Valinda Kimmel
A few years ago, Jackie Gerstein, Ed.D., wrote an article in which she spoke about teachers as model learners. Dr. Gerstein posits that in order to lead students in the process of learning, teachers themselves must engage in reflection about “how they learn, set personal learning goals, regularly self-assess and adjust their performance, and use strategies to support their learning.”
Often when reading an article on progressive educational practice, it’s tempting to think of the ideas presented as more fantasy than reality. That is not the case here, however.
There was clear evidence of many in our #g2great PLN in the chat on Thursday who hold to the idea of teachers choosing to set specific goals for new learning; their own learning. Educators engaged in a spirited discussion about the reciprocal nature of teaching and learning. And they shared specific ways in which they embrace the wisdom of “teacher as lead learner”.
You can see the chat here in its entirety. Let’s look at some #g2great questions and answers:
Teachers model the process of learning when they:
- Set goals for learning
- Articulate and make note of metacognitive strategies while learning
- Respect the iterative nature of learning
- Reflect often throughout the process
- Make adjustments when necessary
There is no magic potion for maximizing learning for all students, but when educators commit to being the lead learner there is power in that stance.
Power that transforms.
The work involved to lead the learning is not easy, but it is a certainly a worthy pursuit.
Educators as Lead Learners. (2016, January 12). Retrieved from https://usergeneratededucation.wordpress.com/2015/02/15/educators-as-lead-learners/