Traditionally in school, students turn in their work for their teachers and no one else.
It might end up in a backpack and maybe on a refrigerator. And that’s okay. But at some point,
students might want to share their work with a larger audience.
So what happens when students launch their work to the world?
Often, students work harder because the work has a deeper meaning.
There’s higher engagement because students can see the connection between
the learning and their world. Students often grow more empathetic as they think about their
audience. They can gain new perspectives and might even build long-term partnerships.
This can help them embrace constructive criticism as they receive authentic feedback.
Students also engage in iterative thinking, where they improve incrementally with each revision.
They’re able to learn from their mistakes. This can help students take creative risks.
They become bold and fearless in their creative work.
Along the way, they develop a growth mindset.
But it’s more than that. An authentic launch can help affirm students in their creativity
and help them develop their creative voice. They grow more confident as learners and as makers.
They become a part of a participatory culture. And ultimately, they can change the world.