COVA — is a learner centered active learning approach that gives the learner:

choice (C)
ownership (O)
and voice (V)
through authentic (A) learning opportunities.

The COVA approach can also become transformative for teachers as it grants them more time to create those authentic learning environments for their students and provide more personalized education programs for students who may require extra assistance. What this means is we are able to meet the needs of all of our students without any extenuating circumstance, with COVA we can provide each student what they need and the freedom to learn at their own pace. Bray & McClaskey (2014) explain this idea of personalized learning environments being “built on the idea that each learner is unique and learns in different ways” (Introduction section, para. 1).

COVA is encouraging educators to create a student-centered and student-driven classroom in which students are able to take the reigns of their education while the teacher transitions from a position of a commander to the position of a mentor and partner. This transition from teacher-centered to student-centered instruction allows for more personalized learning options including things like “Guinness Hour” or project-based learning. Through COVA, we are able to create and sustain significant learning environments (CSLE) that contribute to the success of our students as they become self-sustaining learners.

I realize that learners do not adopt growth or fixed mindsets on their own. Rather, mindsets can be developed both by learning and through practice. To create a culture of mindsets, educators can encourage and praise students’ efforts rather than their performance. In order to be most effective, practices that encourage growth mindsets are key.