About

Students, Educators and the Explorer Mindset

Since the Learning Framework was created several years ago by National Geographic Education, it has captured the hearts of educators worldwide. When I started the National Geographic Educator Certification program back in 2015, I was hooked too. Over the years I have met an increasing amount of educators who know, with deep-seated certainty, that an Explorer Mindset helps students feel more engaged, more empowered, and helps them learn academic content.

In 2018 my adoration for the National Geographic Explorer Mindset led me to apply for and receive a grant from NGS to develop a web tool that helps students think about how an Explorer Mindset applies to their learning process, and thus www.explorermindset.org was born. Expanding in 2021-22 to an app where students can document and analyze an exploration after “creating their mindset”, I am also gathering research in cognitive and neuroevolutionary sciences, coupled with my own study, to collect data that explains why this teaching and learning practice is loved by so many educators and students.

No one explores alone; please check out the flyer about the research and sign up if you’d like to participate–educators in all content areas and places are welcomed! Because of limitations with survey tools, the study is targeted at grades 3-12. But if you are a K-2 educator and just want to be in the loop, you can also join.

Educators--Sign up to Participate in the Study About the Research

Our Goals

View Map of Participating Educators

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Share evidence that explains why an Explorer Mindset is an effective educational practice
Create online and offline materials that help educators introduce and apply an Explorer Mindset in their classroom
Empower learners across the globe with the feeling of exploration

~Kelly Koller

Project Plans

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Study

Using the Explorer Mindset App (coming out in beta version in August 2021 for interested educators) we will gather data on how an Explorer Mindset impacts student feelings of engagement and empowerment

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Share

Throughout the 2021-22 school year, we will share the app and resources with any educators interested in implementing an Explorer Mindset in their classroom

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Scale

After the app and project materials are submitted to National Geographic Society at the close of the project, in 2022 and beyond we hope to scale the app, letting it run wild and free in the education world

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Exploring outdoors, innovative ways of learning the subject through art, and storytelling are the keys to success! An Explorer Mindset connects my littles to see, observe, build curiosity, learn responsibility, feel empowered, and be stewards in our interconnected world.

~Nikki Dave, Pre-K, K

Students ARE explorers and when they are encouraged and empowered to take action through this self realization, through the use of the Explorer Mindset, they are unstoppable.

~Becky Schneckser, K-5 Science

The Explorer Mindset goes beyond a lesson it becomes a transformational way for students to take ownership for their learning.

~Paula Huddy, K-12 Instructional Media & EdTech Consultant

As students have been observing the area around our school and developing an Explorer Mindset, they are gaining a deeper understanding on how humans are impacting our environment and on how we are all interconnected.

~ Carrie Antoniazzi, Grades 3,4 and 6-8

Explorer Mindset has helped me recognize the power of mindset. This is gradually taking root in my students. I hope they will use the Explorer Mindset throughout their life to guide their decisions.

~Alisha Lindsey, Middle School Social Studies

Explorer Mindset Website and App

Both resources were created with funding from National Geographic Society. A non-profit organization, Explorer Mindset.org was created to handle grant funds and raising additional funds that have been needed. Explorer Mindset, non-profit is led by project lead, Kelly Koller