As a math teacher, competency based learning feels like a Holy Grail. I want my classroom to be self-paced, I want my students to not waste time sitting through notes when they already understand the material perfectly. Math is fairly unique in that it is super progressive. If a student has master 7th grade content, why shouldn’t they move onto 8th right away? Most people seem to answer “well, then they will be bored next year…” That feels like a weak answer to me.
I feel like math is on the road to competency based learning. Softwares like Khan Academy and Prodigy both allow for individualized assignments, self-paced learning, and individualized rewards systems. Other game based learning systems like Lure of the Labrynth also allow students to work in a learner centered away. Even better, all these things are totally free for the classroom! There are some struggles still of course. Can a video module every truly replace teacher interaction? How do you build a culture where every student is confident enough to ask for help when needed? Some systems have great feedback tools, but they can only provide feedback when a student provides input. What about the equity of technology at home? I feel like making a learner-centered environment without technology would be resource intensive (lots of printing). I wonder if, in the constraints of the public school system, it is possible to have a truly learner-centric environment. Without the guarantee of equity and access for all students, I have doubts that a tech-rich system is possible. However, every year I am moving closer to a blended approach. I feel like every school year a new learning system pops up. I have gone through Tenmarks (Amazon), Khan Academy, Prodigy, LearnZillion, Lure of the Labrynth, and more in the last 3 years and I’m sure it only gets better with time.
3 Comments
Nai Saelee
6/7/2017 03:22:27 pm
Hi Patrick,
Reply
James
6/7/2017 05:23:51 pm
Patrick,
Reply
Patrick,
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
October 2017
Categories |