LEARNER AGENCY
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Asset Based Dispositions
The asset-based approach is intended to focus on the strengths of students and unlock student potential based on their strengths and interests. According to NYU (2020), an asset-based approach focuses on the strengths. It views diversity in thought, culture, traits as positive assets. Many analysts often ask the questions of “what is wrong?” or “what needs assessment,” however assets-based dispositions are focusing on “what is right” or “what strengths do we have.” Lalor (2020) states asset-based approach is the embodiment of growth mindset in instruction. When implementing asset-based approach in schools and classrooms it is imperative to analyze the strengths and interests of the community and students within the school. The University of Memphis states that discovering and affirming the underutilized assets and untapped potential are hallmark of an asset based. This affirms the need for productive relationships when utilizing the asset-based approach. Student relationships that exhibit positive qualities encourage student growth by improving student confidence. Vargas and Steele (2015) states “schooling is a social process that depends on trust, a process in which their social identity is an asset to school success.” Statements like this reassure that student relationships reinforce asset-based approach by analyzing what students are interested in and where their strengths are.
Research Based Strategies
Personality TestPersonality tests are intended to discover student strengths and analyze how teachers can implement learning activities that contribute to learner growth. The personality test that is implemented in my classroom is the Lion, Otter, Beaver, and Golden Retriever at the beginning of each semester. The personality test provides teachers with an understanding of how student progress in the classroom setting and reveals strengths and weaknesses that can be identified within the test. I have the same students for both semesters of the school year, however middle school students go through a lot of changes within the school year. I am able to plan my lessons and implementations based on student strengths and assets.
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Show and TellThis project is designed for students to take analysis of their home and the different types of energy that takes place at home and how they use these forms of energy in their day to day lives. Throughout the weekend, students were provided a padlet link and each student was required to provide two examples of energy transformations that they saw throughout the weekend. The following Monday the class discussed the energy transformations that were witnessed throughout the weekend. Students were able to analyze things that they found interesting throughout the weekend that they wouldn’t have thought of.
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Alternative DispositionsAlternative Learning opportunities are excellent strategies for students to use their interest and strengths to learn and show their mastery of content. Providing alternative learning opportunities for students gives student influence in their education and how it can be personalized to fit their learning needs. This method encourages student engagement because students can use their talents and interest to show their mastery of content. Alternative learning opportunities can be different forms of content just delivered in a different method suitable for students. A popular strategy that utilizes this method is using Choice Boards/Lunch Menus that provide students with a variety of learning opportunities that best accommodate their interests and engagement.
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Asset-Based Curriculum
Culturally Relevant Project (Science)
This project is designed for students to take analysis of their home and the different types of energy that takes place at home and how they use these forms of energy in their day to day lives. Throughout the weekend, students were provided a padlet link and each student was required to provide two examples of energy transformations that they saw throughout the weekend. The following Monday the class discussed the energy transformations that were witnessed throughout the weekend. Students were able to analyze things that they found interesting throughout the weekend that they wouldn’t have thought of.
Student to Teacher Journals
Relationships are one of the most important aspects in asset-based dispositions. Teacher and student relationships determine the effectiveness of asset-based dispositions. A method that supports asset-based dispositions are student to teacher journals. These journals are designed to allow students and teachers to reflect on class progress and future progress. While integrating this into my classroom, I had to emphasize that the journal was confidential and that none of their peers would see what they have written to the teacher. Some students were apprehensive on the first trial; however, the second attempt revealed more transparency. Student engagement has increased exponentially in class and class community has increased. Students seem to be more comfortable with making mistakes with their fellow peers and me.
References
Lalor, A. D. (2020, October 22). 3 Steps to Developing an Asset-Based Approach to Teaching. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/3-steps-developing-asset-based-approach-teaching
New York University (2021, November 5). An Asset-Based Approach to Education: What it is and Why it Matters. Teacher Education Reinvented. https://teachereducation.steinhardt.nyu.edu/an-asset-based-approach-to-education-what-it-is-and-why-it-matters/
The University of Memphis (n.d.) Comparison Between Asset and Deficit Based Approaches. Engaged Scholar. Retrieved from https://www.memphis.edu/ess/module4/page3.php
Vargas B. C., Steele D. M. (2015, October 21) Creating an Identity-Safe Classroom. Edutopia. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/creating-an-identity-safe-classroom-becki-cohn-vargas-dorothy-steele
New York University (2021, November 5). An Asset-Based Approach to Education: What it is and Why it Matters. Teacher Education Reinvented. https://teachereducation.steinhardt.nyu.edu/an-asset-based-approach-to-education-what-it-is-and-why-it-matters/
The University of Memphis (n.d.) Comparison Between Asset and Deficit Based Approaches. Engaged Scholar. Retrieved from https://www.memphis.edu/ess/module4/page3.php
Vargas B. C., Steele D. M. (2015, October 21) Creating an Identity-Safe Classroom. Edutopia. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/creating-an-identity-safe-classroom-becki-cohn-vargas-dorothy-steele