I joined an “Innovative Teaching Academy” class that started April 6 and will extend through September.  It really has me thinking about things differently.  Here is an example that was shared in the class- learning how to ride a backwards bicycle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFzDaBzBlL0

The point of it is to ask ourselves what our learning biases are.  Do we think we can only learn one way?  How does that translate to teaching?  Do we just teach one way, then?  If it doesn’t make sense to us then it’s wrong?  I think that’s what most people think.

We, at Young Junior High School, have embarked upon a journey to make learning relevant for our students.  We use the Project- (or Problem-) Based Learning Model (PBL) to teach skills students need to be successful; some call them “21st Century” skills, others “future-ready” skills.  Some think that the test is all that matters.  While it’s important, it’s not THE most important thing.  We know that when our students arrive into the employment market, some jobs will exist that we haven’t even imagined!  This is why we need to teach collaboration, critical thinking & problem-solving, creativity, communication, growth mindset, and professional ethics.  We owe it to our students!

Our students understand.  Our teachers understand.  Our parents understand.  Now, how do we get state legislators to understand??