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10/31/2024 0 Comments Cognitive Load Theory in the ClassroomUnderstanding how we learn is foundational for effective teaching. One theory that every educator should consider integrating into their teaching practice is **Cognitive Load Theory** (CLT). This theory, rooted in the concept that our working memory has limited capacity, emphasizes the importance of managing information input to prevent mental overload. In a recent episode of *The Minimalist Educator Podcast*, we dove into how CLT impacts teaching and learning, particularly in the context of simplifying and refining instructional design.
What is Cognitive Load Theory? At its core, Cognitive Load Theory is about managing the volume and complexity of information entering our working memory. Since working memory can only hold a limited amount of data at a time, when overloaded, it can become difficult to process or retain information effectively. This is where careful instructional design comes into play. If educators streamline what students see, hear, and do, they can help students retain key information without the risk of cognitive overload. Designing a Classroom with CLT in Mind One of the most impactful aspects of CLT is the role of the classroom environment. For example, think about all the sensory inputs students face—visuals on walls, conversations around them, even noise from outside. Each input adds to the cognitive load. Reducing unnecessary visual or auditory distractions in the classroom helps students focus on the core content, making it easier for them to process and remember what they are learning. Simplifying Instructions One strategy to reduce cognitive load is by breaking instructions into manageable steps. For example, if you need students to follow a multi-step task, give them just two or three steps at a time. Too many instructions at once can overwhelm students, causing confusion and reducing their ability to complete the task. Using visuals or providing written instructions alongside oral directions can further support students in processing information without overwhelming their working memory. Prioritizing Task Design and Content A well-designed task can aid learning, while a poorly designed one can quickly lead to mental fatigue. In CLT, a task that is too complex or involves too many unrelated components will overwhelm students. Instead, prioritize key elements of a task and focus on what you want students to learn. For instance, when teaching a new concept, keep the content straightforward, build on prior knowledge, and avoid introducing too many new elements simultaneously. Once students are familiar with the format, you can gradually increase complexity, but always remember to maintain focus on the learning objective. Leveraging Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Universal Design for Learning (UDL) complements CLT well because it advocates for creating accessible learning pathways for all students. UDL principles encourage providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression, allowing students to interact with information in ways that make sense to them. By incorporating varied supports, such as visual aids or hands-on activities, you can reduce cognitive load by making content more accessible, aligning with CLT principles to keep working memory uncluttered. Simplifying Thinking Routines Popular thinking routines, like the Jigsaw, can be powerful learning tools, but if not introduced thoughtfully, they can overwhelm students. To introduce a new routine, practice with familiar content first. This way, students can focus on learning the routine without simultaneously processing unfamiliar material. Once students are comfortable with the routine, you can apply it to new content, which minimizes their cognitive load and keeps their focus on the learning goal. Technology as a Tool, Not a Distraction Technology in the classroom can both alleviate and add to cognitive load. While digital resources can reinforce learning, excessive information on screens can detract from the primary goal. For instance, when using slides, keep text minimal and focus on clear, concise visuals. Structured templates, like “Must Do, May Do” lists, can also help students follow instructions independently, reinforcing routines without extra mental strain. Strategically used technology can help students independently access information and streamline their tasks. Reading the Room As educators, we must be attuned to our students’ feedback, both verbal and non-verbal, to gauge when they are reaching their cognitive limit. If students appear frustrated or distracted, take it as a sign to pause or check in. Sometimes, a task is challenging in a beneficial way, encouraging deeper thinking, but other times, it can signal an overload. Adjusting your pace or providing breaks can help students reset, enabling them to process and retain information more effectively. Collaboration and Planning Teacher collaboration is essential when considering cognitive load in lesson planning. When educators share insights, tasks, or routines that have been successful, they benefit from one another’s expertise and lighten the planning load. Collaborating with colleagues on task design and routine choice helps streamline instructional goals, making planning more efficient and reducing the mental load on students and teachers alike. Self-Care for Teachers Managing cognitive load isn't just for students; it’s vital for teachers too. Teaching is a mentally demanding profession, and when teachers feel overwhelmed, it can impact their effectiveness. Taking time to detach from work and recharge is crucial. Whether it’s a quick walk, reading, or talking with colleagues, creating a routine that allows you to recharge helps maintain a positive, clear-headed presence in the classroom. Key Takeaway: Pare Down and Prioritize One takeaway from our conversation is to focus on the essentials. Start each day with a clear set of goals for what you want your students to take away, and resist the temptation to overload your plans. By concentrating on fewer, high-impact goals, you maintain focus and reduce the chance of overwhelming yourself and your students. Remember, simplicity isn’t a lack of depth—it’s a means of achieving clarity and fostering better learning outcomes. Incorporating Cognitive Load Theory into your classroom doesn’t require an overhaul of your teaching practices. Instead, it encourages thoughtful, mindful design in everything from classroom setup to task creation, all with the goal of maximizing learning by minimizing unnecessary distractions and overload. As we simplify and streamline, we make room for meaningful, lasting learning that both students and teachers can feel confident about.
