#weirded Archive


Wednesday November 7, 2018
10:00 PM EST

  • MrsMurat Nov 7 @ 10:00 PM EST
    Students are combatting haters and trolls in DigCit class! https://t.co/LSEU5na9vQ #educoach #IDedchat #abedchat #educoach #mbedchat #ndedchat #WeirdEd
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:00 PM EST
    Welcome to #WeirdEd! Tonight we're talking reflection and observations
  • mrburkemath Nov 7 @ 10:01 PM EST
    Me too ... except it's my bedtime, lately. #WeirdEd
    In reply to @Sneffleupagus
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:01 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Like every other week, there's a blog to go along with the chat because it helps me think. Here's this week's. https://t.co/VsCKRWHouv
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:01 PM EST
    #WeirdEd
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:02 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Oh I see where your priorities lie
    In reply to @Sneffleupagus
  • AwesomeScience Nov 7 @ 10:03 PM EST
    #WeirdEd
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:03 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Before we start please introduce yourself and tell us if you can believe it's FREAKING NOVEMBER ALREADY WTF
  • mrburkemath Nov 7 @ 10:04 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Chris from Brooklyn, and I've been assigned to three schools already with a 4th coming Monday, so, yeah, it's November.
  • Sneffleupagus Nov 7 @ 10:04 PM EST
  • MissShuganah Nov 7 @ 10:04 PM EST
    @TheWeirdTeacher Who's aim is to help teachers improve. (Grammatical error in the blog post.) #weirded
  • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:04 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Yo! I'm here, Thomas Mision, Elem Edu, Minnesota. OMG, snow is here... AGH
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:05 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Don't say the s word
    In reply to @shadow_uzumaki
  • B_KOL Nov 7 @ 10:05 PM EST
    Hi #WeirdEd! Bri here. Thankful it’s November...longest year ever.
  • MissShuganah Nov 7 @ 10:05 PM EST
    Miss Shuganah from Chicago. Nudnik at large. #weirded
  • AwesomeScience Nov 7 @ 10:05 PM EST
    Michelle, SWFL HS Science, band/football season over ... Time to fit #weirded back in my schedule!
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • cjcrawcooper Nov 7 @ 10:05 PM EST
    Christi in Charleston. Wondering when fall temps will start. It’s November?#WeirdEd
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:06 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Probably. It happens
    In reply to @MissShuganah
  • Sneffleupagus Nov 7 @ 10:06 PM EST
    Shelby, MS Math. On the one hand I can't believe the school year is already in November. On the other hand, someone reminded me that Black Panther came out this past February. It's been a looooong year. #WeirdEd
  • dcrescitelli Nov 7 @ 10:06 PM EST
    Hiya! Dee in Kentucky... OMGEE has this year flown by! #WeirdEd
  • MrYennePaul Nov 7 @ 10:06 PM EST
    Hi #WeirdEd. The thought that Thanksgiving is two weeks away keeps hitting me and taking me by suprise. It just can’t be.
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:06 PM EST
    #WeirdEd
    In reply to @Sneffleupagus
  • TeachEarp_ Nov 7 @ 10:07 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Leah. First year. 5th grade, dual language. September lasted approximately 89 years. October lasted a week.
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:08 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Ok, let's get started. This week I think the questions will mostly stem from the ones I wrote in the post. I don't normally do that, but those hypotheticals will get some good answers from this group
  • Sneffleupagus Nov 7 @ 10:08 PM EST
    That too. #WeirdEd
    In reply to @MrYennePaul
  • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:08 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Too late, I've seen the S word. XD
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:08 PM EST
    #WeirdEd That continues until the last month, which is seven years long
    In reply to @TeachEarp_
  • B_KOL Nov 7 @ 10:08 PM EST
    We are expecting snow ⛄️ tomorrow night. #weirded
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher, @shadow_uzumaki
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:09 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Q1 Is it better to observe up or down in grade level? For example, if you teach 4th grade is it better to observe 5th or 3rd?
  • Sneffleupagus Nov 7 @ 10:09 PM EST
    *immediately plots to derail the chat* #WeirdEd
    • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:08 PM EST
      #WeirdEd Ok, let's get started. This week I think the questions will mostly stem from the ones I wrote in the post. I don't normally do that, but those hypotheticals will get some good answers from this group
  • AwesomeScience Nov 7 @ 10:09 PM EST
    I think I can, I think I can ..... #weirded
    In reply to @MrYennePaul
  • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:10 PM EST
    #WeirdEd
    In reply to @B_KOL, @TheWeirdTeacher
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:10 PM EST
    #WeirdEd It you https://t.co/Fkn8iQLUGk
    In reply to @Sneffleupagus
  • s_a_underhill Nov 7 @ 10:10 PM EST
    Hey! Stephanie from TN, working my way into MS Science. It's November? #weirded
  • Sneffleupagus Nov 7 @ 10:11 PM EST
    A1: I'm a fan of both. Particularly in math, I like to see what strategies they are using so I can connect it to what we do now, but I also want to see what's going to be expected of them. #WeirdEd
  • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:11 PM EST
    Also forgive me #WeirdEd I'm multi-tasking between #CallofCthulhu Horror tabletop RPG show on @Hyper_RPG and chattin' with y'all fine fellow edu-weirdos.
