Redefining Hands-On Learning: How Self-Pacing Transforms the FACS Classroom
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 Mauranda Comley, a Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) teacher, to talk about her experiences implementing a self-paced learning environment.
Mauranda emphasizes the importance of FACS in teaching essential life skills, covering topics like food and nutrition, financial literacy, and career development.
Here are three key takeaways from this podcast episode:
Self-pacing in hands-on classes like FACS can lead to increased student engagement and mastery. Mauranda highlights the benefits of self-pacing, allowing students to "learn, master, and move on" at their own speed. This approach fosters a relaxed classroom environment and promotes student leadership through peer teaching.
Creating a supportive and flexible learning environment fosters student leadership and collaboration. Mauranda believes that "this is the future of education," advocating for more self-pacing in FACS and beyond. She also stresses the importance of teachers giving up some control, saying, "when you can take a moment and take a step back and take that leap of faith, you will be shocked at the results."
Clear expectations, scaffolding, and student reflection are crucial for successful implementation of self-pacing. Mauranda addresses safety concerns in hands-on classes like sewing and cooking, advocating for clear expectations and gradual skill development. She shares resources like a career choice board and reflection forms, underscoring the value of student feedback and choice.
Discussion questions for PLC and PD:
How can educators effectively balance the need for structured learning with the benefits of self-pacing, especially in hands-on or skills-based subjects?
What strategies can teachers use to foster a culture of trust and student leadership within their classrooms, particularly when relinquishing some control over pacing and content?
In what ways can educators incorporate student reflection and feedback into their teaching practices to continuously improve and adapt their instruction, and how can they ensure these reflections are meaningful?
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
Mauranda Comley
Mauranda Comley is in her twelfth year teaching family and consumer sciences at her home district, Burnt Hills Ballston Lake. Her passion for education has expanded from teaching teens to adults with her mentorship with Modern Classrooms Project and even starting her own business, My Wholesome Table, as a food education business. Currently, Mauranda lives in Burnt Hills, New York, with her husband Dale and three kids, Abram, Bodhi, and Zara.
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