Agile in any Learning Situation or Setting

Think– Joseph Smith and learner agility. Think of his resilience, grit, and tenacity. From the Sacred Grove to Carthage Jail, Joseph’s relied on the Spirit to protect, guide, and inspire as he learned from situation to situation.  

This same pattern of learning is applicable to our students as they develop and build learner agility for such a time as this.  

At a time when many faculty members are helping students transition to virtual learning environments, faculty are also becoming students themselves. It’s an “agility call” for all. 

In that small square Zoom box is an agile learner waiting to lead out and to belong. Our virtual classrooms are filled with learners ready to lead.  

Imagine those students who long for a place to belong during this new situation and setting. Imagine those students who are newly returned missionaries and long for a leadership role in this new environment. Imagine those students who patiently wait for someone to call their name and to recognize their strengths.

Our students are FULL of divine potential. What leadership opportunities can you provide in the upcoming week that asks them to draw down the powers of heaven into their lives so they can bless others in the class?  

Week 2 is a great time to include Leadership and Initiative—two of our College-Wide Capabilities—into learning environments. (see attachment) 

Here are 5 simple ways to build leadership opportunities ​in this new learning situation and setting: 

1. Seek opportunities for students to lead and take initiative. Students come to campus to be “lifted and uplifted” and now, there’s no coming to campus. Choose leaders to help others belong and feel a part of the class.  Have leaders guide and create a virtual classroom that “lifts and uplifts.” Can they create a virtual space for offline visiting and networking? A class Facebook page where they can lean in for help? 
2. Create class Zones (small groups with a Zone Leader), especially in larger classes.  Give each Zone 10 minutes every class period or once a week to visit about the class or to reflect on what they’re learning and experiencing. Rotate Zone leaders every 3-4 weeks to build leadership in several students. 
3.  Use student leaders to “Gather In.” At the beginning of class, ask a student leader to post a prompt in the Chat or choose a hymn where everyone can belong to the conversation or verse. (What’s one thing you miss? What are you learning in CFM this week? What’s your favorite go-to comfort food during this time? etc.) Singing a hymn acapella is a powerful way to bring hearts together, particularly those who might be lonely or in need of the Spirit. 
4. Ask a student leader in each breakout room to design a collective mental map of the group’s process on a piece of paper. Have the student leader reflect on teamwork and leadership capabilities practiced. 
5. Assign a class Leadership Council to help with classroom management and engagement. Switch the Council every 4 weeks. 

Remote teaching requires us to become more aware of the human condition of our students. And like our students, faculty, too, are revealing what makes us most human. Learners of the Spirit. Willing. Resilient. Agile.

Here’s to learning, 

The Learning & Teaching Council 

*​Today’s Teaching Light was written by Leslie Robbins, Dean of Instruction and General Studies