  • Sneffleupagus Nov 7 @ 10:11 PM EST
    #WeirdEd
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • dcrescitelli Nov 7 @ 10:12 PM EST
    A1: I really think it’s important to observe both up and down. I am not not picking one. 😛#WeirdEd
  • cjcrawcooper Nov 7 @ 10:12 PM EST
    A1: so high school is weird. I teach 4 different age groups but learn a lot talking to me Ts.#WeirdEd
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:12 PM EST
    #WeirdEd I agree, it's nice to see what's coming next and where they've been. But is there one that you think helps you more?
    In reply to @Sneffleupagus
  • AwesomeScience Nov 7 @ 10:12 PM EST
    A1 At HS, I don't think that grade level is as relevant. I like to observe outside my subject area. #WeirdEd Stealing/modifying other great ideas that are non-traditional for my subject helps me.
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • B_KOL Nov 7 @ 10:12 PM EST
    Maybe I’m weird, but I like observing in all different grade levels & disciplines. I teach 4-6, but I can get a lot out of observing a Kinder class #WeirdEd
  • MrYennePaul Nov 7 @ 10:13 PM EST
    A1: I don’t think either is inherently better and it really depends on the teacher you are observing. I come from a para background so I got to observe great teachers at all grade levels and I’ve stolen from all of them. #WeirdEd
  • SmithbackEmily Nov 7 @ 10:13 PM EST
    Hello! I am Emily from Wisconsin! I teach 8th grade spec ed! #WeirdEd
  • TeachEarp_ Nov 7 @ 10:13 PM EST
    Yes, me too! It's helpful to see where, in our curriculum, content is overlapped, extended, or reviewed. #WeirdEd
    In reply to @Sneffleupagus
  • cjcrawcooper Nov 7 @ 10:13 PM EST
    A1: also my chem nomenclature strategy is built on 1st grade learn to read strategies #WeirdEd
  • Sneffleupagus Nov 7 @ 10:13 PM EST
    Probably observing younger. I want making a lot of assumptions about what my students knew before I spent time learning from elem Ts. #WeirdEd
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:13 PM EST
    #WeirdEd A1 I, too, believe it's good to observe both up and down. I've seen lots of good things I can bring to my classroom, having field exp in both younger & older elementary. If nothing else, one can have a model for teacher behavior, if that makes sense?
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:14 PM EST
    #WeirdEd WEIRD?!?!? Here!?
    In reply to @B_KOL
  • B_KOL Nov 7 @ 10:14 PM EST
    Especially here. #weirded
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • SmithbackEmily Nov 7 @ 10:15 PM EST
    A1: I personally would like to start observing up in order to learn more about what will be expected of my 8th graders in high school so I can prepare them as best as possible! #WeirdEd
  • MrYennePaul Nov 7 @ 10:15 PM EST
    A1.5) But also, I’d love to observe up and visit a middle school. I haven’t had much opportunity to observe secondary and it would be great to see what I’m (theoretically) preparing my kids for. #WeirdEd
  • FullMetalHoyt Nov 7 @ 10:15 PM EST
    A1 I like observing up. At least in the sense that I can find target expectations or behaviors that I want to develop in my class. #weirded
  • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:15 PM EST
    #WeirdEd If I did, I'll give you all the S word, then watch in trepidation as you try to drive through several inches of snow, or nearly invisible icy roads....
    In reply to @edutinker, @TheWeirdTeacher
  • doodlinmunkyboy Nov 7 @ 10:15 PM EST
    #WeirdEd I love youse, but it was conferences tonight, and I need to not be a teacher human for a spell.
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:16 PM EST
    #WeirdEd As always, remember to talk to one another. The conversation isn't you to the Q.
  • teachingengr Nov 7 @ 10:16 PM EST
    #WeirdEd I hate grade levels and age-tracking in #school. Having said that, I'd say up for the mind and down for the heart. To bring more intellectual challenge to younger #students and more warmth to older students.
