Teaching for Tomorrow: Skills-Based Learning in a Modern 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, Zach Diamond is joined by Carson Hickox, a middle school social studies teacher, to share his journey implementing the Modern Classrooms Project model.
Carson’s first year was a whirlwind of late nights and restructuring, driven by a need for change and inspired by the proficiency-based grading approach. This conversation emphasizes a shift from content-based to skills-based teaching, using engaging social studies topics to teach critical thinking and analysis.
Here are three key takeaways from this podcast episode:
Student ownership: Modern Classrooms Project empowers students to take control of their learning, increasing engagement and motivation. Despite the chaos, Carson found that students responded positively, taking ownership of their learning: "You see kids...put their headphones on and they watch their guided notes video, and it's quiet, and you're just like, it's happening."
Skills-based focus: Shifting from memorization to critical thinking skills better prepares students for future success. Carson shares, "I'd much rather give you the skill that you can use in the future to unlock future learning on your own."
Collaboration is key: Carson found that working with colleagues provides support, facilitates workload sharing, and sparks innovation. Collaboration with a colleague proved essential, allowing them to share the workload and bounce ideas off each other.
Looking ahead, Carson aims to refine his implementation, foster more student collaboration, and encourage other teachers to explore the model through observation and data-driven results.
Discussion questions for PLC and PD:
How do you currently balance content delivery with the development of critical thinking and analytical skills in your classroom? What specific strategies could you implement to further prioritize skill development, and how might you measure the impact of these changes?
Student Ownership and Engagement: What are some practical ways to foster student autonomy and engagement in your teaching practice, regardless of the instructional model you use? How can you create an environment where students feel empowered to direct their own learning?
Collaboration and Implementation: How do you currently utilize collaboration within your professional practice (e.g., PLCs, co-planning)? What are the potential benefits and challenges of implementing a new instructional model like MCP within a collaborative setting, and how can educators effectively navigate these challenges to ensure successful implementation?
Our Host
Zach Diamond studied Music History and Theory at Oberlin College and received a Masters of Music in Music Education from Boston University. He taught music for five years in Lima, Peru, and is currently a Middle School music teacher at DC International School, a language-immersion school where he teaches in Spanish. He began implementing the Modern Classrooms Model in the 19-20 School Year and enthusiastically continues his work with the organization as a mentor and podcast producer.
Our Guest: Carson Hickox
Carson Hickox is a father of 3, husband, and a 7th/8th Grade Social Studies teacher in Redmond, Oregon. He is passionate about creating a classroom where students' dignity is honored, achievement is the norm, and all learners have access to a high-quality education. When he is not teaching or reading about teaching, he is chatting with his wife, playing baseball with his two sons, and reading with his daughter.
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