With the recent eruption of technology and, specifically, AI challenging traditional means of assessment, the world of education needs a dramatic shift in mindset and focus. The jobs and industries held constant during our formative years are no longer guaranteed. Using Agile for Learning, we can bridge the gap between future careers and student learning.
When the industry shifts, higher education adapts. K-12 education is sadly behind. As educators, we must best prepare our students for an increasingly complex world that relies heavily on technology. Instead of continuing down the same path, we must adapt and change our mindsets toward the skills that will transcend technology. This allows our students to succeed no matter what changes and shifts in their lives.
Developing Agile for Learning
The shift we must focus on is the development of an agile mindset. This is distinctly different from growth or fixed mindset, which dominates our lexicon.
A fixed mindset values expertise but discourages risk in learning or development. A growth mindset opens up the possibilities of change and helps us acknowledge that character, skills, and knowledge can shift over time. The agile mindset goes beyond the growth mindset by acknowledging change opportunities. The agile mindset openly searches for process and outcome changes.
One way to cultivate an agile mindset in the classroom is to explore Wide-Open Questions.
Using Wide Open Questions for Agile Classrooms
Wide Open Questions are based on real-world application of knowledge. Unlike Essential questions that usually have one answer or are directly tied to content, WOQs allow students to build connections between the new content being taught and their schema and interests.
For example, a WOQ may ask students studying earth science to explore how our gadgets can be recycled. In a social studies course, students may be asked if one government can meet the needs of a diverse population. These questions are real and complex, and they require students to find ways unique solutions.
WOQs guide students to apply the information they are learning in class to the issue. They encourage students to think outside of the box for new information.
Creating Agile Thinkers
Wide Open Questions offer no easy solutions. This pushes students to grapple with possible solutions. Students must learn new knowledge from the unit, explore connections of the WOQ, propose possible solutions, and prove why their solution answers the question. This process involves problem-solving, collaboration, creative thinking, and reflection.
The complexity of Wide-Open Questions means there are no easy solutions, and students must grapple with impediments that arise through their research and testing. WOQs help students develop an agile mindset by ensuring that students explore multiple possibilities. It deepens learning by not just applying new knowledge to the problem but integrating it with background knowledge and outside interests and applying it all to a real-world problem.
Through this pursuit, students learn to learn from mistakes, reflect on their assumptions, and persevere when working with complex issues.
Creative Problem Solving
Wide Open Questions work well in the classroom because they are not “googleable.” WOQs require deep thought, analysis, and critical thinking. They are the questions our students will be working to solve as they become adults. Technology will aid in gathering information, sorting data, and building projections. Still, creative problem-solving must come from students, which is why they must have the opportunity to practice in the classroom.
Implementing Wide Open Questions in the classroom is an incremental step to developing an agile mindset. Students will be engaged in learning because they see the purpose of their work. Most importantly, students will be developing a skill set they will need as AI replaces the common recall tasks.