Research shows that this approach creates more student learning, is more enjoyable for students, and teaches students how to be in charge of their own learning for the rest of their lives which benefits their mental, physical, & economic health. So far, it has also been a lot of fun for this teacher!
How do we do this?
There will be difficulties and hiccups to this approach. We will all have to pull together and help one another to make it work. I have created a "Student-Ownership Rubric" to help us understand this. Please feel free to comment, anonymously if you wish, on the document if you can see ways to improve it. Remember, everyone can view your comments; follow The Warrior Way in this, as in all things.
*sigh* Just tell me what to do, already!
Okay, Padawan. When you get to class: 1. Check Power School.
Do you have overdue assignments when you click on Q4?
Do you know what is due this Friday?
2. Check your email.
Can you find the instructions for your assignments?
Are there any other announcements?
3. Make a SMART Goal for class.
Specific- What assignment or part of an assignment are you working on?
Measurable- How will you know when you have completed this goal?
Attainable- Can you complete this goal during the class period? (The answer should be "Yes!")
Relevant- Does this goal have something to do with Language Arts or Social Studies? (The answer here should also be "Yes!"
Timely- How long will it take you to complete this goal? (Maybe you can complete more than one in a class period.)
4. Get to work!
If you have questions that cannot be answered by reading your email or checking with your peers, ask your teacher!
If you need a quieter space, find one. Mrs. Stading's classroom & Mr. Klaitch's classroom are available.
5. Have fun!
Students who are caught up on work may enjoy any of the classroom's games, toys, and art supplies. Please check with the teacher for missing work first. Nintendo is for Friday only.
I hope everyone had a great Spring Break! See you tomorrow!