Assignment 2: Learning is Personal Sonya Crone Department of Graduate Teacher Education Concordia University St Paul T&R EDU CI525: Innovations in Learning and Teaching Cohort #103 Professor Cori Gillbertson February 14, 2026
More Than one Shade: Learning Is Personal
Discussion Questions
Threats
MindfulnessWhat role should mindfulness play in classrooms serving students with diverse backgrounds, and how can it be implemented without taking away instructional time?
Problem Solving/ Critical Thinking How can probelm solving/ critical thinking skills be transfered to both academic and non-academic settings?
InclusionWhat does meaningful inclusion look like when students’ academic, emotional, and life experiences differ so widely?
DifferentiationHow can differentiation be used as a proactive teaching strategy rather than a reaction to struggle?
Closing Statement
All in all, learning is deeply personal, as it’s shaped by students’ experiences, emotions, and the environments in which they grow. Research on child development highlights that safety, connection, and meaningful engagement are essential for growth, particularly for students who have experienced trauma (Perry, 2014). With this understanding, educators can foster resilience and healing by designing learning spaces that are flexible, inclusive, and responsive to each student’s needs. When schools honor the whole child, learning becomes more than an academic demand, but hopefully leads to a brighter future.
Program Essential Question
- In light of what is known about how children learn, how shall professional educators best promote resilience and recovery for the children and their families who have experienced traumatic events?
References
Picture Citations
Brookings Institution. (n.d.). Teaching problem solving: Let students get stuck—and unstuck. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/teaching-problem-solving-let-students-get-stuck-and-unstuck/ Edutopia. (n.d.-a). Standards-based grading vs. traditional school. https://www.edutopia.org/article/standards-based-grading-traditional-school/ Edutopia. (n.d.-b). Tips for creating an inclusive classroom in elementary school. https://www.edutopia.org/article/tips-creating-inclusive-classroom-elementary-school/ Edutopia. (n.d.-c). Visible thinking strategies for student engagement. https://www.edutopia.org/article/visible-thinking-strategies-student-engagement/
Learning A–Z. (n.d.). Metacognition. https://www.learninga-z.com/site/resources/breakroom-blog/metacognition?srsltid=AfmBOoqCXbOlvcAcQb7PX--27WOYtNgdKIpVnE1XSQqkovqp3csUshyW Midwest Teachers Institute. (n.d.). Teaching mindfulness. https://www.midwestteachersinstitute.org/teaching-mindfulness/
Perry, B. D. (2014). Applying principles of neurodevelopment to clinical work with maltreated and traumatized children. ChildTrauma Academy. https://www.childtrauma.org/ PBLWorks. (n.d.). Doing a project vs. project-based learning. https://www.pblworks.org/doing-project-vs-project-based-learning PowerSchool. (n.d.). Complete guide to personalized learning in K–12 education. https://www.powerschool.com/blog/complete-guide-personalized-learning-k12-education/ Reading Rockets. (n.d.). What is differentiated instruction? https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/differentiated-instruction/articles/what-differentiated-instruction TeachThought. (n.d.). What is competency-based learning? https://www.teachthought.com/learning-posts/what-is-competency-based-learning/ YouTube. (2019, March 12). Standards-based grading explained [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RschZFj3vHI&t=66s
YouTube. (2018, March 13). What is standards-based grading? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kRHC2WF8JI
YouTube. (2021, January 15). Mindfulness in the classroom [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwmnHOzytIU
YouTube. (2020, June 8). Metacognition for students [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afc8vcleJ90
YouTube. (2018, November 20). Differentiated instruction strategies [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7-D3gi2lL8
YouTube. (2022, May 5). Problem solving in education [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2hJ3Phev5o&t=11s
YouTube. (2021, September 14). Project-based learning explained [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGoJIQYGpYk&t=40s
YouTube. (2021, April 26). Personalized learning strategies [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oLNLCO0vfI
YouTube. (2020, February 18). Inclusive classroom practices [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZikhQ5w5Ck
1 CoPilot https://copilot.microsoft.com/shares/FiowoQkWRmndDepAAQqTM 2 CoPilot https://copilot.microsoft.com/shares/EJULtUJxw3ioSzA9D98SB 3 Canva https://www.canva.com/design/DAHB1X6Y-0o/glGEqEJ572Ov0O6F4k2XQw/edit?utm_content=DAHB1X6Y-0o&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton 4 Gemini https://gemini.google.com/app/e9f278ee34d96366 5 Craiyon https://www.craiyon.com/en/image/s2XPj1CuSbGAKoNxNO1N6w 6 Copiot https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/kkuEGBBn7iUWEYAYJE9YX 7 Craiyon- https://www.craiyon.com/en/image/ha_qVhcPScKo6QuT8licGw 8 Crayon https://www.craiyon.com/image/T6nbGhVJRZ2qc8Ikwn0s0Q 9- canva https://www.canva.com/design/DAHB3B9GS80/Wuaobf283Mv0n8n4DJdzuw/edit?utm_content=DAHB3B9GS80&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton] 10 Gemini https://gemini.google.com/app/879a3cbc4709b7c3
Competency-Based Learning
Check It Out!