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:16 PM EST
    *if I can, but you get it. #WeirdEd LOL
    In reply to @edutinker, @TheWeirdTeacher
  • cjcrawcooper Nov 7 @ 10:16 PM EST
    So HS people, do you observe college classes? I haven’t but I do look at syllabus #WeirdEd
  • AwesomeScience Nov 7 @ 10:16 PM EST
    Can you share this? Headed into Chem nomenclature next week .. #ChemHNRS #WeirdEd #stealinggreatideas
    In reply to @cjcrawcooper
  • applesnpaint123 Nov 7 @ 10:17 PM EST
    Corinna from Cali here. I teach 2nd at a STEAM Elementary and I'm working on my Master's in Educational Technology. #WeirdEd
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:17 PM EST
    #WeirdEd A lot of you are saying either direction, which is interesting. So hopefully Q2 pushes us to a little more detail
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:17 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Q2 At what point, if any, does the gap become too large to be useful? Could a high school teacher mine things from a kinder teacher, and visa versa? If the answer to that is no, then at what point working backwards would the gap be effective?
  • s_a_underhill Nov 7 @ 10:17 PM EST
    Agreed. I like to observe up in my subject area for this reason, but variety of grades are good for new strategies and techniques #weirded
    In reply to @SmithbackEmily
  • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:17 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Yep, this is good. I love to go to other classrooms (though for me, all classrooms, not just up), and find behaviors and target expectations, and how they practice/implement
    In reply to @FullMetalHoyt
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:18 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Welcome to the party!
    In reply to @applesnpaint123
  • MrYennePaul Nov 7 @ 10:18 PM EST
    #WeirdEd
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • SmithbackEmily Nov 7 @ 10:18 PM EST
    I agree! Especially working with 8th grade spec ed students, I look to foreshadow expectations as much as possible so they have even the smallest ability to predict the new environment they will be going to! #WeirdEd
    In reply to @FullMetalHoyt
  • B_KOL Nov 7 @ 10:18 PM EST
    That’s interesting. I like when my school does their vertical articulationmeetigs and allow us to talk to the grade above & below to share info. #weirded
    In reply to @SmithbackEmily
  • msmusiced Nov 7 @ 10:18 PM EST
    Woah. It’s Wednesday and I’m home, guess I should check #WeirdEd!! Sorry I’m late. Miki, K-5 Music, IL
  • teachingengr Nov 7 @ 10:19 PM EST
    #WeirdEd wow, thanks. You just reminded me that the #student who just joined my #programming for #science #students course (in November) is a #music major. And all welcomed her warmly. Must make special use of the addition!
    In reply to @AwesomeScience, @TheWeirdTeacher
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:19 PM EST
    #WeirdEd I like those meetings too, especially when we get the chance to get detailed in "When they get to me I want X from them" and the other grade goes, "We're trying man." then we work together.
    In reply to @B_KOL, @SmithbackEmily
  • AwesomeScience Nov 7 @ 10:19 PM EST
    A2 I have "stolen" lots of great ideas from elementary and used in both middle and high. Also, reverse engineered HS lessons for elementary science club. #weirded Learn from all ages, and not just in the classroom.
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:20 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Oh god, if it's anything like Philippines, then I shudder....
    In reply to @edutinker, @TheWeirdTeacher
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:20 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Well played, Mr Bond
    In reply to @MrYennePaul
  • B_KOL Nov 7 @ 10:20 PM EST
    Cake? #weirded Welcome! :)
    In reply to @msmusiced
  • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:20 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Heyyy! Haven't interacted with you in awhile!
    In reply to @msmusiced
  • SmithbackEmily Nov 7 @ 10:21 PM EST
    Our school does something similar through the PLC process! I get to meet with 6th-8th grade spec ed teachers 3x a week which helps me learn more about our students! #WeirdEd
    In reply to @B_KOL
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:21 PM EST
    #WeirdEd
    • wakeupandtech Nov 7 @ 10:21 PM EST
      I think it is better to observe up to understand the expectations of the following year, but I also think there is value in where there students came from. I would choose up though because I want to know where to take my students. 👍🏻🤩🤓
      In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • teachingengr Nov 7 @ 10:22 PM EST
    Maybe, then, I can feel ok that it took me 6 weekly classes to build a team that helps each other #vrg, asks such questions even if they seem off topic, and feels comfortable telling me what they need in order to #learn better. #WeirdEd
    In reply to @DavidKButlerUoA
  • FullMetalHoyt Nov 7 @ 10:22 PM EST
    #weirded A2 I think the most useful stuff is probably only a couple grades up or down. Much more past 2 years and it’s diminishing returns. E.g. A MS teacher could pull lots of ideas from a 9th grade class, but the 9th grade teacher might only get 1 or 2 ideas from 3rd grade.
