COVA Reflection
As a teacher and instructional coach, my career focus has shifted beyond the confines of my own classroom to encompass the many classrooms throughout our district. My primary role is to support both teachers and students, with a specific emphasis on assisting new teachers in various areas to help them succeed in their classrooms.
To enhance the learning experiences of both students and teachers, I have implemented the COVA approach in our new teacher mentoring program. This approach emphasizes learner choice and ownership of authentic learning experiences. As Harapnuik (2018) states, “The learner has the opportunity to choose and take ownership of their own authentic learning experiences.” By adopting this learner-centered teaching strategy, we have significantly transformed teacher engagement in the program, fostering a deeper sense of ownership and reflection on their teaching practices.
To enhance the learning experiences of both students and teachers, I have implemented the COVA approach in our new teacher mentoring program. This approach emphasizes learner choice and ownership of authentic learning experiences. As Harapnuik (2018) states, “The learner has the opportunity to choose and take ownership of their own authentic learning experiences.” By adopting this learner-centered teaching strategy, we have significantly transformed teacher engagement in the program, fostering a deeper sense of ownership and reflection on their teaching practices.
What is COVA?
The COVA Approach stands for Choice, Ownership, Voice, and Authentic Learning and is designed to boost the educational experience with all these elements working together to to play a part.
Choice- This element enables learners to take charge of their own learning process, which enhances both engagement and motivation. By assisting and guiding teachers in exploring effective strategies, content knowledge, and curriculum options, it allows them to make informed decisions about their teaching practices that best meet the needs of their students in the classroom.
Ownership: This element allows the learner to have control over their educational journey. When learners take ownership of their learning, they become motivated to find solutions and develop a sense of personal agency.
Voice: COVA offers learners the chance to express themselves by organizing, sharing, and reflecting on their work and ideas. This approach fosters a deeper understanding and a sense of purpose, as teachers communicate their thoughts with colleagues in their teams and within their schools.
Authentic Learning: Authentic learning connects learners to real-world problems, fostering meaningful connections and preparing them for future applications in the classroom.
Reflecting on my journey and insights gained from using COVA and participating in the new teacher mentoring program, I have found great joy in witnessing the positive impact of giving choice and ownership to new teachers. Guiding them on their educational journey has been a rewarding experience in my career.
Choice- This element enables learners to take charge of their own learning process, which enhances both engagement and motivation. By assisting and guiding teachers in exploring effective strategies, content knowledge, and curriculum options, it allows them to make informed decisions about their teaching practices that best meet the needs of their students in the classroom.
Ownership: This element allows the learner to have control over their educational journey. When learners take ownership of their learning, they become motivated to find solutions and develop a sense of personal agency.
Voice: COVA offers learners the chance to express themselves by organizing, sharing, and reflecting on their work and ideas. This approach fosters a deeper understanding and a sense of purpose, as teachers communicate their thoughts with colleagues in their teams and within their schools.
Authentic Learning: Authentic learning connects learners to real-world problems, fostering meaningful connections and preparing them for future applications in the classroom.
Reflecting on my journey and insights gained from using COVA and participating in the new teacher mentoring program, I have found great joy in witnessing the positive impact of giving choice and ownership to new teachers. Guiding them on their educational journey has been a rewarding experience in my career.
COVA and Blended Learning
I first realized the power of choice, ownership, and voice (COVA) when I began to implement this approach in our blended learning mentoring program for the new teacher academy(innovation plan). We recognized the need for a shift in direction for our program, and our team supported my initiative to integrate COVA into our new blended learning model.
A turning point occurred when we allowed teachers to adapt the strategies we were teaching and present them in their own way on the blended learning platform. This enabled them to receive feedback and collaborate with a mentor or instructional coach on their lessons. Witnessing their enthusiasm and engagement as they added their personal touch to their work affirmed the value of authentic lesson creation and its positive impact on their classrooms.
We then adopted the COVA approach in most of our work with teachers, allowing them to have a say in the decisions made for them when it came their their learning and progress. We ensure that teachers have regular reflection sessions to express their learning journeys. Reflecting on the progress we've made, I wish I had introduced this method sooner for greater buy-in and a stronger impact during coaching sessions with teachers.
Moving forward, we will continue to design our blended learning model around COVA, enabling teachers to express their own voices in the strategies presented to them and to set their own goals to showcase their work. Incorporating their feedback into the blended learning model ensures that their voices are heard and valued.
A turning point occurred when we allowed teachers to adapt the strategies we were teaching and present them in their own way on the blended learning platform. This enabled them to receive feedback and collaborate with a mentor or instructional coach on their lessons. Witnessing their enthusiasm and engagement as they added their personal touch to their work affirmed the value of authentic lesson creation and its positive impact on their classrooms.
