Passion-based Learning

Chambers, Julia

Vincent, K. (2011, July 13). Mind/Shift. Retrieved from http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2011/07/nine-tenets-of-passion-based-learning/

This blog post recaps key points made by a panel of educators discussing passion-based learning at a 2011 Future of Education talk. Key points include:

• Passion-based learning engages students that have checked out because the curriculum doesn’t interest them.
• Brings relevancy to learning
• Frees teachers to innovate, thereby modeling their own passion for learning
• Connects students with real-world experiences
• Relies on digital media to expand the quest for information relating to the students’ passion and connect teachers with other innovative teachers
• Inspires more passion in learning
• Enables students to tap into parental expertise to enrich learning

Evaluation: This article is essentially about student-interest learning, or designing curriculum around students’ passions. It speaks to the importance of seizing upon students’ passions and building meaningful curriculum around those interests to deepen the learning and keep students engaged throughout. I found the points about using technology to do this relevant to the SAMR model. Using social media, in particular, not only expands what students can learn on a topic, but can also puts them  directly in contact and conversation with experts and peers similarly aligned with their passions. 

ET-inquiry and Problem-based Learning