Reply by Hélène Fournier on September 8, 2008 at 12:49pm

Key Success PIllar: Focus on the Student

What values do you feel this pillar represents?
How would you define this pillar?

I am attracted, most of all, to the concept of personalized learning which is located in Pillar #8. Each and every student must be engaged in their learning by being able to access pertinent information from among a variety of sources and then choose their response according to the way they can best express their understanding. Individualized learning is like individualized shopping . . . browse and choose. No one else should be buying for you.

Reply by Alex Mckay on October 28, 2008 at 8:50pm

Thanks, Brian. I think you have hit upon a key element around which learner engagement revolves. This type of empowerment (and trusting learners to self-advocate and self-direct) works well for relatively mature learners. I am left wondering how we develop this awareness among young learners, and how do we provide explorations for them where learners can experience a variety of methods of learning and demonstrating understanding. (Kind of the push-pull between allowing learners to direct their own learner, and directing learners in a way that at least gives them some exposure to a variety learning modalities and learning representations.)

Believing that attitudes and beliefs about learning begin to be established at a very young age, how do we address the needs of all learners, regardless of how far along their learning journey they are?

Thanks Alex for bringing in the elementary school context. Teachers in my setting see the potential for technology integration,online learning...more individualized learning, but at the elementary level they are also assuming the role of teaching students how to use basic technology. They remain very concerned that the time that they have to commit to comprehensive literacy and core learning is being reduced...and this can represent future costs to students.
We also speak extensively of the changing demographics (noted in other discussions - smaller family size, lack of extended family, more structured actiivities for young children) and the new need to ensure that our young students learn to be positive participants in small group process/F2F problem solving...support for our End Statements to build achievement in Personal Development, Citizenship and Character.
Dr. Boese, you note that no one should do the shopping for you...browse and choose...what would the age for shopping be? Is a mediator needed on the shopping trip?

An interesting discussion! It is true that a rich multimedia environment most certainly can personalize instruction for learners and allow them to construct their own learning - a wonderful opportunity. We work to make the course materials interactive and engaging and students build independence as learners.
We operate an on-line school from grade 4 to 12 and I can offer some ideas for the younger students. Every student that we register must attend a full day orientation to begin their schooling and students in elementary and junior high must have a parent (guardian or relative) with them each and every day at home or we do not accept them. Our reasons are that we need the parents as full partners in the education process. In addition our teachers are in constant contact with both the student and parent (a phone call every week). Parents typically assist with creation of schedules, supervise Internet searches, monitor exams and provide the day to day support and encouragement all students need. Teachers and parents collaborate to solve problems the students encounters. This system is resulting in success for a high proportion of our students. Of course, once again, the most important variable for the educational experience is human relationships.