This week, I’ve come across two great pieces about better communication.
In the first, Simon Sinek shares how Nike’s Phil Knight puts his company’s WHY into words.
And in the second, Melissa Marshall encourages scientists to talk nerdy to her:
Another theme that emerged from TEDxAtlanta “Edge of the South” –
There is great value in crafting and making things, especially things designed for relevance.
Then, in reviewing Wednesday’s weekly EdSurge publication, I found the quote below, addressing The New MakerBot Replicator:
“Much as the first generation of software entrepreneurs were kids like the young Bill Gates, who grew up with the first machines and intuitively grasped their potential, so the next generation of 3-D-printing innovators may be children. High schools would be smart to bring back shop class but rename it design class, a shift that really would entail just adding a few MakerBots to the school’s existing computer labs. How many students wouldn’t rather design and print real things than mock up yet another PowerPoint presentation?”
How might we re-imagine school so that student-learners are more engaged on a regular basis with designing, modeling, crafting, creating, drafting, building, and producing…crafting and making things, especially things that are designed for relevance?
Be sure to read:
How much do we think about the sound design of classrooms and learning spaces? “Julian Treasure: Why architects need to use their ears” shows us – and, even better, helps us listen to the fact that we don’t consider sound design enough!
H.M.W.
How might we…?
A powerful, three-word intro to pre-brainstorming.
.
How might we…design a more student-centered school?
How might we…create more learning-focused schools?
How might we…make school mirror “real life” more closely?
[Many thanks to Kimberly Douglas of Firefly Facilitation for sending this video to me by way of her e-newsletter.]
The chairs in classrooms can illustrate an interesting point…one worth considering. I can’t believe I’ve never really noticed this before. I’ve observed hundreds of classes. The actual chairs never made a note in my observations.
Compare and contrast the chairs at student desks with those at teacher desks. Which chairs are more flexible, more comfortable, more geared to ergonomic learning? What does the comparison show? For whom are many classrooms designed?
Earlier today, I was reading Jonathan Martin’s post – “Inspiring and Informative: Lessons Learned Visiting Albemarle Schools with Superintendent Pam Moran.” I was challenged and inspired by the rich details of the school visit.
I was also struck by the student and teacher seating. A small detail? Maybe. Maybe not.
it's about learning 