Picture this: Students sitting on the floor in groups in a classroom. Everyone is busy and engaged. Many are using computers or ipads. The teacher is circulating answering questions, giving guidance and most of all, stimulating creative ideas.

I just love this idea. Students learn what they need to learn through their own motivation and natural affinities. It will not leave gaps as there will be thought and problem solving and researching the necessary information for all of this learning. The new focus is HOW TO LEARN . . . SOLVE PROBLEMS . . FIND ANSWERS. OUT WITH WHAT TO LEARN. That will happen as a by-product. No more memorizing stuff by sucking it in and then spitting it back out.

I love this. I must admit it excites me to think that all students can and will learn and they will experience knowledge is power by being able to learn anything.

Am I wrong? Is this not going to work? Do we need to live in a world where the teacher still stands up in the front of the room and talks, talks, talks and then shows everyone how to do “it”, everyone does it together, and then homework is assigned, understanding is assessed. I want kids to move around, have conversations and experience learning.

I envision the teacher as the true nurturer! The helper who guides the way but never dictates. The mentor who shows by example how to learn and asks questions that students are excited to answer. How? Why?

Am I wrong? Is this dream possible to be reality? In my heart I believe it is best for learning. It will create life long learners with students who care and are responsible for their own improvement. It opens the door to creativity and innovation and as a result, mastery.

I am reading about it. I see signs of encouragement. Please tell me I am not dreaming.