Learning Adventures Defined. |
I decided adventure was the best way to learn." ~ Lloyd Alexander
Learning Adventures
Progress has come quickly in putting our Portrait of a Learner into practice. It's easy to see how the competencies included in the Portrait of a Learner align with our mission "to inspire all learners to thrive". With that said, we now face the challenge of designing actionable steps to help us move from idea to action.
Rather than overhaul the work we already do well, we will find a practical step that will help us to move forward. Throughout the year we will find one experience in each course that aligns with the curriculum, captures the spirit of 21st Century Learning Conferences, and allow students to explore the MURSD Portrait of a Learner competencies. With that, we introduce "Learning Adventures". |
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What's a Learning Adventure?
The first step of creating Learning Adventures is to create a shared definition that allows for for consistency across teachers, departments, and the school. Though the term "Learning Adventure" is new to us, the elements that define them are areas that we've been exploring for years. Some of the key elements of Learning Adventures we have discussed are that they:
- Reflect Nipmuc's Beliefs about Learning and/or Definition of Learning
- Align with the MURSD Portrait of a Learner
- Connect to the curriculum/standards
- Co-constructed with students
- Are non-traditional in their design
- Generate excitement about learning
- Provide opportunities for students to engage in real work that matters
Create a Visual Representation of a Learning Adventure
Let's imagine what a Learning Adventure should look like. Working in small groups, create a visual representation of a Learning Adventure. (no words please!)
As a bonus, if your Learning Adventure had a soundtrack, what's one song that would be on your playlist?
As a bonus, if your Learning Adventure had a soundtrack, what's one song that would be on your playlist?
Gallery Walk
When you've finished creating your visual, post your image for others to view. Next, make your way around the room in a gallery walk activity.
On the chart paper at your table, list the elements you noticed in the pictures as you made your way around the room. Make a note also about what you did not see in the drawings.
On the chart paper at your table, list the elements you noticed in the pictures as you made your way around the room. Make a note also about what you did not see in the drawings.
Essential Elements of a Learning Adventure
Included below is a list of the elements that could be used to design a Learning Adventure. Using the "packing list" of elements and the description below, complete the following:
- Decide if the element is an "essential" element that should be included in every Learning Adventure.
- Write a reflective question(s) that you could ask yourself to determine if you've met the criteria of a Learning Adventure.
Evaluating Learning Adventures
Many exciting and engaging moments of learning are already happening in our classrooms every day. As we create Learning Adventures, it makes sense to reflect on lessons, past 21st Century Learning Conference (Inspired Learning Day) sessions, and other learning experiences in order to view them through the lens of Learning Adventures.
With that in mind, let's take a look at some examples of learning experiences that have taken place in past Inspired Learning Days at Nipmuc. As a group, click on one of the learning experiences below. Using the "Packing List" document from the section above, highlight three aspects of the experience that align with the criteria for Learning Adventures. Then, provide three specific recommendations about how to more closely align the experience to a Learning Adventure.
With that in mind, let's take a look at some examples of learning experiences that have taken place in past Inspired Learning Days at Nipmuc. As a group, click on one of the learning experiences below. Using the "Packing List" document from the section above, highlight three aspects of the experience that align with the criteria for Learning Adventures. Then, provide three specific recommendations about how to more closely align the experience to a Learning Adventure.