The idea behind a community of learners is a bold and progressive concept that shows how a community’s responsibility for teaching its children leads to these children giving back to the community in more ways than one.
Imagine this: An elementary school student is introduced to basic STEM concepts through simple science or math lessons. This student moves onto middle school where hands-on learning adds a level of critical thinking and creativity to his or her STEM education. High school is where team building skills are acquired.
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The student then continues his or her education at a local community college or university, where they will adapt what they have learned to new challenges. After graduation, the student goes on to solve similar challenges in the real world as part of their new promising career at a local business.
The ultimate reward is when the community sees this student grow from a young child to a seasoned engineer or prominent executive.
The responsibilities of each community member throughout each step of this cycle are critical to a child’s success.
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So what can a community member do to help?
Parents
Never put limits on a child’s curiosity. Keep a wide focus and expose your child to a wide variety of STEM concepts outside of the classroom by attending museums and exhibits, encouraging problem solving in all situations, and continually encouraging your child’s learning and exploration.
It’s also important to dispel gender stereotypes early. Make sure girls know that engineering skills are learned, not innate and give them opportunities to tinker and build confidence and interest in their design and programming abilities.
Teachers
Be willing to open your teaching styles and be willing also to let our students run away with their learning.
For example, Montie Fleshman, Professor of Business and Technologies Instrumentation at New River Community College, teaches an open-entry / open-exist program that allows students to essentially tag in and tag out of class as their schedule permits. If they only have four weeks they can commit at a time, they join the competency-based class and test out of certain skill tests after four weeks when they need to take time out. They pick up where they left off when their schedule allows. He also offers a distance learning program that allows students to take a class any time of day, any day of the week.
While this structure is a bit extreme, it illustrates how some educators are bucking the norm in favor of helping their students get the education they need despite scheduling and availability conflicts.
Government Officials
It’s the government’s job to tear down bureaucratic barriers and create avenues through which businesses can offer local students good job opportunities.
For example, Virginia Governor McAuliffe recently announced a series of legislative proposals aimed at not only improving public schools but also enhancing the workforce system to best prepare students to be successful members of the Virginia economy. The legislation specifically addresses key challenges related to meeting an increasing demand for well-paying jobs.
Business Leaders
Local commerce leaders and business leaders must open their doors to student learning opportunities, like internships or mentoring opportunities. You’ll often find partnerships between community colleges or universities and local businesses because it gives these corporations a chance to groom students specifically to their industry certifications and practices. Once the students graduate, they are that much more prepared to work for that business.
For example John Tyler Community College has a long standing partnership with Rolls-Royce. Rolls-Royce provides on-site internships that give students hands-on learning experience that prepare them for careers in modern-day manufacturing facilities. Many of the students who graduate from this program go on to work for the company.
In order for our students and children to grow and succeed, we all must help and walk with them from their first steps until they are adults leading their own children. We must assure the cycle grows stronger and stronger so that our communities continue to thrive.
