Into the Driver's Seat

Brian shares how he transformed his classroom to a learner-centered environment and what happened in the process with his learners. Here is a glimpse of his journey:

"As teachers, it is difficult to let go of control and to let our learners find the best ways for them to achieve content and curriculum goals. To be clear, our role in the classroom needs to change, and I think the trend in education is moving the correct direction--achieving and creating a learner-driven, personalized atmosphere is the key. Providing learners with the tools to succeed should be the goal, and we should focus on allowing them to use those tools in the way that works best individually. Instead of providing the blueprint for learners to achieve a goal, educators should be allowing and guiding them in designing, developing, and implementing their plan for accomplishing it. When this happens, drastic changes take place regarding engagement in our classrooms and ownership of learning appears, leading to a higher level of achievement."

One of the most difficult parts of our jobs as educators is to create a learning environment where our learners are engaged and meet content and curriculum goals. From my experience, the single most important challenge that needs to be addressed to earn engagement in our classrooms is to develop a culture of learner autonomy--allowing and encouraging learners to take control of their own learning. There are many barriers that we, as educators, must work to clear in order to create a strong culture that allows our learners to feel comfortable with working toward a common goal in the way that works best for them.

- See more at: http://www.personalizelearning.com/2016/02/making-shift-to-our-classroom.html#sthash.Fe2mNysX.dpuf

Learn more / En savoir plus / Mehr erfahren:

https://gustmees.wordpress.com/2015/12/27/what-are-the-best-ways-of-teaching-and-learning-ideas-and-reflections/

We are excited to announce the Personalize Learning Webinar Series. We frequently receive questions on "Where is Personalize Learning Happening?" and "What Does it Look Like?". This webinar series offers an opportunity for you to talk directly with educators,  learners and thought leaders around the world who create and learn in personalized learning environments.

> Nov 12th, 5pm ET - Mount Abraham Union M/HS, VT, featuring Personalized Learning Coaching Staff and Robin Kuhns, HS Learner

> Dec 7th, 5pmET - The Inquiry Hub, British Columbia featuring David Truss and The Inquiry Hub learners

> Jan 21st - The Motivation Equation presented by Kathleen Cushman

Don't miss these top 10 blog posts from 2015, the year of the learner! Topics that put the learner at the center of education attracted thousands of readers worldwide. Enjoy and share!

Great article - makes clear the difference between differentiation, individualisation and personalisation - and also clearly lays out some ways to gradually lead your students - and your teaching - towards more personalised approaches for your students. Great framework for those keen on potential of PBL/Design Thinking but wanting to know how to get from where they are now to where they want their class/students to be.

Personalize Learning in 6 steps by ISTE