Beliefs about Learning. |
- Schools would be better off finding a vision in which the desired practice of a school can truly take root and then seeking ways to embody that vision in every action of every individual on the campus. Once that has happened, the next step... is to deepen the expressions of those beliefs and values key to your institution's identity."
Chris Lehmann and Zac Chase, Building School 2.0: How to Create the Schools We Need
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Begin with Beliefs |
Matching Beliefs and Practice |
This is an exciting time for Nipmuc Regional. In recent years the school has reached new heights in academic accomplishments and recognized achievement. Achievement, including success on standardized tests, expansion of the AP program, and acceptances into college - is an important part of our story but it may not capture all that we aspire to be as a school community. Now, as we set the compass for the school's direction into the future, we have the chance to ensure that our practices each day align with our deepest convictions about learning. In order to begin this process, let's begin with beliefs and identify our most powerful moments of learning.
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Our beliefs about learning are only powerful if they are reflected in our daily practices. Now that we've identified our most powerful moments of learning, let's compare those moments with the types of learning that students are accountable for in unit tests and standardized assessments.
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How do you define learning?
Once we've acknowledged the gap between beliefs and practice, we're ready to take the next step in establishing our vision: defining what we mean when we say "learning". Working with those at your tables, have a conversation about what you mean when you say "learning". When you're ready, complete the following prompt in a single sentence: "Learning is..."
Culture of Learning vs. Culture of Teaching
Now that we've defined learning, let's take the conversation one step further. At your tables discuss the following:
- What does a culture of learning look like?
- What does a culture of teaching look like?
- How does a culture of teaching differ from a culture of learning?
What does our community say about beliefs about learning?
Throughout the year, we've been asking students, educators, and community members to tell us how they think people learn most powerfully and deeply. All of their responses have been added to a word cloud generator, allowing us to quickly see the themes that emerge from their answers. Review the word clouds below to see how our students responded.
Consider the following:
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Feedback about Beliefs: Food For Thought Lunches
In addition to asking students about their beliefs about learning, throughout the year Nipmuc has hosted a series of Food for Thought Lunches, events that allow educators to hear directly from students about their perspectives on school and learning. At each event, students respond to seven questions. We've collected their responses and created word clouds that identify some of the common themes of their answers. Hover over the images below to see the questions and most popular responses or check the document that includes a comprehensive listing of all the students' answers.
Articulating our beliefs about learning.
Beliefs about learning are the foundation of a school's culture. Now that we've identified powerful moments of learning, defined learning, and connected with the perspectives of our school community - we are able to take the next step and write our beliefs about learning. Working individually or in pairs, consider how you would complete each of the following prompts:
- We believe learners...
- We believe educators...
- We believe the community...
- We believe learning environments...
Struggling to get started? Click on the buttons below to take a look at how one district
- the Peel District School Board in Ontario - completed these prompts.
- the Peel District School Board in Ontario - completed these prompts.