C84 (Challenge):- Creating a Prototype with the CME Model by Pop-Up Studio

As I was considering this challenge, I reflected on the CME model from Pop-Up Studio: Responsive Teaching for Today’s Learners by Misty Paterson.  This has been my latest book club read, but more importantly my aha text.  Going through the book club experience with this text opened up so many possibilities of how to use these ideas in a variety of ways.  Isn’t that the purpose of a prototype?  It’s a tool we use to try out our ideas, so we can evolve our practice. 

The CME model was designed with “see me” in mind, so “we intentionally see the person within the learning engagement…We can see personal interests, understandings, wonderings, creativity, thinking, and agency surface.” (Paterson, 2021)

So what exactly is the CME model?  It’s a construct that helps learners to look at the interplay of using concepts to connect learning experiences with materials.  That sounds very simple, but it’s quite powerful.  

​There are multiple entry points to the CME model, but I like the Pop-Up Studio Experience Making model that explores inspiring materials, compelling contexts, and concepts that help to build understanding.  One possibility of interpreting this model is to begin with some inspirational materials that spark curiosity.  Have learners design their own experience using the materials.  Then, have learners connect to the bigger ideas using concepts to bridge the pieces together. This was a big aha for me in my book club experience.  Where you begin will create a different experience for the learner.  Isn’t that magical?  I kind of connect it to CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE books from my youth.  You decide where you begin, but the outcome will look differently for each person based on the choices you make.  Love this, because it builds up learner agency and ownership of the process. 

Pop-Up Studio within the context of our content.

​Here are the CME Makers:  Sam, parent, and Sasha, grade 7 child

Context: Sam and Sasha are grappling with Sasha’s homework.  To build a 3D clay model showing how ancient civilizations and modern day civilizations adapt to changing geographic conditions.

Concepts:  civilization, adaptation, innovation

Materials:  sketch pad, pencil, clay

Experience:  How have humans responded to changes in climate or challenges with natural resources (e.g. floods or famine) throughout time?  What patterns or commonalities do you notice? 

Generalization:  Humans adapt to geographic changes and challenges by innovating.

Whoa, can you see how this could revolutionize the thinking in your classrooms?  Imagine planning a unit of inquiry with this model in mind.  There will be times your learners get off track and the CME model is a way to redirect their path towards your bigger understanding.

Challenge

Think of your next unit of inquiry and use the CME model to build a deeper conceptual understanding.  Remember, the purpose is to “see” our learner’s understandings, misconceptions, and connections. 
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• What will be your entry point?
• How will you build the learning experience?
• What unique materials can you use? 
• How will you leverage your concepts so they lead to deeper thinking? 
• What generalizations do you want your learners to make? 

Don’t be shy to post your ideas on social media.  We learn better together.  If you want share you ideas on Twitter and LinkedIn, be sure to #thinkchat2020.