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Building teacher capacity is essential for fostering a collaborative, dynamic learning environment where both educators and students thrive. This concept refers to the ongoing process of strengthening teachers' skills, knowledge, and leadership abilities to improve their effectiveness in the classroom and beyond. But what does building teacher capacity mean, why is it so crucial, and how can schools create the right environment to support this growth?
Teachers hold the power to shape lives, and their impact reaches far beyond academic instruction. While it might seem ideal to let teachers focus solely on teaching, the reality is that they are at the forefront of preparing students for an ever-evolving world. The skills students need today go beyond the basics; they include critical thinking, adaptability, and digital literacy, reflecting the fast pace of societal and technological change. If teachers are left to rely only on traditional methods, they may not be equipped to address these shifting demands. Building teacher capacity helps ensure that educators stay current with new pedagogical approaches, technologies, and the needs of their students. It's about fostering a culture of growth, where teachers continually evolve and support one another. Moreover, building capacity doesn’t just benefit students. When teachers collaborate, share knowledge, and take on leadership roles, the whole school community thrives. Teachers who contribute to each other’s development create a more supportive, cohesive learning environment. Schools become places where learning and growth are not just for students but also for the adults guiding them. Strategies to Build Teacher Capacity 1. Collaboration and Peer Support: One of the most effective ways to build capacity is through collaboration. Teachers often feel more engaged and inspired when they work alongside colleagues, sharing ideas, resources, and strategies. Schools can facilitate this by setting aside regular time for team planning, peer observations, and feedback sessions. This encourages a reflective teaching practice and helps educators refine their methods. 2. Sharing: Encouraging teacher leaders to share their expertise with colleagues is another powerful way to build capacity. Creating opportunities for teachers to lead professional development sessions based on their strengths not only benefits the learners but also builds a strong culture of trust and respect among staff. 3. Professional Development with Agency: Professional development (PD) is crucial for building teacher capacity, but it’s most effective when teachers have some control over their learning. Offering PD sessions where teachers can choose areas that align with their personal interests or growth areas fosters ownership and motivation. For example, schools could adopt an “unconference” model, where teachers sign up to lead mini-workshops in areas where they have expertise. 4. Goal Setting: Setting goals, both individually and as a team, helps educators focus on what they want to achieve. Traditional “SMART” goals are commonly used, but considering “DUMB” goals (dream-driven, uplifting, motivating, bold) can inject passion and purpose into the process. Starting with dreams can encourage teachers to think big about their impact and growth, making the journey toward capacity building feel more meaningful and motivating. 5. Creating a Positive Learning Culture: A positive, collaborative culture is key to building capacity. When teachers feel supported and trusted, they’re more likely to take risks, share ideas, and embrace new challenges. Administrators play a crucial role in fostering this environment by providing time and space for collaboration, recognizing teacher achievements, and encouraging open communication. Building teacher capacity is not an isolated initiative—it’s an ongoing, collaborative process that strengthens the entire school community. When educators feel empowered to grow, share, and support one another, the ripple effect touches students, colleagues, and the broader educational landscape. By fostering collaboration, offering choice in professional development, setting meaningful goals, and creating a supportive culture, schools can ensure that teachers continue to thrive in an ever-changing world. Based on an Episode 027 of The Minimalist Educator Podcast This post was co-authored with Naomi Church of Growing Minds Consulting. At any point during a school year, teachers can make necessary changes in their classroom spaces. This could be when a new student joins or leaves the group, maybe new furniture has arrived, or perhaps the teacher just needs to change things up for their learners. For successful teaching and learning experiences in the physical classroom space, the space must be clutter-free (Marshfields) and student-centered for increased creativity and decreased unnecessary stimulation. In this blog post, we'll explore how to purposefully design your classroom space to foster student engagement, agency, and ownership, while also ensuring efficiency and productivity. 1. Triple P Framework: Purpose, Priority, Pare Down Before diving into the nitty-gritty of classroom design, it's essential to adopt a Triple P framework:
2. Student Work Arrangement Consider how you want your students to work within your classroom space. The arrangement of desks and seating can greatly influence the dynamics of your classroom. Options to consider include:
