Grayson McKinney: Resetting Teaching and Learning for the Imagination Age

<p>In their podcast conversation, Dr. Bob Maxfield and Dr. Suzanne Klein invite Grayson McKinney to reprise the highlights of his presentation at the “Resetting” Teaching and Learning beyond the pandemic professional development series, sponsored by the Galileo Institute at Oakland University.  Grayson reflects on the current challenges in education and proposes a design for teaching that emphasizes deep learning opportunities and increased student engagement, moving beyond the Information Age to the Imagination Age.</p><p>Grayson’s leadership is shaped by his commitment to ongoing professional growth. He received a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University, and both his master’s degree in Educational Studies and his Ed. Specialist degree in School Leadership from Oakland University.  His teaching experience includes elementary grades, a multi-age classroom, and Spanish as a second language.  Through meeting prominent global educational leaders at conferences, attending virtual webinars, and connecting with people around the world through social networks, Grayson has expanded his expertise and influence.</p><p>He credits two presentations for their positive impact on his instruction practice. Troy School District Superintendent, Dr. Richard Machesky, gave an opening school address in which he encouraged risk taking in educational decision making, and challenged staff to consider what they were able to let go of, in order to make room for something more meaningful and impactful for our students. Second, Ron Ritchhart’s presentation on student learning, thinking routines, and learning through inquiry changed Grayson’s pedagogy. A sustained inquiry project is the vehicle through which student learning becomes most relevant and long lasting. Grayson explains that for students to truly learn through the process of the project, they need the chance to play the role of the professional working on an authentic task, typically taken on by an expert, throughout their unit of study. </p><p>With an educational reset