Allain Centre

Thank you for checking out the launch of my new site. I love the word synergy. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, synergy means,

“The combined power of a group of things when they are working together that is greater than the total power achieved by each working separately.”

I teach. I have homeschooled our four children through high school. I have taught middle school and high school. I tutor students of all ages and abilities. Currently, I teach math courses at the university level. For the most part, students of all ages, preschool through adult, face an uncertain future for which they are drastically unprepared. Climate change, political tensions, a slowdown in global economies present particular challenges that will need to be tackled. How do we better prepare the current generation to meet the demands of the future? Simply put, we need to syngerize our current education model.

Stephen Covey asserts, “The best way of finding a solution to a problem is by creating an environment where everyone can share ideas concerning using their experience and expertise so that the best possible solution can be picked out from the pool of ideas” (2020). What does this mean for education? We need to shift our focus from a “one-size-fits-all” approach towards one that provides a strong foundation, stimulates discussion, encourages problem-solving, and fosters creativity.

As people we are all unique, not standardized. Yet, little change has occurred in our education system. Sure, classrooms are equipped with laptops and smart boards, but the teacher still stands at the front of the class serving as the main mode of transmission of knowledge. There is just less chalk dust! True, Covid pushed us to explore virtual learning as Google classrooms emerged across America. For the most part, though, bitmojis still direct learning. At the collegiate level, computer labs are filled with students working diligently on homework through platforms, like Pearson MyMathLab. On the surface it appears innovative, yet it serves as just one more method of standardization. In this case, the computer takes the teacher completely out of the equation and isolates a struggling student even further. Howard Gardner published his groundbreaking “Theory of Multiple Intelligences” in 1993. His research clearly shows the uniqueness of each person. He proposes that all humans are born with multiple intelligences that should be developed by schools, and society at large, to help each individual achieve accomplishments that will further themselves and the world (Gardner, 1993).

TME Education works to provide technologies, expertise, and education to the youth in regions where little resources exist. What is TME? TME is a global distributor of electronic components based in Poland. Their mission rests upon “creating effective and long-lasting solutions through synergistic cooperation” (TME, 2023). Across various locations in Africa, TME ambassadors use these resources to transform education by providing opportunities to secondary students. Through this global initiative, they have found a way to tackle inequality through an international cultural exchange of ideas. These students work with technology and experts to solve problems and propose solutions to issues that affect their communities. Amazing!

Covey, Gardner, and TME Education show that synergy needs to exist in our classrooms if we want to transform education. Our world faces big problems! We need creativity. We need people who can propose solutions, but then have the ability to listen to each other. We need true leaders and innovators. How do we synergize the classroom, the workplace? According to experts at Asana, three things must happen:

1. Communicate: Prioritize two-way communication
2. Collaborate: Build trust, invite co-creation, and lead by example
3. Set Groups Intentionally: Establish group norms to encourage the right dynamic

Teachers serve as facilitators, or learning coaches, and help establish small, empowering goals. By no means should content be watered down, but rather collaboration can be used as a springboard for discussion. In my university-level Applied Algebra classes, we begin each class with a proposed problem. Then, working in groups, each student contributes to the discussion to try and solve the problem. My role becomes that of facilitator as I move around the classroom encouraging dialogue and sparking clues as needed. We then come together as a class, share results and formalize some of the key ideas. Granted, the process evolves daily, and I am self-reflective in considering ways to improve the dynamic. Since this course has been implemented on campus, though, I have seen an increase in self-confidence, a developed sense of community, and more buzz around my math classroom. Some days, we even have fun! Shhh!