We then adopted the COVA approach in most of our work with teachers, allowing them to have a say in the decisions made for them when it came their their learning and progress. We ensure that teachers have regular reflection sessions to express their learning journeys. Reflecting on the progress we've made, I wish I had introduced this method sooner for greater buy-in and a stronger impact during coaching sessions with teachers.
Moving forward, we will continue to design our blended learning model around COVA, enabling teachers to express their own voices in the strategies presented to them and to set their own goals to showcase their work. Incorporating their feedback into the blended learning model ensures that their voices are heard and valued.
My Own Learning
The thought of having freedom and responsibility in my learning made me nervous because I worried I wouldn't meet expectations. While I enjoy creating and developing my own ideas, I also appreciate collaborating with others. However, I struggle with people-pleasing, which often leads me to focus on fulfilling the expectations of those around me. I recognize that I need to shift my mindset to take ownership of my progress and the work I produce.
When reflecting on my own learning philosophy, I was excited to focus on a project that I was passionate about. I struggled with finding my own approach and often questioned whether it aligned with my professor's expectations. Despite these uncertainties, I felt myself growing as a learner. I have been able to test various theories to see what works in the blended learning environment, and I believe this process is helping me grow as a learner, which in turn allows me to support the growth of others. My Learning Philosophy goes more into depth of how COVA has shifted mindsets in teaching and learning.
When reflecting on my own learning philosophy, I was excited to focus on a project that I was passionate about. I struggled with finding my own approach and often questioned whether it aligned with my professor's expectations. Despite these uncertainties, I felt myself growing as a learner. I have been able to test various theories to see what works in the blended learning environment, and I believe this process is helping me grow as a learner, which in turn allows me to support the growth of others. My Learning Philosophy goes more into depth of how COVA has shifted mindsets in teaching and learning.
Leading Change Together
Change can be challenging, especially in a school where teachers are accustomed to their own routines and structures. Introducing new methods often faces resistance. When we implemented blended learning and accountability into our new teacher mentor program, some teachers felt a bit overwhelmed when we explained the “homework” they would need to complete between sessions. This homework was designed to help guide them and celebrate their successes. Over time, they began to recognize the growth they achieved as a result of this support and encouragement.
I was very excited about incorporating blended learning into our new teacher mentor academy, as I believed it was the missing piece of the puzzle for our program in terms of accountability. Our two main challenges moving forward were coordinating coaching sessions with mentors and managing teachers' busy schedules, along with ensuring teacher buy-in. Addressing these two factors was crucial to the success of our programs.
To ensure the success of our blended learning initiative, we are focusing on the needs of teachers and identifying where we can provide the most support. Our ambitious goal for the New Teacher Academy is to implement a year of professional learning that incorporates the five key principles of effective professional development. Additionally, we aim to create a supportive environment for new teachers through our innovative blended learning model, encouraging them to explore and implement new ideas.
For details of my Alternative Professional Development plan, including how the outcomes, assessments, and activities are aligned, please click here.
Unlocking Significant Learning: The Power of COVA
My learning and teaching philosophies emphasize learner ownership and empowerment, real-world relevance, and reflective learning. These principles strongly align with the COVA approach and the creation of significant learning environments. I believe that these methods cultivate a learning environment that values curiosity and critical thinking. As Fink (2003) notes, "Creating significant learning experiences requires the integration of forward-looking course design, active forms of learning, and educative assessment." I now view my role as a facilitator, guiding new teachers on their development journeys and helping them take ownership of their education and find their voices.
I am committed to continuing our journey in the new teacher academy by using COVA-based strategies. These strategies will be integrated into our professional development (PD) for teachers, enabling them to implement them in their classrooms as well. Potential challenges include resistance to change, scheduling conflicts, time constraints for receiving feedback and guidance, and ensuring that teachers receive quality support. Addressing these challenges will require effort from the teaching and learning team to ensure everything runs smoothly.
I am committed to continuing our journey in the new teacher academy by using COVA-based strategies. These strategies will be integrated into our professional development (PD) for teachers, enabling them to implement them in their classrooms as well. Potential challenges include resistance to change, scheduling conflicts, time constraints for receiving feedback and guidance, and ensuring that teachers receive quality support. Addressing these challenges will require effort from the teaching and learning team to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Implementing COVA to Build Significant Learning Environments
Knowing what you know now about the COVA approach, how will you plan to use the COVA approach to create significant learning environments in your organization?
Embracing the COVA approach has shown me its power to create significant learning environments, and I am dedicated to continuing this work with our new teachers in the New Teacher Academy. As I guide and support these teachers on their educational journey, I provide them with the necessary tools and then encourage them to add their own voice and take ownership of their teaching methods. This process has proven to be impactful for them in the classroom. It promotes deeper engagement and reflective exploration, which in turn fosters the same mindset among their students. Blended learning is an effective way to showcase teachers' skills and track their progress in the classroom. Here is the research you can review.
