open source education: my philosophy
put the learner at the center.
peer to peer.
through my experience as a student and educator, I have found my role to be more along the lines of facilitator rather than expert.
Shaped by my work at the skatepark, the eStudio, the Design Justice Network, and beyond: I believe that the most sustainable education is one that continues beyond the classroom and workshop.
By creating a space which invites students to be the expert of their own lived experience, and share what they know with others, learning will naturally continue even without a teacher present.
the learnin’ environment
acknowledging that everybody learns differently, crafting a diverse learning environment is crucial to the success of every student.
Taking inspiration from deaf space, art studios, montessori/reggio emilia classrooms, special education, and many more, I try to create a space with the lowest barrier to entry, and the highest knowledge ceiling possible.
Play.
As a skateboarder, I have learned a lot through play. I try to carry this energy into my work as an educator. To me, education is successful if it feels as natural as play.
It is one of the most natural ways of learning, it encourages self motivation, curiosity, grit, to name a few.
My philosophy is FAIL FRIENDLY. Failing is not only welcomed, but the most importantly supported to encourage the freedom to observe our failures, reconcile, and reiterate.
Open source.
The open source model is that of sharing our work in progress. Tell your learning story. When I do share my experiences, it is to hope that others will learn from it too.
share it.
While often things like programs or 3d models can be “open source” meaning free to change and edit, so is how we learn. As an educator I value the work of other educators and am constantly pulling from and contributing to bodies of work.
collaborate.
Sharing our processes, our stories of learning allows us to be better at collaborating. The more we do it, the better we can share resources, delegate, organize, and specialize.
I believe technology CAN be a great equalizer in the classroom. It is crucial that everyone has the access and support they need to develop literacy and skills for the modern world.
resources for educators
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Abolition Science Radio
Fantastic resource on the intersection of STEAM, education, and social justice.
They invite diverse guests who have skin in the game of creating a more equitable STEAM landscape, socially and professionally.
Hosted by: LaToya Strong & Aderinsola Gilbert with support of CUNY. -
Youth Learning On Their Own Terms
Extremely validating book that details the learning experience of 3 High school students: a Zine writer/poet, a graffiti artist, and a turntablist. It highlights the ways in which young people create their own learning environment that often is not supported, or worse, in the public school system.
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Christopher Emdin
Creator of #HipHopEd social media movement, prolific teacher, mathematician, scientist, and poet. Published many books including:
For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood…
Urban Science Education for the Hip-Hop Generation
Between the World and the Urban Classroom
Below is one of his exhilarating engagements:
“Stem with no root bears no fruit”