Fixing the Process

8 thoughts on “Fixing the Process”

1. 

   Monika,

   I love this process. It is a relatively clearly defined process for student-directed learning. The building of global networks is not only quite an educational experience but also an asset moving forward in life.

   Two questions arose for me, one is innocent, the other not so much.

   1. What is a passion detector? A sense? A rubric?

   2. How can an “A” be an authentic assessment?

   Thanks for sharing this and essentially making it open-source. It can do a lot of good!

   With hope,
   Adam

   Posted by Adam Burk | May 29, 2010, 7:59 am
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2. 

   I am having a back and forth in my head about “fixed process” vs. “fixed content.” I am thinking back to my public school days when the process was very fixed–sit, shut-up, listen, obey, regurgitate, move when the bell rings. Of course, this process was fixed because the content was-chapter by chapter in the textbook. So my brief revelation is that the process needs to be fixed (corrected) to be the right one to ensure students are engaging their passions and have the support to be successful. Then utilizing a fixed process is absolutely the right way to go. Again, wonderful, incredible work, Monika.

   Sincerely,
   Adam

   Posted by Adam Burk | May 29, 2010, 8:10 am
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3. 

   Adam –

   1. we’re working with a college prof (i’ll get Jim to chime in here as well – incredible find for me) and a methodologist…not sure what the detector will be at this point… perhaps 10 or so likely traits?
   we’re video interviewing several students describing their passion – hoping to find some commonality. also hoping – in the long run to see – how reliable those detectors are. ie: within a week of sharing passion student has on their own come back with something cool to share; what they see as the result of their passion (godin’s linchpin says – if it’s true art – you’ll do anything to give it away)
   you certainly don’t want to rubricize a person’s passion.. but we do feel that if the personal learning network is built on passion.. we need some sophisticated means to help find/refine/detect that from the get go. along with a built in ongoing self-assessment and redirection if needed.

   2. i didn’t say that did i?
   more than anything we need to be helping kids learn to self-assess… so that learning truly is self-automated and ongoing. nothing authentic about an a. in fact, we’ve so distorted what a test should be that grades alone bury/kill authenticity.

   Posted by monika hardy | May 29, 2010, 8:35 am
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   • 

     Somebody said it on your google doc: “note – the 2nd choice for each could be just as authentic – not dissing -just noting a new look at assessment.”

     I am glad you are not going to design a rubric for passion, it will be interesting to see what does develop. Sounds like it will be more like a tool for self-reflection.

     Posted by Adam Burk | May 29, 2010, 10:52 am
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4. 

   Monika,

   Something sad I realized this morning while riding my bicycle to get produce from the farmer’s market (two of my passions): a pre-service teacher would have a very difficult time getting a license if s/he student taught in this fixed process. One of the requirements in many states is the need to demonstrate that one can write and execute standards-based curriculum. While it would be possible to draft up something to turn in while still facilitating the fixed process you describe, there most likely would be a lot of grief from a reviewer, and quite honestly it would be a waste of time to draft the unit and lesson plans for such a purpose anyway.

   Are you working in a public school? Do you think that as this innovation lab program develops you will be able to surpass or change such a requirement?

   Posted by Adam Burk | May 29, 2010, 11:01 am
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5. 

   yes – i’m working in a public school – Jim (pre-teacher prof) is at our local uni.

   and that is most definitely our plan.

   ridiculous to keep letting what we’ve always done mandate.

   people fear/avoid/ignore such a drastic change… but quite honestly… playing it safe… continuing with what we’re used to …. puts our kids at a much bigger risk.

   parts that really resonated with me in Dave Cormier’s Community as Curriculum vol. 2.

   Posted by monika hardy | May 29, 2010, 11:51 am
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6. 

   Posted by dloitz | May 29, 2010, 11:43 pm
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7. 

   i love that video David… amazing how the visual is done.. so engaging… on stuff we really need to hear. would love to have that final piece… as a poster.

   Posted by monika hardy | May 30, 2010, 8:56 am
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