ROLE Reversal- Achieving Uncommonly Excellent Results in the Student-Centered Classroom

After 20 years in the classroom, Mark Barnes finally figured things out. He empowered his students to be more responsible for their own learning. He created an academic environment in which students thrive and develop a genuine thirst for knowledge instead of chasing grades. Can this really happen?

A ROLE classroom stands for a results-only learning environment. Letting go of as much control as possible may be the single most important part of creating this successful classroom.

We know, people are motivated by three things: autonomy, mastery and purpose (Pink, 2009).
These qualities are the backbone of a results-only class and it gives students a real chance at mastery learning.

The results-only classroom is project based. It's also important to have at least one year-long project that students can work on occasionally in class as a backdrop to other activities. Mark says that a well-crafted year-long project will incentivize students to continue to improve it, even if it's not always part of the curriculum or being graded.

Strategies vital to a results-only learning environment include:
1- Incorporate the Year-Long Project
2- Talk Less. When the teacher stops talking, learning begins.
3- Build Choice into ALL Activities
4- Convert to a Workshop Setting
5- Integrate Technology

Get your students excited about learning! Always ask yourself what will give your students autonomy and a thirst for learning. How can you make your class a student-centered learning community?