  • B_KOL Nov 7 @ 10:22 PM EST
    Yes. We found out most teachers wanted a certain math skill but it was missing or lacking from our curriculum. Nice when those were willing to work together. #weirded
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher, @SmithbackEmily
  • MrYennePaul Nov 7 @ 10:22 PM EST
    A2: It depends on what you’re observing for. Right now, as a first year teacher I’m looking for a lot of things that are relavant across grade levels like teacher talk time, class structure and general process, not specific academic concepts. #WeirdEd
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:22 PM EST
    #WeirdEd This is the kind of detailed answer I was looking for
    • FullMetalHoyt Nov 7 @ 10:22 PM EST
      #weirded A2 I think the most useful stuff is probably only a couple grades up or down. Much more past 2 years and it’s diminishing returns. E.g. A MS teacher could pull lots of ideas from a 9th grade class, but the 9th grade teacher might only get 1 or 2 ideas from 3rd grade.
  • dcrescitelli Nov 7 @ 10:23 PM EST
    A2: If you want to be reminded of the absolute JOY with which kids can approach mathematics, observe pre-K and K classrooms. SO much autonomy and agency... and fun! No matter your grade level- you will learn something. #WeirdEd
  • msmusiced Nov 7 @ 10:23 PM EST
    A2: For me, the ‘gap’ is ‘access’ more than skills. My kinders might have the same lesson plans as a fourth grade music class. Depends on what the teacher has. #WeirdEd
  • applesnpaint123 Nov 7 @ 10:23 PM EST
    A1: A grade below will show me what and how my kids learned in the previous grade, I can get some engagement strategies, routines and such. Observing up a grade level helps to see what will be expected. Benefits for both for sure! #WeirdEd
  • MrYennePaul Nov 7 @ 10:24 PM EST
    Frustrating that 90%* of available gifs are of new Q. #WeirdEd *number pulled out of rear end
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:24 PM EST
    #WeirdEd I'm curious tho, does teacher talk time, for example, change depending on the grade? For example, kinders can't read (to start at least), so you HAVE to talk more. Right?
    In reply to @MrYennePaul
  • TeachEarp_ Nov 7 @ 10:24 PM EST
    #WeirdEd A2 My immediate thought is, yes, there could be a gap that is too big... but it's because of inherent structure of the day, not necessarily content that's taught or the developmental level of the Ss. HS/middle school kids rotate rooms/teachers throughout the day... 1/2
    • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:17 PM EST
      #WeirdEd Q2 At what point, if any, does the gap become too large to be useful? Could a high school teacher mine things from a kinder teacher, and visa versa? If the answer to that is no, then at what point working backwards would the gap be effective?
  • TeachEarp_ Nov 7 @ 10:24 PM EST
    ...while *most* primary kids stay with one teacher the whole day. That requires a different pacing and instructional style that wouldn't necessarily be transferable as kids move up...yes? #WeirdEd 2/2
  • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:24 PM EST
    #WeirdEd A2 I think there's some benefit in observing classrooms even with a wide gap. It can help put things in perspective, as well as add context to discover where students are heading or where students are coming from, but I'm not sure if there's a treasure trove to swim thru
  • DianneG76233094 Nov 7 @ 10:25 PM EST
    #WeirdEd I am not sure how much I can gain from a high school teacher as I teach kindergarten. I collaborate often with the fifth and sixth grade teachers in my school, though a lot of what they do is beyond me. I feel like they glean more from me.
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • Sneffleupagus Nov 7 @ 10:25 PM EST
    A2: I'd be interested in observing a kinder class, but I don't know how much I'd be able to bring back to my 8th graders. #WeirdEd
  • B_KOL Nov 7 @ 10:25 PM EST
    I wish we got to meet that often. Generally gain a lot of useful information. #weirded
    In reply to @SmithbackEmily
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:25 PM EST
    #WeirdEd I think this is especially true when people talk about relationship building. It's SO much easier for me, who has kids all day long every day, than a teacher who sees kids for 45 minutes a day. I've got more time, more chances.
    In reply to @TeachEarp_
  • MrYennePaul Nov 7 @ 10:26 PM EST
    Yes, but, they are masterful at limiting the volume of talk at a time. No speeches, quick and necessary talk followed by interaction and partner talk. I struggle when I feel like I’m “on a roll” at stopping and letting them interact. #WeirdEd
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • dcrescitelli Nov 7 @ 10:26 PM EST
    I think that if what we are observing is mathematics instruction, I disagree with you. I think 3rd grade can inform 9th quite a bit (and vice versatile). #WeirdEd
    In reply to @FullMetalHoyt
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:27 PM EST
    #WeirdEd I think some of that ends up being more of a "general appreciation of what everyone is doing" thing than a specific skills thing. I think a lot of *cough* people on here wouldn't trash teachers as much if they saw a wide range of you know teaching.
