Desiree López
Learning Manifesto
When your work is driven by a passion for both the subject and the process, your commitment to effectively conveying that passion intensifies. Since becoming a teacher, I have noticed that my growth mindset has continuously improved. I infuse passion into everything I do, relishing each learning experience I share with my students.
“Technology will never replace great teachers, but technology in the hands of great teachers is transformational.” – George Couros.
Another crucial aspect of learning is collaboration, which involves learning with and through others. Whether the interaction is between teacher and learner or among learners, essential communication skills such as listening, speaking, and interpreting nonverbal cues are developed as participants share their thoughts and ideas. These collaborative learning experiences also allow students to practice vital life skills such as taking turns, delaying gratification, problem-solving, and helping others.
I foster a love of school and learning in my students by creating an environment that aligns with my educational beliefs. I make learning enjoyable and guide my learners to advance academically through carefully crafted, meaningful, and appropriate experiences.
Through blended learning and the rotation of stations in the two-way dual language model I established in my innovation proposal, students experience enhanced growth, evolution, and decision-making through authentic learning activities that promote collaboration, integration, and exploration of the world around them in a broad linguistic context.
It is important to emphasize that each component of the COVA (Choice, Ownership, Voice, and Authenticity) model is vital because each plays a role in effective learning and teaching. In my classroom, I consider the pre-established curriculum set by the state of Texas, which outlines what I must teach and is further developed by my district. However, this framework allows teachers to incorporate strategies that align with the COVA method, enabling them to choose, decide, and have the autonomy to teach and assign activities effectively.
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Choice: It allows us to choose how we want to present our acquired knowledge.
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Ownership: Makes us owners of what we do, including our final e-portfolio.
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Voice: Gives us a voice to recreate and transmit our project ideas efficiently.
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Authentic: Authentic learning will allow us as students to make a difference in our learning environment, even in our teaching environment in the organization.
My proposed solution involves implementing assessments that more effectively integrate students’ development. Students should be grouped into small teams to facilitate collaborative learning, and personalized learning plans should address the individual needs of each student. This approach should be the focus for the future of our educational system. Annual measures of individual student growth are appropriate, but the primary purpose of these assessments should be to inform teachers, allowing them to better plan for and support each student's learning journey.
Until my proposal is accepted by the SSE administration, I must make the most of my current situation. I recognize that I can't control the standards, the assessment tools I must use, or the frequency of their administration—these factors are outside my circle of influence. However, I can control the learning experiences I design for my students. I can create practical and engaging learning opportunities and offer my students various options.
I can ensure I meet my students where they are and focus on helping them develop and embrace a growth mindset. To view my plan, "Growth Mindset," and access the resources I have collected.
Early childhood education must develop students' phonemic awareness, phonics skills, print awareness, reading comprehension abilities, and understanding of the world around them through social studies. Some students achieve greater learning through their personal interests and preparation. This is why I want to introduce my students to a combined learning model in a two-way dual language program.
However, that is not the case, and I still need support for implementation and change. Nonetheless, I am hopeful that by persistently advocating for My Innovation Plan and gaining support from the administration, more of my environment will adopt a growth mindset and embrace technology and digital innovation. This advancement is crucial for the ongoing transformation of education.
Change and innovation in education are necessary to adapt to and meet the evolving needs of learners. Technology has opened many doors, enabling us to cater to diverse learning requirements. We can customize education to address these varied needs by integrating innovation and technology. This shift allows us to move from traditional teaching methods to more student-centered and innovative approaches.
Blended learning is a truly exciting endeavor that I hope to see in action soon!
Tools must be evaluated for appropriateness to ensure effective digital learning and consumption, which must be monitored. It's important to distinguish between passive screen time—such as watching videos and playing mindless games—and authentic digital learning and creation experiences.
Digital learning is the future. I aspire to help early childhood educators understand how to appropriately integrate digital tools into their classrooms to support and showcase their learners. I look forward to creating engaging learning experiences that help my students develop a love for school and learning.
In conclusion, digital learning is the future. Educators can create supportive environments that keep students engaged in their learning. By using effective digital learning strategies, we can promote self-awareness and tailor instruction to meet the needs of each student. When teachers focus on student growth alongside grades, students gain many skills that extend beyond the classroom, preparing them for life after school.
Reference
https://booksbirdiesandearlgrey.wordpress.com/2021/09/26/my-learning-manifesto/
Dweck, Carol S (2016) Mindset: The new psychology of success.
It's About Learning | Who Owns the ePortfolio