Last February NAIS president Pat Bassett challenged independent schools to change. Referencing work by Thomas Friedman, Mel Levine and Howard Gardner, Bassett outlined the need for revisioned schools and retooled students. Why? This new global knowledge-based economy and society requires more creative, collaborative, and networked people who can critically think and communicate innovative ideas. As Gardner writes in his book Five Minds for the Future, “[s]tudents may have accumulated plenty of factual or subject-matter knowledge; but they have not learned to think in a disciplined manner.”

Beginning in the 2007-08 school year and continuing in earnest this year, the Lovett middle school faculty is focusing on what a 21st century learning environment looks like and what outcomes we should expect from our students. As we develop a more ubiquitous computing environment and navigate a networked world of information abundance, we are examining what we teach, how we teach, and how we assess the work. What demonstrates learning? What is the role of the student? The teacher? Technology?

Check out the following video, produced by a small team of faculty along with Owen Matthews, Middle School Technology Coordinator, and Laura Deisley, Technology Consultant. Presented to a group of 20 leading independent schools in the Southeast-including Trinity, Westminster, Woodward, and Holy Innocents- the video demonstrates the hard work our faculty and students are doing to “understand the shift” and begin the process of learning to thrive in a highly networked culture.

Find more videos like this on Lovett Video Archive

In this main blog, we will offer new ideas, as well as onine tools and games; explore our evolving learning environment; highlight developing best practices and projects; and share the voices of students, faculty, and others who are transforming their learning by becoming more “connected.” And, most importantly, we hope to inspire one another to uncover our passions and share our gifts.

Benjamin Zander, an entertaining and highly accomplished conductor, believes we unlock learning when we practice the art of possibility. In the following TED talk, Zander shows us just what it means to have “shining eyes.” I hope you’ll take the time to listen to his entire presentation and then share with us (using the comment feature of this blog) what makes your eyes “shine.” I also wonder: How might you encourage someone else’s eyes to shine?

Laura Deisley, ldeisley@lovett.org, ext 1348
Technology Consultant and Lovett parent

The Lion’s Eye May 2008. Just click on the link below to get a full color PDF!

lions-eye-may-2008

-From My Shining Star, Giselle 8th Grade Maryland

The words unfold, the images stir, the ideas and thoughts and dreams of students across the United States pour onto the pages of Space 2008 Issue 2.

Please read and reflect on the writing of students from Lovett and these other schools, and leave your comments for them here on this post. You can reference their writing (title of work, author) and they will come read and comment back here.

Enjoy!

I am from colorful outside toys strewn everywhere
From the shouts of my brothers and their friends echoing through the cul de sac
From the smell of just blossoming honeysuckles
And the wind whistling through the leaves

I am from the gold dome of the capital building
From the home of the Braves
From a place to have a block party with friends and neighbors
And where ya’ll isn’t slang but a way of life

I am from the home of the brave
From the country where the people decide
From a place where liberty and justice are real
And people are free to speak their minds

I am from deep roots in northern Europe
From the struggle to find a better way of life
From farmers, engravers and jewelry makers
And an example that hard work and determination pay off!

I am from a place without war, pollution and injustice
From a world where no one lives in fear
From cool tropical breezes on the beach
And the sound of the crashing waves on the shore
I am from Home

-Hope B., 8th Grade, The Lovett School

I am from a cottage in the woods
From bright colors of the flowers sprouting
From where two dogs run here and there
And open welcoming arms of family greet you

I am from flashy cars
From shopping malls
From mega-mansions
And people living the high life

I am from the Land of the “Free”
From a history of sadness and discrimination
From backyard cook-outs for the whole neighborhood
And the land of opportunities

I am from beating drums
From trails of tears
From not wasting a thing
And becoming one with the Earth

I am from paintbrush swooping the snowy tops of the mountains
From flashes of cameras capturing a moment of peace
From where the world becomes one someday soon
I am from home.

-Katie A., 8th Grade, The Lovett School

I am from a room, a house, a home
From a yard where people stroll about, a yard where dogs roam
From the hissing of skates on the gray, cement pavement
And a family of long-living lives is spent

I am from the big state of the famous peach
From the Lovett School, where teachers teach
From the city also known as the “ATL”
And “being chill” is what we do well

I am from the red, the white, and the blue
From the freedom that’s marked on me like a tattoo
From Mount Rushmore where four heads are stoned
And three unknown soldiers are respected but unknown

I am from a big, happy family
From a large but loving family tree
From a German to European and even a French man
And the list goes on, and on, and on, and…

I am from a love and passion of art
From music to painting and acting in my heart
From a wish to become a musician some day
And from this I must say,
From a fondness of my house, my state, my land,
And of all of this, I understand,

I am from home.

-Besty P., 8th Grade, The Lovett School

I am from home.

-Marcos S., 8th Grade, The Lovett School

I hope for bright, careless mornings
From peace that will last and air that is clean
From justice for all, no matter the costs
From family and loyalty
And faith
I am from home.

-Grant F., 8th Grade, The Lovett School 

-Suzannah T., 7th Grade, The Lovett School