#imagining learning

Apologies for the lull in posting. Life has become hectic recently, so all I’ve gotten to do is just read numerous articles. With the volumes that I’ve read, I’ve decided that it’s best to have topics dedicated to every week of this summer. That way, each…

The Youth Resolution: The Education We Want | Education | World We Want 2015

1. Listen.

When was the last time you really, really listened to what your teen was saying?  It seems simple, but it requires no agenda, and deep caring.  Ask your teen what s/he really wants if s/he were truly free from the constraints of society and listen. Ask what she wants her education to look like. And then listen. Listen to her/him as you would listen to your closest friend.

Your teen is a young adult with real needs, real passions, real considerations. Consider what s/he has to say. Is it possible to give your teen what s/he is saying s/he wants? Is it possible to work with her here?

What is Imagining Learning? Imagining Learning (www.imagininglearning.us) is working with young people across the country to create a national collective vision of how they would transform education. We believe that young people have an innate wisdom and authenticity about how future generations would best be educated, but they aren't usually invited to participate in discussions or decision making in their communities. Imagining Learning is built on the idea of Listening. Our Listening Sessions are designed to create an appreciative environment of trust and openness so their natural wisdom can emerge. Within each Listening Session, young people, ages 13 - 19, co-create paintings containing their visions for transforming education. These paintings are visual stories containing the key themes that each group believes is essential to changing education. Visit our gallery to see some of these paintings. As we do Listening Sessions with young people all across the country, certain themes appear over and over again. These represent their collective voice, a voice rich in passion, ideas, and wisdom. Currently, we have done 20 Listening Sessions in locations such as San Francisco, CA; Birmingham, AL; Seattle, WA; Jackson, MS; Portland, OR, etc. In the past, the Listening Sessions have been self-funded, but today more than 40  localities are asking us to do Listening Sessions. Learn more about our work here and email us with any questions at [email protected]

Yesterday we had the chance to join Astrid Witt on her show "What The Experts Know on Learning and Education" for a hour long conversation about our work Imagining Learning and the story behind Imagining Learning.  "Listen to the recording of the interview I did today with Charles Kouns and David Loitz to find out more about their wonderful initiative “Imagining Learning” designed to giving teens a voice to create a new vision for learning." We are just about 11 days away from ending our crowdsourcing campaign.

We remain very optimistic and have more interviews and radio shows planned with the media. This week, I will personally make 100 contacts with people I know -- EVERY day.

IS THERE SOMETHING MORE YOU CAN DO?

We need it -- the young people of this country need it -- whatever you might think of.

Are you sharing the links to the media we are getting? Are you telling people you contributed and urging others to contribute? Are you thinking of people you know who would contribute? Is there one person who could make a significan impact? Are you holding the intention for us to make it?

Let's all work together these last 11 days to conclude this campaign excited about reaching our goal and knowing that the future for the Listening Sessions is now possible!!!!

Big Hug to All of You,