Just One Resolution for 2016

I have just one resolution for 2016: honor the understanding that every student learns differently.

As educators, we know that kids learn differently.  But, how often do we truly honor this in our work with students?

In independent schools, our central promise has gone a long way to this end. Students in our schools know that their teachers care about their learning and success; teachers build authentic relationships with students, and students respond well to this individual attention and support. Moreover, our schools are tremendous at offering expansive opportunities in and out of the classroom; challenging students to reach beyond perceived limitations; and supporting students in their growth.

But, how can we build on this legacy in new ways to personalize the learning process and become even more understanding thatevery student learns differently?

It seems to me that do so, as educators we have to do something that is typically outside of our comfort zone – and hence a perfect long-term, year-long resolution! – we have got to become more comfortable giving up control in our classrooms.

Students know better than we do what motivates them, what excites them, and what stands in their way.  And yet, they do not have all of the skills necessary to always act in their best interest.  We will need to help students understand how they learn, and to equip students with the capabilities to assess their strengths, challenges, goals, learning preferences, and motivations.

Once they have those skills, we then have to give greater agency to them in the classroom by offering real choice and understanding that students learn at different paces. Increased choice in the learning process leads to increase engagement; and engaged students learn more and love learning more.

That’s my goal for the year: work to build our program in a way that honors that every student learns differently. What’s your resolution?

Ricardo Gay-Férriz

Educational Consultant | Fundraising, Educational Leadership

8y

I totally agree with what you said! Have you ever heard of Victor Garcia Hoz? He was the first pedagog who talked about Personalized education and devoted his entirely life to this aim.

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Shannon Montague

University of Virginia Lab School Innovation Hub Director

8y

I've had this conversation in different settings no fewer than three times this week! Totally agreed, Brad!

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Joan McGettigan, Ed.D.

Curriculum Leader. Strategist. Connector. Director of Educational Technology at The Windward School

8y

I love your post Brad! I would add to that resolution that educators learn differently too and that we need to support them with more personalized professional learning as well.

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May your resolution sound loud and clear through every school in the nation!

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Helen Pereira-Raso

Head of School at Holy Trinity School | Educational Leader | Innovative Designer of Teaching and Learning Experiences | Systems Thinker

8y

Wonderful post Brad Rathgeber! Look forward to more conversations around personalization, enriching our own learning experiences and faculty learning as well so that they have all the tools they need to feel comfortable to relinquish the control and allow students to truly own their learning.

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