Learning Environment Factors

In authentic learning environments there exist many factors which can influence learning on a variety of levels. The factors increase dramatically when moving from individual environments to collaborative learning environments due to the needs of learners involved. Understanding the varieties of factors and being aware of them can dramatically increase the effectiveness of learning facilitators as they seek to structure the learning environments they lead in. The list of factors impacting learning environments can be exhaustive so I've chose two factors to focus on here as I see them impacting not only the learning environments I engage in, but also many of the learning environments I seek to impact as a learning facilitator.

Adequacy, Equity & Equality in Education

Addressing these three terms in education can often be extremely difficult due to the many different components involved in developing and sustaining successful learning environments and institutions. Adequacy can be viewed in terms of "what resources are adequate to make [individual competency] a possibility for every child?" (Shilling & Tomal, 2013, p.4). Considering this definition of adequacy, it can be determined that each and every school has a right to be provided necessary resources which can promote and provide educational opportunities for every learner. The primary obstacle then becomes what is considered "adequate" for each school and what is considered adequate for learners in those schools? 

Developing Thinkers

   

      I recently came across an article from the Harvard Ed Magazine titled Bored Out of Their Minds by Zachary Jason.  It's an interesting read and one I hope it's widely circulated in a quick manner.  In short, the article claims students are bored out of their minds in today's classrooms for four main reasons:

1. An escalating emphasis on standardized tests
2. The novelty of school itself fades with each grade
3. Lack of motivation
4. The transition from tactile and creative to cerebral and regimented

Fatherhood!

On February 29, 2016 I became a father for the first time.  It is such an amazing experience that it can be hard to find the right words to describe such a life-changing event.  I've had people ask me many questions about the experience, my new daughter, and how it has changed my life.  Every time someone asks me about it, I seem to find myself in the same position...struggling to find the words and wondering to myself exactly how it has or will change my life.  These are precisely the reasons I've chosen to write about it here.

Expectations for Student Device Use in Classrooms

I was recently engaged in a conversation with other educators of my PLN about a controversial topic that continues to surface in education. With the influx of devices for student learning, there is often controversy and differences of opinions around use, restrictions, and requirements for students. The conversation I engaged in was surprisingly rich and provided a variety of different view points. As a result, I seized the opportunity to reflect on my own philosophy and thoughts about the topic. The following are not suggestions nor my agenda in regards to student device usage but rather, the ways in which I've thought about and implemented practices with students for many years.

Supporting Teachers with Creating Magic

Education has faced recent criticisms from all angles and stakeholders and for good reason. Students in many schools speak of boredom, disengagement, and lack of learning.  Parents have also chimed in expressing dissatisfaction about student preparedness for college and the 21st century workplace.  Why is the typical education for most students, and specifically those in public education, not meeting the needs? Why do schools continue to operate in a traditional sense regardless of changes to the world and its societies?