The COVA approach, in all honesty, seems exciting and yet a bit scary. We learned a certain way in school and (hopefully) educate children a little differently than we learned. I agree with Sir Ken Robinson when he said, '[Our] community depend[s] upon our diversity of talent not a singular conception of ability' in his Feb. 2010 Ted Talk. This excites me in the DLL program but is definitely going to get some getting used to. I like the philosophy of being able to have some choice and express my own voice but am conflicted with mainstream education. I teach my students, in a blended classroom, and want to give them more choice and opportunity for creativity but I'm not sure what that looks like. I must push through my fixed mindset thinking that students are not going to do well with more choice and opportunity to own their learning, but I'm hoping I'm wrong.
I believe this is going to give me more opportunity to interpret philosophies and topics studied, into my own output. I think the 'choice' part of the COVA model is going to be the hardest for me because I'm not always great at making decisions. I can complete a task given to me but when it's really vague and I have to interpret it, that's where I can freeze because I don't know where to start. I love this opportunity to grow because it helps me experience what my students will experience as I carry out this COVA model into my classroom.
I’m trying to figure out for myself what is my best option when given any opportunity to think outside the box. It’s like going into an ice cream store and someone telling me to pick out one ice cream flavor. I usually must sample several flavors before I decide on the one, I like best. This is true with the COVA approach for me also. I have tried numerous different avenues when it comes to assignments or showing what I’ve learned. I have done the basic formal writing as a response. I also have done the more creative approach by using a PowToon with a voice-over to explain my understanding. I further created an info-graphic to convey my understanding and takeaways from a certain topic.
I am beginning to have a better understanding of COVA. Just like some days I like World Class Chocolate for my favorite ice cream flavor and a different day I may choose Love Potion #21. I am going to be able to use different avenues to demonstrate my learning, I just have to be patient with the process until I figure out what avenue works best for me. |
Learner's Mindset Discussion: What is the Learner's Mindset (37:00)
Published by: CSLA2COVA Date: 09.24.2018 YouTube URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANM2VQILpmk |
In the Learner's Mindset Discussion Podcast, Episode 8, Dr. Thibodeaux makes a great point about encouraging others to discover if their skills can be cultivated or if they're concrete. This really struck me because I think that I want to cultivate and change and evolve my skills but most times I am stuck, like concrete. She goes on to talk about teaching her 3-year-old to go into school with that mindset. A mindset that doesn’t squash creativity but rather encourages it and allows authenticity to really grow.
There is a lot of self-reflection that needs to take place in order to transform from that fixed to growth mindset like Dr. Carol Dweck writes about. As much as I believe I have a growth mindset, I may be more fixed than I am willing to acknowledge. |
I am still discovering my voice and choice in learning. I feel like I must undo so many things that have been taught to me through general schooling. For so long I was taught to conform and perform within the guidelines and now I feel like I’m scribbling outside the lines! I feel freer but with that comes uncertainty and some caution and maybe even fear. I will continue to navigate through this journey because I know only good is on the other side.
The COVA model has helped me realize that I am open to choice, student ownership & voice through authentic learning but I'm not sure how that's going to look for me as a student and also for my students. As I maneuver through discovery, I must be patient and trust the process. I need to communicate this to my students also. To tell them that I understand their process because I too have experienced it. I can encourage them to persevere through exploring different avenues. I too have had to figure out and learn many different forms of technology as well as pathways to communicate my learning.
The COVA model has helped me realize that I am open to choice, student ownership & voice through authentic learning but I'm not sure how that's going to look for me as a student and also for my students. As I maneuver through discovery, I must be patient and trust the process. I need to communicate this to my students also. To tell them that I understand their process because I too have experienced it. I can encourage them to persevere through exploring different avenues. I too have had to figure out and learn many different forms of technology as well as pathways to communicate my learning.
Sir Ken Robinson - Ted TalkI'm ok with not knowing how to carry out the COVA model and what it will look like, but I am for sure going to try. I whole heartedly believe what Sir Ken Robinson was saying in that we have to change the way we teach our students. We need to give them an opportunity to display and grow their creativity and talents through education instead of stifling them. Sir Robinson also pointed out in his Feb.2010 Ted Talk about we've built our education on the model of fast food.
We can't expect to get the same output from each student. We need to embrace their individuality and let them showcase their knowledge through their strengths and creativity! |
Bring on the learning revolution! - Sir Ken Robinson (20:57)
Published by: TED Date: 05.24.2010 YouTube URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9LelXa3U_I |