Transformative Learning Project
Posted by shanetechteach on October 18, 2009
I have successfully pitched the project concept to my immediate supervisor, who reported to the principal and I have their support for this (relatively) radical project. The project is based on my understanding of Transformative Learning, as proposed originally by Mezirow and built on concepts such as Connectivism and 21C learning skills. Why do I term it relatively radical – quite simply nothing like this has been implemented at my school previously therefore staff and students have not experienced this approach to learning. I’ve blogged my thinking that has lead to this project before – A potential project; Constructing purposeful learning spaces; Planning my learning environments for 2010; and Learning 2010 – an update.
So my thinking has formalised into a project proposal, that in a rough form was pitched to my supervising Deputy Principal. I pitched the idea using one slide and a lot of talk. I’ll need to refine that when I pitch to staff. The slide used is embedded below.
As you can see, there are three learning foci; content learning, conceptual / contextual learning, and reflective learning. It is the interaction of these three learning foci that will determine the success of this project for students and parents. I believe it is the support and professional development of teachers that will determine the success for teachers. These two (2) vital components need to be combined and considered at the forefront of the project for success to be achieved. A lot of work, but exciting times.
The final question that will form the framing of the action learning project is yet to be finalised, however the one I am proposing when pitching the project to my staff on Tuesday is included in the project pitch here. Details of the project are still forming in my head (and my evernote), however the teachers who decide to be involved need to be included in the final development of the project plan. This in itself will be an exciting process as I encourage my staff to unlearn then re-learn. I intend to post more here as the project develops.
The existing infrastructure that enables this project includes blocking the 2 classes onto the one timetable line – which means they are both in PE at the same time. This ensures the two teachers teach the cohort instead of singular teachers teaching their classes. The National Secondary Schools Computer Fund ensures I can have 30 laptops in my classroom, and convert 5 LAN points to wireless access points. I’ve been given permission to research and purchase (partially funded through the facilities budget) alternative furniture that will align with the goals of the project. The HPE department already owns a large number of devices that can be utilised.
Fingers crossed it will be well received. It is significantly different to anything they have considered previously.
