#LangChat is dedicated to the discussion of topics associated with issues and trends in world language instruction and learning. Educators, administrators, learners, and aficionados of world languages are encouraged to participate and share their experiences and input on various topics such as new ways to teach vocabulary, using music in the language classroom, and making standards-based grading valid. This chat is also unique in that it brings together language educators worldwide and from different contexts (elementary, secondary, higher education, etc.) and languages.
Today’s #langchat topic is getting ready for #actfl17 if you are attending or following online.
Who’s ready to #langchat today? Let us know your name, where you’re from, and what you teach. Are you attending #actfl17? Are you leading a session?
A1: This was my favorite post about how to carefully choose what sessions to attend and it made a huge difference for me last year at ACTFL! #langchathttps://t.co/nJwSR4HCCF
A1. When I’m with colleagues, we spilt it up. As dept. chair I️ try to balance my needs as a teacher with those of my dept. Focusing on my weaknesses as a teacher; catalog descriptions are key. This year, going alone and solicited requests from dept. #langchat
A1 #langchat Not gonna lie, I look at presenter first, then topic. I know, I know!! But sometimes, being w someone you already know is fab lights the path to be inspired even more. Tried and true presenters, plus topics I want to get better at!
Yes! So important to find sessions that help you grow! Sometimes we are attracted by the "big names" but there are so many other great sessions, too #langchat
A1. When I’m with colleagues, we spilt it up. As dept. chair I️ try to balance my needs as a teacher with those of my dept. Focusing on my weaknesses as a teacher; catalog descriptions are key. This year, going alone and solicited requests from dept. #langchat
A1 I've read so many blogs and hung out on #langchat so much, if it's a presenter I know, I get more by catching them in a couch conversation than attending their sessions.
A1: At home, follow #actfl17 and retweet my learning. If I attend live, I attend sessions that fit my interest and allow me to grow as a teacher and learner. #langchat
A1 I've read so many blogs and hung out on #langchat so much, if it's a presenter I know, I get more by catching them in a couch conversation than attending their sessions.
Even when I’m there, I love following the hashtag and seeing all the amazing things that are happening on the presentations I can’t go to! #langchat#actfl17
A1 #langchat And temper your expectations!! I have left several conferences disappointed/sad/frustrates because of what I thought I’d get versus what I got. I have to work on staying realistic and look st where I am w/ what I’m looking to get.
A1: At home, follow #actfl17 and retweet my learning. If I attend live, I attend sessions that fit my interest and allow me to grow as a teacher and learner. #langchat
A1 #langchat And temper your expectations!! I have left several conferences disappointed/sad/frustrates because of what I thought I’d get versus what I got. I have to work on staying realistic and look st where I am w/ what I’m looking to get.
Q2: Also- for me personally, share any new tech tools/tips that you have found recently that you love and help highlight learning in your class! #langchat
That is the hardest thing for me to do at a conference is to leave a session!! I try to remember that I need to go to one that fits my needs. #langchat
A1: I also look at presenter first...and my gut is usually right on! Also never be afraid to leave if you are not totally engaged in the first ten minutes. Do not waste what little time you have there! #langchat
#langchat I REALLY appreciate it when presenters state very clearly what the goals/outcomes of the presentation are at the very beginning, helps me make an informed decision. Also affirmed importance of highlighting daily learning target for my students everyday in class
A1 #langchat And temper your expectations!! I have left several conferences disappointed/sad/frustrates because of what I thought I’d get versus what I got. I have to work on staying realistic and look st where I am w/ what I’m looking to get.
