Creative Learning Environments
- Dr. Richard L. Biffle, III
- Mar 5, 2018
- 3 min read
“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.”
Albert Einstein
The thoughts and words of individuals who have made significant contributions to our world is always of interest. Einstein is often quoted for many of his academic theories and ideas related to science and physics– thought-provoking concepts about the intricacies of scientific reasoning and thinking while presenting challenging mathematical constructs, problems and calculations. However, what intrigues me about his thinking is looking at another set of his beliefs that are more practical in nature, and more applicable to habits of the mind and ways of thinking – such as the comment above. I believe that this quote is an integral part of the learning community and “conversations” at HTHSCV – both in construct and application.
We need to remember that HTH (High Tech High) schools are guided by four connected design principles – equity, personalization, authentic work, and collaborative design – that set aspirational goals and create a foundation for understanding the approach in all HTH Programs. The HTHSCV program is organized around the model of “design thinking” (DT)– that is, creative strategies designers use during the process of designing ideas. Design thinking is summarized in the following manner by various contributors to DT process and practices:
Iterate: By validating our ideas along the way because we’re hearing from the people we’re actually designing for (Gaby Brink, Founder, Tomorrow’s Partners)
Embrace ambiguity: We want to give ourselves the permission to explore lots of different possibilities so that the right answer can reveal itself (Patrice Martin, Co-Lead/Creative Dir, IDEO.org)
Optimism: is the thing that drives you forward (John Brekenberg, Founder, Future Partners)
Creative Confidence: is the notion that you have big ideas, and that you have the ability to act upon them (David Kelley, Founder, IDEO)
Make It: You’re taking risk out of the process by making something first. And you always learn lessons from it (Krista Donaldson- CEO, D-Rev)
Learn from failure: Don’t think of it as failure, think of it as designing experiments through which you’re going to learn (Tim Brown, CEO, IDEO)
Empathy: In order to get new solutions, you have to get to know different people, different scenarios, different places (Emi Kolawole - Editor –Stanford Univ d.school)
All of the aforementioned ideas are practiced at HTHSCV in courses and prominently displayed in the classrooms. In addition, the following statement identifies 8 ideas associated with the HTHSCV Guiding Habits of Heart and Mind:
“All staff at HTHSCV have agreed that our goal is to develop these habits in our students throughout the year. The goal here is to develop good educational and personal habits.”
The HTHSCV Guiding Habits of Heart and Mind are: Mindfulness; Perspective; Cooperation; Evidence; Refinement; Perseverance; and Cooperation. Further definitions of each area can be found at the HTHSCV website.
The past couple of weeks has provided deeper insights into course organization, curricular planning, instructional practice, and student assessment and evaluation. HTHSCV brings to life my ideas associated with “weaving a tapestry of learning and knowledge” by observing how interdisciplinary collaboration in a creative and innovative instructional environment engages students in taking responsibility for their own learning. Critical to the success of this work is a commitment to the following observed instructional practices and methods:
Project-based learning
Design thinking (teacher and student)
Teacher as designer
Autonomous Teaching practice
Students as teachers
Socratic Teaching/Groups
Holistic 360-degree teaching and learning
Student-lead teaching in discussions, project designs, and teamwork
Critical analysis and problem solving
Engaging and vibrant learning communities
The next phase of observations will examine how STEAM concepts are integrated into the curriculum, and design thinking related to student projects and activities. Next stop: the HTHSCV 9th grade community of scientists and researchers!
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