Building the Foundation

Building the foundation of the classroom is imperative in the process of creating an ideal innovative ecosystem. Katie Martin addresses the components that create a learner centered environment that sparks curiosity, ignites passion, and unleashes genius. When I think about an ideal classroom, my initial thoughts are about creating a culture that values our learners and is a place where my students want to be.

“If you look back at history, innovation doesn’t come just from giving people incentives; it comes from creating environments where their ideas can connect.” -Steven Johnson

As I have been reading #LCInnovation I have reflected on the ideal classroom. It has given me the chance to truly see where I our classroom falls in this vision.

Ideal Classroom Includes:

*culture and relationships built and sustained

*culture that invites and encourages teachers and students to take risks

*more time for the teacher and student to learn together

*engagement in learning with colleagues and time for critical conversations that will make the experiences we create for our students more powerful; can’t be done in isolation

*focus on our learners and their interests

*personal learning connects to learners’ beliefs, strengths, experiences, and passions to start where the learner is and moved toward the desired goals

*a place where students aren’t doing work for just the teachers, but rather a bigger audience

*connected learning-allowing for experiences that connect them to the community and the real world

*the learners are heard, listened to, and are decision makers in the classroom

*exposure to literature, science and history--places to make connections

*aligning the classroom to the world our students live in

*a place where learning and innovation are encouraged and supported

“Critical focus is that learners are seen and known as wondrous, curious individuals with vast capabilities and limitless potential.” -Katie Martin

Building the foundation for my students, opening the door to innovation inside our room, and  making our space a place where students want to learn is my focus. Creating this ideal environment for my students starts with me taking the step forward.

 -LL

#IMMOOC 4 Week 2 Blog 2