    In reply to @Sneffleupagus
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:27 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Awesome point
    In reply to @MrYennePaul
  • SmithbackEmily Nov 7 @ 10:28 PM EST
    We meet for about 30 minutes a meeting, but they are very busy as we just rolled out a new spec ed model- It is nice to be able to collaborate about students with teachers who have created relationships with them already or brainstorm new strats #WeirdEd
    In reply to @B_KOL
  • MrYennePaul Nov 7 @ 10:28 PM EST
    And fewer kids. #WeirdEd
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher, @TeachEarp_
  • dcrescitelli Nov 7 @ 10:29 PM EST
    Not necessarily more talking... a lot of kindergarten is kids DOING stuff... more of school all the way up should be kids DOING stuff and talking about it! #WeirdEd
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher, @MrYennePaul
  • DavidKButlerUoA Nov 7 @ 10:29 PM EST
    A2: I always learn so much about pedagogy and teacher talk moves and organising discussions from teachers all the way back to pre-school. I’m a HS/University teacher. So maybe the backwards gap can be as big as you want. #WeirdEd
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:29 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Ok, Q3 is super long in the blog so let's see if it fits in a tweet...
  • MrYennePaul Nov 7 @ 10:30 PM EST
    Especially if you have kids that have gaps going back to those grade level skills #WeirdEd
    In reply to @dcrescitelli, @FullMetalHoyt
  • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:30 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Ooh, I know this struggle. I'm always on a roll, too many times.... Shoulda gone to acting.
    In reply to @MrYennePaul, @TheWeirdTeacher
  • FullMetalHoyt Nov 7 @ 10:31 PM EST
    Interesting. I’ll have to give math some more thought, maybe I’m overlooking some good idea. #weirded
    In reply to @dcrescitelli
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:31 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Q3 Even with the ability to see your bias, are there some rooms or teaching types that you simply would not get much out of?
  • TeachEarp_ Nov 7 @ 10:31 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Exactly. I get to expereience a whole day with my kids, watch their moods and emotions flux (as they do, because they're tiny humans). We get to take an extra 10 min on a math lesson because we're so *in* it & not worry about having to get them to the next period.
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:31 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Ex for Q3 ie, if you are a hyper-organized 4th grade T and you come into my room, would that be more or less effective for you than coming into a room taught by a T who aligns closer to your own style?
  • Sneffleupagus Nov 7 @ 10:32 PM EST
    I have so much respect for early ed and elem teachers. I do not possess that level of structure and self-control. #WeirdEd
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:32 PM EST
    #WeirdEd I will say this, too. I feel like my teaching style is partially influenced by ALL of the teachers I've observed/had throughout my life, growing up. Whether good or bad, dunno. But it is there...
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:32 PM EST
    #WeirdEd My class would CONSTANTLY be late for the next period. I would get in trouble in middle/high school
    In reply to @TeachEarp_
  • MissShuganah Nov 7 @ 10:32 PM EST
    A3 Gym class. #weirded
  • MissShuganah Nov 7 @ 10:34 PM EST
    A3 Teaching types... Anyone who reminds me of my elementary school teachers. 60 years old and I still reflect on both my 1st and 4th grade teachers. #weirded
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:34 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Me neither. *checks grade I teach* ohcrap
    In reply to @Sneffleupagus
  • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:34 PM EST
    #WeirdEd A3 I dunno, personally, I so want to absorb everything from teachers and classroom I'm in, that I don't think there's much. Though, if it's a classroom so authoritarian, so teacher-centric, I just learn how far I shouldn't go....
  • dcrescitelli Nov 7 @ 10:34 PM EST
    Multiplicative and proportional reasoning have their foundations in the important work of third grade. Algebra teachers would recognize it... and could really help with building conceptual understanding in HS students! #WeirdEd
    In reply to @FullMetalHoyt
  • MrYennePaul Nov 7 @ 10:34 PM EST
    A3: I learned as much as a para by being in classrooms and seeing how I didn’t want to do things as I did seeing teachers do things I wanted to emulate. You may not get practical, “you can do this tomorrow” tools, but you can learn something. #WeirdEd
  • AwesomeScience Nov 7 @ 10:34 PM EST
    A3 I think I get different resources/ideas from people who are more different than me/my style,and other types of thoughts/ideas (perhaps not as revelatory) from teachers/subjects more like mine. Benefits to both #WeirdEd
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • cjcrawcooper Nov 7 @ 10:35 PM EST
    #WeirdEd A3: If I never observed organized teacher, I fear I would have no organizatin at all
  • SmithbackEmily Nov 7 @ 10:35 PM EST
    A3: Seeing multiple teaching styles can only help/inform your practice. It helps you reflect on changes you want to make and let go of things that you thought were "so important to do." You can't try what you don't know! #weirded
  • MissShuganah Nov 7 @ 10:35 PM EST
    A3 If a teacher is a stereotypically neurotic individual, that would irritate the hell out of me. I am neurotic enough on my own. #weirded
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:35 PM EST
    #WeirdEd I say it a lot, but negative examples are still examples.
