The Power of Being Known: Cultivating Agency for Lasting Learning

Outline

1. Introduction (5 minutes)
Welcome & Purpose: Briefly introduce the session’s focus on belonging, authentic experiences, and diverse perspectives in education.
Session Goals: Outline key outcomes for participants (e.g., fostering belonging, creating real-world connections, implementing authentic learning practices).
Why It Matters: Discuss the importance of cultivating belonging and engaging students through open-ended, real-world issues that connect with their identities and experiences.

2. Understanding Identity and Belonging (10 minutes)
How Identity Shapes Learning: Explore how students' and educators' identities influence how they relate to learning and each other.
Building Inclusive Classrooms: Discuss how embracing diverse viewpoints promotes inclusivity and fosters a sense of belonging.
Small Group Reflection: Ask participants to reflect on how they currently address identity and belonging in their own classrooms. (Could be individual reflection or small group discussion.)

3. Exploring Authentic Learning (10 minutes)
Authentic Learning Defined: Discuss what makes a learning experience "authentic" (real-world relevance, open-ended questions, student ownership).
Real-World, Cross-Disciplinary Issues: Present examples of life-centered issues that transcend disciplines and invite personal connections.
Making Learning Personal: Share strategies for encouraging students to make personal, meaningful connections to their learning.

4. Practical Examples & Case Studies (15 minutes)
Sharing Experiences: Present real examples of how you’ve cultivated belonging and authentic learning in your setting.
Examples of exhibitions and public presentations.
Audience-centered learning: Creating opportunities for students to share their work with real audiences.
Making learning visible through portfolios, peer presentations, and community showcases.
Breakout Activity: Have participants brainstorm ways they can create similar experiences in their classrooms. (Break into small groups or partner discussions.)

5. Tools & Strategies for Implementation (10 minutes)
Practical Takeaways: Provide a list of actionable tools and strategies for cultivating belonging and designing authentic learning experiences.
Curating Audiences: Tips on bringing in diverse audiences (peers, parents, community members) to make student learning more visible and meaningful.
Inclusive Learning Spaces: How to design classroom environments that are student-centered, inclusive, and identity-affirming.

6. Closing & Call to Action (5 minutes)
Recap Key Points: Summarize the main takeaways of the session (belonging, identity, authentic learning, real-world connection).
Encourage Action: Inspire participants to start making small but impactful changes in their classrooms to foster belonging and authentic learning.
Share Resources: Offer additional resources or handouts for further reading and exploration.

Supporting research

-How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen-- David Brooks

-In Search of Deeper Learning: The Quest to Remake the American High School-- Jal Mehta and Sarah Fine

-The Morning Meeting Book-- Karen Poplawski

-Making Caring Common Project https://mcc.gse.harvard.edu/