Angélica Padrón
Creating Significant Learning Environments
Creating Significant Learning Environments
What is a significant learning environment?
‘Learning environment’ is a broad term that can refer to a culture, a context, an approach to teaching and learning, or a physical location in which education and work take place. While many people think of a school or university as a typical learning environment, learning can occur in a wide range of different contexts and settings. What works well for one learner may not provide the optimum working conditions for another, so effective learning environments tend to vary among people.
How do we create learning environments?
The function of an educator is vital to creating a positive learning environment. The educator must foster and engage in supportive settings where students feel secure, driven, and appreciated. Analyzing my own experience and thinking about how other teachers whom I was able to observe, I can conclude that there are some aspects we need to take into account when creating a learning environment:
Establishing a routine within the learning environment will help us focus on our objectives and be more productive.
Minimize distractions; this way, we can focus and stay on topic.Vary learning approaches. Everyone learns differently, which is why we need to be able to work with different learning styles.
Integration of technology to enhance learning: Technology should be seen as a tool to enhance learning, not a replacement for traditional teaching methods. It can provide additional resources, facilitate interactive learning experiences, and cater to different learning styles.
Provide continuous feedback.
Cultivate a growth mindset.
By establishing an atmosphere that includes these essential elements, I can help my students learn by doing, investigating, and challenging everything in their environment. Please accompany me as we explore the possibilities and tools available to create a trusting and educational atmosphere for our instructors and students that aligns with my innovation plan.
New Culture of Learning
The new culture of learning reflects significant shifts in educational practices, driven by advancements in technology, changes in societal needs, and evolving understandings of how people learn best. It emphasizes the importance of imagination and inquiry-based learning, the role of digital and social media, and the value of learning communities. To successfully support our students' learning, we must be open to these new ideas and make the most of the tools at our disposal.
In The New Culture of Learning (Thomas & John Seely Brown, 2011) They outline three key features that define learning:
1.- Imagination and Inquiry-Based Learning: Using imagination as a crucial component for adapting and thriving in a rapidly changing world and promoting critical thinking to allow students to construct their understanding through exploration and problem-solving.
2.- The role of Digital and Social Media is a significant aspect of the new learning culture. Technology offers new ways to access information, collaborate with peers, mentors, etc., and engage in interactive learning experiences. Embracing these tools can make the learning process more exciting and compelling for educators and students.
3.- Learning Communities: Engaging learners in communities of practice to support collaborative and context-rich learning.
I will advocate for my students in this new digital era and incorporate new learning culture ideas into my innovation plan. I think this is essential to my project’s success. Since learning environments constantly change, I plan to shift from a traditional education approach to a more flexible, technology-enhanced environment that helps me foster lifelong learning.
My innovation plan leverages blended learning, which stresses using technology and diversity as tools for effective learning. Play is a multifaceted learning tool that supports cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. It is not just about fun and games but about using play and creativity to make sense of the world. It is an excellent approach to encouraging hands-on activities while integrating learning into enjoyable activities and supporting our learning goals and objectives.
Challenges Ahead
As a teacher, I face various challenges that sometimes impact my ability to educate and support my students effectively.
One challenge to overcome is the change in the curriculum; every school year, I have to adapt to the very demanding changes and expectations. Another challenge is the pressure to meet standardized testing requirements, which limits my instructional time. Engaging parents in their child’s education and maintaining effective communication can sometimes be challenging.
Effective strategies, such as clear classroom expectations, differentiated instruction, using technology, encouraging parent participation and involvement, and seeking opportunities for staff development, are necessary to overcome those challenges.
Creating a Significant Learning Environment
Dr. Harapnuik talks about CSLE, creating an integrated approach to create flexible, engaging, and compelling environments.
In his 2015 video, Dr. Harapnuik highlights the need for a student-centered approach to developing meaningful learning and the role of the teacher in creating a positive environment and acting as a facilitator who motivates and inspires the learner to take ownership of their education.
My school community provides good learning opportunities for our students, but the standard of instruction will rise by incorporating technology through blended learning.
We can better fulfill our children's needs by implementing cutting-edge teaching strategies in mathematics, writing, language, social and emotional intelligence, and building strong bonds with the students' immediate surroundings.
Working Together to Achieve Our Goals
Thomas and John Seely Brown (2011) advocate for a shift in perspective from viewing the future as a series of challenges to recognizing it as a landscape rich with opportunities. Embracing change, fostering creativity, and maintaining a proactive and resilient attitude are crucial to thriving in an ever-changing world.
But how do we convince people to share our beliefs? Everyone has different perspectives and points of view, but we can work together as a team around our shared goals and values. By being respectful, open-minded, and collaborative, we can show evidence that our plan is effective and produces positive outcomes. This will persuade others to adopt our values and make a difference. Exchanging information and ideas will improve our whole community, and celebrating our success will form strong bonds with our team.
Growth Mindset
Before embarking on this adventure of studying to obtain a master’s degree, I was a very different person. I felt stuck in my life and career and desperately wanted a change. Then, I returned to school to gain a fresh start.
Today, I see things in a very different light. I used to be on a fixed mindset, and sometimes I still battle against it, to be on the other side developing a growth mindset.
My learning philosophy emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset. This mindset encourages curiosity, self-reflection, and pursuing new knowledge throughout one’s life. It's about teaching and inspiring students to adopt this mindset and continue learning beyond the classroom.
I hope to positively impact my students’ lives, but for now, I know I am making a difference in mine.
References:
https://www.edglossary.org/learning-environment/#google_vignette (2014, August 29)
TEDxTalks. (2012, September 12). A new culture of learning [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM80GXlyX0U.
Harapnuik, D. (2015, May 9). Creating significant learning environments (CSLE) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ-c7rz7eT4
Thomas, D., & Brown, J. S. (2011). A New Culture of Learning: Cultivating the Imagination for a World of Constant Change. In Amazon (1st edition). CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. https://www.amazon.com/New-Culture-Learning-Cultivating-Imagination/dp/1456458884