    In reply to @shadow_uzumaki
  • Sneffleupagus Nov 7 @ 10:35 PM EST
    I absolutely don't want to observe a classroom where the only time students speak is simply reciting answers. #WeirdEd
  • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:36 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Frankenstein's Monstrous Teaching Style? Mish-mash of various teaching tech/practices from many different influences? XD
    • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:34 PM EST
      #WeirdEd A3 I dunno, personally, I so want to absorb everything from teachers and classroom I'm in, that I don't think there's much. Though, if it's a classroom so authoritarian, so teacher-centric, I just learn how far I shouldn't go....
  • B_KOL Nov 7 @ 10:36 PM EST
    That’s a really good point. You find out what you are willing or not willing to do. #weirded
    In reply to @shadow_uzumaki
  • MissShuganah Nov 7 @ 10:36 PM EST
    A3 I have a strong bias against teachers who put down their students like my first grade teacher did. #weirded
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:36 PM EST
    #WeirdEd I think this is a righteous answer that points out how my question wasn't clear enough. The GOALS of your observation would inform allllll of the reasons you'd go somewhere. Great call
    • JenAnsbach Nov 7 @ 10:35 PM EST
      I think it would depend on what I wanted to see. How to keep the craft supplies organized? Maybe not. How to use flexible groupings or conferencing or how to just let things GO… maybe. :)
      In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • msmusiced Nov 7 @ 10:37 PM EST
    A3: I struggle with teachers who are ‘soft spoken.’ I always find myself having to do double the classroom management when I’m with a class whose teacher is ‘soft spoken.’ #WeirdEd
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:37 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Ok, but what an adorable cat gif. That kitty could tell me no for anything and I'd be ok with it
    In reply to @Sneffleupagus
  • cjcrawcooper Nov 7 @ 10:37 PM EST
    A3: I flip and it suits my teaching style well, when i see teacher not flip I am reminded why I do. (not in a judgy way but in a what suits me better way) #WeirdEd
  • AwesomeScience Nov 7 @ 10:37 PM EST
    Because I teach 5 different subjects at HS, I LOVE it when I get the chance to see my students more than once in a day. OR if I see them more than one year in different classes. Gives me such a great opportunity to get to know them better. #WeirdEd
    In reply to @TeachEarp_, @TheWeirdTeacher
  • SmithbackEmily Nov 7 @ 10:37 PM EST
    I love being able to bounce around classrooms as a spec ed teacher and observe all the different ways my colleagues come up with to teach the same concept! Very informative and many good ideas to try! #WeirdEd
    In reply to @MrYennePaul
  • FullMetalHoyt Nov 7 @ 10:37 PM EST
    #weirded A3 I found myself constantly in awe of teachers who ran a very organized and “regimented” class. Mostly because it’s the polar opposite of me. I wouldn’t say there’s *nothing* to get from that teacher, but it would be difficult for me to glean applicable ideas.
  • FullMetalHoyt Nov 7 @ 10:37 PM EST
    At least without having to workshop it first. I try to play to my strengths instead of force myself into something I’m not. #weirded
  • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:38 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Yes, especially when I start falling back into my experience in growing up in an authoritarian environment/culture, there's this "I'm right, this'll work" blinders that shoot up. Remembering examples, concrete ones, help a LOT.
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • applesnpaint123 Nov 7 @ 10:38 PM EST
    A2: I don't think it should be common practice to observe several grade levels from your own but every once in awhile wouldn't hurt. Some think, my kids can't do that! But, if a 6th grade teacher saw a K class in action then they can get it done too! #WeirdEd
  • dcrescitelli Nov 7 @ 10:38 PM EST
    I go to gym class and point out all the cool math they are doing— some P.E. teachers like that... some of them think I’m nuts! #WeirdEd
    In reply to @MissShuganah
  • MissShuganah Nov 7 @ 10:38 PM EST
    A3 Teachers should never criticize a student behind their backs. Furthermore teachers should not complain to their students about the fact that their birthday was ruined by an event like Pearl Harbor. #weirded
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:38 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Interesting. I would have thought it would be the other way, a real strong hand teacher's class would require more. Specialist observations are super helpful
    In reply to @msmusiced
  • MrYennePaul Nov 7 @ 10:39 PM EST
    But isn’t that what all teaching styles are? A beautiful mix of stolen ideas from colleagues and mentors, memories of what you loved from your teachers when you were a student, your own magic ideas. Minus the things you saw and vowed never to emulate. #WeirdEd
    In reply to @shadow_uzumaki
  • mrkevinparr Nov 7 @ 10:39 PM EST
    A3: Too much stuff on the walls. #weirded
  • B_KOL Nov 7 @ 10:39 PM EST
    I try to also focus on the learning that’s taking place instead of what the teacher is doing. #weirded
    In reply to @MissShuganah
  • B_KOL Nov 7 @ 10:40 PM EST
    Look at how the environment helps or hinders learning. #weirded
    In reply to @MissShuganah
  • MissShuganah Nov 7 @ 10:40 PM EST
    Hmmm. Interesting perspective. I doubt I'd think you were nuts, but I suspect that I might still have a reaction. Not sure. Depends on how it's done. #weirded
    In reply to @dcrescitelli
  • MrYennePaul Nov 7 @ 10:40 PM EST
    I miss that so much. The classroom is so much lonelier than being someone who floated around the building. I love a classroom community, but I miss feeling the heartbeat of the whole school and watching all my fabulous colleagues...#WeirdEd
    In reply to @SmithbackEmily
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:41 PM EST
    #WeirdEd It's better to see something different to get a wide view so you know as much as possible, but is that actually better for my practice? Wouldn't it be easier, and therefore easier to implement in my classroom, if I watched someone who was closer to my own style?
