I’d like to advance a hypothesis. Working in the educational development space as I am, I often wonder about creating learning environments (K-12 in particular) that are more conducive to student engagement and lesson retention. The latest theory – and there are many – is that “student-centered, teacher-facilitated” is the winning approach. In the vein of the Khan Academy (a kind of a YouTube for lessons) what if for low performing urban kids, the videos were offered in the patois of the street – complete with appropriate urban music beds? Perhaps a naughty word once in a while for emphasis.
The culture of learning has always been so counter to some kids. Why not wean those with difficulty learning into more conventional environments by using the familiar? Get these students attention, win them over through exploration and context, then begin to slowly exfiltrate them towards more mainstream teaching. If teaching is to be student-centered, needn’t we meet students of all kinds half way, yo?
Silly perhaps. Probably been tried in real life, with a smidgen of success. But I bet a Khan Academy-like video might do it. Brand planners understand the importance of “feeling” the audience. Is it time for eduators to do the same?
Peace!
PS. The views here expressed are not the views of Teq, Inc. They are simply the thoughts and crumbs of a marketing blogger with his head above the clouds.
