Through research, I have identified significant gaps and opportunities to lead my innovation plan and focus on the needs of dual language students. To help students achieve success, we may adapt learning environments to meet their unique needs and encourage active participation in blended learning to enhance their English language development. According to Thomas and John Seely Brown (2011) The emergence of a new learning culture has opened our eyes to the possibility of recognizing, harnessing, and institutionalizing innovative ideas. We need to change our mindset when it comes to education.
While learning outside traditional educational settings increases, classrooms and teaching remain relevant, and my goal is to enhance the learning experience and encourage the student to engage in every learning phase of life.
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In this project, the learning environment focuses on the student rather than solely on the teacher transferring information to the student. Based on experiences and building a sustainable community, this environment encourages collaboration, creativity, and the ability to take ownership of one's learning. It is designed to promote autonomy in children from a young age, allowing them to have a say in their learning and to engage in authentic learning experiences that foster a sense of passion.
A digital environment where students can choose their learning and reflection is also utilized to aid the learning process. Thomas and Joh Seely brown (2011) affirm that a learning approach based on learning and experience but not on teaching generates a new environment that propagates a unique culture that grows with learning.
Fundamental ideas
(Thomas & John Seely Brown, 2011) “In the new culture of learning, the classroom as a model is replaced by learning environments in which digital media provide access to a rich source of information and play, and the processes that occur within those environments are integral to the results.”
According to Harapnuik et al. (2018), student learning experiences are critical to the development of their learning and the acquisition of authentic knowledge. When students are given some control over their learning, it does not mean that teachers become insignificant. Instead, teachers become coaches or mentors, guiding students to focus and deepen their learning.
This is possible by implementing a blended learning model with a rotation model, where children experience their agency through technology, and the rotation allows them to apply this learning through play and creativity in the real world. As a teacher, My goal is to be their mentor and support in this process and give each of the children the opportunity to mentor their peers, creating an environment of collaboration. I agree when Thomas (2012) mention to achieve the student's goals, we need to encourage the development of three essential skills:
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They should engage in passion; no matter what happens, those passionate about something will never stop learning.
Imagination: what if? Let's embrace constraints to unleash creativity and find a passion for growth.
Restructuring traditional educational approaches is essential because the rapid evolution of technology and society has made traditional education outdated. Therefore, we must restructure our approach to learning to keep pace with the changing times.
The focus should be on the content and the context in which it is delivered. This cultural shift requires us to rethink how we design learning environments and engage with students to ensure their success.
No change happens overnight; everything needs time to be executed, so we cannot assume that adapting to a new culture is parallel in all areas. The main barrier is the beliefs of the people involved; the change in mentality and adoption of a new culture can be challenging. However, the use and application of the 4DX tool can manage and help transform the necessary behavior required in teachers and leaders to influence change.
Other challenges presented in the adaptation of a new culture are parents. They are required to support children in learning, encouraging them to develop imagination and creativity as a learning tool, stop thinking about learning as an isolated process. of information absorption, and begin to feel like an interactive cultural and social process.
Thomas (2012) "Children use play and imagination as the primary mechanisms for making sense of their new, rapidly evolving world." We tend to believe that as the child grows, he can memorize and store information, maturing his brain, losing creativity, and adapting better to the environment. Still, the reality is that in this project, education needs to be seen with the evolution of the world and so on. This is where technology has excellent value, allowing the child to play and experiment without losing sight of the freedom that technological resources provide and finding the balance with the purpose and direction of educational institutions.
Challenges
adopting the perspective
Changing the educational environment’s culture is crucial to significantly impact students' learning outcomes. The current traditional educational model that prioritizes scores and achievement goals, especially for higher grades, could be more effective. Moving away from the memorization-based approach and embracing creative and engaging learning perspectives is essential to make the educational experience fun and effective. Teachers are overwhelmed and frustrated with the current excessive focus on transferring information. Therefore, it is time to implement technology in a blended learning model, which may require trial and error. Still, it will undoubtedly benefit teachers and students in the long run.
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To cultivate a culture of learning, it's important to influence and model the proper behavior to our audience of teachers, leaders, and coaches. According to Thomas (2012), achieving a harmonious balance between structure and flexibility is the ultimate objective. We must incorporate a well-defined structure while allowing ample room for creativity and innovation. The challenge is to find that delicate balance where neither the design nor the freedom overpowers the other but instead works together to produce something original and unique. Teachers should not feel that this culture change is a burden; on the contrary, it gives them the freedom to focus on creativity and imagination for the benefit of their students.
This perspective of changing the culture of education has allowed me to continue fighting not to get carried away by the currents of the traditional system; as I mention in my manifesto, I believe in child learning as a matter of free choice, where the child sustains his learning based on your creativity, the power of choice, curiosity, experiences and the powerful growth mindset. As a preschool teacher, I cultivate curiosity and freedom of expression in my students through play and art. Still, my goal is also for them to continue carrying these values ​​that, for me, are essential in learning for their future years. The point is that they do not encounter a curiosity killer along the way because that would modify their passion for learning.
References:
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Robinson, K. (2010, May 24). Bring on the learning revolution! | Sir Ken Robinson. YouTube. https://youtu.be/r9LelXa3U_I
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Thomas, D. (2012). A New Culture of Learning, Douglas Thomas at TEDxUFM. In TEDx Talks. (Ed.), YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM80GXlyX0U
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​Harapnuik, D. (2018b, July 14). CSLE. It’s about Learning, Creating Significant Learning Environments. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=849