3. Built-in Furniture and Storage Do you have built-in furniture in your classroom? Built-in furniture can maximize space and create a cohesive and functional environment. Consider the following:
4. Minimize Distractions A cluttered classroom can be a breeding ground for distractions. Keep only what is necessary in the classroom:
5. Accessibility and Exploration Lastly, ensure that your classroom space is accessible for exploration and learning. Thoughtfully chosen resources and community-based materials can enhance the educational experience:
We have the power to shape the learning environment and influence student engagement, agency, and ownership every day, so every day, make a conscious effort to design your physical classroom space with purpose, prioritize essential elements, and pare down distractions. Create a space that empowers students to work collaboratively or independently, while also ensuring that it remains accessible and conducive to exploration. There is no one “right” way to design a classroom. Classroom design is intentional and based on the learning experience you seek to create. We are proposing a thoughtful approach to design so that your physical space can be a support in helping you reach your educational objectives and increase student engagement and achievement. The learning environment should support your work, not hinder it. With a well-designed classroom, you can set the stage for a successful academic year and create an environment where both you and your students thrive.  Courtesy: https://www.teknion.com/planning/education---common-space 10/6/2023 0 Comments Set Up for SuccessBy Christine and Tammy As educators, we constantly strive to create an environment conducive to learning. The beginning of a new school year is the perfect opportunity to establish routines, create positive habits, declutter your physical space, and hone your tech skills. This blog post will guide you through these steps that form the foundation for a successful academic year. Importance of Routines Routines are crucial in creating a structure within which students can thrive. They enable efficient classroom management, smooth transitions, and foster positive team relationships. Regular routines like daily check-ins, making time for a break in the staff lounge, and scheduling time for trying new platforms and incorporating them into lessons can make a significant difference in your teaching experience. Creating Positive Habits Developing habits that align with your priorities is essential. Remember, it takes more than two months to build a new habit, so persistence is key. Various strategies like habit stacking, chunking your habits, and having an accountability partner can facilitate the process. These habits not only keep you pared down but also help to save time. Decluttering Your Physical Space Decluttering your physical space is another crucial aspect of setting up for success. A clean, organized environment enhances focus and productivity. You can start by taking inventory of your space, organizing pick-up events, and developing strategies to manage reluctance. Remember the Triple P's: Purpose, Priorities, Pare Down. This approach can make the process of decluttering manageable and effective. Develop Tech Skills With the increasing integration of technology in education, developing tech skills has become more important than ever. Scheduling time to learn and experiment with new platforms and incorporating them into your lessons can enhance the learning experience for your students and streamline your teaching process. Time Savers Time is a precious resource in the educational sphere. Evaluating your habits and routines, auditing your time, and having a varied list of strategies can help you make the most of it. Remember, it's essential to balance work and personal life, so don't hesitate to 'go home' when you need to.  Free image from Unsplash Co-written by Nicole and Tammy We had the privilege of writing this piece for Naomi Church of Growing Minds Consulting, which was featured on her blag last week. We wrote this piece as a bridge between our areas of expertise - learner agency and Universal Design for Learning. The ultimate goal of UDL is to create expert learners who are purposeful & motivated, resourceful & knowledgeable, strategic & goal directed. We can only start and assist learners along their journeys by giving them agency and ownership over their own learning. Isn’t that what we want for our students - for them to become critical thinkers and problem solvers to prepare them for careers in the future work force? In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, it has become crucial to recognize and nurture learner agency. Gone are the days of passive learning, where students were mere recipients of knowledge. Instead, empowering students to take an active role in their learning journey has emerged as a transformative approach. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of learner agency, its significance in education, and the reasons why providing students with opportunities to practice agency in the classroom is essential. Understanding Learner Agency - Learner agency refers to the capacity of students to make choices and take ownership of their learning. Students have the voice and choice to set goals, and the responsibility to make decisions, making them active participants in the learning process. By fostering learner agency, educators encourage students to become self-directed learners, responsible for their own growth and development. Encouraging Intrinsic Motivation - When students have opportunities to have agency to construct their learning, they are more likely to be intrinsically motivated to learn. By allowing them opportunities to construct their learning; ie. to choose topics of interest, design projects, and set personal goals, educators tap into their natural curiosity and passion. This intrinsic motivation fuels a deep sense of engagement beyond mere compliance, making learning more enjoyable and meaningful for students. Developing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills - Learner agency promotes the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success. When students have agency, they are presented with opportunities to identify challenges, analyze information, and generate innovative solutions. They may even discover problems others haven’t thought of. This process keeps learners actively thinking and constructing knowledge. Fostering Independence and Autonomy - Providing students with opportunities to practice agency nurtures their independence and autonomy. By making decisions about their learning, students become more self-reliant and develop a sense of responsibility. They learn to manage their time, set priorities, and take ownership of their successes and failures. These skills are invaluable for lifelong learning and personal growth. Enhancing Creativity and Self-Expression - Learner agency encourages creativity and self-expression. When students have the freedom to explore and experiment, they can unleash their creative potential. Whether it's through choosing presentation formats, pursuing alternative approaches, or expressing ideas in unique ways, agency allows students to showcase their individuality and develop a sense of identity as learners. Cultivating a Growth Mindset - Learner agency nurtures a growth mindset in students. By encouraging them to take risks, embrace challenges, and learn from setbacks, educators help students develop resilience and a belief in their ability to learn and improve. With agency, students understand that mistakes are valuable opportunities for growth, and they become more willing to persist and persevere. Learner agency is a powerful educational concept that empowers students to become active, self-directed learners. By providing opportunities for students to practice agency in the classroom, educators can unleash their potential, foster intrinsic motivation, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate independence. As we adapt our teaching practices to meet the needs of our students, embracing learner agency is not only important but also imperative for preparing students to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world. Let us prioritize learner agency and create classrooms where students take the reins of their education, paving the way for a brighter future.  In the world of education, simplicity can be a rare commodity. Teachers often find themselves overwhelmed with a multitude of tasks, responsibilities, and objectives. Amidst this chaos, Christine and I came up with a type of beacon of clarity known as the Triple P Funnel, a powerful concept that forms the foundation of our book and offers a practical approach to simplify and streamline the complex world of education. The Triple P Funnel: Purpose, Priority, Paring Down So, what exactly is the Triple P Funnel, and why is it crucial for educators? The Triple P stands for Purpose, Priority, and Paring Down. These three essential elements serve as guiding principles to help educators navigate the challenges they face daily. 1. Purpose: The overarching question we should always ask is, "What are we doing here?" Purpose is about understanding the true meaning and significance of our actions in the context of education. It's about defining our goals and objectives clearly, ensuring that every task and decision aligns with this central purpose. 2. Priority: Once we have a clear sense of purpose, the next step is to identify our priorities. Priorities may vary depending on one's role and specific goals, and they can change over time. It's essential to recognize and focus on the most critical tasks and objectives that contribute directly to fulfilling our purpose. 3. Paring Down: Paring down is the process of eliminating unnecessary distractions and tasks that do not align with our purpose or priorities. It involves decluttering our professional lives, streamlining our workflow, and staying laser-focused on what truly matters. Why the "Triple P"? You might wonder why we chose to call it the Triple P Funnel and if we really need more educational jargon. The answer is that this framework is not jargon; it's a practical and intuitive way to approach complex challenges in education. The Triple P Funnel provides a visual representation of how purpose, priority, and paring down work together to simplify and streamline the decision-making process. The Urgent-Important Matrix In the education world, everything often feels urgent, making it challenging to identify priorities. To address this, we introduce the Urgent-Important Matrix. This simple tool helps educators categorize tasks into four quadrants:  **Urgent and Important**: Tasks that require immediate attention.