  • msmusiced Nov 7 @ 10:41 PM EST
    Nah- the soft spoken ones have the worst behaviors in their classes bc the kids walk all over them and don’t follow through if you need to discipline further. The teachers with a strong hand have classes that get stuff done and actually follow through if you need it. #weirded
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:41 PM EST
    #WeirdEd A3 Also, observing Ts that r different from one's own teaching (w/o detriment to Ss) can help inform any gaps of knowledge/areas to work on for self. @TheWeirdTeacher had that example in his related blog, abt the station rotation, now he has a model to modify, rebuild
  • SmithbackEmily Nov 7 @ 10:43 PM EST
    I so agree! I love being able to be involved and being able to watch ALL the learning that’s going on! It’s amazing to watch! #WeirdEd
    In reply to @MrYennePaul
  • KristinaBarabas Nov 7 @ 10:43 PM EST
    A3- my classroom is definitely most often organized and structured chaos and yet I still enjoy seeing very different styles if I can steal something from them #WeirdEd
  • AwesomeScience Nov 7 @ 10:43 PM EST
    No, because I think we can end up stagnated. Our styles need to be constantly evolving. If you stop learning/growing/changing you die. #WeirdEd
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • msmusiced Nov 7 @ 10:43 PM EST
    I usually connect and learn more from people who teach like myself. It stresses me out to observe people who are the opposite because it feels more like a ‘critique’ or ‘guilt’ #weirded
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:43 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Yep, though sometimes filtered through one's own "voice," some have that "controlled chaos" thing going on, while others are more organized, etc. etc.
    In reply to @MrYennePaul
  • MissShuganah Nov 7 @ 10:43 PM EST
    Good night #weirded folks.
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:44 PM EST
    #WeirdEd
    • cjcrawcooper Nov 7 @ 10:43 PM EST
      I think the different style forces me to reflect on my own style and justify how what I do helps and does not help students. The same style observation help get me ideas to implement (so not really answering your question)
      In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • DianneG76233094 Nov 7 @ 10:44 PM EST
    I agree that other teachers and school experiences influence what you bring into the classroom. What you do will influence others, either as a wish, a "do", or a "will not do". #WeirdEd
    In reply to @MrYennePaul, @shadow_uzumaki
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:44 PM EST
    #WeirdEd It's totally an answer. Beside, the Qs are more guidelines than actual questions
    In reply to @cjcrawcooper
  • KristinaBarabas Nov 7 @ 10:44 PM EST
    But do you think you can be soft spoked but control the room with a good set of rules, schedule and structure? #weirded
    In reply to @msmusiced, @TheWeirdTeacher
  • teachingengr Nov 7 @ 10:45 PM EST
    #WeirdEd No, anything you implement you'll do in your own style, so it'll be easy for you. But variety of new material will only come from people different from you. Such observation will be harder to do and to translate, but worth it
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • applesnpaint123 Nov 7 @ 10:45 PM EST
    A3: I'm definitely more interested in observing a class where 21st century learning is in full swing! Desks in rows, teacher talking, kids just listening, paper pencil only...yeah no thanks! Crazy on fire engaging teacher, kids discussing, organized chaos...sign me up! #WeirdEd
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:45 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Here comes another Q!
  • MrYennePaul Nov 7 @ 10:46 PM EST
    I think it comes down to two things: purpose for observation and who you are as a learner. #WeirdEd
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • AwesomeScience Nov 7 @ 10:46 PM EST
    I guess what I mean by this is that nobody is perfect. We can all get better at what we do. Sometimes we don't know what we don't know, & we need to step outside our comfort zone to shake things up & radically change the dynamics of our teaching to be able to get better. #WeirdEd
    • AwesomeScience Nov 7 @ 10:43 PM EST
      No, because I think we can end up stagnated. Our styles need to be constantly evolving. If you stop learning/growing/changing you die. #WeirdEd
      In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:46 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Q4 Do you think career presenters of PD should be expected to spend x amount of time in public school classrooms both teaching and observing?
