Reinvigorate the Joy of Teaching and Learning
Recently, I had the opportunity to lead professional learning for primary teachers who are exploring how to best integrate technology in the classroom. Following our time, I also had the opportunity to facilitate a separate session alongside professionals from Apple called, Everyone Can Create. It was truly a dynamic day, for both teachers and those of us leading the professional learning. However, initially some individuals might not have anticipated that.
The day prior to the PL day, I learned that some of the teachers I was scheduled to work with were reluctant to come. I want to be clear that they are not reluctant teachers or learners themselves, but they found out that while they were in professional learning, their colleagues were receiving time to complete report cards that were due the very next day.
As a former classroom teacher myself, I know time is incredibly valuable. There’s never enough time in a day and there certainly isn’t time within the school day to complete report cards. On the morning the teachers arrived for our learning, I could feel their reluctance to be there. Many voiced their frustrations, and I validated their feelings. It’s okay for educators to want to learn, but also seek time to complete tasks. The teachers were extremely kind, and they assured me that it wasn’t that they didn’t want to learn, they just wanted the time to complete report cards, too. All I could do was validate their feelings and share my hope that they would have an amazing day, because we really had crafted an awesome day for them.
Within about 15 minutes of our time together, I noticed a change within the individuals. Slumped bodies and yawns turned to interest as individuals began leaning in, asking questions, and engaging in rich conversations. The more time we all spent together, the more alive individuals became. Together, we explored how to deepen engagement and bring the curriculum to life through augmented and virtual reality; providing experiences to learners that they may not otherwise have. Transformation took place as teachers began to reflect on the skills learners need to develop to be successful including (but not limited to), creativity and initiative, technology design, innovation, critical thinking, and more–– just to name a few.
In my book, Take the L.E.A.P.: Ignite a Culture of Innovation, I share the information (graphic below) from the World Economic Forum to support educators in understanding that yes, the basics are important, but even still, we can support learners to develop skill sets that will support their success. As educators, we cannot neglect the reality of the world our learners are in. Instead, we need to foster their abilities and support their growth so that they are equipped and flexible for most anything that comes their way. We can create the conditions to empower learning, which also just may rejuvenate the joy of teaching and learning at the same time.
During our time together, teachers were out of their seats, moving around the room, actively learning, and they were having ‘aha’ moments left and right. The teachers needed the time to see that technology is more than for skill and drill of spelling or math, more than an electronic worksheet, but instead–– a tool that can be leveraged for powerful and meaningful learning opportunities. It was enlightening to hear laughter and excitement in their voices as they connected how they could utilize both augmented and virtual reality within the curriculum, and also how to transform learning by using technology as a launching point for discussions (ie. having students post virtual Sticky Notes with comments or questions using tech tools so that every learner can share their thoughts and then engaging in class discussions). The teachers recognized how they could take a current activity and renovate it by empowering learners to add video and creative touches such as music, text, closed caption, images, and more to enhance what they created to demonstrate their learning.
It thrilled me to hear their tone change by the end of our time together. They went from feeling frustrated, to feeling eager to return to the classroom. After our time, teachers connected with me on where we could go next as we explored how to effectively integrate technology in the classroom. The day after, I heard again how it was the best professional learning that they can remember in some time–– it goes to show how much they were craving this kind of learning! Two days later, we were able to set up a time for those who could attend after school to dig a little deeper. At the conclusion, they planned more time so we can continue our partnership.
You see, it’s not about me, nor is it about Apple Education (they are pretty amazing though). It’s not even about the technology. It was all about how we fostered the why, cultivated relationships, infused a sense of fun, and helped teachers grasp how we can inspire wonder and awe in the classroom. When teachers see potential, they will go above and beyond to make it happen for kids. We simply supported teachers to see how they could enhance what they were currently doing with simple shifts, and how much fun it could be!
Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that technology itself doesn’t transform learning. Rather, in the hands of an amazing teacher, the teacher can leverage technology to transform learning. At the end of the day, it’s all in how the teacher facilitates learning and incorporates instructional strategy; but above all, how they foster authentic relationships.
I notice that sometimes teachers get a bad rap. I hear from others about how teachers don’t want to engage in learning or how they don’t have time, but the truth is that most do want to learn. Often, they lack the time or support. Sometimes, they may simply benefit from being validated. They also need to have ownership over what they’re doing and grasp the why. Teachers go into teaching because they want to inspire a love of learning. But all too often, teachers begin feeling beaten down with all of the mandates and all that comes with teaching. For some, that joy seems to fade over time. However, this was a day that will go down as one of my favorites. It was a day where we got to respark the joy of teaching and learning.
I’m excited to continue our journey, and I’ve enjoyed reflecting on it here. Knowing that there are amazing things happening in schools due to the dedication of teachers, brings me so much joy. When we come together and have the opportunity to synergize, everyone benefits. Just as we need to look at how we inspire wonder and awe in learners, we need to also create these experiences for our teachers. When we do, we all maintain our joy for teaching and learning–– which should be our goal within education. Without joy and excitement, motivation lacks. Together, let’s strive to create opportunities for teachers that reinvigorate the love they have for teaching and learning, and provide them with the best support possible to flourish–– after all, our teachers have a direct impact on the learners in front of them. Let’s invest wisely in both teachers and our learners.
