Module 8: Meaningful Learning
For use alongside the Jen Halliday interview.
Please print this guide BEFORE you watch the video in this module.
Framing the Session
In this conversation, Ana Merritt and Jen Halliday explore the driver of Meaningful Learning—learning that moves beyond content knowledge into real-world impact, empathy, service, and empowered problem-solving.
Jen describes how schools can create learning environments where students see themselves as capable contributors, working with real people on real challenges, and where spirituality is embedded through deep listening, connection, and purpose.
Pause & Reflect before beginning
Think of a time when learning felt deeply meaningful for you. What made it so?
How do students in your classroom currently apply their learning to real-world situations?
What emotions arise for you when you imagine shifting from “teacher as knowledge-holder” to “teacher as facilitator and co-learner”?
Pause & Reflect 1 — 0:46
(After Jen shares her journey into spirituality in education)
Summary:
Jen describes realizing that the missing piece in holistic education was spirituality—a recognition of something greater than oneself, shaping how students see themselves, their learning, and their place in the world. Encountering Lisa Miller’s work clarified for her how spirituality enriches school culture and supports whole-child development.
Pause & Reflect:
How do you define “spirituality” within your educational setting?
Where do you notice students longing for deeper purpose or connection in their learning?
What part of Jen’s discovery resonates with your own professional journey?
Pause & Reflect 2 — 2:24
(After the story of students initiating meaningful learning at Friends Academy)
Summary:
Jen shares how students asked for learning that mattered. Their request led to the creation of a social entrepreneurship program, where students of all ages partner with the community to address urgent, real-world needs. Students repeatedly describe this as some of their most powerful learning.
Pause & Reflect:
When have your students asked for “more”—more relevance, more purpose, more impact?
What real issues in your school or community might your students care about addressing?
How could your role shift if students became co-creators of the learning experience?
Pause & Reflect 3 — 5:06
(After Jen discusses challenges for teachers doing meaningful learning)
Summary:
Teachers often resist at first because meaningful learning requires letting go of complete control. Teachers become facilitators, not answer-holders—navigating emergent curriculum, partnering with experts, and learning alongside students. Over time, teachers report that this approach transforms not only special projects but their entire teaching practice.
Pause & Reflect:
What feels exciting—and what feels uncomfortable—about releasing control in the classroom?
Where might “not knowing” become a source of connection rather than anxiety?
How might meaningful learning shift your relationship with students?
Pause & Reflect 4 — 7:38
(After Jen describes listening, empathy, and honoring identity in meaningful learning)
Summary:
Deep listening is foundational. Students learn to truly hear clients’ needs, perspectives, and values—especially when they differ from their own. This listening becomes a spiritual practice of honoring identity, complexity, and human dignity, beginning with empathy and unfolding into responsible action.
Pause & Reflect:
How do you currently teach or model deep listening in your classroom?
When have students misunderstood a problem because they didn’t yet understand the person behind it?
What structures might help students center empathy in their problem-solving?
Pause & Reflect 5 — 10:28
(After Jen discusses getting started with meaningful learning)
Summary:
Meaningful learning doesn’t require a new course. Any teacher can start by inviting students to engage with real, complex, authentic problems—in math, social studies, science, the arts—anything that impacts real people. Authenticity fuels motivation, depth, and ethical engagement.
Pause & Reflect:
What authentic problem could your students explore this month—big or small?
How might you partner with your local community to identify real needs?
Where might meaningful learning fit naturally into a unit you already teach?
Pause & Reflect 6 — 14:58
(After Jen describes how meaningful learning elevates all people and affirms identity)
Summary:
Meaningful learning honors the spirituality of each learner. Students work in diverse teams, valuing multiple perspectives and recognizing each person’s contribution. Collaboration deepens belonging, agency, and shared purpose—lifting every voice.
Pause & Reflect:
How does your classroom currently celebrate diverse perspectives?
What practices help students recognize their own strengths and the strengths of others?
How might meaningful learning help create a culture where every voice matters?
Final Reflection
Summary:
Jen encourages educators to begin simply, take risks, and trust that meaningful learning elevates not only academic outcomes but the spiritual fabric of the school. Even small steps—like neighborhood walks or meeting community members—can root students in empathy, purpose, and contribution.
Pause & Reflect:
How might meaningful learning deepen your students’ sense of purpose or identity?
What support do you need to bring this driver to life in your context?
How will you know that meaningful learning is beginning to shift your classroom culture?