Wrapping it ALL Up
In the past 10 months I've accomplished so many goals that I'd never planned. Coding was for "smart people", not me. The Apple CEI and Lamar courses have reminded me what it feels like to be a kid and explore without being told "NO, Stop that". It's reminded me to never stop growing and being my uniquely quirky self. I made a video for my overall reflection. I hope you enjoy!
(Closed Captioning provided below)
How powerful would the Avengers have been if everyone had the same powers, strengths, and abilities? Nick Fury recognized the individual strengths and challenges of each person, stirred things up to create the Avengers TEAM. Ultimately it was the TEAM that brought down Thanos.
Hi. I am Medina Willis- A high school teacher of 11 years and life-long learner. As an educator, I embrace holistic education and am going to share some of what I have learned over the past year while embarking on a new classroom initiative.
First, educators must shift to a holistic approach to learning. We must focus on social skills and critical thinking along with content. We have to recognize the each student has their own set of experiences and strengths. They can flourish when provided with the correct supports and mindset. Developing a growth mindset is not just critical to learning in children, but to all people.
Students want to be successful but we must recognize the individual wants and needs that motivate students - Utilize their interest to cultivate the next generation of problem solvers. We must be the Nick Fury’s in the classroom by recognizing individual strengths, cultivating communication skills, so that we form teams of learners. Let’s be honest, how often do we check in with others about projects? I’ve annoyed at least 10 people to create this video. Educators must explicitly focus on soft skill development. We cannot be mad at them for missing deadlines if we forget to teach setting goals and deadlines.
Even more so, we need to allow students to CREATE- to show what knowledge has been internalized by demonstrating what they can do with the information in new ways. What about students with gaps in language, ability, and prior education? Well, we provide the scaffolding through thoughtful teams to get students over the hurdles. Help students create an individualized plan with goals based on their ideas, then strategically work with them to monitor and re-evaluate goals with achievement in mind. Again, we must cultivate a growth mindset. Simple formula to success… Mindset+ work ethic + choices = achievement.
To all educators, you should also adopt a growth mindset. Continuously challenge yourself to learn new skills. This was my journey past fearing new technology. Be the example for students. Through this experience, I’ve developed a revised course sequence to provide revised learning opportunities for all students. Authentic opportunities where students can showcase what they are learning in meaningful ways. They encourage students to grow while recognizing research into the importance of individualized learning. Give students choice in their assignments and they seem to take the ownership, and find their voice. But this only happens when teachers provide authentic learning opportunities.
I encourage you to embrace the differences of your students just like those in the Marvel Comic Universe. Every strength and opportunity is yours to guide. Be your own kind of Nick Fury. When educators shift learning to students, we open their eyes to the POWER OF EDUCATION. Your students are watching and learning from you more than you may realize. Heck, you may even inspire a few others to embrace change as well.
Thank you to all those who supported this venture. Apple Education for providing equipment and support for innovative teaching. Lamar University for fielding my multitude of questions. Austin Community College for continuously supporting our community with learning opportunities for all, and Austin Independent School District for allowing teachers flexibility with curriculum.
Thank you for your attention. Remember to always take care of yourself and others. This is Medina Willis. Bye for now...
How powerful would the Avengers have been if everyone had the same powers, strengths, and abilities? Nick Fury recognized the individual strengths and challenges of each person, stirred things up to create the Avengers TEAM. Ultimately it was the TEAM that brought down Thanos.
Hi. I am Medina Willis- A high school teacher of 11 years and life-long learner. As an educator, I embrace holistic education and am going to share some of what I have learned over the past year while embarking on a new classroom initiative.
First, educators must shift to a holistic approach to learning. We must focus on social skills and critical thinking along with content. We have to recognize the each student has their own set of experiences and strengths. They can flourish when provided with the correct supports and mindset. Developing a growth mindset is not just critical to learning in children, but to all people.
Students want to be successful but we must recognize the individual wants and needs that motivate students - Utilize their interest to cultivate the next generation of problem solvers. We must be the Nick Fury’s in the classroom by recognizing individual strengths, cultivating communication skills, so that we form teams of learners. Let’s be honest, how often do we check in with others about projects? I’ve annoyed at least 10 people to create this video. Educators must explicitly focus on soft skill development. We cannot be mad at them for missing deadlines if we forget to teach setting goals and deadlines.
Even more so, we need to allow students to CREATE- to show what knowledge has been internalized by demonstrating what they can do with the information in new ways. What about students with gaps in language, ability, and prior education? Well, we provide the scaffolding through thoughtful teams to get students over the hurdles. Help students create an individualized plan with goals based on their ideas, then strategically work with them to monitor and re-evaluate goals with achievement in mind. Again, we must cultivate a growth mindset. Simple formula to success… Mindset+ work ethic + choices = achievement.
To all educators, you should also adopt a growth mindset. Continuously challenge yourself to learn new skills. This was my journey past fearing new technology. Be the example for students. Through this experience, I’ve developed a revised course sequence to provide revised learning opportunities for all students. Authentic opportunities where students can showcase what they are learning in meaningful ways. They encourage students to grow while recognizing research into the importance of individualized learning. Give students choice in their assignments and they seem to take the ownership, and find their voice. But this only happens when teachers provide authentic learning opportunities.
I encourage you to embrace the differences of your students just like those in the Marvel Comic Universe. Every strength and opportunity is yours to guide. Be your own kind of Nick Fury. When educators shift learning to students, we open their eyes to the POWER OF EDUCATION. Your students are watching and learning from you more than you may realize. Heck, you may even inspire a few others to embrace change as well.
Thank you to all those who supported this venture. Apple Education for providing equipment and support for innovative teaching. Lamar University for fielding my multitude of questions. Austin Community College for continuously supporting our community with learning opportunities for all, and Austin Independent School District for allowing teachers flexibility with curriculum.
Thank you for your attention. Remember to always take care of yourself and others. This is Medina Willis. Bye for now...