- **Important but Not Urgent**: Tasks that are significant but can be planned and scheduled. - **Urgent but Not Important**: Tasks that demand immediate action but don't contribute to long-term goals. - **Neither Urgent nor Important**: Tasks that can be safely eliminated or delegated. By using this matrix, educators can focus their efforts on the tasks that fall into the "Urgent and Important" category, ensuring that they are always aligned with their purpose and priorities. Applying the Triple P Funnel Across Education Domains Let's explore how the Triple P Funnel can be applied to various aspects of education: 1. Decluttering Physical Spaces: When organizing classroom or workspace, educators can start by defining the purpose of each area. Then, they determine the priorities for items and furniture within that space, finally paring down unnecessary items that do not serve their purpose or priorities. 2. Decluttering the Curriculum: Educators can evaluate the purpose of their curriculum and assess whether it meets the needs of their students. Prioritizing essential components and removing non-essential elements ensures that the curriculum aligns with its purpose effectively. 3. Assessment Strategies: Purpose-driven assessment begins by asking, "What do we want to assess, and why?" Once the purpose is clear, educators can establish priorities for assessment methods and tasks, ultimately paring down assessments to focus on meaningful outcomes. In the complex world of education, the Triple P Funnel offers a valuable framework for educators to simplify their decision-making processes. By constantly revisiting their purpose, identifying priorities, and paring down unnecessary tasks, educators can stay focused on what truly matters and make a significant impact on student learning. The Triple P Funnel is not just another piece of educational jargon; it's a practical tool that can transform the way educators approach their roles, making their work more purposeful and effective. 8/8/2023 0 Comments Color Can Be ClutterThis blog post written by Tammy Musiowsky-Borneman and Naomi Church, and was originally posted on Growing Minds Consulting.  Imagine walking into a classroom where each bulletin board or wall was a different color. Not just any color, but bright yellow or red? Have you been in this room, or even set your room up in this way? Have you been in a classroom where it looks like the teacher store exploded? We taught with experienced teachers who seemed to keep decor from all of their previous years of teaching and felt the need to display it all. We have also seen classrooms with all the cute, laminated posters that students never seem to use effectively. We are not advocating for boring and uninspired classroom spaces! We are suggesting that, as educators, we are responsible for creating environments in which our learners are able to find success. We must design without barriers to learning. Creating access to an environment in which all learners feel safe and ready to learn is imperative…and it doesn’t happen by accident. Using principles from Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can support teachers in creating a space that is conducive to learning. UDL Checkpoint 7.3 speaks to minimizing threats and distractions. Oftentimes this is thought of in terms of classroom culture and risk level, but it can absolutely apply to visual distractions as well. Three Considerations When Adding Color to Your Classroom
Lighter shades are “friendlier” while darker shades are more somber. Choose colors based on the mood you are trying to set within the space. Bright colors can be overwhelming or distracting especially when many different colors are in the same space. Three Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering Colors
 Creating a conducive learning environment through purposeful use of color is crucial for learners. While vibrant colors can be visually appealing, excessive and/or conflicting colors may hinder learning by overwhelming learners. Thoughtful use of color to evoke appropriate moods and emotions can enhance focus and productivity. Recognizing UDL principles supports the idea that less is more. By considering the impact of colors, or the absence of it, on learners' emotions and attention, teachers can strategically design classrooms that optimize the learning journey and help students thrive.
