I read a quote this week, “Nothing changes if nothing changes,” that I believe states exactly why implementing blended learning is so critical. In some schools, and in some classrooms, teachers and students feel a level of success and satisfaction in their results as indicated on the big test (STAAR) and other measures; however is it really good enough? Even if one has 95% success rate, what if I am the student in the 5% or the parent or grandparent of the 5% - it no longer good enough! While we may never reach the 100% mark (and quite honestly our state pretty much makes that impossible) should that not be our goal? Should we not always strive to improve? However, there is much more at stake than success on a high-stakes test, and that is where blended learning can really make a difference.
Blended learning combines the best of face-to-face and technology resources to create a learning experience for students, but it is so much more than this. It is also about using data and student agency (ownership and responsibility) to create a student-centered learning experience that intentionally increases student involvement and interest.
Earlier this week I tweeted a blog post by Catlin Tucker that challenges teachers to forget everything they’ve done in the past, and rethink, redesign the student experience to meet the needs of the students. If we really want different results we must do something different. That said, it’s not just about the results (on a test), but also about teaching students to be responsible for their learning and advocating for their needs - this is a skill that will serve them well the rest of their lives.
Last night I watched a 20/20 news special about people trying to achieve the American Dream. As challenging as this has become, the common thread among those who are living in poverty but have not given up is that they all have perseverance and grit - they have assumed 100% responsibility to achieve their dreams and goals. They did not blame others or the system. They’ve pulled up their bootstraps, so to speak, and are doing whatever it take to survive.
We all face uncertain days ahead - nothing is promised and no one knows what the future holds, but I believe those who will find success will be the ones that take ownership and responsibility for where they are and have a whatever-it-takes attitude to achieve their dreams and goals. I believe this is as important of a skill as anything measured on a high-stakes test! If students don't have the opportunity to learn this life-skill in school, when and where will they learn it? Nothing happens by happenstance. Intentionally planning for change yields change.
Earlier this week I tweeted a blog post by Catlin Tucker that challenges teachers to forget everything they’ve done in the past, and rethink, redesign the student experience to meet the needs of the students. If we really want different results we must do something different. That said, it’s not just about the results (on a test), but also about teaching students to be responsible for their learning and advocating for their needs - this is a skill that will serve them well the rest of their lives.
Last night I watched a 20/20 news special about people trying to achieve the American Dream. As challenging as this has become, the common thread among those who are living in poverty but have not given up is that they all have perseverance and grit - they have assumed 100% responsibility to achieve their dreams and goals. They did not blame others or the system. They’ve pulled up their bootstraps, so to speak, and are doing whatever it take to survive.
We all face uncertain days ahead - nothing is promised and no one knows what the future holds, but I believe those who will find success will be the ones that take ownership and responsibility for where they are and have a whatever-it-takes attitude to achieve their dreams and goals. I believe this is as important of a skill as anything measured on a high-stakes test! If students don't have the opportunity to learn this life-skill in school, when and where will they learn it? Nothing happens by happenstance. Intentionally planning for change yields change.
