It's in teaching teachers that I am reminded of the strength and value of building community within a group of learners. Attempting to design learning experiences without time for individuals to talk, to create, to share and to solve problems together results in less learning... not only that, it's just not fun. I am finally reading Invent to Learn by Gary Stager and Sylvia Martinez -- an excellent read by the way -- and a statement they made about affective skills resonated strongly with me:
"...affective skills should be byproducts of meaningful learning experiences."
It resonated strongly because so many times we incorporate ice breakers and team-building exercises that are separate from what we are learning in class. This reinforces a separation between "school" learning and social experiences. By designing learning experiences that include opportunities for students to work together, to take risks together and to problem solve together, we allow our students to share moments of curiosity, moments of vulnerability and moments of accomplishment. When these feelings and experiences are connected with the content, we are developing their self-efficacy, their ability to persevere, their willingness to take risks in service of learning and their ability to support each other in that learning.
Food for thought as I begin work in a new school with new students.
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