Lessons Learned

Just a few short weeks ago, I could not tell you what a blog was let alone how to read or write one. I am proud to announce that my new blog is two weeks old today. What I have gleaned from the experience of learning how to read and write blogs, reaches far beyond the scope of the blogosphere and into the heart of what matters most in the transformative work we do.

1) Teaching and learning can never be separated.
In education, of all places, we segment the conversation far too often. We talk about what we teach, how we should teach it, what books we should use, but rarely relate it to how we ensure that the learner learns. Our work can not be about what we know and do, but rather what our students are able to know and do because of us.

2) Be transformative teachers.
We must be learners first. Examining our own processes as learners is invaluable. We must never forget what LEARNING is like; what makes it hard,what makes it easy,what gets us through the struggle, and most importantly what keeps us going.  These are the most important lessons that we must teach our students. If we can first present ourselves as learners, we invite them to share in the journey with us. 

3) Give 'em Gold Stars
For the first time in my learning life, I was recognized for my learning rather than what I had learned or accomplished. I just received my first gold star as a new blogger. After two weeks, this was not because my site was best or my posts expert. The message of recognition and support came when it was most needed, as I was taking my first learning steps. So often we reward the "100 percents", the perfect handwriting, the products finished and framed. We have to let our new learners, regardless of age or task, know that we are proud of their baby steps.  Successful learning is guaranteed when the learners hears:  you are off to a great start, keep going, I can can't wait to see what you can do!

4) Good Teaching Matters
No surprise here. Learning success is direct result of  teaching success. My friend and blog teacher, Mike, reminds me every lesson of what to do when teaching anything: Expert teachers model, coach, reinforce, allow time for the work to be messy. Expert teachers challenge, but never do so without simultaneous support and unfettering belief in their student. All students deserve to be that blessed.

5) Motivation is Internal
As much as I was honored to be recognized as a new blogger, that will not be fuel that keeps the learning fire burning. Extrinsic motivation is short lived and quickly extinguishes.  True motivation comes from within.  It is ignited by challenge mirrored with success.  There is no gold sticker or colored star that can replace the feeling of knowing inside that you have done something new or difficult, and you made it! It is knowing that you can learn; you have learned. This accelerates the process and learning becomes lifelong.

Our conversations about teaching and learning  must move beyond sharing strategies and exploring learning theory.  As educators, we have to get to the core of what makes learning happen.  I believe using our own experiences to drive what we do with our students is a great start.  I would love to hear your teaching and learning stories.  Feel free to email me or share it here with others.

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Comments

[Tom]

Angela, what a great blog, and dedicated to such a worthy topic. As a former teacher and a forever learner, I admire what you're doing with your site.

Thanks for sharing your insights and I look forward to visiting regularly and learning from you.

Congratulations on your running progress too!

[Tom]

Angela, what a great blog, and dedicated to such a worthy topic. As a former teacher and a forever learner, I admire what you're doing with your site.

Thanks for sharing your insights and I look forward to visiting regularly and learning from you.

Congratulations on your running progress too!

[Angela Maiers]

From one forever learner to another-thanks for the support and encouragement. I look forward to your insights as well.

[Madena M Burman]

Excellent job Angela!! Your page looks great, your content is dead on, and I look forward to learning more:-)

[Angela Maiers]

Thanks for the joining the conversation. I look forward to more as well.

[Jocelyn Wallace]

I am not in the education field, but I am a parent and I work in the corporate world. The following statements in this blog especially grabbed me: "Successful learning is guaranteed when the learners hears: you are off to a great start, keep going, I can't wait to see what you can do! Expert teachers model, coach, reinforce, and allow time for the work to be messy. Expert teachers challenge, but never do so without simultaneous support and unfettering belief in their student. All students deserve to be that blessed." This is so refreshing to me, not only as a parent but also as an eternal learner. Most of us don't realize what we are capable of until we are encouraged and someone believes in us. You articulated this so well with the following statement: "There is no gold sticker or colored star that can replace the feeling of knowing inside that you have done something new or difficult, and you made it! It is knowing that you can learn; you have learned. This accelerates the process and learning becomes lifelong."

[Angela Maiers]

Jocelyn, you are so right on. All learners need to be recognized for what they can become. You said it brilliantly, "we don't realize what we are capable of until we are encouraged and someone believes in us. You're perspective and insights are powerful and refreshing! Thank you for taking time to share!