Learning to learn… The new model of education

Professional development for educators is currently undergoing a fundamental change.  A paradigm shift that is moving away from a one-size fits all model to a more targeted view of best practice. This shift appears to be aligned with the 21^st century learners’ notion that Pro-D must be personalized and specific to the growth plan of the individual.  We should be including students into this new design.

Why don’t we borrow from the teachers’ model and formally get students in the metacognitive mindset. If learning about learning is not achieved in the typical classroom, then we need to consider doing it another way. Once students are prepared to accept the notion that learning to learn is a critical skill, it brings relevance to their learning. Students will start to achieve at higher levels because they now have the tools that will allow them to unlock their potential.  

For educators, professional development is a time to think about improving your practice. A time to be metacognitive, a time to reflect. Isn’t this what we should be teaching our students? Activities in the classroom can often become bogged down in heavy content focus and overlook the metacognitive component (refer to the mile wide – inch deep dilemma). We as educators say that we value the teaching of skills over knowledge acquisition. However, we often feel obliged to “establish a baseline of knowledge” first before we get to the skills. Although we value knowledge acquisition, this approach treats metacognition as an afterthought. This is not necessarily best practice.

Just as teachers are realizing that individualized learning and metacognition are critical components of good practice, so too must students. It should be a key component of our mission to ensure that education must include metacognitive reflection. Only when this happens, can students become true lifelong learners.  This is metacognition in action – a real-world practice.

Is this a glimpse into the new era of education?

Identify the stakeholders…       Trust the process…      Trust the people…