Learning Styles

What is Blended Learning?

The thoughtful integration of classroom face-to-face learning experiences with online learning experiences.

• Instruction & Practice on Computer/Tablet
• Centers & Partner Work
• Independent Work
• Small Group Instruction with a Teacher

Articles

• 8 Ways Blended Learning Changes the Game - bat Huffington Post

Making Learning Personal

To better understand personalization, compare these educational models (differentiation and individualization) used at other schools.

Differentiation

The Teacher...
Adjusts learning needs for groups of students.
Designs instruction based on the learning needs of different groups of learners.

Individualization

The Teacher...
Accommodates learning needs for the individual learner.
Customizes instruction based on the learning needs of the individual learner.

Personalization

The Learner...
Connects learning with interests, passions and aspirations.
Actively participates in the design of their own learning.

More About Personalized Learning

Dive into more about Personalized Learning...

• "What Do We Really Mean When We Say Personalized Learning?" - on KQED MindShift
• Personalized Learning - on EdSurge
• What is Personalization, Really? - on Edutopia

Project-Based Learning

In our school we use the teaching method of Project Based Learning, or PBL, to help students learn better. A project motivates students to gain knowledge, and they remember it longer. Projects give students the chance to apply the skills they learn in school to personally relevant and real-world situations.

• PBL is curriculum fueled and standards based
• PBL asks a question or poses a problem that ALL students can answer with concrete, hands-on experiences 
• PBL allows students to investigate issues and topics in real-world problems
• PBL fosters abstract intellectual tasks to explore complex issues

Articles

• Project-Based Learning - Parent Resources
• Parent Resources - SHSU
• What is Project Based Learning (PBL) - by Buck Institute of Education

• "Most Likely to Succeed: Schools Should Teach Kids to Think, Not Memorize" - on The Huffington Post

Types of Projects/Problems

1. Solving a Real World Challenge
2. Meeting a Design Challenge
3. Exploring an Abstract Question
4. Conducting an Investigation
5. Taking a Position on an Issue

Design Thinking

Articles

• Stanford's Design Process for Kids: Teaching Big Picture Problem Solving
• Teaching Kids Design Thinking, So They Can Solve The World's Biggest Problems - by FastCoDesign
• Design Thinking Articles, several - by KQED News, MindShift
• Stanford Webinar - Design Thinking = Method, Not Magic (video) - by Stanford Online (d.school Hasso Plattner Institute of Design, Stanford)

Environment

Active, Flexible, Learning Environments

The mind needs the whole body to learn. The many spontaneous movements of everyday life are important for health and performance. There is a strong relationship between brain activity and kinesthetic stimulation.

Central Park students touching a real animal brain to explore science hands-on.

Active Environments

50% sitting (dynamic sitting on flexible chairs)

30% standing (e.g. standing desk)

20% walking around (movement games, active learning methods)

Giving students increased opportunities to move while seated triggers increased levels of attention and concentration.

Tables as a teaching tool

Flexible, Movable Storage

Outdoor Learning Spaces

Playscapes

Articles

• "Flexible Classrooms Providing Learning Environment Kids Need" - on Edutopia
• "LEARNING & MEMORY: How Do We Remember and Why Do We Often Forget?" - by Dr. Kenneth Wesson