The Best of 2012
2012 has come to a close and as we enter 2013, it’s nice to have a recap of what’s been going on in education that is truly noteworthy. I am a fan of Nikhil Goyal and he has taken a moment to summarize the Best of 2012: The Five Most Extraordinary Things to Happen in Education. It makes for an exciting read and for me, hope for what’s to come.
Let’s bring learning back to the learners. Why are we disregarding the brilliant work of progressive educators like John Dewey, Maria Montessori, Jean Piaget, and Paulo Freire? We need to allow students to craft their own learning experiences through projects, apprenticeships, and hands-on engagement. In Anya Kamenetz’s book DIY U, she argues that the DIY thinking reverts us back to the “basics—the universitas (guild) and the collegium (community). People everywhere will have a greater ability to create their own learning communities and experiences within and outside institutions.” My advice: Let’s get over the fads and understand that learning is best done through doing, creating, and exploring.
Another member of his blogging team, Viktor Venson, has also included the Best of 2012: Visionaries, Organizations and Innovations Changing the Way We Learn. A great list that has left me thinking about my own views on education and learning.
We are becoming aware that what has been measurable in testing so far, is not always the right thing to measure and pursue. Design thinking, creativity, and imagination are elusive concepts that need to find measurable executions.
We can also expect beautiful things to happen in 2013, when new models and hybrids of video and project-based learning will emerge, complement each others’ strengths, and take the global stage to define a roadmap for how 21st century education will look like.
Some of these I agree with especially those highlighting the need for creativity and project-based learning; I can’t contain my excitement. Others, I’d like to see how things play out. Which ones from both lists, resonate with you?
black board, white chalk 