Episode 055: Josh Ecker, teacher & Amelia and Josh, learners on Project Wonder

Shift Your Paradigm: From School-Centered to Learner-Centered

In this episode, we are learning with Josh Ecker, middle school teachers involved in the launch of a learner-centered model of education, Project Wonder (a micro-school within Salisbury Middle School) and two learners, Amelia and Josh.

Josh is in his third year teaching in Salisbury. He is pursuing a doctoral degree in Mind, Brain, and Teaching, and using what he’s learning to inform his learner-centered teaching practices. He’s written several articles for Education Reimagined and enjoys engaging with others in discussions about learner-centered education.

Amelia is a 7th grade musician, athlete, and learner. She enjoys hanging out with her friends, and going on walks with her dogs. She is also the creator of the Project Wonder YouTube channel, which highlights exciting work happening in class.

Josh is a 7th grade learner in his second year as a member of Project Wonder. He enjoys building things and helping others. This year he combined those interests by partnering with a 6th grader and the STEM teacher to build a bookshelf for class.

Here’s what we’re thinking about:

• What would your learners share about their experiences in your learner-centered learning environment?

Resources

• Project Wonder Youtube channel
• Mastery Dashboard
• Project Wonder Website
• Project Wonder Course Catalog
• Sample Project Wonder Newsletter
• Josh’s Education Reimagined articles
  • 6 Strategies to Support the Development of Self-Directed Learners
  • 4 Ways to Minimize Growing Pains During Your Learner-Centered Transition
  • How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Learner-Centered Education
• Josh’s Blog
• Josh on Twitter: @joshecker
• Instructional-design theories and models, Vol. IV: The learner-centered paradigm of education