Chapter+7

Making Learning Irresistible Extending the Journey of Mabry Middle School **As Principal Dr Tyson wanted to see students who…** He wanted to offer students something that was not part of the 20th century curriculum. He wanted to make learning irresistible, relevant in the 21st Century, performance based with a goal of personal best. He wanted to see in the classrooms what he all ready saw on the playing fields and in the music halls. The standard for measuring classroom practice is authentic student engagement
 * had a standard of personal best
 * displayed work in front of peers
 * were participants in a true community of learners
 * developed their skills outside of the classroom
 * School leaders answered the challenge …**
 * Met for a couple of hours
 * Once a week
 * For a year and a half
 * Examined every aspect of their school
 * Concluded that ….

The goal was engaged students who strive for their personal best and take ownership of their learning. Teachers believed students would take greater ownership of their learning if the product was completely public. Looking for maximized student achievement they created Academic Night a single night where students could display their work before peers, family, friends and the community. Building on Academic Night, Mabry Middle School started a film festival. Student teams worked all year long to create a two-minute film based on the festival theme. The best films would be placed on iTunes as part of Podcast Central. Dr. Tyson included more than the movies on Podcast Central. A trip to iTunes reveals book reports, social studies projects, math competitions and more. He has a vision of using the power of digital media and the Internet to make learning available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, three hundred and sixty five days a year.
 * The project incorporates**
 * Problem solving
 * Collaboration
 * Analysis
 * Synthesis
 * Critical thinking
 * A global audience
 * Student ownership
 * Authentic real-world issues

Visit Mabry Middle School at  Mabry Online Download iTunes at the Apple Store and go to Podcast Central to see the Mabry Middle School student's work. Vist Dr. Tim Tyson's Website.