How can shifting to creating significant learning environments enhance learning?
In today’s world, information and learning is easily accessible, thanks to technology. Learning is about really knowing something, and then being able to apply it to your own life. According to Dr. Harapnuik, in COVA: Inspire Learning through Choice, Ownership, Voice, and Authentic Experiences, creating significant learning environments, CSLE, can enhance learning by making it more engaging, purposeful, and personalized for students (Harapnuik & Thibodeaux, 2023). “If you really want to help people embrace an ever changing future you need to help them learn how to learn and prepare them to be adaptable, flexible, and innovative” (Harapnuik & Thibodeaux, 2023). I believe this flexible approach is more effective than a traditional learning environment because it allows students to take on a more active role in their learning, through fun, interactive, hands-on methods. “You need to create a significant learning environment (CSLE) in which you give your learners choice, ownership, and voice through authentic learning opportunities (COVA) that equips them to learn how to learn” (Harapnuik & Thibodeaux, 2023). For example, math lessons on place value can be connected to real world tasks, like planning a grocery shopping budget, making learning more meaningful and relevant to students’ daily lives. Students have the opportunity to learn in different ways that fit how they learn best, whereas a traditional learning approach often treats all students the same. Shifting to creating a significant learning environment will positively impact my innovation plan by supporting a blended learning approach that allows for flexibility in the classroom, encourages project based learning, and uses a learning management system that helps students learn more effectively.
What fundamental ideas from A New Culture of Learning will you bring to your environment?
In A New Culture of Learning, by Thomas and Brown, it is shared that learning happens in various ways, such as learning through play, community, questioning, and change (2011). For instance, learning through play allows students to explore and experiment with fun and engaging projects, or activities. I agree with this approach because students do not just learn on their own, but they learn in pairs, and groups, so that they can collaborate and share ideas with one another. As a math teacher, I encourage my students to brainstorm, and problem solve in groups, where they can read the question to design a plan, and come up with steps that they want to take to create a solution. Students have discussions with each other, and ask guiding questions, to spark their own interests and curiosity. This process helps them discover answers on their own, rather than relying on me to ask all the questions, and give them all the answers. Together, they can explore deeper questions than, “What do you know?”, and “What do you wonder?” “We can see that learning is taking place in day-to-day life through the fusion of vast informational resources with very personal, specific needs and actions” (Thomas & Brown, 2011). I believe this will allow my students to adapt to the challenges, take in the new knowledge, and information, so that they can harness change and easily accept the way the world is always adjusting, and fluctuating. Change is a part of life, and the sooner they understand that reality the better they can handle difficult situations that may come their way. I have seen that this mentality helps students continue to work hard, and to not give up when something does not go their way. It builds resilience for their future.
“What we learn with pleasure we never forget.” — Alfred Mercier
What will be your main challenges and how will you address those challenges?
I think the main change in transforming to creating significant learning environments from traditional classroom settings, is the focus from teacher-centered to student-centered. In a traditional setting the teacher is the person in control of how learning is done, and would need to be able to give up this role to incorporate more of a supportive, facilitator role (Harapnuik & Thibodeaux, 2023). A difference is “the teaching-based approach focuses on teaching us about the world, while the new culture of learning focuses on learning through engagement within the world” (Thomas & Brown, 2011). In summary, it allows for more student choice, ownership, voice, and authentic learning in a dynamic classroom that gives students the ability to take on a more active role in their own learning journey (Harapnuik & Thibodeaux, 2023). I believe that technology would need to be a part of this change, as well as, providing project based learning options, that tie in engaging lessons, that encourage students to have active participation in their education. In my classroom, we use Schoology, for our learning management system, where we have parts of the lessons that the students can access on their own using their own devices, or after they meet with me in a small group to gain a better understanding of the concepts. Another thing that is offered is for them to pick a project that they want to work on to connect what they have learned from the lesson, and can show their understanding in a different way. With this, they can have a more hands-on approach, design and construct solutions to problems that they can relate to by showing their creativity, and imagination.
What impact will adopting the perspective of creating significant learning environments have?
Adopting the perspective of creating significant learning environments will have positive impacts in a classroom for all, like increased engagement, flexibility, collaboration, and personalization (Harapnuik & Thibodeaux, 2023). Per Thomas and Brown, when students think that learning is fun, then they tend to participate, and enjoy what they are learning, so that allows for more student engagement (2011). Flexibility will improve because teachers will facilitate, or guide, students, and learning will fit more of what the student needs versus only what the teacher wants the student to learn. In my classroom, students will be allowed to freely talk to and work with others, so that they can gain teamwork experiences, share ideas, or reflections on what they learned from the activity, or project. I believe this will help them to feel successful since their interests, and needs will be met. Learning can relate more to what happens in the real world and students can make a connection with what they are learning, to what goes on in their day to day. “Furthermore, everything-and everyone-around us can be seen as resources for learning” (Thomas & Brown, 2011).
“Everything is a learning experience.” — Angus T. Jones
How can we get people to think so broadly or holistically?
A New Culture of Learning, by Thomas and Brown, explains that we can get students to think broadly or holistically by encouraging creative thinking, and experimentation (2011). We can see problems and solutions in different ways, and emphasize that there is not just one way of doing things. We can integrate learning scenarios to real life issues, and interconnect the ideas of problem solving, and become more solution oriented (Thomas and Brown, 2011). We can promote collaboration, and understanding the different viewpoints, and perspectives to get an image of the bigger picture. “The goal is for each of us to take the world in and make it part of ourselves” (Thomas and Brown, 2011). When my students are given the time to share with each other, they can reflect on what is learned, and have a deeper discussion to support teamwork among those that have common goals. Coaching, guiding, and leading by example will inspire others to work together towards the end in mind. Making connections and fostering an environment that promotes curiosity and wonder will help. Everyone wants to be successful, so allow them to learn and grow, and provide needed support to get them there.
Is your perspective broad enough to become a foundational perspective that will influence your learning philosophy and your actions?
Yes, I believe that my perspective is broad enough to become a foundational perspective that will influence my learning philosophy and actions because it views learning as ongoing and interactive, and relates it to the real world, keeps students actively engaged, and provides opportunities that link to their personal interests. My students’ needs and passions can be addressed, there is flexibility in their learning environment, and transforms into a student centered approach with this view point. In my classroom, technology is included in this environment, as well as collaborative, project-based opportunities that allow classmates to team up, learn, and work together. The main focus is on feedback, improvement, and change. This is a dynamic foundation that incorporates continuous, relevant, and meaningful development. This type of environment will better support the needs of all students and positively improve their educational journey. Success comes from growth and development. Learning new things, making progress, and changing for the better will over time help all students feel a deep sense of accomplishment, or fulfillment.
References
Harapnuik, D. & Thibodeaux, T. (2023). COVA: Inspire Learning through Choice, Ownership, Voice, and Authentic Experiences. Amazon.com Services.
Thomas, D. & Brown, J. S. (2011). A New Culture of Learning: Cultivating the Imagination for a World of Constant Change. Soulellis Studio. New York, NY.
Jackie Bittner M.Ed. 