Resources & References:Investigating the Impact of Environmental Factors on Learning The Psychology of Color Why Do We Feel the Need to Fill Empty Spaces? The holiday season can be very stressful for a lot of reasons. Family, travel, money, illness.
It's easy to get sucked into an abyss of all the things you feel like you have to or need to do. Here are three ways we can think about our circumstances differently, which can help us manage all that the season brings. 1. Reframe how you view your to-do's. Instead of saying, "I have to do this..." or "I need to get..." try being a little kinder to yourself. Telling yourself that you have to or need to do something can create a sense of urgency and unnecessary perceived stress Instead, try saying, "I get to go to..." to frame the to-do list in a positive ways. Perhaps this will even help you remove some items from your list, just by changing the way you think about them. 2. Ask yourself some questions. You know I love a question stream! Try asking:
3. Spend time instead of money. If you are feeling financial and time pressure, offer spending time together with your people over using your time to find just the right gift. Or maybe you decide to go to a concert or a nice dinner together. Spending money on experiences together can relieve some of that pressure you feel. Still unsyre about the holidays? Step away from your device and give yourself sometime to determine what is most important for you to focus on during the season. Your people will appreciate your thoughtfulness, however you decide to spend your time, money, and energy. 11/14/2022 0 Comments Less is MoreIt’s easy to think that the more we take on in our professional or personal lives, the more successful or fulfilled we will feel. We think to ourselves, “I can squeeze a little more out of an hour here”, or “I’ll just work a little later tonight to finish up my to-do list.” It’s a trap we can all fall into, and before we know it, reaching a “work-life balance” feels like a totally unrealistic goal. In our work at Professional Learning Partnerships, we aim to transform learning and leadership by leveraging key ideas from brain science that allow students and adults to thrive. One of the biggest misperceptions that people have about our brains is that we can “multitask” (doing multiple tasks that take focus simultaneously), and that “multitasking” leads to higher productivity. Research shows it’s actually the opposite – our brains aren’t actually capable of “multitasking”. Instead, our brains are “task-switching”, switching back and forth between multiple tasks that require our attention and focus, only truly allowing us to focus on one task at a time. Research shows that the more we task-switch, the more mistakes we make, the longer it takes us to do each of those tasks, and the more tired and drained we become (American Psychological Association, 2017; Betts et al., 2019). When we attempt to “multitask”, more is actually less. What would research suggest about how we actually achieve more, with better creativity, quality, and happiness? Less is more. When we are able to prioritize fewer more important goals and tasks in a day, as well as prioritize meaningful parameters for our job roles, research suggests we are more likely to accomplish those with better quality, more creativity, and more satisfaction. We have more cognitive resources to dedicate to important work and feel less drained as compared to when we stretch ourselves too thin and juggle too many responsibilities. New studies even show that the closer your cell phone is to your desk when working, the lower your working memory and fluid intelligence will be, even if you never interact with your phone at all (Ward et al., 2017)! Even the temptation to check your messages is enough distraction to impede clear thinking, attention, and productivity. The saying we use over and over again in our professional learning work with PLP partners is Less is Always More. Whether we’re guiding teachers in how to design a meaningful lesson for students, or supporting administrators in how to create an impactful presentation for their school board, or coaching a professional team on ways to maximize collaboration by clarifying roles and communication, the key concept is the same – identifying fewer priorities allows for better and faster results. When you focus on achieving a shorter set of important and meaningful goals, you’ll do it more effectively and theoretically feel more fulfilled because the work was purposeful. When you work to communicate a more concise message through teaching or presenting, the people involved will feel less overwhelmed by trying to remember or understand too much, and can more easily concentrate on your simple and important message. Some critical questions you can ask yourself to see if you can focus on less in your work are:
It can be an uncomfortable shift to downsize our mental workload because it feels like we will lose a little control, or disappoint peers, colleagues, or loved ones. Or some of the tasks we don’t like are mandatory parts of our job, and we can’t get out of them. BUT, the place we have the most agency and regain our empowerment is within the areas of our work or life that we CAN control, which is usually more than we realize. Look at the areas of your work or personal life in which you have control, and begin to think, “Where can I do less, so I get more meaning and more enjoyment from my time?” Start small. The breathing room we get back to focus on what matters most in our work (and life) helps us sustain the passion, energy, and motivation we need to do our work well in the long-run. About our guest writer: Julia Skolnik, MSEd is the Chief Learning Officer & Founder of Professional Learning Partnerships (PLP), an organization committed to transforming learning and leadership through applying key ideas from brain science in long-term partnerships with schools and districts. Julia leads the design and facilitation of research-based professional learning and coaching for educators and leaders, and cultivates sustained partnerships with a growing network of innovative districts across the U.S. Her passion for connecting the science of learning with the practice of education has continued to grow over the last 20 years working in a variety of settings including schools, research laboratories, universities, and museums.  10/1/2022 0 Comments But Who's Supporting the Work?We've been seeing more and more people preaching about "doing less in schools"... Yes I am one of them. But as I see these posts come out, I wonder who's actually doing it and supporting the work?