What it is:
Why it Matters to me:
Focuses on what learners know and are able to do, rather than how long it takes them to get there. Progress is based on demonstrated understanding rather than time, pacing guides, or traditional deadlines.
In school settings where students bring varied experiences, readiness levels, and emotional needs, learning does not happen on a fixed timeline. Competency-based learning recognizes that growth looks different for each learner meeting them where they are at.
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Watch This!
Subtitle
Science of Learning (Visible Learning)
Check It Out!
What it is:
Why it Matters to me:
Explores how the brain learns and remembers, and how teaching can support that process. By making thinking visible, teachers can show students what they’re learning, how they’re learning it, and why it matters.
Learning works best when thinking is visible. When teachers show what matters, how ideas connect, and how students can explore them, learning becomes more engaging and meaningful. Strategies like active learning, retrieval practice, and interleaving help students remember and understand, while building confidence and ownership of their learning.
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Watch This!
Subtitle
Inclusion
What it is:
Why it Matters to me:
Check It Out!
Watch This!
Making sure every student is supported and can take part in the classroom, no matter their needs.
Helps students feel like they belong and that who they are matters. When students feel included, they’re more engaged and better able to learn,
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Genially
Personalized Learning
What it is:
Why it Matters to me:
Check It Out!
Watch This!
Shapes instruction around each student’s voice, interests, and learning style.
It helps students feel seen and valued, which boosts engagement. Similarly, it gives students more control over their learning and helps build stronger connections with teachers and peers.
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Differentiation
Check It Out!
Watch This!
What it is:
Why it Matters to me:
Involves adjusting instruction, materials, and assessment to meet diverse learning needs while maintaining shared learning goals.
Students arrive at school with different strengths, experiences, and needs. Differentiation recognizes that equity requires flexibility. In settings impacted by trauma or learning differences, differentiated instruction ensures access without lowering expectations. It communicates that all learners belong and are capable.
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Problem Based Learning
Check It Out!
Watch This!
What it is:
Why it Matters to me:
It helps students see why learning matters and focuses on trying, exploring, and creating, not just getting the “right” answer. In classrooms with students who have experienced trauma or challenges, it can build confidence, choice, and a sense of purpose.
Engages students in authentic, real-world problems that require inquiry, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Problem Solving
What it is:
Why it Matters to me:
Watch This!
Check It Out!
Teaching students to approach challenges calmly and thoughtfully, considering strategies, and being able to persist through difficulty taking action, being flexible, and trying multiple attempts to solve.
Executive functioning skills, including problem solving, help students manage challenges both in school and in everyday life. When these skills are taught intentionally, students learn how to persist through difficulty rather than shut down. This matters because learning is personal, and every student benefits from understanding how to plan, adapt, and keep going when things feel hard.
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Metacognition
Why it Matters to me:
Check It Out!
Watch This!
What it is:
This strategy helps students understand how they learn, and gain confidence and ownership in it. Metacognitive practices help students move beyond frustration toward problem-solving and learning to enjoy learning.
The ability to reflect on one’s own thinking and learning processes, including awareness of strategies, strengths, and challenges.
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Mindfulness
Check It Out!
What it is:
Why it Matters to me:
Learning cannot occur when students feel unsafe or overwhelmed. Mindfulness supports emotional regulation and helps to feel safe to learn and manage stress.These practices benefit all learners, particularly in environments impacted by trauma.
Practices that support awareness of emotions, thoughts, and physical responses in the present moment.
Title
Watch This!
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Standard-Based Learning
What it is:
Why it Matters to me:
Check It Out!
Watch This!
Communicates student learning by measuring progress toward specific academic standards rather than combining behavior, effort, and completion into a single grade.
Standards-based grading helps educators better understand what students know and where support is needed. It also can help teachers create success criteras to provided meaningful clear feedback and see growth through the process.
