Episode 80: An Interview with Kareem Farah from The Modern Classrooms Project
Feb 15, 2024
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Cindy interviews Kareem Farah, CEO and co-founder of the Modern Classrooms Project. They discuss the innovative approach of blending instruction, self-paced learning, and mastery-based assessment. They explore the problems with traditional teaching and the need for differentiation. They delve into the benefits of using bite-sized instructional videos and the availability of a free version of the program. They also discuss the implementation of self-pacing in the classroom for personalized learning experiences.
The Modern Classrooms Project focuses on blending instruction, self-paced learning, and assessing students based on mastery to address the challenges of traditional lecture-driven instruction and personalize learning for diverse students.
Implementing the Modern Classrooms model has resulted in significant improvements in test scores, increased teacher satisfaction and retention, and the ability to create a more engaging learning environment through reduced reliance on lectures and introduction of self-pacing.
Deep dives
The Modern Classrooms Project: Solving Teaching Challenges
The Modern Classrooms Project is a nonprofit organization that trains educators on a new methodology of teaching. The model focuses on blending instruction, self-paced learning, and assessing students based on mastery. The goal is to address the challenges of traditional lecture-driven instruction that fails to differentiate or personalize learning for diverse students. By replacing lectures with bite-sized instructional videos, educators can remove the bottleneck to self-pacing. Students progress based on mastery, not a fixed schedule, and are given the freedom to move forward when they are ready. Early evaluations of the model have shown significant improvements in differentiation, self-direction, and student outcomes. The Modern Classrooms Project has already trained thousands of educators globally, providing them with a new pathway to successful teaching.
Benefits and Outcomes of the Modern Classrooms Model
Implementing the Modern Classrooms model has resulted in various benefits and positive outcomes. Evaluations have shown significant gains in test scores, such as the end-of-year STAR assessment in Texas and K-8 benchmark scores in Michigan. The approach has also led to increased teacher satisfaction and retention, with educators expressing higher levels of sustainability and motivation to continue teaching. By reducing reliance on lectures and introducing self-pacing, the model enables educators to work more closely with students, personalize instruction, and create a more engaging learning environment. Additionally, the model emphasizes the importance of motivation, both for students and educators, recognizing that a lack of pathway to success can hinder both learning and teaching experiences.
Implementing Modern Classrooms: Overcoming Challenges
Adopting the Modern Classrooms model may present challenges related to workload and existing curriculum constraints. However, the model offers long-term benefits that outweigh the initial efforts required. Educators can expect immediate benefits, such as reduced planning time, increased focus on personalized instruction, and better use of data to drive instruction. The model works within high-stakes testing environments by aligning with standards and curriculum requirements. Educators interested in implementing the model can access free resources and a self-paced course through the Modern Classrooms website. Although the model requires a classroom makeover, starting with the introduction of self-pacing can provide a powerful glimpse into the benefits of personalized learning and student agency.
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