Omar Abbosh’s Post

Welcome to Pearson from one of your anatomy & physiology authors!

Reflecting on another great year at Pearson, I am reminded of the question I answered almost two years ago.... Why Pearson? Of all of the amazing and innovative companies in the world, why was I drawn to work at a Leading Learning Company? I have always been fascinated with learning, and I always find myself looking to learn and try new things; however, it was more than my love of learning that led me to Pearson specifically. It was the impact Pearson's innovative approach to learning has on the lives of individuals, including myself. I remember back to when I first started my journey into higher education, and I started my first Calculus course at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I remember many of the challenges I was facing adapting to the adult learning process, and also how nervous I was starting the advanced math course. Math had been particularly challenging for me when I was younger, and the idea of earning an A in the Calculus course seemed daunting to say the least, especially for one still getting used to the demands of higher education. Then I signed up for my class textbook, My Math Lab & Mastering, a Pearson product. The textbook and learning platform not only taught me the class materials in a multimedia format that appealed to my unique learning style, but it also contained lots of materials on earlier math levels that taught me methods of solving the problems in a way that was comprehensive, and essentially, taught me math. I earned an A in the course, and a few semesters later, I was able to tutor other university students in physics. Being able to work with a comprehensive program that understood students have differing learning styles, and provided opportunities to practice had a significant impact on my confidence, my higher education journey, and in turn, my career. During my job search, I found Pearson to be a company with a mission and vision I believe in and experienced, and whose values I share. Always learning! Looking forward to another great year! #pearson #highereducation #learning #career #reflection

Reflecting on my learning journey: 'Unveiling the PASS (Purpose, Ask, Serve, Share) Formula' As a higher education professional, one of my most enriching experiences unfolded in formulating what I now call the PASS (Purpose, Ask, Serve, Share) Formula. In my higher education experience, this formula has become more than just a methodology; it's a guiding principle that shapes our journey as educators and learners alike. 🎯 Purpose: Centering our efforts on purpose isn't just about setting goals; it's about nurturing a shared vision, fostering innovation, and driving meaningful progress. It empowers students and educators to align their actions with a larger mission, inspiring purpose-driven learning and growth. 💡 Ask: Asking questions isn't merely about seeking answers; it's the cornerstone of intellectual curiosity, critical inquiry, and active engagement. It empowers both students and educators to delve deeper, challenge assumptions, and explore new frontiers of knowledge. 👩🏫 Serve: Serving one another through insights, expertise, and experiences lies at the heart of collaboration and community-building in higher education. It's about fostering a culture of mutual respect, inclusivity, and continuous learning. By contributing to the collective pool of wisdom, we nurture an environment where every voice is valued and heard. 🔄 Share: Sharing insights, expertise, and experiences is vital for collaboration and community-building in higher education. It fosters a culture of mutual respect, inclusivity, and continuous learning. By contributing to the collective pool of wisdom, we nurture an environment where every voice is valued and heard. This experience has taught me that the PASS Formula isn't just a pedagogical tool; it's a transformative mindset that empowers us to "pass" through all challenges. By integrating this formula into our teaching and learning practices, we co-create a dynamic ecosystem where purpose-driven curiosity thrives, ideas flourish, and growth becomes a shared journey. Embracing the power of purpose, asking, serving, and sharing not only unlocked new possibilities but has also fostered a deeper sense of connection and fulfillment in our pursuit of knowledge and excellence. #PASSFormula #HigherEducation #Teaching #Learning #PurposeDriven #Curiosity #Collaboration #CommunityBuilding #TransformativeLearning #ReflectivePractice #Academia

✍️Unveiling the Potential Beyond Exams: A 5-Year Journey as an Educator✍️ In the realm of education, I've spent the past five years as a dedicated classroom teacher, witnessing firsthand the aspirations and mindsets that shape the young minds in our learning spaces. While the pursuit of academic excellence is commendable, I've observed a prevailing trend that merits our attention. 🚀 Beyond Exam Success: A Call for True Self-Discovery It's been a remarkable journey guiding learners through academic milestones, yet a poignant reality lingers—many students are driven by the desire to ace exams, often overshadowing the exploration of their true selves. The eagerness to secure good grades sometimes eclipses the profound journey of self-discovery that can lead to a life rich in purpose and contribution. ☔Shifting Mindsets: From Dependency to Production One striking observation is the subtle but powerful role our educational system plays in shaping mindsets. Learners, unintentionally, are positioned to be dependent rather than producers, geared towards being adept problem makers rather than empowered problem solvers. It's a paradigm that beckons transformation. 🌱 Cultivating Value-Driven Commitment As educators, we hold the key to reshaping this narrative. Beyond exam-centric goals, let's inspire learners to commit themselves to bringing value to their communities. Let's instill a mindset that transcends grades, emphasizing the cultivation of skills, character, and a profound sense of responsibility to the world around them. 🌈 A Vision for Empowered Futures Imagine a generation not just proficient in passing exams but empowered to tackle real-world challenges. A generation driven not only by personal success but also by a collective commitment to creating positive change. This vision fuels my passion as an educator, driving me to instigate a shift in focus—from exam-centric aspirations to holistic, value-driven pursuits. 📌 Join the Movement: #EmpowerThroughEducation Together, let's challenge the status quo. Let's unlock the potential within each learner, fostering a generation that not only achieves academic excellence but also discovers their unique capabilities to contribute meaningfully to society. The journey continues, and I'm excited about the transformative impact we can create. #EducationTransformation #Empowerment #TeachingJourney #StudentMindsets #LinkedInEducation

