Passion Based Learning

Using the 21st century literacies in the classroom, there are multiple opportunities for teachers to intrigue students by using an integrated curriculum and passion based learning. As discussed in my 21st century literacies education class, an integrated curriculum connects various disciplines together. By doing this, associations are made with regards to content, the curriculum is brought to life, and boundaries are broken down. This allows students to see the larger picture and understand multiple perspectives, which is what 21st century literacies strive to achieve.

Passion based learning is an instructional approach that is under the umbrella of inquiry education. It allows students’ interests to drive how the curriculum will be integrated into the classroom. Drake, Reid, and Kolohon (2014) outline that passion based learning has only become more possible recently due to the increased use of technology in education. Technology has allowed teachers to extend their lessons on specific topics by allowing students to explore a wide variety of online research.

Creating a classroom that captures students’ attention involves more than just integrating the curriculum with the 21st century literacies. It entails creating an atmosphere where the student’s interests are accounted for, and the teacher adjusts the tools that are used. Technology is one strategy that teachers can use to create such a classroom. But the first step to creating a classroom that can incorporate technology involves teachers instructing their students to think critically about the information that is read. Once students are able to think critically about the content, then tying the curriculum with their interests can occur.

In my previous blog, I outlined how I would integrate weekly journals in my classroom to incorporate global literacy. I also stated that these journals would allow my students to research different issues that are happening around the world. This approach includes both the passion based learning concept, and provides opportunities for cross-curricular integration. What I find the most beneficial about implementing this into my classroom is that there are so many opportunities for me, as a teacher, to create very teachable moments for my students. There will also be opportunities for my future students to guide the direction of what is being learned in the classroom.

Saga Briggs outlines 25 ways to institute passion-based learning in the classroom. Her blog illustrates important points such as allowing students’ passion to develop and change. I think this is crucial for allowing any student to grow and develop as an individual in such an inquiry based type classroom. If freedom is given to the students, but we as teachers still limit where their curiosity can be explored, it does not allow for students to learn what interests them on a deeper level. A quote that I think summarizes all of this accurately is by W.B Yeats; “Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire”.

Resources:

Drake, S. M., Reid, J. L., & Kolohon, W. (2014). Interweaving curriculum and classroom assessment: Engaging the 21st century learner. Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press.