In the world of applied learning, advisory classes play a unique role. These classes provide students with the freedom to explore their passions, guided by their teachers. Whether they're delving into topics like culinary arts or music production, these advisory classes are not just about the subject matter. They are a safe space for students to cultivate essential soft skills that transform them into independent learners and creative problem solvers.
However, in the pursuit of innovative projects, failure is a possibility. Some students and teachers might fear the prospect of failure, but at our school, we believe in embracing failure and using it to our advantage. We interviewed experienced teachers who shared their insights on what to do when an applied learning project doesn't go as planned.
Ale Checka: Ale Checka underscores that advisory classes are an ideal environment for independent work, providing ample opportunities for both success and failure. In this setting, mistakes are not just tolerated; they are celebrated as a natural part of the applied learning model. Mistakes allow students to critically evaluate their own work, while teachers can step back and gain valuable insights for providing effective feedback. As teachers, we can also learn from our mistakes and adjust our approaches. The journey of applied learning is like an experiment, with advisory class discussions, workdays, and symposiums serving as different phases. Through embracing mistakes and allowing students to navigate their own path, we instill in them a holistic view of their educational experience beyond grades.
Mary Jackson: Much like Ale Checka, Mary Jackson highlights the significance of advisory classes as safe spaces for students to make mistakes and learn from them. She emphasizes that the applied learning model revolves around allowing students to explore their projects independently. Mistakes become opportunities for self-analysis, and they also encourage adults to reflect on their role in project outcomes. Mary's experience has taught her to follow the student's journey, allowing them to figure out their own path, rather than dictating their experience. She believes that embracing mistakes and failures is integral to the applied learning model, as it reveals that grades are just one part of a student's educational journey.
Randi Wheeler: Randi Wheeler keeps it simple, noting that mistakes are our best teachers. Rather than fearing or avoiding failure, we should embrace it as an opportunity to learn. Reflecting on our mistakes, turning that reflection into action, and applying that action in similar situations is the key to growth and improvement.
Martha Sullivan: Martha Sullivan sheds light on the fact that sometimes the most powerful projects are the ones that lead us back to the drawing board. Mistakes force students to approach their projects from a new perspective, delving deeper into the subject matter. When everything goes smoothly, the learning process can remain on the surface or become stagnant. Mistakes, on the other hand, encourage students to dig deeper and develop a profound understanding of their work.
In conclusion, failure is not the end of the road in applied learning; it's an integral part of the journey. Embracing mistakes allows students to learn, adapt, and grow. As educators and administrators, we must foster an environment where failure is celebrated and leveraged as a stepping stone to success. By heeding the wisdom of these experienced teachers, we can guide students on a path of authentic learning and discovery, showing them that the most valuable lessons often arise from the ashes of failure.