In education, we focus on teaching students how to collect the dots and memorize skills, but we need to teach them to connect the dots (Learners Mindset, 2021). In the current state of education, we are bogged down by state assessments and scores, which often leads us, as educators, to stick to the facts. Despite the importance of curriculum guidelines, the most rewarding teaching moments occur when students experience epiphanies bridging isolated facts to comprehension. We should be building connections between content for our students. This would create interest for our students and engage them in their learning. If we change our learning environment and expand our teaching, we can reach our students better. While some fault teachers, systemic constraints from state-mandated curricula are the real issue, effective learning outcomes are crucial, guiding educators and students towards success by defining expectations and fostering accountability. They enable reflection and refinement of teaching practices, which are essential for promoting meaningful learning experiences.
When considering Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs), we look for the overarching goal that guides our instruction and represents the ultimate destination for learners (Harapnuik, 2016). The three-column table serves as a course map. We must consider who the learners will become or where they will be at the end of the course, similar to the final destination on a map (Harapnuik, 2016). The BHAG perspective adds an emotional element, motivating learners to pursue their goals. Learning outcomes are stages or landmarks along the journey, guiding learners' progress. Activities in this model provide detailed instructions for the journey, focusing on active learning and authentic projects to promote ownership of the learning process. Assessment functions like a speedometer, confirming progress toward the destination, but standardized testing doesn't align well with this analogy. Ultimately, the three-column table offers the bigger picture, guiding learners on their journey while acknowledging that they are the drivers of their learning process.
By enabling our students to connect the dots, we can confidently lead them towards the achievement of our BHAGs.
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Harapnuik, D. (2016, June 16). Mapping your learner’s journey. It’s About Learning: Creating Significant Learning Environments. https://www.harapnuik.org/?p=6420
Learners Mindset. (2021, January 18). Collecting dots vs connecting dots [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/_7o3Jh1KZLw?si=5ZJeC7hFrxgVl6Jz
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