What defines a student-centered educator? Is it enough to know the book, to know the drill, to know the test, to know the system, to know what the administration expects? We think not. A student-centered educator will manage this while saving his or her best energy for observing, appreciating, and considering deeply the one unique learner who sits before him or her, hoping to be understood.What else does it take to be a student-centered educator?The following is a set of perspectives and … [Read more...]
5 Steps to Become a Student-Centered Individual
To start the process of becoming student-centered educator, it is important to:Expand your thinking and use of language Appreciate the uniqueness of each learner and develop an attitude for openness and flexibility of mind that allows us to be deeply attuned to what is in each students best interest educationally Recognize that the student is whole and complete beyond any influence of ours Respect the individuality of the student and the limits of our relationship as well as its … [Read more...]
Part 2 – Do You Know What Inspires and Motivates Your Students?
In Part 2 of the brainstorming session at the NISCE Launch and Workshop event the focus was on the student perspective.Results paralleled each other in some interesting ways when the educators were asked to take on the role of students and respond to the question of what makes a student feel successful. The following were noted:Positive social interactions during the day Meaningful communication with peers, parents, and educators Having an 'aha' moment when tackling a problem or … [Read more...]
Context In Education Is Everything–Being The ‘Coach’ Everyone Loves
The field of education has typically used the term student-centered education to designate specific types of programming and pedagogical technique. Most often, it is applied to classroom activities in which the individual learner takes a great deal of responsibility for his or her own learning. In these settings, the teacher may organize activities and provide resources, but then takes on a coaching or facilitating role as students work cooperatively to solve problems, construct their own … [Read more...]
The Need to Move Beyond Curriculum Standards and Traditional Educational Models
A room full of students is not the same as a room full of children. Typically when we consider a child as a student we have already narrowed our point of view. “Student” is a partial identity, occurring only in the context of classroom and education and leaving out many critical aspects of who the learner actually is.In our more expansive view, however, a teacher gazes out on the rows of faces in a classroom and is immediately confronted with the fact that the children in front of her are … [Read more...]
Launching a Broader Dialogue
With an expertise in developing new educational services and innovative practices, experience in consulting with other schools, school districts and human service providers, and with a history of constantly focusing on ways to enhance the quality and performance of their own four programs, Schools for Children found itself seeking a way to describe approaches and educational practices that would linked all of their schools and programs: Lesley Ellis School, Dearborn Academy, Seaport Academy and … [Read more...]
