Reflection: A New Culture of Learning by Connie Sharp
In A New Culture of Learning at TEDxUFM, Douglas Thomas shared his believe that 3 things need to happen for learning to occur; engage an individual's passion, allow them to use their imagination and provide constraint. The one activity that combines all three is PLAY!
As I reflect on how this will impact my learning environments, I first focus on my weekly administrative team meetings and our commitment to begin with a hands on activity. We started this tradition last year after meeting with a LEGO Education consultant. She spoke about the importance of play and healthy brain development. Not only does it stimulate our brains, but it also leads to more collaborative and communicative starts to our meetings. I plan to continue this tradition.
In my innovation proposal, I planned to create monthly opportunities for new librarians to learn how to integrate STEAM activities into the curriculum. My plan was to model instruction and demonstrate how to use STEAM items we have access to. I am rethinking the structure of my proposal. It would be more beneficial for me to allow them to play and even create challenge cards for each activity. Thomas suggested that when you put rules in place, it sparks the imagination. I see the challenge cards providing those constraints.
Finally, I am reflecting on the professional development opportunities I provide four times a year for all librarians in the district. Each day is scheduled like a mini conference and attendees are able to choose the sessions they would like to attend. I am going to commit to always having one room designated as a technology playground. We have tried this in the past and it was highly successful. I believe modeling this approach will encourage librarians to provide the same opportunities for students when they go back to their own schools. In the words of Mrs. Frizzle from the Magic School Bus, I want librarians to "take chances, make mistakes and get messy!"