Reimagining the Magic of the Workshop Model

Change is the Epicenter of the Journey

Historically, change has been the epicenter of every educational journey. Most of the time, change has been a gradual occurrence that happens over a steady course of time. It’s so slow, that at times, it cannot be recognized until it’s looking you straight in the eyes. However, recently change has looked quite different in the world of education. Across the globe, educators have been pushed to rethink education. Educators have been challenged to question their core values. Educators have been pushed to revisit their philosophical beliefs. Educators have been remixing existing teaching and learning practices that have lived in the nucleus of their daily lives and in the book Innovate Inside the Box, George Couros brilliantly states, “I’ve long believed that change isn’t to be feared; it is an opportunity to do something amazing...Change will come our way. We can “go” through it or “grow” through it. We grow when we seek out solutions rather than letting those obstacles hinder us” (Couros & Novak, 2019, p. 53). This quote resonates even more deeply since the Covid-19 global pandemic has jolted the more traditional educational landscape educators have always lived and known. Since the sudden shift to emergency remote learning, educators are now teaching face-to-face, in hybrid and/or blended learning environments, and in some cases are teaching in physical and virtual spaces simultaneously, otherwise known as Hyflex/Concurrent instruction. In an infographic created by Dr. Torry Trust, she defines the expectation for Hyflex instruction as based on an EDUCause (2020) article, “Highly-skilled teachers who provide simultaneously in-person and online learning experiences, students and teachers who move seamlessly between in-person and digital interactions, high-quality technology infrastructure for teachers and students, equitable learning experiences for all, and additional support (e.g., teaching assistant).” Many have paused multiple times and questioned the what and the how of instruction. Many have questioned whether or not the philosophy of the workshop model can live on in virtual learning environments. Many have questioned if they can make the workshop model come alive for learners the same way they did in more traditional physical learning environments. Katie Martin, author of Learner-Centered Innovation confirms how vital it is to move forward and invest in the current educational landscapes we live in while looking toward the way we learn, grow, and consider different solutions with this astute notion, “Closing the gap between what we know about learning and the changing world and what we actually do in schools requires that we take action now to impact the trajectory of those we serve” (Martin, 2018, p. 8). If we want to reach learners effectively, we MUST consider the new educational contexts that have been thrust upon us. Educators cannot look back, they must keep moving forward! In the book, Personal & Authentic, by Thomas C. Murray, these ideas are solidified as he reminds other educators to revisit their “why” and shift their focus. He simply states “Prioritizing the social-emotional aspects of learning helps us see more than what we teach. It helps us see who we teach” (Murray, 2019, p. 87). When many educators revisit their WHY, a common theme one may hear is that they want to continuously cultivate lifelong learners who feel empowered to reach their social, emotional, and academic potential. Through the workshop model, educators can work toward rallying their learners and build community by prioritizing the social-emotional needs of students and keeping “who” at the heart of the teaching and learning journey.