COVA eBook Review

This week I started reading COVA by Dwayne Harapnuik, Tilisa Thibodeaux, and Cynthia Cummings. COVA stands for giving students choice, ownership and voice through authentic learning opportunities. Many times, as a teacher, I fall guilty of losing sight of the importance of providing my students with authentic learning opportunities because of the various things that I am required to do for the state. I often times, I will attempt to implement play or project-based learning opportunities in the classroom. I have come realize that I require my students to complete these tasks according to a rubric that I have designed to make sure they are staying within specific guidelines. Because I am using a rubric, I am limiting their critical and creative thinking skills which explains why they are not as engaged and involved in the learning process. They are just checking items off the list and quickly moving on to complete the task at hand instead of reflecting on the learning they are doing. In the COVA+CSLE approach, the teacher provides students with overall guidance and support throughout the entire learning process but ultimately allows the students to make their own decisions about their work ethic and how they plan to finalize the end product. After reading this eBook I can now understand why Dr. Harapnuik chose this approach for how he would conducts the DLL courses.

CSLE stands for creating significant learning environments. When students feel that they are in an environment where they safe, loved, and comfortable, they will tend to open up and allow themselves to express who they are and how they feel. Creating significant learning environments for students can be very impactful for them and can be extremely beneficial for them for their education. Implementing the CSLE method can allow for more authentic learning opportunities and will give students the chance to enhance their learning at a deeper level. Implementing both COVA+CSLE gives students the chance to be proud of their work and be passionate about what they are doing at school and want to own it. They will be able to reflect on it and will care about it more because they had a choice and a voice in making their decisions throughout the entire process. Without the "why" it is sometimes a challenge to get students to buy-in to the learning process when do not have the opportunity to make the connection to why they are doing it in the first place. It is important to instill in them the importance of the entire learning process.

There are many components that are used to successfully create a significant learning environment. These include the instructor's role, social networking, instructional delivery and design, assessment and evaluation, and technology and support. The main focus of CSLE is ensuring that the instruction is based on being student centered. Students need to have the opportunity to take control of their learning. When students have the opportunity to be in charge of what works best for them, they are more like to stay engaged, make more meaningful connections, and take ownership of their work. 

As educators, it is important to take the role of the facilitator in their learning. Often times, teachers often get stuck in the routine of getting up at the front of the room and just lecturing to students. In hindsight, what good is that? Students need to be actively engaged and involved in their learning. We need to be there to support the students. If students are just sitting in class and are not having the opportunity to apply their new skills and actively use them, what are they really learning?

Giving students the opportunity to use their voice in their role of learning, it creates an environment where learning is observed. It also allows for learning to take place and to be transformed in various ways. It creates an environment where ideas are welcomed along with growth through constructive, positive feedback. It is essential to create opportunities for students to deepen their own understanding of material and allow them to reflect on what they are learning. When students are provided with learning opportunities that allows them to make meaningful connections, it helps them understand the purpose and value of what they are learning.

I am eager to find ways to implement these approaches and methods in my classroom next year. I teach 3rd grade ELAR in a Title 1 school district. We were recently provided Chromebooks to allow each of our students in our homeroom classes to have their own device. I will be passing this book along to my colleagues, in hopes that they will see the same benefits I do and why it we should take a chance on implementing into our curriculum. I think these methods and approaches will allow my students the opportunity to explore their ideas and transform their thinking in a new and creative way!

Resources:

COVA eBook- Written by Dwayne Harapnuik, Tilisa Thibodeaux, and Cynthia Cummings

Published under a Creative Commons License.