What exactly does it mean to "learn from the edge?" Why would we want to "learn from the edge?" How does one "learn from the edge" and yet still remain sane?
Lev Vygotsky revolutionized the way we think about educating students with his concept of the ZPD--the zone of proximal development. This ZPD provided a new contextualization of how we approach teaching our students. Vygotsky reasoned that in order for the learner to truly learn, a more knowledgeable "other" needs to provide a nudge to push that learner just beyond what he or she can do independently WITH support. With support, the learner can accomplish far more than what he or she could do independently. Socially speaking, this makes sense. We are social creatures that learn in sociocultural contexts. Since we are all students in one fashion or another, I believe we all need to be pushed just beyond what we can do independently. In other words, we need to travel to the "edge" of our current realities in order to be open to what might be possible and within our reach.
Just think about that. Daily, we ask our students to go to the edge of their learning and be willing and open to learn new things. To assimilate new learning to existing knowledge structures.
Are we, as educators, as leaders, indeed, as learners--ready to do the same? Will you please join me as we travel to the edge and learn beyond our wildest dreams???
“Since we are all students in one fashion or another, I believe we all need to be pushed just beyond what we can do independently. In other words, we need to travel to the "edge" of our current realities in order to be open to what might be possible and within our reach.” Absolutely fantastic!!
ReplyDeleteNow, how do we get those that stand at the ledge, or dip their toes in the water to jump in? How do we help those that are wrapped in their towels, get off their beach chairs and join us? If we are the few at the ledge, how do we become the many?