Beautiful Learning

"I use the term beautiful work broadly: ...Always, in all subjects, there is a quest in my classroom for beauty, for quality, and we critique all that we do for its level of care, craftsmanship, and value."
-Ron Berger quoted from Buck Institute

Recently a colleague of mine, a grade 7/8 math teacher, emailed me with his reflections from reading a book he borrowed from the bookshelf in my office. After a discussion about homework quality and quantity with his colleagues during the final professional learning day of the school year, he stopped by my office to share his thoughts about what makes student work worthwhile. I handed him An Ethic Of Excellence by Ron Berger and encouraged him to read it and dig a little deeper into those thoughts. About a month and a half into summer, he emailed me with his thoughts:

"Beautiful work is the idea that schoolwork is about the process of producing something beautiful. In that process learners learn the lesson. It is beautiful not because it's neat or colorful or artistic, but because it represents the very best work of that individual, with the assistance of their classmates along the way. Schoolwork isn't something that we just have to get done and move on. It's an iterative process and our learning is in those several iterations."
-Glenn Blakney

Glenn pointed out some things that I've been thinking about quite a bit: 
  1. School work should feel just as valuable and worthwhile to students as work feels for adults in pursuit of their careers and/or passions.
  2. Valuable learning does not happen entirely in collaboration with others, but it also does not happen entirely in isolation as an individual. The feedback we get from others is just as important as the reflections we do on our own.
  3. Learning is in BOTH the process and the product. We learn from making mistakes and finding out how to fix them. We also learn from feeling the satisfaction of creating a product that we are proud to share.

Near the end of his email to me, Glenn wrote, "This is what genuine and effective Project Based Learning looks like." It just so happens that, as part of my preparation and planning for our upcoming in-house school conference, I was reading articles and watching videos about some of the hottest education theories including PBL. I came across this video from Edutopia on rigorous PBL and it really captured the elements of beautiful schoolwork for me.


Besides the aesthetics, what would be the elements of beautiful schoolwork in your classroom? How would your students, their parents, and the community beyond your classroom know that your students' learning is beautiful?

Comments

  1. AnamikaSunday, April 10, 2022 11:04:00 PM

    It is quite lovely imagination and there will be lots of great multiple ways that can be processed out here.
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    ReplyDelete
  2. mahira saqMonday, March 20, 2023 9:42:00 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  3. AnonymousWednesday, May 03, 2023 4:21:00 AM

    A prenuptial agreement, commonly known as a prenup, is a legal document that outlines how assets and property will be divided in the event of a divorce or separation. A prenup can be customized to suit the specific needs of the couple and can cover a wide range of topics, including property division, spousal support, and financial responsibilities. Here's how prenup documents work:

    Creating the Agreement: The first step in creating a prenup is to consult with a lawyer who specializes in family law. The lawyer will work with the couple to create an agreement that meets their needs and is legally binding. The agreement will outline how assets and property will be divided in the event of a divorce or separation.

    Disclosing Assets: Both parties must fully disclose their assets and debts when creating a prenup. This includes any property, investments, or business interests they own, as well as any debts they owe. Full disclosure is important to ensure that the agreement is fair and equitable.

    Negotiating the Terms: Once the assets and debts have been disclosed, the couple will negotiate the terms of the prenup. This includes deciding how assets and property will be divided in the event of a divorce or separation, as well as any terms related to spousal support or financial responsibilities.

    Signing the Agreement: Once the terms of the prenup have been agreed upon, both parties will sign the agreement in the presence of a notary public. The notary will ensure that the agreement is signed voluntarily and that both parties fully understand the terms of the agreement.

    Enforcing the Agreement: In the event of a divorce or separation, the prenup will be used to determine how assets and property will be divided. If one party violates the terms of the agreement, the other party can take legal action to enforce the agreement. It is important to note that prenups may not be enforceable in all situations, and a lawyer can advise on the specific circumstances in which a prenup can be enforced.

    Prenup documents work by providing a clear and legally binding agreement between the parties. By outlining how assets and property will be divided in the event of a divorce or separation, prenups can help reduce conflicts and disagreements between the parties. They can also provide important protections for individuals who have significant assets or property, ensuring that these assets are protected in the event of a divorce.

    It is important to note that prenup documents must be created and signed before the marriage takes place. If a couple decides to create a prenup after they are married, it is referred to as a postnuptial agreement. Postnuptial agreements are similar to prenups but may be subject to different legal requirements.

    In summary, prenup documents work by creating a legally binding agreement between the parties that outlines how assets and property will be divided in the event of a divorce or separation. They provide important protections for individuals with significant assets or property and can help reduce conflicts and disagreements between the parties. If you are considering a prenup, it is important to consult with a lawyer who specializes in family law to ensure that the agreement is legally binding and enforceable.

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  4. Chhavi GargFriday, May 05, 2023 11:33:00 PM

    Delhi Companion

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  5. Popsicle RecipesMonday, May 08, 2023 8:40:00 AM

    This is a great post tthanks

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  6. Jacob WilsonWednesday, May 31, 2023 4:42:00 AM

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