In the TED Talk “Bring on the learning revolution!” Sir Ken Robinson advises, “Every day, everywhere, our children spread their dreams beneath our feet. And we should tread softly” (TED, 2010). As I think about why change and transformation in education is vital, I’m not sure there is a better statement than Robinson’s to lay the foundation. As educators, we know that true learning cannot happen without the ability to form relationships with our students and to build a sense of trust and safety within our four walls. Once this is established, learning can occur because our students are ready to receive what we have to say.
Nevertheless, change in education is in question. I believe this to be true because somewhere between forming relationships and preparing for standardized testing, our students’ dreams and uniqueness is, often times, lost. When teaching begins, many educators revert to what Robinson refers to as the “manufactured model” which is based on linearity and conformity (TED, 2010). We standardize education and begin to lose sight of the individual student as we ask them to mold their learning to a one size fits all system.
According to Michael Horn, co-founder and executive director of the Innosight Institution, “We have a system built on fixed time, variable learning” where students are given content, assessed and tested, then they go on to the next material, subject, or grade level and weeks later they receive their results (Edmentum, 2013). As a greater alternative, Horn suggests we use blended learning to disrupt and transform education. Horn’s definition of blended learning is “the formal education program in which a student learns at least in part through online delivery of instruction and content with some element of student control over time, place, path and/or pace” (Edmentum, 2013). As educators begin to utilize blended learning, learning shifts from teacher-centered to student-centered, and educators can become a catalyst for change by creating an environment in which learning is personalized instead of standardized.
As educators, we have the privilege of growing our students’ dreams and helping them to come into existence. Our education system should not cease this, but, instead, allow it to flourish. The disruptive innovation of blended learning gives teachers an avenue in which to help children reach their fullest potential and allow each child to be seen for who they are. It gives teachers a way to continue the celebration of individual intelligences, talents, motivations, and interests. With blended learning, we can customize the students’ path and pace and make what feels impossible, possible. And when this disruption is seen for what it is, change and a new way of thinking then becomes exhilarating. With blended learning, we can do as Robinson suggests and “tread softly” with the dreams our students so freely and trustfully place at our feet.
TED. (2010, May 24). Bring on the learning revolution! | Sir Ken Robinson [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9LelXa3U_I
Edmentum. (2013, March 5). Disrupting Class - Part 4: Blended Learning | Michael Horn [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TGmqeWprqM
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