"COVA — is a learner centered active learning approach that gives the learner choice (C), ownership (O), and voice (V) through authentic (A) learning opportunities." (1) - Dwayne Harapnuik In The Art of Possibility, a famous conductor (and teacher) Ben Zander realized many of his students feared failure about their performance and their grades and thus wouldn't take risks or push themselves as far as they could with their music. So instead, he gave them all an A at the beginning of the semester on the condition that they write him a letter, as if it was already the end of the school year, and describe what they had DONE that year in line with this excellent grade, what milestones or achievements they had made, who they had become. Why did he do this? In the words of the book: "Not just in this case, but in most cases, grades say little about the work done. When you reflect to a student that he has misconstrued a concept or has taken a false step in a math problem, you are indicating something real about his performance, but when you give him a B+, you are saying nothing at all about his mastery of the material, you are only matching him up against other students. Most would recognize at core that the main purpose of grades is to compare one student against another." (2) - The Art of Possibility, Rosamond and Benjamin Zander This is similar to the Growth Mindset concept in that it encourages learning over measurement and comparison--it encourages risk taking and growth. It also highlights the benefit of of the COVA Method especially. Giving students the power to take ownership of their learning in a way that focuses not on the grade, but on the learning itself. This approach allowed the students to specify what they wanted to learn, what their goals were, and HOW they would learn this or demonstrate it. It put the control in their hands and customized their learning experience. “This A is not an expectation to live up to, but a possibility to live into.” - The Art of Possibility, Rosamond and Benjamin Zander One of things I like most about the Zanders' concept is that it enhances not only the student's possibility and self-view but also the way YOU (as the teacher or the parent or whomever) perceives him and treats him (even if subconsciously). Carol Dweck in her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, mentions a similar outcome of a study done where teachers were told that certain kids had received higher standardized test scores at the beginning of the school year (even though they hadn't), but by the end of the year they actually were performing better than the other students! When students can direct their learning and choose authentic experiences and ways of interacting with the knowledge as well as sharing and demonstrating that knowledge, they form a deep connection with the learning experience. They are able to find ways to leverage their strengths meaningfully and important skill for the future. This doesn't mean learners are left alone to "fend for themselves" rather, they are supported and guided by knowledgeable teachers, mentors, or experts who can help them as they seek to discover in ways that are meaningful and authentic to them. Learn more about applying COVA in the workplace by visiting my Learning Manifesto page. Sources: (1) Harapnuik, D. (n.d.). COVA. Retrieved from http://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6991, (2) Zander, R. S. (2014). Art of possibility: Transforming professional and personal life. Place of publication not identified: Harvard Bus Review Press.
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AuthorHi, my I a name is Lauralee Roddy. I am a working professional in the Learning and Capability space of Change Management. I have worked for over 10 years in the Energy Manufacturing industry, but in my heart have always had a love for education. I am now going to school part time to get a Masters in International Relations and another in Digital Learning and Leading. ArchivesCategory |