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My Learning Manifesto

My Passion in Education

Ever since I can remember, I have had a passion for learning.  From my elementary science projects and my middle school research based classes, to my graduate school literature review last semester, I have loved it all; the research, the collaboration, and the acquisition of new knowledge. As an educator and an adult student, I now realize what all these amazing learning experiences had in common. I was in charge of my own learning! I had choice and voice through authentic learning opportunities, creating a sense of ownership and pride in my work. 

As a teacher and current graduate student, I have learned from my own educational experiences, and have vowed to be the kind of educator that creates fun, authentic, and student-centered learning experiences that students will remember for years to come.

 

Issues in Education

Unfortunately, not all my learning experiences were positive ones like mentioned above. I also had classes where the “learning” was basically the copying, memorizing, and regurgitation of information. These teacher-centered classes did not provide authentic learning opportunities, instead they were rigid and monotonous. Their only goal was to pass a test, even if only memorization had taken place. These classes were not tapping into my full potential as a student or preparing me for my future.  

According to Dewey (1940), “The world is moving at a tremendous rate. Going no one knows where. We must prepare our children, not for the world of the past. Not for our world. But for their world. The world of the future." Although this quote was stated over eighty years ago, no major or significant change has been made to our current educational system. Today’s schools were designed over a century ago to standardize the way we teach and test. (Horn & Staker, 2015) Factors such as standardized testing and moving students from grade to grade on a fixed schedule creates a one size fits all approach. This has continued the very rigid and antiquated educational system of the past and is not conducive for the world of the future. Students must be able to learn how to learn, collaborate with others, and become self directed, life-long learners that will be prepared for their future. 

Another current issue in education is the use of technology as a quick fix. In recent years, many districts have rushed to buy every student a digital device thinking that it will improve learning and achievement, but adding a digital device to the classroom without a fundamental change in the culture of teaching and learning will not lead to significant improvement (November, 2013). If used correctly though, technology can be used as a catalyst, or a tool that sparks significant change in learning.

 

Blended Learning:

Personalizing the Future of Education 

According to Harapnuik et al., (2018), there is no denying that the standardized model of instruction proved to be an efficient way to get a large number of students to move into the industrial age, but we have progressed into the digital age where the challenges and opportunities that we face will not be met by a standardized learning model.  He further states that if we really want to help students embrace an ever-changing future, we must create a significant learning environment (CSLE) in which we give our learners choice, ownership, and voice through authentic learning opportunities (COVA) (Harapnuik et al., 2018). By focusing on creating a student-centered learning model that provides students with choice, ownership, and voice, through authentic learning opportunities (COVA) first, we can ensure that the learning takes precedence. Then, students can learn to use the technology as a tool to enhance their learning. 

For the last four months, I have been working alongside my classmates and colleagues, Veronica Balli and Ileana Reyna, to create a blended learning model with personalized and targeted instruction that we believe will lead to higher engagement and student achievement in our organization. Our vision is to provide students with a learning model that is tailored to their specific needs. One that will give them choice, ownership, and voice through authentic learning opportunities, putting them in charge of their own learning and making teachers the guides or facilitators.  We plan to harness the power of technology to enhance learning which will enable students to choose the path and/or pace of their knowledge acquisition, once again giving them control over their learning. 

 

Conclusion

As mentioned above, when I was in charge of my own learning and had choice and voice through authentic learning opportunities scattered throughout my educational journey, it created a sense of ownership and pride in my work. I want my students to feel that same way throughout the entirety of their educational journey. By creating and implementing a personalized blended learning model at our organization, we will be able to shift from the  antiquated teacher-centered model to a more student-centered approach, where students can begin creating their own personalized path and be prepared for the world of the future.

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References

danieljbmitchell. (2007, August 1). Progressive Education in the 1940s [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opXKmwg8VQM&t=436s&ab_channel=danieljbmitchell 

 

Harapnuik, D., Thibodeaux, T., Cummings, C. (2018). Choice, ownership, and voice through authentic learning [eBook]. Creative Commons License. http://tilisathibodeaux.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/COVA_eBook_Jan_2018.pdf  

 

Horn, M., Staker, H. (2015). Blended: Using disruptive innovation to improve schools. Jossey-Bass A Wiley Brand. 

 

November, A. (2013, February 13). Why schools must move beyond one-to-one computing [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://novemberlearning.com/educational-resources-for-educators/teaching-andlearning-articles/why-schools-must-move-beyond-one-to-one-computing/ 

Click here-- blended learning and the future of education: Monique Markoff at TEDxIthacaCollege
12:30

Click here-- blended learning and the future of education: Monique Markoff at TEDxIthacaCollege

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Blended Learning has become a catch phrase-- a buzzword for using technology in the classroom. The idea is used to describe the education system's response to the need for 21st century skills, a solution to the budget crisis in schools, and a beacon of hope for the transformation of education through individual interventions. In my talk I sharpen the idea of blended learning and offer some insight on potential successes and pitfalls of implementing a true blended model. Blended learning has enormous potential but it is not a panacea for the woes of education. Drawing on my experience in a blended classroom and as an administrator my goal is to contribute to the debate that is currently happening in our school districts, in our schools, and in our media over the incorporation of technology in education. Monique is currently teaching in the Education Department at Ithaca College, training the newest generation of future teachers as they prepare to inspire their students. Education is her career and passion. Last year she was part of the founding team at Alpha: Blanca Alvarado Middle School, a blended learning charter school in San Jose which is integrating technology to innovate on the middle school curriculum. Prior to that she was an assistant principal, taught math and science, coached volleyball, and created an Outdoor Education Program for middle school students. Monique received her MEd in School Leadership from Harvard University and her BS in Human Development from Cornell University. About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
Bring on the learning revolution! | Sir Ken Robinson
20:57

Bring on the learning revolution! | Sir Ken Robinson

In this poignant, funny follow-up to his fabled 2006 talk, Sir Ken Robinson makes the case for a radical shift from standardized schools to personalized learning -- creating conditions where kids' natural talents can flourish. TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, development and the arts. Closed captions and translated subtitles in a variety of languages are now available on TED.com, at http://www.ted.com/translate. Follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/tednews Checkout our Facebook page for TED exclusives https://www.facebook.com/TED
The Power of belief -- mindset and success | Eduardo Briceno | TEDxManhattanBeach
10:52

The Power of belief -- mindset and success | Eduardo Briceno | TEDxManhattanBeach

The way we understand our intelligence and abilities deeply impacts our success. Based on social science research and real life examples, Eduardo Briceño articulates how mindset, or the understanding of intelligence and abilities, is key. When students or adults see their abilities as fixed, whether they think they're naturals or just not built for a certain domain, they avoid challenge and lose interest when things get hard. Conversely, when they understand that abilities are developed, they more readily adopt learning-oriented behaviors such as deliberate practice and grit that enable them to achieve their goals. But this belief is itself malleable, and there are clear actions we can all take to establish a growth mindset and enable success for our children, our peers and ourselves. Eduardo Briceño is the Co-Founder and CEO of Mindset Works (http://www.mindsetworks.com), an organization that helps schools and other organizations cultivate a growth mindset culture. The growth mindset was discovered by Stanford professor and Mindset Works co-founder Carol Dweck, Ph.D., and is described in her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (http://www.mindsetonline.com). Mindset Works offers Brainology, an innovative blended learning program to teach a growth mindset to students, teachers and schools, as well as teacher professional development and tools (http://www.mindsetworks.com/brainology/). About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
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