As mentioned in previous posts, I've been spending a lot of time reading research and thinking about my Master's Project. I'm working on a self-directed learning1 unit in which students choose their own specific topics of study within a broad category (i.e. climate change) and follow their interests and passions while documenting and publishing their learning as they go.
Through all of this, my biggest struggle has been working out exactly what the ideal teacher's role should be in this type of environment. There needs to be guidance, scaffolding, and assessment, but how does a teacher do those things effectively in a self-directed learning environment?
I knew regularly talking to students and discussing their progress and understanding of their topic and learning was a must, but I was struggling to picture how that looks.
Then it hit me.
I've watched a few episodes of Project Runway2, and though I'm not really big into fashion design, I did realize there was something relevant going on here. For each episode, contestants are given some design challenge (i.e., make a more fashionable postal uniform) and given a limited time frame in which to complete their outfit. After working for awhile, Tim Gunn (one of the hosts) goes around and talks to each of the contestants about their designs. It's brilliant.
Conversation, questioning, and critique: Clip 1
Tim Gunn goes around to the contestants asking them how they're doing and to explain their design. He'll point out things that don't look right, offer suggestions for improving the design, praise designs that are well-developed, and overall do what he can to help and support the designers without interfering too much with their particular senses of fashion. Tim Gunn doesn't force his will on them but he does learn a great deal about who they are as a designer and their ideas behind the design. The best part? At 1 min 25 sec: "I don't want you to ask me that. I want you to ask yourself that." Pushing for self-assessment. Nice.
Joining a community of practice: Clip 2
In this clip Tim is more forceful. Wendy (a contestant) designs clothes for lower-end/more practical uses. However, the focus of the show (and that of the judges) is definitely "high fashion." Tim takes her aside, validates her viewpoint as being important and necessary, but goes on to suggest that if she wants to be successful on Project Runway that she rethink her viewpoint. In essence, Tim is trying to help Wendy join the "high fashion" community of practice.
Notable differences
The designers on the show are already members of a community of practice. They want to be fashion designers and, for the most part, they are familiar with what it means to be a designer and are motivated to pursue that route. In my 9th grade science class not all students will be as interested in the material. Those that are interested in the material are probably not familiar with what it means to be a scientist or act scientifically. Fix? More support. Tim Gunn stops by once or twice in a 4-6 hour design session. I'll have to be constantly circulating and talking to my students. Giving them stronger nudges than he does & providing more guidance.
Application
Teaching students to be able to regulate their own learning and follow their own interests will probably be more challenging than it should be in our schools. Students have been trained to expect the teacher to tell them what to study, how to study it, and when to study it. It will take time and support to help students begin to take control of their own learning. To do that, the teacher is going to have to step back from the lead role, and start a role similar to Tim Gunn's. Talk to individual students or groups. Give feedback, offer suggestions, but allow students to express their personality and follow their interests.
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- hat tip to @msansonetti for helping me discover that name (self-directed learning). I found lots of great research using those search terms. [↩]
- Wikipedia article for Project Runway if you're unfamiliar. [↩]
omg, i have to admit that i am a seasoned Project Runway watcher and as a result couldn't help but chuckle as a read your post. i love Tim Gunn, but you have made me think of him in a completely different way. it is true that he is in constant contact with the designers and comes to know them very well. the relationships he is able to form help him push his students to do their best work. the other thing Tim is a master at his craft. in my opinion that is also what makes him such an effective teacher. as educators we all need to be true masters of our crafts, whether it be in science, reading, or what ever you teach. we also need to develop our education relationships with our students. these two components will helps us get the most of our students.
great post dude! i will never be able to watch Project Runway the same again. Put on the plus side, maybe now a Project Runway t-shirt would be appropriate teacher attire 🙂
I'm really interested in what you're working on, here. Not so much the details of the unit you develop, but the process of developing it. I desperately need to figure out how to apply these ideas to high school physics, because we lose way too many kids and I'm sure some of them would be captivated by more student-centered work.
@angie: I appreciate Tim Gunn much more now that I've had this revelation. While there are a lot of shows in this genre (Top Chef, So You Think You Can Dance, etc.), I think Tim Gunn exemplifies the role of mentor/guide through conversation with the contestants. It's true, to effectively own this role as a teacher you really need to 1) have positive personal relationships with your students, 2) know your subject area, and 3) have explicit understanding of the students strengths & weaknesses so you know where to push and how to challenge. I don't know about the T-shirt, but I'm thinking of a "Make it Work!" poster. 😉
@jsb16: Thanks! I'm pretty interested in it too. I taught HS physics for 5 years and I found hands-on projects were the best motivators. I meant to do a post this summer detailing my favorite and most successful project ever (pipe-insulation roller-coasters). The post is still in the queue, I just need to take care of some other things first. I think a HS physics course could definitely be revamped using some of the principles I'm working up for my Master's Project. I'll be sure to keep my blog updated with my progress and thinking. I'm planning on publishing my final project paper on the blog as well.
You did a fab job with Tim's tag challenge!! goueogrs sparkle and colors!! It's perfect for the Saturday Spotlight challenge!! Thanks so much for adding it!! 😉 You did a great job on your tag!!
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