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Assignment 2: Learning is Personal Sonya Crone Department of Graduate Teacher Education Concordia University St Paul T&R EDU CI525: Innovati
Sonya Crone
Created on February 19, 2026
Start designing with a free template
Discover more than 1500 professional designs like these:
View
Practical Microsite
View
Essential Microsite
View
Akihabara Microsite
View
Essential CV
View
Akihabara Resume
View
Momentum: Manager Guide
View
Momentum: First Operational Steps
Explore all templates
Transcript
Assignment 2: Learning is Personal Sonya Crone Department of Graduate Teacher Education Concordia University St Paul T&R EDU CI525: Innovations in Learning and Teaching Cohort #103 Professor Cori Gillbertson February 14, 2026
More Than one Shade: Learning Is Personal
Discussion Questions
Threats
MindfulnessWhat role should mindfulness play in classrooms serving students with diverse backgrounds, and how can it be implemented without taking away instructional time?
Problem Solving/ Critical Thinking How can probelm solving/ critical thinking skills be transfered to both academic and non-academic settings?
InclusionWhat does meaningful inclusion look like when students’ academic, emotional, and life experiences differ so widely?
DifferentiationHow can differentiation be used as a proactive teaching strategy rather than a reaction to struggle?
Closing Statement
All in all, learning is deeply personal, as it’s shaped by students’ experiences, emotions, and the environments in which they grow. Research on child development highlights that safety, connection, and meaningful engagement are essential for growth, particularly for students who have experienced trauma (Perry, 2014). With this understanding, educators can foster resilience and healing by designing learning spaces that are flexible, inclusive, and responsive to each student’s needs. When schools honor the whole child, learning becomes more than an academic demand, but hopefully leads to a brighter future.
Program Essential Question
References
Picture Citations
Brookings Institution. (n.d.). Teaching problem solving: Let students get stuck—and unstuck. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/teaching-problem-solving-let-students-get-stuck-and-unstuck/ Edutopia. (n.d.-a). Standards-based grading vs. traditional school. https://www.edutopia.org/article/standards-based-grading-traditional-school/ Edutopia. (n.d.-b). Tips for creating an inclusive classroom in elementary school. https://www.edutopia.org/article/tips-creating-inclusive-classroom-elementary-school/ Edutopia. (n.d.-c). Visible thinking strategies for student engagement. https://www.edutopia.org/article/visible-thinking-strategies-student-engagement/ Learning A–Z. (n.d.). Metacognition. https://www.learninga-z.com/site/resources/breakroom-blog/metacognition?srsltid=AfmBOoqCXbOlvcAcQb7PX--27WOYtNgdKIpVnE1XSQqkovqp3csUshyW Midwest Teachers Institute. (n.d.). Teaching mindfulness. https://www.midwestteachersinstitute.org/teaching-mindfulness/ Perry, B. D. (2014). Applying principles of neurodevelopment to clinical work with maltreated and traumatized children. ChildTrauma Academy. https://www.childtrauma.org/ PBLWorks. (n.d.). Doing a project vs. project-based learning. https://www.pblworks.org/doing-project-vs-project-based-learning PowerSchool. (n.d.). Complete guide to personalized learning in K–12 education. https://www.powerschool.com/blog/complete-guide-personalized-learning-k12-education/ Reading Rockets. (n.d.). What is differentiated instruction? https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/differentiated-instruction/articles/what-differentiated-instruction TeachThought. (n.d.). What is competency-based learning? https://www.teachthought.com/learning-posts/what-is-competency-based-learning/ YouTube. (2019, March 12). Standards-based grading explained [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RschZFj3vHI&t=66s YouTube. (2018, March 13). What is standards-based grading? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kRHC2WF8JI YouTube. (2021, January 15). Mindfulness in the classroom [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwmnHOzytIU YouTube. (2020, June 8). Metacognition for students [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afc8vcleJ90 YouTube. (2018, November 20). Differentiated instruction strategies [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7-D3gi2lL8 YouTube. (2022, May 5). Problem solving in education [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2hJ3Phev5o&t=11s YouTube. (2021, September 14). Project-based learning explained [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGoJIQYGpYk&t=40s YouTube. (2021, April 26). Personalized learning strategies [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oLNLCO0vfI YouTube. (2020, February 18). Inclusive classroom practices [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZikhQ5w5Ck
1 CoPilot https://copilot.microsoft.com/shares/FiowoQkWRmndDepAAQqTM 2 CoPilot https://copilot.microsoft.com/shares/EJULtUJxw3ioSzA9D98SB 3 Canva https://www.canva.com/design/DAHB1X6Y-0o/glGEqEJ572Ov0O6F4k2XQw/edit?utm_content=DAHB1X6Y-0o&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton 4 Gemini https://gemini.google.com/app/e9f278ee34d96366 5 Craiyon https://www.craiyon.com/en/image/s2XPj1CuSbGAKoNxNO1N6w 6 Copiot https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/kkuEGBBn7iUWEYAYJE9YX 7 Craiyon- https://www.craiyon.com/en/image/ha_qVhcPScKo6QuT8licGw 8 Crayon https://www.craiyon.com/image/T6nbGhVJRZ2qc8Ikwn0s0Q 9- canva https://www.canva.com/design/DAHB3B9GS80/Wuaobf283Mv0n8n4DJdzuw/edit?utm_content=DAHB3B9GS80&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton] 10 Gemini https://gemini.google.com/app/879a3cbc4709b7c3
Competency-Based Learning
Check It Out!
