Learning Cultures
I've always felt I've taught with type of form of mind, however stumbling upon the Learning Cultures curriculum that I was given some langauge and affirmation. This curriculum as the above article articulates puts student independence and student-led problem solving as the axis aroudn which everything else receives their movement. Quite humbling as a teacher and at the same time liberating. No matter how many times I do this, it never ceases to amaze me at all of the things my students do not realize about their own giftings, strengths and weaknesses, much less able to identify and solve their problems.
Learning Cultures curriculum really has caused me to examine my personal philosophy about teaching and learning, all of which has caused me to re-imagine my activiteis that were essentially student centered but teacher directed (despite having small group work). This curriuculum takes serious committment. It's all too easy to give it a shot for a week, think that it doesn't work and then resort back to old habits. Stick it out, persevere, and you'll find out in June that your students will hopefully leave better equip to be an advocate for learning for themselves and others!