A Decade of Getting Smart

Over the last decade, the Getting Smart team along with dedicated guest authors and columnists have covered what’s next and what is possible in education. Our posts range from innovations in learning spaces, student agency, to AI—providing our readers the opportunity to learn about emerging trends and see themselves as change agents in education.

As the decade closes, we at Getting Smart wanted to reflect on the top posts over the last ten years. Project-based learning, student-centered environments and design surfaced as the most read topics. We know these topics, as well as others like competencies, real-world learning and student voice, will continue to be front-of-mind for many in our readership.

We look forward to the next ten years, where we will undoubtedly continue to push forward and question what is coming next for learners around the world. We also thank you for being a part of our community and for the work you do day-in and day-out in classrooms, learning spaces and educational organizations. Cheers to 2020!

Here are our top 10 posts from the last decade:

1. The Four Systemic Problems in Education (2010)
This article highlights some of the key systemic problems that are limiting excellence in education and creating the friction that deters change.

2. 6 Ways Digital Learning Is Changing Teaching (2011)
Tom Vander Ark responds to a few questions from employees at Wireless Generation, a leading edtech company in Brooklyn.

3. 3 New Teaching Methods Improve the Educational Process (2012)
This post from Sonia Jackson focuses on how to reimagine education with an emphasis on learner interaction, learner enjoyment and a nuanced understanding of authority.

4. Project-Based Learning in the Geometry Classroom (2013)
When PBL is aligned with Common Core State Standards, it is a powerful experience. This article follows some of the great offerings of Curriki, a leader in high-quality K-12 courses.

5. The 10 Questions Every Superintendent Needs to Answer (2014)
Superintendents have an extraordinarily challenging job. Here are 10 questions that all superintendents should be able to answer in order to maximize their contribution.

6. 11 Rights All Students (Should) Have (2015)
Erik Martin speaks on behalf of his school’s student-run organization, Student Voice, addressing 11 of the foundational rights that to which they believe every student is entitled.

7. 4 Key Elements of 21st Century Classroom Design (2016)
McKenna Wierman reflects on the way in which classroom designs have been slow to change and looks ahead to what the future of the classroom might look like.

8. 8 Things to Look For in a Student-Centered Learning Environment (2017)
Join Emily Liebtag as she documents the student-centered environments that make schools stand out and reminds us about what is foundational in education.

9. 7 Real-World Issues That Can Allow Students To Tackle Big Challenges (2018)
The world is facing a multitude of large scale issues that could provide students a way to engage with real-world problems. Join Michael Niehoff as he documents seven of the most pressing problems and what students can do about them.

10. Teaching Students About AI (2019)
What can we teach students about AI? What does AI really mean? How can we prepare for a future with more AI presence? Rachelle Dene Poth answers some of the most common AI-related questions.

For more, see:

• 50 Stories About The #FutureOfLearning
• 31 Can’t Miss Education Conferences in 2020
• What’s Next in Learning? Four Future Trends

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