I always remind myself that I am giving up my time and money many times- and many times I have left and gone to another session that I LOVED! #langchat
A2: This post by Amanda hit the nail on the head for me about how much progress I see with my students when I look at their work through the eyes of proficiency and give open ended topics. I am frequently impressed with their progress #langchathttps://t.co/oRLd5yfd7V
Q2: my Ss love using @Flipgrid and then app smashing it with @ChatterPixIt. Digital Storytelling with @AdobeSpark is also a hit. Great tools for sharing student voice #langchat
I am fortunate to have admins @joykelly05 who know that I liked to be pushed in my learning, and the only place I get this is from #actfl. It is an investment on their part for sure, but they know I will pay it back in other ways. #langchat
Kelly in TN jumping in late. Attending #ACTFL17 since it’s only 45 minutes away! Excited to be full participant & to bring 7 co-workers, too! #langchat
A2 #langchat This is my first year where my 3rd and 4th year students have been interacting with an authentic audience (an online penpal-exchange/group discussion page with a Japanese high school), and I'm definitely learning some lessons about how to make it run smoothly
It’s really awesome! Students can take a pic of anything and then animate the pic. ChatterPix creates a talking mouth on the pic while Ss record their video. Then they upload that video to Flipgrid. #langchat
In reply to
@Marishawkins, @Flipgrid, @ChatterPixIt, @AdobeSpark
A2 I'm honestly having a pushing/learning semester, so I'm not super excited about things that are going fantastic, but I'm excited to talk about what I've learned exchanging thematic units for novels. #langchat
A1 (catching up) I searched for #langchat peeps who said they were presenting 1st, then others, then (confession) went back through the proposals I reviewed & found a few that had impressed me then.
I have found the novels give sts something to talk about. With HS, I ask what they did on the weekend and get "work" or "sleep" otherwise they say they do nothing. #langchat
I would love to pick your brain on this. I am feeling the same and do not know if it is me or them. Also trying to find a way to segue to using novels, which I have never done. #langchat
“Professional development happens in waves, and like any good tide, the timing is purposeful and exact, and we must be expecting it. If not, we’ll either drown unexpectedly or obsess over the lack thereof.” #langchathttps://t.co/S0Sw5MS0XW
A2 #langchat It's funny too, because the more experienced I get teaching with proficiency in mind, I don't have these giant breakthrough moments to share anymore; it's the smaller, less obvious tweaks that end up being impactful and exciting for me
A2 Now that I have had a full year w/new curriculum & no textbook, I’m looking forward to meeting and hearing from some of you who I’ve been getting ideas from through #langchat blogs and TPT & sharing what has worked
A3 I am so excited to continue learning about the Can Do Statements, utilizing IPAs at all levels, and continuing to meaningfully integrate shifting technologies into the classroom. #langchat
#langchat A3 This year, I seriously need some learning about work-life balance and setting realistic goals (and boundaries) for all the aspects of one's professional life (teaching, instructional coaching, professional organizations, etc)
A3 #langchat Other (eternal) areas of growth for me that make for prime #ACTFL17 learning: pushing further away from teacher-centered to learner-centered, and more techniques for providing solid scaffolding while pushing the onus of the learning on the students
A3: I find myself slipping into L1 way too much lately. I'd like to blame cold meds -had a horrible cold last week-still recovering. Lacking mental discipline lately. #langchat
#langchat A3 This year, I seriously need some learning about work-life balance and setting realistic goals (and boundaries) for all the aspects of one's professional life (teaching, instructional coaching, professional organizations, etc)
A3 #langchat Other (eternal) areas of growth for me that make for prime #ACTFL17 learning: pushing further away from teacher-centered to learner-centered, and more techniques for providing solid scaffolding while pushing the onus of the learning on the students
Yes! Teaching Social Justice is something I know nothing about, and it looks like there is a ton of great learning to be had this year, so I am really excited for this #langchat
@KimCamp4Kids's book If you can't manage them you can't teach them really (really, really) helped me connect some dots I've been missing. #langchat She's my discipline w/love #hero#heroine sounds weird...
