Core Strategies for Innovation and Reform in Learning | Edutopia

 

Edutopia is dedicated to transforming the learning process by helping educators implement the strategies below. These strategies — and the educators who implement them — are empowering students to think critically, access and analyze information, creatively problem solve, work collaboratively, and communicate with clarity and impact. Discover the resources, research, experts, and fellow Edutopia members who are changing our schools. Join us in reinventing the learning process!

To find out more about Edutopia and The George Lucas Educational Foundation, visit the «About Us» section.

Comprehensive Assessment

Effective assessment should measure the full range of student ability — social, emotional, and academic achievement. Through various measures, including portfolios, presentations, and tests, multiple learning styles are supported.

• Schools That Work: Authentic Assessment at New York City’s School of the Future (Video)
• Guide: Top Ten Tips for Assessing Project-Based Learning

Integrated Studies

To increase engagement and retention, academic subjects are presented in an interdisciplinary fashion that reflects modern knowledge and society. For instance history, literature, and art can be interwoven and taught through text, images, and sound.

• An Introduction to Integration Studies (Video)
• Schools That Work: Integrating Art and Politics to Improve High School Engagement
• Research Review: Evidence-Based Practices and Programs

Project-Based Learning

Long term and student centered, project learning is a rigorous hands-on approach to learning core subject matter and basic skills with meaningful activities that examine complex, real-world issues. Project learning helps students develop and retain useful, working knowledge of subjects that are often taught in isolation and abstraction.

• An Introduction to Project-Based Learning (Video)
• Schools That Work: Replicating Project-Based Learning Success
• Research Review: Best Practices and Components of Success

Social and Emotional Learning

When students work together on project teams, they learn to collaborate, communicate, and resolve conflicts. Cooperative learning and character development supports the social and emotional development of students and prepares them for success in the modern workplace.

• Five Keys to Successful Social and Emotional Learning (Video)
• How to Teach Math as a Social Activity (Video)
• Schools That Work: Social and Emotional Techniques That Help Students Focus on Academic Progress
• Research Review: Learning Outcomes and Evidence-Based Programs

Teacher Development

The human touch is the most valuable element in education. Teachers, administrators, and parents play critical roles in coaching and guiding students through the learning process, nurturing students’ interests and confidence as learners.

• Schools That Work: Teacher Excellence Narrows the Achievement Gap
• 20 Tidbits for New Teachers
• Research Review: Keys to Educator Success

Technology Integration

Through the intelligent use of technology, combined with new approaches to education, a more personalized style of learning can be realized.

• Guide: Top Ten Tips for Teaching with New Media
• 30 Great Tech Makeovers for the Classroom
• Research Review: Program Recommendations and Tips for Successful Integration

Core Strategies for Innovation and Reform in Learning | Edutopia.