Episode 054: Interview with David Beyer and Josh Ecker – Project Wonder

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In this episode, we are learning with David Beyer and Josh Ecker, middle school teachers involved in the launch of a learner-centered model of education, Project Wonder (a micro-school within Salisbury Middle School).  

Dave is a former software designer who has been teaching in Salisbury for 14 years. His learning philosophy is centered on meeting the students where they are, building personal connections with each student, and focusing on process over product.

Josh is in his third year teaching in Salisbury. He is pursuing a doctoral degree in Mind, Brain, and Teaching, and using what he’s learning to inform his learner-centered teaching practices. He’s written several articles for Education Reimagined and enjoys engaging with others in discussions about learner-centered education.

Here’s what we’re thinking about:

• What would your learners say about their experiences in their learning environment?

Resources

• Project Wonder Website
• Project Wonder Course Catalog
• Sample Project Wonder Newsletter 
• Josh’s Education Reimagined articles
  • 6 Strategies to Support the Development of Self-Directed Learners
  • 4 Ways to Minimize Growing Pains During Your Learner-Centered Transition 
  • How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Learner-Centered Education
• Josh’s Blog
• Josh on Twitter: @joshecker
• Instructional-design theories and models, Vol. IV: The learner-centered paradigm of education