Student Centered Learning in Middle School

Have you ever wondered how to better connect what you’re teaching to your student’s experience? This episode answers this very question. Jenoge speaks with Brad Parker, a Social Studies Specialist for the Beaverton School District. Brad starts his conversation by sharing his early education experience, growing up outside of Chicago. His upbringing and education, in a racially and ethnically diverse community, brings valuable perspective to his current leadership position. Inspiring inquiry, curiosity, and agency are the main tenets of student-centered learning for Brad. He speaks about the difference between acquiring knowledge versus critical thinking, curiosity, and other skills for learners.

Can educators change the way students think about systemic issues? Brad believes they can. He thinks schools and educators can shift the meaning of “curriculum” from its traditional definition to something more holistic and systemic. Do the social-political realities impact how and what our students learn? Brad argues that students need to be informed and engaged in contemporary issues and need to believe they are active agents in determining what they’re learning about. One strategy he shares is eliciting anonymous feedback. Listen in to learn what to do with that feedback. Brad also shares his experience of teaching students’ “head, heart, and conscience.” Jenoge and Brad end their conversation sharing stories around being a humble listener to students. Can we tune in to what our students are commenting on and asking about? Maybe that’s where educators begin to learn. 

 

Resources: 

Paul Gorski 

Ideas on how to solicit anonymous feedback

Civic Engagement Strategies

OEA Grow is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network.