Learning Through Personalization and Real-World Learning

LaLa’s internship with child development – The Met – Providence, RI

Learning Through Personalization and Real-World Learning

• Learning best takes place when each student is an active participant in his/her own education.

• When his/her course of study is personalized by teachers, parents & mentors who know him/her well.

• When school-based learning is blended with outside experiences that heighten that student’s interest.

What IS Personalized Learning?

In your life…

In your school…

In the “real world”…

Ideally… (looking at all of the above)

This presentation will:

• Look at examples of students’ personalized learning

• Discuss how learning in your subject area occurs in each example

• Brainstorm how your department/school could do this (don’t limit yourself -- yet!)

Personalization and Real World Learning in OUR school…

• 5As– Authentic– Academic rigor– Active learning– Adult relationships– Assessment

• 5 Learning Goals– Empirical Reasoning– Quantitative

Reasoning– Communication– Social Reasoning– Personal Qualities

Yadie’s Story

Yarelis always was interested in diagnostic imaging. She has interned with RI Hospital, Roger Williams Hospital and Advanced Radiology Associates. For her Senior Thesis Project (STP) she created a website on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

*What learning could be happening?

“A mentor is simply someone who helps somebody else learn something the learner would otherwise have learned less well, more slowly or not at all”

Jen’s Story

• Jennifer had always wanted to help people and loves kids. She has had internships with a daycare, a school nurse, and a school cafeteria. Her STP was to get her C.N.A. and pass the state exam - and she did!

*What learning could be happening?

The learning process is real. Students take responsibility for their own learning and become inspired Life Long Learners.

Pedro’s StoryPedro has had internships with All Children’s Theatre, The Trinity Rep Theatre, the GAMM Theatre, and RI College Theatre Department. For his STP he created the first Met theatre program.

*What learning could be happening?

Pedro designed a lighting plot

Stop and Talk

• From our initial discussion, think about ways you could use personalization in your school, district, and/or community…

• Jot down a few ideas how this might work -- DO NOT limit yourself to your school’s demands, restrictions, and requirements.

Ashley’s Story

Any true “real-world” learning opportunity should be a win-win situation; both mentor and student will benefit from the experience.

Ashley has had internships with RI Hospital Hematology, Women and Infants’ Health Van, school nurse, and Lifespan. For her STP, Ashley completed her C.N.A. licensing and state exam; she created a pamphlet on how to get your C.N.A.*What learning could be happening?

DJ’s Story

Darryl “DJ” had internships with Lifespan, Black Heritage Society, and Doggie Style Designs, Inc. For his STP, he was the COO of Big Picture Soda Co.

*What learning could be happening?

DJ had a unique opportunity to be a part of Entrepreneurship 360 – building a real business from the ground up.

Evan’s Story

“When the same work is required of all students it’s unlikely that all students willbenefit equally from that work”

• Evan joined the Met his junior year. Dissatisfaction at his former school led him to us and his internships with Maley Laser, Inc. and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center. His STP was to rebuild a fishing boat.

• *What learning could be happening?

Stop and Talk

• Think of ONE student you know (struggling, just getting by, gifted, etc.) and how you could make their learning more personalized. (in small groups) BRAINSTORMING

TIME

Learning Through Personalization and Real-World Learning

“The Sky’s the Limit… or maybe the Stars!”In small groups, create a “dream school”• Look at skills you believe students need• Money is not an issue• Curriculum and standards aren’t an issue• No idea is too big, small, insane, or “whacked

out”• Use the craft materials to explain and sell

your school• Share Out!