Giving Students Ownership of Learning
I always look forward to reading the new issue of Educational Leadership and the theme of this issue is ‘Giving Students Ownership of Learning’. I love that theme! It is full of relevant articles. I shouted out with delight to see Will as one of the authors in this issue. It is so appropriate to see Will’s article “Footprints in the Digital Age” in this outstanding issue. It is online and available for you to read. I’m so glad he ended up in this particular theme as he has been advocating giving students ownership of learning for some time now and continues to fight the battle, day in and day out. Will talks about the importance of self-directed learners being adept at building and sustaining networks. He gives five ideas that will help you begin to build your own personal learning network. He calls and has continued to call for this shift that requires us to foster the development of engaged learners and to rethink the roles of schools and educators. He issues this challenge: “More than ever before, students have the potential to own their own learning- and we have to help them seize that potential. We must help them learn how to identify their passions; build connections to others who share those passions; and communicate, collaorate, and work collectively with these networks. You need to forward it as a ‘must read’ to many others. Good on you, Will! Thanks for all you continue to do to make a difference in the lives of our students!
This issue of ‘Educational Leadership’ has lots more articles that are right on target. Get a copy and read each one!
October 29th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
I thought your reflection on the new issue Educational Leadership was very appropriate and eye-opening. I currently teach 2nd grade students and while reading your post thought it was very self-assuring how much the world is becoming a better place for learners. There used to be only one way to learn a new concept in school and if that was not mastered then you were considered “unknowledgeable ” in that area. Nowadays, students are being praised for finding new and unique ways to solve problems. I really agree with the part in Will’s article, “Footprints in the Digital Age,” where he states that,” Sharing is the fundamental building block for building connections and networks…” That statement is so true for all learners. I encourage my students every to find new ways to solve the same problems and I praise not only the concrete ideas but also the ideas that are creative and exhibit a new way of thinking. In that aspect, students are becoming responsible for not only teaching themselves but letting everyone around them learn with them.
November 13th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Erin,
I think encouraging creativity might just be one of the most important things we should do in our classrooms. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts. It made my day to visualize a room full of 2nd graders encouraged by a thoughtful teacher. Keep up the great work and sharing! Best to you!
January 9th, 2009 at 4:54 am
Hi,
This is a nice post.You have discussed world most important problem.I appreciate you.I think we should have to change our education system.Teachers encourage the student to think and learn.Teachers should update them self. Thanks to share great information.
May 29th, 2009 at 1:15 am
This article is very useful for education .My site is also related to the education so please submit my site in our article.
Hey there,
“Internet language and students’ use of it” is really a good article to read about language.Thanks for sharing such a good article.
August 15th, 2009 at 4:24 am
Giving students ownership to education creates what is called “self paced” environment. There are already good tools out there that allows this and has proven highly useful just by taking a look at the user base and user profile in such online platforms for collaborative learning. These create a great environment and many benefits.
January 8th, 2010 at 12:23 am
I enjoyed reading your blog. It has interested me in reading further on the subject. I know the power that placing responsibility in the hands of our students but am often fearful that it will not work. I work in a school that few students the parent support necessary to make the transition easily. Our class sizes are increasing each and every year and empowering the students would ease some burdons as well as let them learn to develop the necessary life skills of making choices and sticking with them.
January 10th, 2010 at 11:44 pm
Will Richards’ article “Footprint in the Digital Age” is a wake up call to teachers to adapt to new ways of doing things.I like the part in his article that says “As teachers we need to be colearners in this process,modelling their own use of connections and networks and understanding the practical pedagogical implications of these technologies and online social learning spaces.”We need to be on the same wavelenght with our learners for effective communication to take place.
January 26th, 2010 at 10:32 am
Footprints in the Digital Age is a masterpiece, I’ve just finished reading the article and wanted to share it with my fellow practice teachers. Technology has really gone a long way and we could almost find anything in the internet, and this is the best place where we could share our passion and interest. We have to take advantage on what technology has to offer. Degree Work
August 31st, 2010 at 7:45 pm
Wishing you the best of luck for all your blogging efforts. Thank you