Transforming Education with The Modern Classrooms Project
- Jennifer Dosher
- Jan 18, 2024
- 2 min read
In this episode, we dive into the transformative world of The Modern Classrooms Project with special guest Kelly Benedetti, an exceptional educator with vast experience in IB Global Politics at Carrollwood Day School.
Kelly dispels the myth of "just screens" in blended learning, emphasizing the abundance of community activities that incorporate both online and offline experiences. Blended learning, deeply connected to Universal Design for Learning (UDL), allows students voice and choice, catering to diverse learning preferences. Kelly's dedication to backward planning, streamlining, and discernment ensures a balanced and effective approach to blended instruction.
Exploring the self-paced dimension of The Modern Classrooms Project, Kelly highlights the misconception of learners languishing in front of screens. Instead, self-pacing provides autonomy within a specific timeframe, with guardrails ensuring accountability. The strategy accommodates diverse learning styles and developmental stages, creating a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.
Kelly introduces mastery grading, emphasizing the spirit of assessment as sitting beside learners rather than a punitive measure. The approach focuses on iterative mastery, ensuring every task contributes meaningfully to students' understanding. The Must Do, Should Do, and Aspire to Do levels provide a scaffolded learning experience, promoting deeper comprehension of content and skills.
Observing anecdotal evidence, Kelly notes increased mastery of content and skills, reduced learner anxieties, and alumni reporting parallels with college experiences. The streamlined nature of mastery-based learning fosters clarity, ensuring every task aligns with overarching learning goals. The framework not only supports academic growth but also centers student well-being, providing a balanced and supportive academic journey.
For educators seeking professional growth, Kelly emphasizes the benefits of The Modern Classroom Project framework. The reflective process revealed gaps in her own practice, prompting a renewed focus on clarity, intentionality, and the joy of learning. The framework challenges educators to critically examine their practices, fostering continuous improvement in meeting learner needs.
Kelly passionately recommends educators explore the website found in our resources and engage in the free self-paced course, and consider the paid summer course or mentorship. The structure offers a transformative approach to teaching, with financial support and scholarships available. Kelly's advice echoes the essence of continuous learning and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of students.
The Modern Classrooms Project emerges as a powerful tool for reshaping education, fostering student growth, and nurturing the joy of learning. Visit our website for additional resources and a link to The Modern Classrooms Project.
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