What it is:
Why it Matters to me:
Focuses on what learners know and are able to do, rather than how long it takes them to get there. Progress is based on demonstrated understanding rather than time, pacing guides, or traditional deadlines.
In school settings where students bring varied experiences, readiness levels, and emotional needs, learning does not happen on a fixed timeline. Competency-based learning recognizes that growth looks different for each learner meeting them where they are at.
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Watch This!
Subtitle
Science of Learning (Visible Learning)
Check It Out!
What it is:
Why it Matters to me:
Explores how the brain learns and remembers, and how teaching can support that process. By making thinking visible, teachers can show students what they’re learning, how they’re learning it, and why it matters.
Learning works best when thinking is visible. When teachers show what matters, how ideas connect, and how students can explore them, learning becomes more engaging and meaningful. Strategies like active learning, retrieval practice, and interleaving help students remember and understand, while building confidence and ownership of their learning.
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Watch This!
Subtitle
Inclusion
What it is:
Why it Matters to me:
Check It Out!
Watch This!
Making sure every student is supported and can take part in the classroom, no matter their needs.
Helps students feel like they belong and that who they are matters. When students feel included, they’re more engaged and better able to learn,
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Genially
Personalized Learning
What it is:
Why it Matters to me:
Check It Out!
Watch This!
Shapes instruction around each student’s voice, interests, and learning style.
It helps students feel seen and valued, which boosts engagement. Similarly, it gives students more control over their learning and helps build stronger connections with teachers and peers.
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Differentiation
Check It Out!
Watch This!
What it is:
Why it Matters to me:
Involves adjusting instruction, materials, and assessment to meet diverse learning needs while maintaining shared learning goals.
Students arrive at school with different strengths, experiences, and needs. Differentiation recognizes that equity requires flexibility. In settings impacted by trauma or learning differences, differentiated instruction ensures access without lowering expectations. It communicates that all learners belong and are capable.
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Problem Based Learning
Check It Out!
Watch This!
What it is:
Why it Matters to me:
It helps students see why learning matters and focuses on trying, exploring, and creating, not just getting the “right” answer. In classrooms with students who have experienced trauma or challenges, it can build confidence, choice, and a sense of purpose.
Engages students in authentic, real-world problems that require inquiry, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Problem Solving
What it is:
Why it Matters to me:
Watch This!
Check It Out!
Teaching students to approach challenges calmly and thoughtfully, considering strategies, and being able to persist through difficulty taking action, being flexible, and trying multiple attempts to solve.
Executive functioning skills, including problem solving, help students manage challenges both in school and in everyday life. When these skills are taught intentionally, students learn how to persist through difficulty rather than shut down. This matters because learning is personal, and every student benefits from understanding how to plan, adapt, and keep going when things feel hard.
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Metacognition
Why it Matters to me:
Check It Out!
Watch This!
What it is:
This strategy helps students understand how they learn, and gain confidence and ownership in it. Metacognitive practices help students move beyond frustration toward problem-solving and learning to enjoy learning.
The ability to reflect on one’s own thinking and learning processes, including awareness of strategies, strengths, and challenges.
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Mindfulness
Check It Out!
What it is:
Why it Matters to me:
Learning cannot occur when students feel unsafe or overwhelmed. Mindfulness supports emotional regulation and helps to feel safe to learn and manage stress.These practices benefit all learners, particularly in environments impacted by trauma.
Practices that support awareness of emotions, thoughts, and physical responses in the present moment.
Title
Watch This!
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Standard-Based Learning
What it is:
Why it Matters to me:
Check It Out!
Watch This!
Communicates student learning by measuring progress toward specific academic standards rather than combining behavior, effort, and completion into a single grade.
Standards-based grading helps educators better understand what students know and where support is needed. It also can help teachers create success criteras to provided meaningful clear feedback and see growth through the process.
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle