In between words and courses I teach, courses I learn and participate on, Downes' words echo in my mind:
"Learning is not a possession of a collection of facts; it's the expression of a capacity."
Further on in his presentation, Downes points out how,
"Learning is not an acquisition, it is growth. "
This growth includes not only the personal development of a person, but also their "sense of value and place in society."
How exactly are educators achieving this?
How are educators given the space and time in classrooms to achieve this?
And does educational leadership really care in practice?
So I continue wondering about personalized learning and personal learning in my own context and how much it is worth - against the need to formulas for exams. I question too a lot what is considered educational leadership for there are lacks of vision and action, despite the discourse which is socially accepted.
There is a lot individual teachers can do.
Most of all, believe in change, in fostering creativity, in breaking walls and stepping outside the pre-established lines of "not possible".
Because change is happening all around us.
Time for change in classrooms.
Time for change in education.
Time for initiative and multi-disciplinary thinking. Time for empathy and belief.
References and Suggestions:
Makerbook - A hand-picked directory of the best free resources for creatives.
21st Century Schools or 21st Century Learning?
5 Ways to Lay the Foundation for Innovation #InnovatorsMindset