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Cultivating Potential: Mini Courses for Empowering Elementary Students

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Colorado Convention Center, Bluebird Ballroom Lobby, Table 8

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Presenters

Rachel Brockman

Technology Integration Specialist

Trussville City Schools
@RachelFBrockman
@htmsmediacenter

Rachel, the Technology Integration Specialist at Trussville City Schools, is passionate about supporting teachers in crafting authentic, student-centered activities that effectively utilize technology tools. She holds National Board Certification and has contributed to the NSF Build a Better Book Project, been selected as a Fund for Teacher fellow, and participated in the Scratch Education Collaborative. Formerly a library media specialist, Rachel enjoys collaborative efforts with colleagues and designing professional development to assist teachers with effectively integrating tech into their curriculum.

April Chamberlain

Technology and Library Supervisor

Trussville City Schools
@aprilpc

April Chamberlain, an accomplished educator and technology leader with over two decades of experience, is dedicated to seamlessly integrating technology to enhance education. Currently serving as the Technology and Library Supervisor at Trussville City Schools, April's diverse background, ranging from elementary teacher to district technology integration specialist, equips her with a holistic perspective. She passionately advocates for equitable tech access and has presented her insights nationally and internationally. Her commitment to lifelong learning and her role in shaping educational technology in Alabama make her a valuable asset to the educational technology community.

Session description

Explore innovative 9-week mini courses where teachers propose challenges, and students choose their enriching journey, seamlessly integrated into the school week. Experience the transformative power of these experiences as young learners embark on creative endeavors, culminating in impressive final projects that spark curiosity and unlock their potential.

Purpose & objective

Participants will understand the concept of student-driven learning through mini courses in elementary education.

Participants will learn how to foster a culture of choice and inclusivity within mini course offerings.

Participants will gain insights into the diverse roles and perspectives of educators in designing and teaching mini courses.

Participants will discover strategies for empowering students to select and excel in mini courses that align with their interests and needs.

Participants will be equipped with practical approaches to integrate creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking into mini course projects.

Participants will leave with actionable insights on how they might create a culture of curiosity and innovation utilizing mini courses in their school or district.

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Outline

Understanding the Why (5 minutes)
- The rationale behind student-driven learning and mini courses
- How school leaders support and organize mini course development

Logistics (10 minutes)
- Strategies for incorporating mini courses into the weekly schedule
- Example of two school schedules with mini courses
- How schools can optimize facilities and resources for mini courses
- Turn and Talk: Sharing ideas and challenges

Teacher Teams (5 minutes)
- The importance of teacher collaboration in course design
- Examples of successful teacher teams
- The role of the engineering design process in sparking curiosity and innovation
- Example of the design process used in a mini course

Empowering Student Choice (10 minutes)
- Strategies for empowering students to choose mini courses
- Student interest surveys
- Assigning courses to students based on interest

Collaboration Among Students (5 minutes)
- Strategies for promoting collaboration among students
- Share strategies and digital tools used

Student Work Showcase (5 minutes)
- Highlighting mini course projects
- Feedback student surveys

Sharing Experiences and Insights (5 minutes)
- Presenters' experiences working alongside teachers and students and evaluation of student surveys
- Audience Q&A and discussion

Takeaways and Actionable Insights (5 minutes)
- Key takeaways from the presentation
- Actionable insights for participants to implement in their schools
- Share how to continue the conversation through email and virtual meetings if requested

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Supporting research

The Importance of Student Choice Across All Grade Levels by Stephen Merrill and Sarah Gonser, https://www.edutopia.org/article/importance-student-choice-across-all-grade-levels/

Project-Based Learning That Makes a Difference by Bob Lenz and John Larmer, https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/project-based-learning-that-makes-a-difference

PBL Works, https://www.pblworks.org/

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Session specifications

Topic:

Project-, problem- & challenge-based learning

Grade level:

PK-5

Skill level:

Beginner

Audience:

Library media specialists, Principals/head teachers, Teachers

Attendee devices:

Devices not needed

Subject area:

STEM/STEAM

ISTE Standards:

For Education Leaders:
Empowering Leader

Build the confidence and competency of educators to put the ISTE Standards for Students and Educators into practice.

For Educators:
Designer

Design authentic learning activities that align with content area standards and use digital tools and resources to maximize active, deep learning.

For Students:
Innovative Designer

Students know and use a deliberate design process for generating ideas, testing theories, creating innovative artifacts or solving authentic problems.

Related exhibitors:

BirdBrain Technologies,

Canva for Education,

Code.org,

LEGO Education,

Makedo,

Sphero,

VEX Robotics, Inc.,

Google, Inc.