The Power of Potential: Student Centered Learning | Ayla Postelnek | TEDxYeshivaUniversity

Summary

The speaker advocates for student-centered learning, an educational philosophy that prioritizes the student's needs and potential. Drawing from personal experiences, including overcoming anti-Semitism and a challenging educational journey in Israel, the speaker emphasizes the importance of self-belief and the power of asking oneself if one's goals are within their potential. The talk encourages applying this mindset to personal growth, suggesting that by focusing on one's own potential rather than comparing oneself to others, individuals can achieve success and fulfillment.

Takeaways

• ✋ Education isn't defined by grades; many people with bad grades are still on a path to success.
• 🎓 Success in education comes from the effort and potential you actualize, not from the numbers or grades.
• 🏫 Student-centered learning places the student at the core of the educational process, tailoring content and teaching methods to individual needs.
• 👩‍🏫 The speaker's personal experience of homeschooling and individualized learning shaped her journey and made student-centered learning impactful.
• 🕍 The speaker had a challenging experience balancing Jewish identity and secular schooling, which motivated her to pursue a more focused Jewish education in Israel.
• 📚 In Israel, she struggled with language barriers but persisted by asking herself, 'Is this within my potential?'
• 💡 Student-centered learning revolves around three main questions: Why is this important? What do I need to achieve? How can I best achieve it?
• 🤝 The approach takes into account different learning styles, creating a tailored learning experience for each student.
• 🚀 Applying the principles of student-centered learning to personal growth can lead to significant, positive changes in life.
• 💪 The key to overcoming challenges is asking, 'Is this within my potential?' and using that mindset to break through barriers and achieve success.

Q & A

What is the speaker's main message at the beginning of the talk?

The speaker emphasizes that success is not defined by grades but by the effort one puts into endeavors and the potential one actualizes.

What is the concept of 'student-centered learning' as described by the speaker?

Student-centered learning is an educational philosophy where the student is placed at the center of the learning process, meaning that the content and teaching methods are tailored to meet the individual needs of each student.

How did the speaker's homeschooling experience shape their education?

The speaker was homeschooled, which provided them with a highly individualized education where the content and teaching methods were customized to their needs. This experience influenced their belief in the importance of personalized education.

What challenges did the speaker face in their education, particularly in relation to their Jewish identity?

The speaker encountered anti-Semitism for the first time when they enrolled in various schools in Virginia. This conflict between their growing pride in being Jewish at home and the hostility they faced at school prompted them to seek a more supportive educational environment.

What decision did the speaker make to further their Jewish education?

The speaker decided to leave high school early, earn a GED, and take a gap year in Israel to immerse themselves in Judaic Studies and gain a proper Jewish education.

What difficulties did the speaker face upon arriving in Israel for their studies?

The speaker struggled with understanding Hebrew, as the teacher was writing in a script they did not recognize (Sav Yad) and speaking in a mixture of Hebrew and English (Hebroish), which made it difficult for them to follow the lessons.

What question did the speaker ask themselves during a difficult moment in their studies, and why was it important?

The speaker asked themselves, 'Is this within my potential?' This question, which they learned from their education, helped them overcome doubt and persevere in their studies.

What are the three main questions that form the basis of student-centered learning?

The three questions are: 1) Why is this lesson relevant and important? 2) What content must be included to achieve the learning goal? 3) How can the lesson be taught to meet the needs of every student?

How does student-centered learning differ from traditional education in terms of measuring success?

In student-centered learning, success is measured by the individual's potential and growth, rather than comparing oneself to others. This approach encourages students to focus on their own progress and achievements.

Why does the speaker believe that the principles of student-centered learning are relevant to everyone, not just students?

The speaker argues that everyone is constantly in a state of growth and learning, regardless of their age or profession. Applying the principles of student-centered learning—focusing on one's own goals and potential—can lead to personal and professional development.