A3 I am so excited to continue learning about the Can Do Statements, utilizing IPAs at all levels, and continuing to meaningfully integrate shifting technologies into the classroom. #langchat
Negative answer & ? for A3: Not tech tools. I'm already steeling myself against more self-condemnation over all the fantastic tools I can't figure out because #washingdishes. #langchat
I love this! During family time today, one of my students, a native Spanish speaker, helped one of your students master a few phrases. I love when different languages bring people together. #mmsshines#langchat
A4: It helps me to blog after the conference, so I can concretely state how I want to change what I am doing and what part of my unit I feel that I can implement each small change. #langchat
A4 Always small steps, and never systemic change after a conference. Try one new thing in your current unit, reflect on it, and then add a bit more the next time. #langchat
A4. I take a moment to collect myself and stop beating myself up after comparing myself to all the incredible educators I meet. Then I️ look to one thing I️ can add each month. #langchat
A4: It helps me to blog after the conference, so I can concretely state how I want to change what I am doing and what part of my unit I feel that I can implement each small change. #langchat
#langchat A4 I aim to select a) 1 thing to implement week after, b) 1 thing to work on a bit and implement 2nd semester, and c) 1 thing to let percolate and keep in mind for the rest of the year. 1 "full-grown tree", 1 "sapling that needs care", 1 "seed to grow in another season"
A4: Reflect on my learning by rereading my notes and then writing about what I learned. Sharing with colleagues. Add one or two changes at a time. Small steps so it’s not overwhelming. #langchat
A4 I'm w/@windycitysenora - I think, what one area am I going to work on first. Because it's going to morph into 5. After #FLANC17 w/ @spanish_rhodes I came back thinking #stations. Two weeks later I've still got more tweaks to make. #langchat
A4: I'm also starting to think "next year" by curating pinterest boards for the ideas I get in PD...knowing that immediate change may not be possible. #langchat
I know, but I think once people get in the habit it helps. I was TERRIFIED to start because I thought I would get so much bad press but of course it doesn't work out that way #langchat
A4 Always glad to have full week off after #ACTFL Long enough to relax then plan to implement, not too long to forget it all. But only implement 1 at a time. #langchat
A4: I'm also starting to think "next year" by curating pinterest boards for the ideas I get in PD...knowing that immediate change may not be possible. #langchat
It's totally the time thing, @Elisabeth13 ! I'm right there with you - I think I would sleep better at night if I blogged, but I need more time in my days! #langchat
In reply to
@Marishawkins, @Elisabeth13, @Elisabeth13
A4: I try to focus on only implementing things that are solving the most pressing 'problems' I have. I read, read, read! Every blog I can find :) #langchat
Going to #actfl? Not going to #actfl We #langchat next week too! Join my Thurs Nov 16 8pmET to talk "What are your best resources for supporting CI in your classroom?"
Thanks @Marishawkins for your awesome leadership this week! If you are or aren't going to #actfl we will #langchat Nov 16 "What are your best resources for supporting CI in your classroom?"
Q5: since I won’t be there, I’ll follow #actfl17 and retweet my learning. I’ll reach out to those who are there and expand my PLN. Continue to be a lifelong learner. #langchat
A5. Continuing to build on the relationships, asking questions. Once had a presenter I saw Skype with my department. Great resource!
Sharing ideas with colleagues back home and continuing to learn from new connections! #langchat
A6 I always take notes in Docs and then share out link. It serves as my reminder of what I learned but gives others a chance to see what they missed. #langchat
A5 Hoping to share & collaborate w/colleagues while there, divide & conquer sessions, come back & share during dept meetings - since entire dept is going (Modern Lang T’s at least) #langchat
A6 I always take notes in Docs and then share out link. It serves as my reminder of what I learned but gives others a chance to see what they missed. #langchat
I use regularly scheduled dept meeting times. Sometimes I go to the conf with an idea of what I want to bring back to them; sometimes I solicit suggestions from them. Make it clear that I’m offering and sharing information, not trying to force anything on them. #langchat
#langchat Takeaway: After tonight, I'm inspired to do a little more thoughtful pre-planning as I head into #ACTFL17 and other conferences in the future
So lucky our parent assoc agreed to pay for full dept registration. Hoping to see some changes and get everyone enthused. (But already have great dept anyway) #langchat
In reply to
@SraWilliams3, @SenorParodi, @mariacsmith
I completely understand, Amanda! I have found that small steps seem to work with them. We can’t change people, but we can show them there are other ways to do things. #langchat
In reply to
@SraWilliams3, @SenorParodi, @mariacsmith
