Student-Centered Learning by Design - Softcover

Whiting, Jacquelyn

Softcover

ISBN 10: 144087753X ISBN 13: 9781440877537

Publisher: Libraries Unlimited, 2021

Synopsis

Current research is pushing schools to adopt more student-centered approaches to the classroom experience, and educators―librarians and classroom teachers alike―are being challenged to revise their curricula and instruction to be student-centered, personalized, and differentiated.

This book empowers librarians, teachers, and administrators to be empathic problem-solvers and decision-makers. By reframing the challenges that members of a learning community face as opportunities to better meet teaching and learning needs, readers will find that adoption of a mindset focused on users―namely, design thinking―elevates and creates opportunities for innovating pedagogy. Moreover, it can enhance school culture as well as build channels of communication among various stakeholders in schools and districts.

When educators of any subject or discipline apply design thinking skills to their curriculum implementation, authentic student-centered learning experiences become the core of the learning experience. The case studies shared in this book provide examples of student-centered approaches being used in elementary, middle, and high schools, so that readers have many models on which to base their work and from which to build confidence in shifting their pedagogy to keep the student at the center of teaching and learning decisions.

About this title

About the Author

Jacquelyn Whiting is the instructional coach and technology integrator for the Brookfield Public Schools in Brookfield, CT. She is coauthor of News Literacy: The Keys to Combating Fake News.

Reviews

Drawing from her experience in the Google Certified Innovator program, Whiting has produced a thought-provoking, useful manual centered on applying human-centered design (or a mindset that puts the needs, concerns, and motivations of stakeholders first) to the educational environment. Whiting demonstrates how educators can use the "How might we…" format to form questions that put student need first. For instance, "How might we transform our new curricula to help digital age students who need interactive, real-world experiences to demonstrate mastery of the AASL Curation standard?" After the problem is defined, Whiting advises educators to consult the stakeholders-often the students themselves-who are most affected by the issues arising from the problem. Once stakeholders are involved, educators can then help them find the best solution, rather than imposing a top-down, and less authentic, answer. Whiting offers the example of a special education teacher who allowed her students to assess their own accommodations on their IEPs, letting them take ownership of their own learning. This helpful book contains links to teacher resources and templates for independent design theory practice. VERDICT Whiting's engaging and practical book places stakeholders front and center. Librarians will find her arguments compelling as they rethink pedagogy and solve problems using human-centered design theory.-Jane Barrer, United Nations International Sch., New Yorkα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Edition details

• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 144087753X
• ISBN 13: 9781440877537
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 154