Embodying minimalism in your school setting and teaching life is a challenging task - one that takes time. It takes time to unpack mindsets and a development of understanding how critical this work is. We are supporting this work. We have held sessions for many educators from Halifax to Warsaw. We have worked one-to-one with teachers who want to make changes for their sanity and to improve their teaching practice. They see the value and want to do it. We are here for the journey. And it is a journey. I just read Daniel Goleman's book, Focus - a great book about getting people, leadership, and companies to the next level by choosing focus. On the final page are some words of the Dalai Lama, and they are what seem to be sticking right now because it reminds me of doing less to set our future generations up for success. "Start the task even if it will not be fulfilled within your lifetime. This generation has a responsibility to reshape the world. If we make it an effort, it is possible to achieve. Even if it seems hopeless now, never give up. Offer a positive vision, with enthusiasm and joy, and an optimist outlook." This is how we begin to change systems that negate our desire to do and be well. 8/14/2022 0 Comments Extending the NetworkWhat does it mean for us when we make additions to our professional networks?
Sometimes even attempting to "add" new people to our networks can feel overwhelming especially when we are already managing so much, and even more so as an introvert. But what if we are ready for the addition? I love the folks in my network. I am always learning from my close network. We have meaningful conversations, reflect together, and ask each other for guidance. When thinking about building out my network, I know what I can look forward because of my experience. I look forward to new branches of growth and new perspectives. New questions to ask and answer. New connections to make. New collaborations to get under way. I'm ready for the growth and I know the benefits. These are healthy outcomes of extending my network. Are you ready for further growth? 6/12/2022 0 Comments Adopting IDeasIf you’ve just wrapped up your school year, or are about to in the next few days, I know you may be feeling a couple of ways. You might be wanting to hibernate for a few days, and in this case, you may be looking for some ways to seek comfort after a trying year. Or, maybe you are the person who can detach from the year quickly and begin your summer frolic! Whichever way you chose to get your summer rolling, here is something to think about as you start your mental and time decluttering. “Historically and culturally, minimalism tends to be represented predominantly in the lifestyles of white Scandinavian and Asian cultures. When thinking of Scandinavia and minimalism, we probably first think of architectural and furniture design [Ikea]. But it goes much deeper than this in traditional culture, as described by the Danish term hygge and the Swedish word lagom. These terms encapsulate ideals such as life balance, well-being, comfort, and enjoying life and our time. Japanese culture is known for living small, it has deeper roots in Zen Buddhist values in venerating simple lives and rejecting material possessions. Minimalist approaches have more recently been popularly adopted in many countries around the world. Furthermore, we can trace minimalist values to many different religions, philosophers, and leaders around the globe and throughout written history.” Do you think learning some ideas from these cultures can help you in decompress from your tough academic year? If so, how? We’d love to hear!  6/6/2022 0 Comments Triple P Decision MakingDo you know about our Triple P Decision-making framework? Here’s some background information and how it might help when you are trying to make well-informed decisions about what you might be introducing to students or teachers.