How will you give your learners choice, ownership, and voice through authentic assignments?
To empower learners with choice, ownership, and voice, I will integrate our in-person lessons with strategies that teachers can adapt to fit their own classrooms and enhance their students' learning experiences. This approach will ensure that classroom instruction is meaningful, tailored to individual teaching styles, and aligned with students' learning preferences, ultimately encouraging them to take ownership of their education.
How will you prepare your learners and colleagues for the COVA approach and CSLE?
Successfully implementing COVA and CSLE requires careful preparation for both our teacher-learners and colleagues. For our new teachers, we plan to start with small, manageable tasks that they can easily implement in their classroom environments. As our sessions progress, we will delve deeper into learning strategies, allowing them to incorporate their perspectives for the benefit of their students. For our colleagues, I will share research findings and insights from my own learning journey, aligning these with the outcomes of our academy and the successes our teachers are experiencing in their classrooms.
What are some challenges that you will face in using the COVA approach and CSLE?
Implementing COVA and CSLE presents several challenges. One major hurdle is the resistance to change from our teacher-learners and colleagues/mentors who are accustomed to traditional methods. Supporting teaching and adapting to these new strategies requires us to be mindful of training and procedures. The influencer strategy I have developed, along with the onboarding plan we created, specifically addresses the resources we plan to use to combat these issues. Despite these challenges, the significant gains in teacher engagement and support for their learning experiences make this effort worthwhile. By creating a collaborative and supportive environment, we can overcome these obstacles and fully realize the potential of the COVA approach.
I am confident that my learning through this program has equipped me to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment focused on the COVA approach. I believe this will enhance support for our new teachers and lead to improved outcomes for their learners. It will also foster a culture of continuous improvement and better practices. Moving forward, I want to implement COVA and CSLE in our teaching practices to witness the positive impact they have on both our teacher-learners and our students.
Embracing the COVA approach has shown me its power to create significant learning environments, and I am dedicated to continuing this work with our new teachers in the New Teacher Academy. As I guide and support these teachers on their educational journey, I provide them with the necessary tools and then encourage them to add their own voice and take ownership of their teaching methods. This process has proven to be impactful for them in the classroom. It promotes deeper engagement and reflective exploration, which in turn fosters the same mindset among their students. Blended learning is an effective way to showcase teachers' skills and track their progress in the classroom. Here is the research you can review.
How will you give your learners choice, ownership, and voice through authentic assignments?
To empower learners with choice, ownership, and voice, I will integrate our in-person lessons with strategies that teachers can adapt to fit their own classrooms and enhance their students' learning experiences. This approach will ensure that classroom instruction is meaningful, tailored to individual teaching styles, and aligned with students' learning preferences, ultimately encouraging them to take ownership of their education.
How will you prepare your learners and colleagues for the COVA approach and CSLE?
Successfully implementing COVA and CSLE requires careful preparation for both our teacher-learners and colleagues. For our new teachers, we plan to start with small, manageable tasks that they can easily implement in their classroom environments. As our sessions progress, we will delve deeper into learning strategies, allowing them to incorporate their perspectives for the benefit of their students. For our colleagues, I will share research findings and insights from my own learning journey, aligning these with the outcomes of our academy and the successes our teachers are experiencing in their classrooms.
What are some challenges that you will face in using the COVA approach and CSLE?
Implementing COVA and CSLE presents several challenges. One major hurdle is the resistance to change from our teacher-learners and colleagues/mentors who are accustomed to traditional methods. Supporting teaching and adapting to these new strategies requires us to be mindful of training and procedures. The influencer strategy I have developed, along with the onboarding plan we created, specifically addresses the resources we plan to use to combat these issues. Despite these challenges, the significant gains in teacher engagement and support for their learning experiences make this effort worthwhile. By creating a collaborative and supportive environment, we can overcome these obstacles and fully realize the potential of the COVA approach.
I am confident that my learning through this program has equipped me to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment focused on the COVA approach. I believe this will enhance support for our new teachers and lead to improved outcomes for their learners. It will also foster a culture of continuous improvement and better practices. Moving forward, I want to implement COVA and CSLE in our teaching practices to witness the positive impact they have on both our teacher-learners and our students.
References:
Harapnuik, D. (July 14, 2018). It's about learning. Retrieved June 25, 2024, from https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6991
Fink, L. D. (2003). Creating significant learning experiences: An integrated approach to designing college courses. Jossey-Bass.
Fink, L. D. (2003). Creating significant learning experiences: An integrated approach to designing college courses. Jossey-Bass.