New Culture of Learning

I think that the impact of standardized testing and strict policies in our schools has drained the joy out of learning. In my district, teachers are bound by a rigid curriculum, leaving no room for creative approaches to make education more enjoyable. I firmly believe that learning should be a fun and engaging experience, where curiosity is not only encouraged but actively invested in. Unfortunately, with tons of mandated policies and a heavy reliance on high-stakes testing for funding, offers little opportunity to foster curiosity. The traditional didactical teaching model further dampens their enthusiasm, acting as a barrier to the flame of curiosity.

I am all for a holistic approach, such as the concept of Creating Significant Learning Environments (CSLE) by Harapnuik (2015). A one-size-fits-all approach in the classroom doesn't consider the uniqueness of each student and their learning style. To truly support learners, the classroom, curriculum, and lesson design should be tailored to individual learning styles. By taking a proactive stance in creating a more personalized and responsive learning environment, educators, parents, community partners, and all stakeholders can pave the way for students to be more successful in their learning journeys.

Dwayne Harapnuik. (2015, May 9). Creating significant learning Environments (CSLE) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ-c7rz7eT4