Reverting back to a Novice Learner with Bea Leiderman

Fueling Creativity S3 Ep 6 with Bea Leiderman

 

What are the benefits of being a novice learner?  How does having a personal passion or interest benefit your work as an educator?

In this episode of the Fueling Creativity podcast, Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood speak with Bea Leiderman, an educational technology coach based in Virginia with over 20 years of experience in education. 

In 2012, macrophotography became Bea’s gateway to learning about science, biology, and the natural environment. As a novice learner, Bea had the opportunity to consider learning from a new perspective, later changing her approach to teaching.

Bea sheds light on the power of being a novice as an educator by sharing her first interaction with macrophotography and how it has since influenced her teaching methods. They talk about the importance of finding joy in learning for yourself, exploring non-educational blogs and resources, and the connection that can be built between educators and students when you’re both learning something new.

Can you maintain a level of control while students explore their creativity? How do you raise curious children? Is it important to limit the technology and screen time your kids are exposed to? Listen in to hear Bea’s answers!

 

“Creativity is at the most creative when it’s cross-disciplinary, it’s outward-focused rather than inward-focused.” - Bea Leiderman

 

View Bea’s Macro Photography on Instagram

 

Bea’s Tips for Teachers and Parents:

1. Expose your kids to lots of things, even things that may not be traditionally meant for kids. Different types of music, old movies, museums, festivals, factories, etc.
2. Be interested in what your kids are interested in and don’t make fun of what they like. 
3. Be open to social media and not “the hype”. Find the interesting, passionate, quirky people on social media. There’s something to learn from everything and everyone.
4. Don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t be afraid to do something simple or be a novice.
5. Look for things that bring you joy and fun.

 

 “You end up learning all sorts of things by following people who are interested in things that are completely different from what you’re doing.” - Bea Leiderman

 

Resources Mentioned:

Listen to the episode with Ron BeghettoListen to the episode with Dr. James Kaufman

Listen to the episode with Dr. Caroline BrookfieldListen to the episode with Wendy Ross 

Listen to the episode with Dr. Sally ReisCreativity blog series by Punya Mishra

 

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Eager to bring more creativity into your home or classroom? 

Access various creativity resources and tools & listen to more episodes of The Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast by visiting www.CreativityandEducation.com.

 

What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education? 

Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school?  Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to learn how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom. 

 

You can also find The Fueling Creativity Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, and PodBean! Make sure to RATE, REVIEW, and SHARE the podcast if you enjoy it!

 

About Bea Leiderman:

Bea is an educational technology coach in Prince Edward County, Virginia, and has over twenty years of experience in education. Her focus has always been on giving students experiences that lead to learning. In 2012, Bea bought a macro lens attachment for her iPhone camera. Macrophotography became a gateway to learning about science, biology, and the natural environment in ways she didn’t initially anticipate. Being a novice learner gave Bea the opportunity to consider learning from a new perspective that has changed how she approaches teaching. Bea has written several books about insects showcasing her photography and inviting readers to explore and learn.

 

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