Learning Manifesto
What is a manifesto? I had to research to truly understand it. And I found out that it is a public declaration of views and intentions. Interesting! I do not recall doing or writing one before, or maybe I did but was not completely aware that I was already composing one.
As I begin to reflect and gather my thoughts together to write my learning manifesto, I had flashbacks of a few memorable accounts when I was starting to teach. I looked at my very first professional portfolio and reviewed my then philosophy, mission, vision and aspirations. Then I assessed my current state in this profession. In conclusion, I had milestones, learnings, realizations, mistakes, and regrets. But my growth mindset tells me that the future is yet to unfold. There will be more opportunities to change and be better. There will be more chances to improve, innovate and make a difference.
Education has been my passion and I consider having a lifelong commitment to this profession. I continue to be optimistic that the best yet to come for all of us, especially our students. As a special education teacher, I have been an advocate for inclusion, equality and acceptance. Through the years, I am proud to have witnessed how the educational system and our community has supported this advocacy. As an institution, we continue to work for more innovations to address the growing diversity of our student needs. As part of any plan, these advances post significant challenges in all aspects including budget allocation and drawing a unified consensus among all stakeholders. Some states or districts are already implementing a more progressive approach, others are designing their blueprint, while the rest unfortunately are still not ready for any change. While we wait for a universal reform, let’s contribute and do what we can where we are, no matter how small or slow, it will have an impact.
We have experienced the most challenging period in teaching and learning during the unprecedented pandemic. Most of us had to endure through uncharted waters. How did we all survive?!? TECHNOLOGY! But let me tell you, it wasn’t easy, it was overwhelming, there were times we were lost, but we survived. Which brings me to the most important issue related to digital learning and leading. Our current educational system is not completely “digital-ready and equipped.” When we had to switch to virtual learning, not all our schools had a plan in place. Our district did not have an online platform to deliver instructional services to at-home learners. We did not even have sufficient devices to distribute to every student, and to top it all, teachers including myself were not as competent to teach virtually, and our students and their families were not all tech-savvy to comply and participate during online learning. Our students also demonstrated lack of motivation and interest, some were not engaged, and parents were not always present to monitor. When everyone was depending on technology, connectivity was our biggest dilemma. It is still a struggle to have a consistent reliable internet provider until now. Privacy and confidentiality are also causing an alarming concern to many. Just recently, our district was affected by a cyberattack where electronic records of students, alumni, parents, and district employees have been compromised including mine. In spite of all these issues, I still consider digital learning and leading as a progressive approach to education and a means to prepare our students in becoming successful 21st century learners.
Still reflecting on the ever-changing phenomenon called education, we all need to keep up with it the best way we know how. As a teacher for almost 2 decades now, I have witnessed enormous changes throughout the years. Some milestones and successes are still countless setbacks and failures. Let me share my perspectives both as an educator and a learner. On a positive note, education continues to serve its core purpose, and that is to develop an individual’s physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Education has been instrumental in molding a society of individuals who value the law, the environment, and each other. Schools are keeping our children committed to learning at the same time building a noble character. On the other hand, the system is not perfect, it is flawed and needs constant tune ups and maybe even an overhaul in some areas. Inadequate funding seems to be the persistent concern among all states. A lot of our schools are not well-funded, which in turn affects overall delivery of quality education. We continuously face issues on school safety, teacher shortage, even repealing our curriculum, the Common Core, and the validity of standardized tests. The line goes on and one but the biggest realization during the most recent public health emergency was that we have lived to the colloquial term “old school.” We have stopped innovating our systems, we have neglected our mission of becoming progressive, and worst we have been complacent, watching it collapse right before our eyes
Good news is, it’s not too late to revive and save our current educational system. It may take some significant revamping and remodeling, but the outcomes outweigh the sacrifices. Generally, our leaders/administrators need to shift the direction of our priorities towards a more innovative technology-incorporated approach. It’s high time we upgrade instruction, and not only contain it within the four walls of the classroom. Teaching and learning should be more engaging, interactive and fun. Let’s explore various learning models where students are not only participants, instead active contributors to their own learning. Students deserve to have a CHOICE, a say to what, where, and how they can acquire a skill. Focus more on developing metacognition, so they can reflect on their own ways of thinking and knowing. This keeps them more motivated to succeed, demonstrating OWNERSHIP of their learning. Their VOICE needs to be respected, as they freely express themselves. Our students deserve only the best, and this will only be possible if we can provide them with an AUTHENTIC learning experience, create an environment where they can maximize their learning and still be kids. Another key is to improve our system, recognize teachers more. Give them more flexibility to plan, structure and design their classroom of instruction. If there’s anyone who knows the students well as learners, it’s them. Allow them to go beyond curriculums, textbooks, assessments, meetings, and paperwork, instead, let them spend their time building relationships with the students. Among the most promising and my best recommendations, invest in technology. We live in a world controlled by technology, it continues to impact every aspect of our lives, including our homes, hospitals, the transportation system, and most importantly our education. Technology is the driving force in education. Now is the time to revitalize our schools by incorporating digital advances in every corner possible. The classroom should be “personalized, adaptive and real-world” focused. Students should be able to move around, meet in groups, discuss and learn together. There should be spacious learning grounds and galleries in and outside the classroom. Equipment and devices are adequate, students have digital books, cameras, tablets, etc. all of which are fully accessible to all and FREE. And this way, we are preparing our students for what lies ahead and not be stuck in the past and the present. And when everyone makes that growth mindset shift, our future is becoming more and more promising. The future that I am very passionate about, and so with this newly acquired knowledge and perspective from the ADL program, I am sharing my contribution to realize that promising future.
I am currently introducing Blended Learning in my class as part of my Innovation Plan. I am also planning with my administrators, instructional coaches, and co-teachers so we can also introduce the model to another class. It’s exciting just to see that we are able to slowly put it in place. This school year, my professional development plan is focused on implementing blended learning in my class. I am continuously doing research, networking and collaborating with other implementers. I am creating a portfolio of lessons, instructional activities and other resources that we can use across grade levels. Likewise, I am designing a learning environment that is technology-ready and efficient but conducive and suitable for learning. Just writing this portion gives me so much joy and fulfillment, and this I guess is what passion is all about. It’s living life with a purpose, and feeling happy and content inside. What more can you ask for?
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