FINGER PUPPET LEARNING FRAMEWORK

The Finger Puppet Learning Framework supports several pedagogical approaches of learning. The Framework embeds experiential-based and project-based learning that can be implemented with any curriculum and content. By engaging all the senses in learning, students build skills, retain knowledge and apply the knowledge with greater outcomes than conventional approaches to learning. Since the Framework is strongly tied to develop agile and creative mindsets to problem solving and the maker education (active learning through creating), the following principles help guide this approach.

• Projects Connected to Competencies and Objectives- project components must be clearly built toward learning outcomes with milestones that act as scaffolding in this development.

• Challenging Problems with Defined Expectations- challenging problems are important because they push for robust solutions and drive students to consider what is possible. Students have flexibility to how they approach and solve the challenging problem but understand through clear rubrics and supporting milestones.

• Continuous Feedback and Process Assessment- by giving feedback at each of the milestones educators are able to support process of the competency development and early outcomes. This provides opportunity to provide support, corrective action, encouragement, and direction to students when they need it and not at the end of the project. This could be from faculty, group feedback mechanisms or external collaborators.

• Build in Reflection- reflection is a powerful tool for learning. It allows evaluating of one’s progress free from others judgment and opens opportunities for self-improvement and in making connections that may not be explicit. This provides opportunities for unbounded connections where students relate the content to what they can connect it to- a form of self-directed learning.

• Student and Group Accountability- rarely are we completely isolated and working alone. To build important soft skill and interpersonal skills group work is the foundation for developing high performance teams and in better solution building. Students develop a group charter to learn to work with peers to complete a project that mirrors the work environment. Collaboration is an important skill for all professions and being able to communicate and work with others is directly transferable to any profession.

Applies equall well across subject areas, from management to music; fundamental factors that impact the way students learn transcends disciplines.

Applies to all educational and pedagogical situations- K-12, University, Corporate Training. Principles may be applied differently in each environments for different content.

Principles can be applied to all cultural settings, resonating regardless of countries. Adaptable to cultural influences to how instruction and teaching is given in any location.