Martin started with an important statement:
"If we want to change how students learn, we need to change how educators learn." Prepare kids to solve problems, not for the test.
On a personal note, when she noted, "All of my proposals to ISTE were denied last year!" it made me feel a bit better!
As she reflects on her journey. She went into
teaching because she didn’t see the purpose of school at times. She wanted to teach to
show students that their voice matters!
She showed her kids at 4 and 5 learning how to make
soap. Now they see themselves as scientists.
Her daughter’s teacher said she was “needs
improvement” in Science. She hadn’t finished her “packet.” She can see at home
how interested she is making slime and lipstick…what is she could build on
those passions in school. There are so many requirements placed on teachers with benchmark
testing rather than providing authentic learning opportunities.
Our system was developed for the Industrial
model. That doesn’t work anymore. We need to change to meet the needs of our
modern world.
Gallup poll on student engagement
It’s not just our students who miss out when we
don’t provide students opportunities. We all miss out. We have a lot of
challenges!
We have to redefine the roles we want students
to be able to do.
Blended and Personalized learning mean different
things to different people and have an impact on what students get to do.
Martin then gave some examples of what this looks like:
- One classroom shows students memorizing the 50 states, even w/ iPad in the middle. Pretty crouded desk.
- Another model has students with laptops open with students moving at their own path. Still doesn’t give choice and voice.
We have an opportunity and obligation to change how we do things.
What if…
I can create new and better experiences for the
students I serve?”
Martin shared this graphic:
Example of what is possible.from her husband’s
class
Those students aren’t learning for the test or
what they need to know now, they are learning for their future.
Martin acknowledges that it’s hard work to provide these opportunities.
We need to provide opportunities for teachers to
plan and do this.
What if..
We empoowerd learnes to discover their passions
asnd share their ideas wotih the world?
We have to get to know them.
She then shared this video on what is possible...
Why believing in students matters..
We can’t change how students come to us, but we
CAN change how we support them!
What if ..
We can create the conditions that empower
learners to find the right questions rather than providing the right answers.
Project Ideate video
What if …
#WhatifISTE18
Martin’s hope: Spark curiosity, Ignite Passion
and Unleash Genious
It’s people, not programs that will make this
happen!
I'm excited to read Katie's book after this!
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