“When discussing ideas for this book, we knew introducing new educational jargon or acronyms that did not meet the goal of transforming to a minimalist approach would be a poor decision. Yet, we knew we needed a simple phrase that would stick in a cluttered teacher’s mind to move the work ahead. After we boiled down many of our professional conversations, as well as conversations we have had about writing this book, we were consistently coming back to three main points resulting in what we have called the Triple P questions part of our Triple P framework. 1. What is our purpose? 2. What are our priorities? 3. How can we pare down resources? Purpose: Every day we ask ourselves easy-to-answer questions. “Why am I running when my knee hurts?” Easy answer. “Why am I using this product instead of that one?” Easy again. But when we ask ourselves, “Why would I teach that?” or, “Why would I teach that in this way?” we must peel back the layers of teaching and learning, because there are so many “Why am I doing this?” questions to ask. Priority: Now, here lies a great challenge. How do you prioritize when there are just so many “things” that require attention? Go back to your purpose to help you build your prioritization muscles. Your priority will always be the well-being and learning experiences of your students. Always and forever. Remember this when your mind is swamped because we know from experience that our priorities are masked by other clutter. In schools, items for discussions are usually prioritized by time and money, not by student or teacher needs. How do you unmask these mandated compliance tasks in a short time frame while still ensuring integrity in your teaching and, quite honestly, your sanity? While the Triple P questions become more intricate when peeling back the layers, remain simple in your response: your students are your priority. Pare Down: Last but certainly not least—how does one pare down all that “stuff” so that priorities match purposes? How do you really do more with less? This may become the most challenging part of the transformation of practice. The challenge comes with letting go of things, control, and feeling overwhelmed to make space for increased efficiency, productivity, and new feelings of satisfaction and supported well-being. We will work with you through this process of letting go.” What part of the Triple P sticks out for you? How might this be helpful? The term “culture” can bring to mind various images or meanings. This can encompass anything from language or food to the arts or family structures. Ultimately, a culture is a shared set of values and practices that a group of people holds. A culture of minimalism requires members of a group, in this case, your classroom, to recognize and work toward making use of currently available resources and no more in order to best support the requirements and expectations of the community. While a minimalist culture in classrooms may seem unconventional, overly innovative, or unrealistic now, this approach is becoming more and more socially acceptable. Rather than superficially attempting to meet students’ needs by buying “things,” adding more tasks, or creating more paperwork, there is a shift to instead maximize existing resources in the community and create a lifelong practice and lifestyle of appreciation, efficiency, and sustainability.
Refocusing on your purpose in teaching assists in creating a mental space in which you can tune into your students. This helps you prioritize students and their needs, and helps pare down those non-essentials that clutter up teaching. How would creating this culture add value for you, and for your students in the upcoming year? 4/5/2022 0 Comments A New CycleThis past week - the first week of August - was a set of essential planning days for us. This was precious time for our teacher team to begin this year’s school development cycle. Because our priorities were clear from the beginning, we used our time efficiently. In just three days, we learned about each other’s strengths and passions, AND we made significant headway in framing the learning experiences. Last year was the school’s inaugural year so some structures were not yet in place so when we were building the calendar for this academic year, we knew how important it was going to be to build in teacher work days. These days will be times to reflect on units and frame out the upcoming ones. This was a lot of fun. I love a cycle, a process. And collaboratively planning instruction should be just that. A cycle. We can never think that we can plan a year out or develop school goals once at the start of the year. Time built into the calendar is essential to help us keep our vision in focus and our priorities in line. Robin Jackson, author of the ASCD book, Stop Leading, Start Building: Turn Your School into a Success Story with the People and Resources You Already Have, tells us we need to get off the old-school hamster wheel of school improvement planning - once a year, same-ish plan, no time to reflect and revise, and then keep running on that same "improvement" plan year after year. We have to stop this damaging cycle. It wastes our time and energy and keeps us only in a lane of compliance. Whether you are the lead planner or a participant in the process, consider a new planning cycle strategy to facilitate success for your school community to avoid getting caught on that hamster wheel.  |
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