“free” by Jon Rawllson, is licensed under CC BY 2.0
“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.”
— Joel A. Barker“Your positive action combined with positive thinking results in success.”
— Shiv Khera“Action speaks louder than words but not nearly as often.”
— Mark Twain
Government policy regarding the profession of teaching reflect a strong preference for tests and produced work as indications of learning and academic ability. This approach is similar to how behaviourists relied solely on directly observable actions — actions, like tests and student-produced work, can be quantified and interpreted in a straightforward manner.
While I do feel that traditional assessment methods constitute an important aspect of learning, by no means should good grades and flawless presentations be the final destination; they ought to be important milestones along the path of discovery. In order to encourage students to adopt learning as a pleasurable, fulfilling experience, I commit to the following:
- Engage students in an ongoing dialogue regarding their learning by…
- … taking note of relevant information (ie: problems with carrying in addition) intended to inform my teaching
- … providing students feedback on submitted work, drawing their attention to successes, challenges, and places of concern to inform and direct their learning
- … designing assignments, tests, projects, and other academic tasks that offer fair opportunities for students to authentically demonstrate their understanding
- Empower students to take ownership of their learning by…
- … preparing students with necessary knowledge, skills, and strategies
- … involving students in establishing evaluation criteria for assignments, projects, and presentations
- … providing students with a choice in demonstrating their understanding
- Encourage curiosity and risk-taking by…
- … delivering lessons in an innovative, novel, and passionate manner
- … modelling exploratory questioning during class discussions and ongoing, student-designed projects
- … establishing a supportive, inclusive, and inquisitive classroom environment
Pathway to Inquiry: You are at ACTION
Introduction — Observation — Understanding — Belief — ACTION