Build Student Agency with Blended Learning
Dear Fellow Colleagues and Administrators:
According to Michael B. Horn and Heather Staker, from their book called, Blended, Using Disruptive Innovation to Improve Schools, “An important part of student centered learning is that students develop a sense of agency, and ownership for their progress and a subsequent ability to guide their learning.” We need to take this opportunity to make a change in the elementary school classroom by empowering our students through a blended learning environment that includes a mixture of online learning activities, along with face to face classroom procedures. A way to improve our classrooms, using blended learning, is with a flex model where students alternate between different formats, such as, online learning using an LMS, or Learning Management System, small group direct instruction, and collaborative project based learning, which becomes more personalized to each student’s needs, and learning modes.
Flex models are different from other models because students will have a customized approach to their education, where not only do they use technology, but will have personalized activities that pertain to their particular learning needs, instead of systematically rotating to each available station not specific to what they need. Therefore, students don’t have to do the exact same thing, at the exact same time.
I propose to guide my students through the flex model, to help them find independence in their learning environment. We can meet the needs of all of our learners, and provide flexible learning paths using a hybrid model of online activities, and classroom methods. Students will have a choice in what they can complete, take ownership of their learning, gain a voice in their accomplishments, and apply their learning to the skills, and concepts that they will use in their own futures.
The benefits of using a flex model in a blended learning environment are for both students and teachers since students will have the ability to choose the time, place, path, and pace of their learning, so that they can have a positive impact on their own education. And, teachers will be able to support self-directed learning by helping and supporting their students, as needed, and making it valuable to each learner.
I am asking for the opportunity to implement a pilot of a flex model in a blended learning environment in my classroom this year, so that my students can become self-directed learners.
I plan to share this knowledge with fellow teachers, and educators that are interested in implementing an innovative change that supports driven learners, in their own classrooms, or at prospective schools.
Respectfully,
Jackie Bittner
Jackie Bittner M.Ed. 