Caregiver Perspectives on Modern Classrooms
Welcome to the Modern Classrooms Project Podcast. Each week we bring you discussions with educators on how they use blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning to better serve their learners. In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by April Burton, an instructional technology content leader from the Francis Howell School District, to discuss her journey with the Modern Classrooms Project.
April highlights the benefits of the self-paced, mastery-based learning model, particularly for students with diverse needs. She shares her son's positive experience with the model, noting his increased engagement and sense of ownership over his learning. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clear communication between teachers, parents, and students to ensure understanding and support. April also stresses the need for intentional collaboration among teachers and the shift from a grade-focused to a mastery-focused approach to education.
Here are three key takeaways from this podcast episode:
Empowering Student Autonomy: Students gain control over their learning by choosing their learning paths and collaborating with peers. This fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Focus on Mastery, Not Grades: "We want to send our students out of here into a world where they can advocate for themselves and they can realize that they are in control," emphasizes April, highlighting the importance of shifting focus from grades to true understanding.
The Power of Probing Questions: Encouraging reflection and deeper engagement, April stresses the importance of probing questions for adults to ask students, such as "What are you doing when you watch this video?" and "What does a mastery check look like?"
This discussion not only focuses on how the Modern Classrooms model enhances student learning but also cultivates essential life skills like self-directed learning, critical thinking, and effective collaboration.
Discussion questions for PLC and PD:
How can we effectively communicate the value of a mastery-based approach to parents and caregivers who may be unfamiliar with this model?
What specific strategies can be implemented to foster a culture of collaboration and peer-to-peer learning within a mastery-based classroom?
How can we effectively assess student mastery in a way that is both meaningful and motivating for students?
Our Host
Toni Rose taught MS English for 10 years and will forever identify as a teacher. Toni Rose strives to be the teacher that they never had growing up, so they focus on anti-bias, anti-racist work and wants to create a brave space for everyone around them. As a queer Filipinx, they understand just how important it is to be represented, be valued, and belong. They especially love being a thought partner for and celebrating teachers.
Our Guests
April Burton
April Burton is an Instructional Technology Content Leader for the Francis Howell School District. Her role is to support PK-12 teachers to pair great teaching with great technology. April continuously works with teachers to “think differently” about instruction and assessment. Currently, April is developing and implementing the district’s Blended Learning initiative, as well as working to deepen teachers’ awareness of how to create accessible digital materials.
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