Page 75 - LearningSCAPES 2021

SESSIONABSTRACTS continued...
Schools. Through mentorship and coaching, he collaborates with district leaders and teachers to create authentic, equitable and meaningful learning experiences for all students. Andy brings a palatable passion to about kids and learning to his work that inspires those that work with him. Prior to his current role, Andy was the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Dublin City Schools and has held numerous building-level positions.
Saturday, October 16, 2021 - 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Intergenerational and Interconnected Community Learning: A Mixed Use Model
1 LU
Our current model of education, and the place where learning occurs, intentionally separates children and the outside world from one another. It’s a model based on the linear idea that students must learn stuff before entering the “real” world rather
than one that uses the real world as a powerful learning tool. It rarely takes advantage of resources, professional expertise, nor community members willing to assist with the learning of young people that are beyond the facility’s boundaries. It’s a model that never actively invites learners beyond traditional age groupings to learn alongside younger learners. Our intergenerational and interconnected model for community learning challenges these constructs by actively and intentionally building more connections between students of all ages and the outside world. This session will explore what a facility would look like based on an educational model where:
Learning process is bi-directional: Students of all ages will utilize the facility and grounds for access to coursework, tools, resources, and professional educators. Students will also participate in experiences outside the facility regularly (and perhaps for long durations at time), in local businesses, libraries, museums, parks, colleges and universities as part of their formal training. Local entities will supplement the professional educators within the facility to offer industry-specific insight and expertise on
a regular basis. Those same local entities will have access to coursework, tools, and resources that could aid in the professional development of their workforces.
Learning is intergenerational: elders will be welcomed to gather, exercise, recreate, learn, and mentor younger students and vice versa...even participating in the same lessons whenever possible.
Pedagogies both within the school and in the outside community are grounded in active learning experiences.
Learning experiences are personalized to the individual’s developmental progress and not necessarily strictly based on their age ...and that includes features meant to strengthen the connections to the local community such as:
• A Farmer’s Market
• Restaurant(s)
• Community Gardens
• Rehearsal and Performance Venues
• Indoor and outdoor play areas
• Micro-residential units
• Exercise facilities
• Offices and Start-up Space
Learning Objectives:
• Think deeply and differently about the connection between learning and community.
• Reimagine planning concepts underlying public school facilities in the future.
• Explore what community assets strengthen the learning experiences of all ages.
• Create new organizational paradigms for facilities associated with life-long learning.