Rethinking Learners

There has been a fundamental shift in education to place the learner and their learning at the centre of all decision making. Student voice is a term frequently thrown around in schools, and has gained popularity around the world. Listening to students and their opinions, and allowing them to have choice in their learning is an important aspect in modern education. A 'learner-centred' approach has been adopted by many schools, and some go as far as adopting a learner charter.

In New Zealand, the MoE actively encourages student-centred learning, and this can be seen in many of their initiatives. For example, Ka Hikitia- Accelerating Success, which promotes Maori achievement. Specific aspects of this initiative focus on student identity, data to improve outcomes, extra support for those who need it, positive relationships with students and their family, and high expectations.

'Engage me or enrage me' by Mark Prensky, 2011

Pause to reflect:

• How is my school prioritising the needs of the groups of 'enraged' students?
• Some student choice with subjects and topics (depends on teacher and subject)
• Optional BYOD in the senior classes 
• Use of OneDrive, class sites, OneNote in senior classes 
• To what extend does your school community think that the curriculum has to be interactive and ICT-based in order to be engaging and worthwhile?
• Probably more of a priority for some subjects - due to HoFs and teachers 
• Community in general wants a balance between ICT-based curriculum and 'traditional' learning - academic side as well as university preparation still very important to school community 
• What are the key competencies needed by students as future citizens of the world? 
• NZC KCs: Thinking, using language, symbols and texts, managing self, relating to others, participating and contributing
• NZC Values: Excellence, innovation, inquiry, curiosity, diversity, equity, integrity, respect
• (See vision in image below)
• What curriculum & pedagogical changes does your school need to consider in order to develop these competencies? 
• More choice in topics and standards (within reason)
• More PD for teachers to enable them to engage 21st century learners through ICT 

Vision, NZ Curriculum, http://nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz/The-New-Zealand-Curriculum/Vision 

References:

Futurelab. (n.d.). The learner's charter for a personalised learning environment. Retrieved from http://archive.futurelab.org.uk/resources/documents/opening_education/Learners_Charter.pdf

Ministry of Education. (2007). The New Zealand Curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.

Ministry of Education. (2008). Ka Hikitia: Accelerating Success. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.

Prensky, M. (July 7, 2011). Engage me or enrage me part 1. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R8SyU2taBk