powerED Up

171: Place-Based and Community Driven Learning


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Aziza Malik, the 2024 Vermont State Teacher of the Year, shares her journey in education and her passion for place-based and community-driven learning. She discusses her background in environmental and farm-based education and how it has influenced her teaching. Aziza emphasizes the importance of bringing the community into the classroom and giving students opportunities to make a difference in their community. She shares examples of projects where students work on climate goals, create public service announcements, and revamp cafeteria menus. Aziza also highlights the leadership role of fifth-grade students and the importance of giving every student a voice and a role in projects. In this conversation, Aziza Malik, the 2024 Vermont Teacher of the Year, discusses the challenges and opportunities of teaching in a diverse community. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships with students and meeting them where they are. Aziza also shares her experiences with integrating technology into the classroom and the benefits it brings to student learning. She highlights the value of personalized feedback, differentiated instruction, and the use of various digital tools. Despite the administrative pressures and data-driven expectations, Aziza encourages educators to focus on what truly matters: the holistic growth and well-being of their students.


Takeaways

  • Place-based and community-driven learning can have a significant impact on students' education and their connection to their community.

  • Giving students opportunities to make a difference in their community helps them develop leadership skills and a sense of agency.

  • Projects should be driven by student interests and community needs, and every student should have a role and a voice in the project.

  • Building partnerships with community organizations and government agencies can enhance the learning experience and create meaningful connections.

  • Teachers should have a passion for their projects and find like-minded individuals to collaborate with.

  • Differentiation and support are essential to ensure that every student can participate and contribute to the project. Building relationships with students is crucial for creating a positive school experience.

  • Technology can enhance instruction and provide personalized feedback and targeted instruction.

  • Teachers should focus on what truly matters and prioritize the holistic growth and well-being of their students.

  • Meeting the needs of diverse learners requires a collaborative approach and utilizing available resources.

  • Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    09:44 Place-Based and Community-Driven Learning

    21:21 Creating Meaningful Partnerships

    24:25 Passion Projects and Differentiation

    28:14 Navigating State Testing and Professional Expectations

    45:49 The Benefits of Integrating Technology in the Classroom

    49:09 Prioritizing Holistic Growth and Well-being

    53:48 Collaboration and Utilizing Available Resources for Diverse Learners


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    powerED UpBy Ken Ehrmann

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