In this episode of Growth over Grades, Alin Bennett and Bobbi Macdonald from Education Reimagined join Jordan to share their expertise in learner-centered education. They delve into the foundations of this approach, discussing what it means to place learners at the center, the evolving role of teachers, and the key changes needed in assessment practices. They also highlight how learner-centered education promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, emphasizing its power to create more inclusive, supportive learning environments through both teaching and assessment.
Episode Highlights
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:16 - Introducing Alin Bennet and Bobbi Macdonald
00:10:10 - Education Reimagined
00:16:00 - Understanding Learner-Centered Education
00:29:09 - Setting the Record Straight: Learner-Centered Education
00:35:43 - The role of the teacher
00:39:30 - Communicating the Method
00:43:45 - Equitable Assessment
00:46:58 - Making the shift
00:54:02 - Looking to the Future
Introducing Alin Bennet and Bobbi Macdonald
Alin Bennett and Bobbi Macdonald bring extensive experience in learner-centered education. Alin began his second career with a Fulbright position in the UK, followed by nearly two decades at The Met School in Rhode Island, where he served as both advisor and principal. Three years ago, he joined Education Reimagined, supporting learner-centered approaches nationwide.
Bobbi’s journey started in early childhood education at the University of Maryland’s Child Development Lab, where she focused on fostering discovery-driven environments. She then co-founded two choice schools in Baltimore, rooted in ensuring every student feels known, loved, and inspired. Now, with Education Reimagined, Bobbi continues her work helping schools build supportive, learner-centered systems.
Education Reimagined
Education Reimagined is a nonprofit organization originating from Convergence, a think tank dedicated to reimagining education by uniting diverse perspectives. Alin describes the mission as “making learner-centered education available to every child in the United States, regardless of circumstance.” This approach shifts away from traditional systems to cultivate innovative, student-focused learning. Through resources, training, and partnerships, Education Reimagined empowers communities to build a field of learner-centered practices, striving to make this approach accessible to all, rather than a select few.
Understanding Learner-Centered Education
Bobbi explains that Learner-Centered Education emphasizes collaboration between learners and educators, with adults facilitating rather than dictating the journey. Each student is seen as unique and capable, with diversity, equity, and inclusion central to the approach. As Bobbi notes, “Students are not seen as above or below some average but as a unique person… inclusive of race, neurodiversity, gender identity, age, and religion.” This model shifts focus from standardized outcomes to individual strengths, highlighting learner agency, social learning, personalized experiences, open-walled exploration, and competency-based assessments, with agency and social learning as key pillars.
Setting the Record Straight: Learner-Centered Education
Common misconceptions about learner-centered education include the notion that students can do as they please. Alin clarifies, “It is not kids doing whatever they want. It is about setting up the conditions where they can display their agency and advocate for the type of learning they want in conversation and partnership with their peers and adults.” Another misconception, as Alin explains, is that this approach suits only certain students; in fact, it’s designed for all, grounded in brain science that recognizes each learner’s potential. Unlike personalized learning, which operates within traditional systems focused on standardized outcomes, learner-centered education helps students discover their unique contributions through individualized learning plans that strengthen their connection to the community.
Evolving the Role of the Teacher
In a learner-centered classroom, the teacher acts as a facilitator, building strong relationships and guiding students in metacognition to enhance skills and self-awareness. Bobbi explains, “I think a lot of great teachers try and do this at whatever level they can, even when they're in strained conditions.” However, she notes that teachers need a supportive community to balance structure with student autonomy, creating an environment that nurtures individual learning within a collaborative framework.
Communicating the Method
Bobbi suggests that showcasing students as they present their work and learning journeys helps families understand the learner-centered model, often inspiring pride as parents witness their child’s growth. Advocacy is key, as Bobbi emphasizes, “We need to build the credibility of this learning and show the impact it has on kids. We need to listen to kids talk about the impact it has on them.” Encouraging caregivers to reflect on their own learning experiences also fosters connection, helping them recognize when deep learning occurs. This approach engages families in supporting and appreciating the learner-centered model.
Equitable Assessment
In learner-centered education, assessments are most effective when individualized and contextualized. Alin explains, “It is really going back to that foundational idea. Let’s look at the child, the learner first, seeing what their strengths are, what their needs are, and what is the context of what you’re assessing?” While traditional tests may be necessary in areas like vocational training, he advocates for aligning assessments with the learning context wherever possible, using performance-based methods that better reflect individual learning. This personalized approach ensures assessments are equitable and meaningful for all students.
Embracing Student-Centered Learning
For educators transitioning to student-centered learning, Bobbi and Alin offer valuable guidance. Bobbi advises teachers to begin by listening to students, raising their voices, and incorporating at least one learner-centered activity while sharing its impact with the community. Alin emphasizes the importance of empathetic listening to all stakeholders, noting, “There's no child that is too young to really get an empathetic interview and see what drives and motivates them.” He encourages a “try it” mindset over strict compliance to foster innovation and stresses that leaders should remain bold in their vision, advocating for student-centered practices, especially in challenging times.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, Bobbi sees learner-centered education as the future of K-12, aligning with evolving workforce and societal needs, making this a crucial time to rethink public education. Alin agrees and highlights the need for a more humane approach, as rising mental health issues and declining trust in education suggest the current model falls short. “We have never been more positioned for transformation than we are now,” he states, urging a shift toward learner-centered principles that build connections and empower students to make meaningful community and global impacts.
In an era where education must adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of society and the workforce, learner-cenetred education is well-positioned to prepare students for future success. By prioritizing the unique strengths, needs, and interests of each learner, this approach cultivates essential skills for navigating tomorrow's challenges. Leaders can refer to Effective Change Management For Education for guidance on implementing change in their schools. Additionally, for further insights into learner-centered education, educators can explore Enhancing Learner-Centered Models Through Competency-Based Education.