Today I’d like to share an employee story with you all. Lauren Kelly, was a high school math teacher for 15 years, and now works as a Product Marketing Manager for National Geographic Learning. I wanted to know how her years of teaching experience uniquely positions her to do her job today.   Here’s our conversation:   Q: How has your experience as a K-12 teacher influenced your work at Cengage?   A: As a teacher, I honed my skills in creativity, organization, and communication - all vital components in the world of ed tech marketing. Producing engaging lessons for my students laid the groundwork for creating compelling content and collateral to promote our K–12 math solutions. One of my favorite aspects of teaching was finding creative ways to connect with my students and make math come alive. My ability to foster engagement seamlessly transitions into my role at Cengage. After all, who better to understand the needs of educators than someone who has been in their shoes?   Q: What one transferable skill have been the most helpful in your current role? A: Empathy. My empathy for educators and students enables me to approach marketing strategies with a deep understanding of their needs and challenges, ensuring that our products truly meet their expectations.   Q: What have you learned as a teacher that has had a positive impact on your current career path? A: My time as a teacher taught me the power of resilience and the importance of continuous learning. Every day was a new adventure, filled with laughter, learning, and the occasional mishap. I learned valuable lessons that have shaped my journey in the ed tech industry, such as the importance of adaptability, creativity, and above all, the power of making a positive impact on the lives of others. Transitioning from teaching to the ed tech industry has blessed me with plenty of opportunities to make a difference.   Thank you, Lauren, for sharing! 🍎📒 #FormerTeacher #CareerPaths #EdTech #EmployeeSpotlight

Are you on-line but still still struggling to meet student expectations? Here are some ideas. I enjoyed learning from and working with Mark Harman, Rob Macredie, Martin Shepperd and Tommaso Turchi during my academic career. Enjoy... https://lnkd.in/e2hTbTXH #educationinnovation #educationaltechnology #educationmetrics

Check out my good friend Karen's post which highlights the importance of transferrable soft skills!

Exciting insights from the 2023 Future of Work Academy co-hosted by UpSkill America and HP 🌐 Colleagues had a front-row seat to candid student conversations, providing valuable insights for decision-makers. 🌟 Haley Glover and Shalin Jyotishi share key themes: 1️⃣ Digital Future 2️⃣ Human Skills Savvy 3️⃣ Flexibility & Job Quality 4️⃣ Growth & Advancement Focus 5️⃣ Need for Applied Learning Read more in the full post: https://lnkd.in/eyZtuNvn

As always an insightful read shared by Vivienne Ming relating to not only student learning but equally challenges our own mindsets and beliefs. As we progress in our careers do we not risk losing the creativity we once had when we were young! For students, exploring ideas beyond the course material, even when occasionally wrong, was the strongest predictor of success. Right or wrong, transforming what students had learned and expanding the framework of the curriculum was a better predictor of success than simply following the rules. Students risking dumb questions learned that trying a new idea and being wrong, rather than reflecting their shortcomings, supported growth and learning. This is exactly what the #creativeeconomy is all about: exploring the unknown, pushing boundaries, and translating knowledge into new spaces. In order to prepare our #children for the future, our education system must set aside its obsession with routine skills, however complex, and instead embrace a formal curriculum of exploration and curiosity. #executivedirectors  #culturetransformation #innovation #ceos #ceo #strategytoexecution #nonexecutivedirectors #commmunications #trustbasedleadership  #boardofdirectors #valuersbasedleadership #employeeengagement  #ceo #businessresilence #opportunities #trust #research #businessgrowth #modelling  #people #values #leadership #thoughtleaders #thoughtleadership

Let's talk about a buzzword making its rounds in education ... "E•N•G•A•G•E•M•E•N•T" Engagement requires insight into motivation, specifically intrinsic motivation - for meaningful and lifelong learning. 💡 Remember the joy of discovery as a kid? That's intrinsic motivation, the natural desire to learn & explore. Sadly, traditional schools often snuff it out with rote memorization & standardized tests. But, research shows that intrinsic motovation is the 🔑 Here's the science: ✨ Curiosity & Dopamine: When kids choose & explore, they release dopamine, a reward chemical fueling their learning drive. Imagine robot-like silence? Not very dopamine-inducing, right? ✨ Play & the Prefrontal Cortex: Kids learn best through play! It activates the PFC, boosting problem-solving & critical thinking. Lectures? Not so much. ✨ Meaning & the Hippocampus: Connecting learning to real-life spark connections in the hippocampus, essential for memory & understanding. Textbooks alone? It's not very memorable. So, how do we tap into this magic? Make it Playful: Let kids explore through hands-on projects, games, & simulations. Think building volcanoes, not filling worksheets! Give Them Choice: Let them choose topics, materials, & even presentation styles. Feeling in control fuels engagement. Connect to the Real World: Solve community problems, design solutions, & create projects with real impact. This makes learning relevant & meaningful. Celebrate the Journey: Focus on effort & progress, not just grades. Recognize challenges & cheer each other on. This builds resilience & a love of learning. 📌Remember, engaged students aren't quiet. They're curious! Let's ditch the drill & ignite their inner spark. Together, we can create a generation of lifelong learners who love to explore, discover, & make a difference! ✨ IVA Global School Foundation Phase really creates a space for growth and independence in our learners to love learning and always stay curious The picture above is an actual quote from a grade 1 learner I got yesterday - it's one of the highest compliments I have ever received!!! #intrinsicmotivation #engagedlearners #educationrevolution