  • msmusiced Nov 7 @ 10:47 PM EST
    I have never met a soft spoken teacher that has followed through on their own rules when faced with conflict. So, I don’t know. Not trying to be mean, I just have never seen it. #weirded
    In reply to @KristinaBarabas, @TheWeirdTeacher
  • MrYennePaul Nov 7 @ 10:47 PM EST
    Or just become that grumpy teacher who should have retired a few years ago and no one wants to observe anyway. #WeirdEd
    In reply to @AwesomeScience, @TheWeirdTeacher
  • Sneffleupagus Nov 7 @ 10:47 PM EST
    Yes. Next question. #WeirdEd
    • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:46 PM EST
      #WeirdEd Q4 Do you think career presenters of PD should be expected to spend x amount of time in public school classrooms both teaching and observing?
  • s_a_underhill Nov 7 @ 10:47 PM EST
    A3: I can appreciate a different style of teaching but some things aren't realistic for my classroom. I don't gather much from controlled chaos because it's not me personally. #weirded
  • Sneffleupagus Nov 7 @ 10:48 PM EST
    See also: school board members. #WeirdEd
  • KristinaBarabas Nov 7 @ 10:48 PM EST
    A4 I don’t have the perfect number for x but someone talking to me about theory with little or no practice is a total turn off #WeirdEd
  • teachingengr Nov 7 @ 10:49 PM EST
    @TheWeirdTeacher All of a sudden, looking back, I realize that without exception, my weird #teachers, so few of them, were my best. Just saying. #WeirdEd
  • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:49 PM EST
    #WeirdEd A4 My final mentor T was director of Teaching & Instruction for awhile. Had awesome stuff, but disconnect between her and her admins & the Ts led to really bad implementation. She returned to teaching (when I student taught) & felt bad abt the disconnect, so Yes.
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:49 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Or a huge gap between practice and current time
    In reply to @KristinaBarabas
  • knikole Nov 7 @ 10:49 PM EST
    A4 Depends on what you need. If you’re looking to impact the lives of students and teachers based on theory, no. #WeirdEd
  • B_KOL Nov 7 @ 10:49 PM EST
    YES!!! When is the last time someone had a school board member in their classroom? #weirded
  • cjcrawcooper Nov 7 @ 10:49 PM EST
    #WeirdEd A4: yes and have some knowledge of grade level
  • TeachEarp_ Nov 7 @ 10:49 PM EST
    #WeirdEd A4 Yes. I'm sure I trust anybody who hasn't spent a substantial amount of time in the classroom.
    • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:46 PM EST
      #WeirdEd Q4 Do you think career presenters of PD should be expected to spend x amount of time in public school classrooms both teaching and observing?
  • msmusiced Nov 7 @ 10:49 PM EST
    A4: Dude, I’d be happy if I had PD presenters that offered solutions to our dilemmas instead of reading PowerPoint slides at this point. #WeirdEd
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:50 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Like if you're bringing latest theory to a group of teachers?
    In reply to @knikole
  • KristinaBarabas Nov 7 @ 10:50 PM EST
    No I don’t think that’s mean... I think it may just be left to how you interpret soft spoken... you definitely have to be appropriately firm when classroom management is concerned #weirded
    In reply to @msmusiced, @TheWeirdTeacher
  • MrYennePaul Nov 7 @ 10:50 PM EST
    A4: No #WeirdEd
  • MrYennePaul Nov 7 @ 10:51 PM EST
    @shadow_uzumaki found a fun gif looking for “sarcasm”. Seems up your alley... #WeirdEd
  • B_KOL Nov 7 @ 10:51 PM EST
    Having someone read aloud to you is the worst. That’s usually when I walk. #weirded
    In reply to @msmusiced
  • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:52 PM EST
    #WeirdEd And this isn't a knock against her, her planning & integration of multiple subject areas for instruction was awesome to behold, & it wasn't all her fault (lots of other stuff happened), but again, the disconnect away from classroom has negative effect.
    • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:49 PM EST
      #WeirdEd A4 My final mentor T was director of Teaching & Instruction for awhile. Had awesome stuff, but disconnect between her and her admins & the Ts led to really bad implementation. She returned to teaching (when I student taught) & felt bad abt the disconnect, so Yes.
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:52 PM EST
    #WeirdEd One more! Q5 Is it better to observe or be observed in order to improve your practice, assuming the conversation afterwards is open, honest, goal-driven, and reflective.
  • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:52 PM EST
    HA! #WeirdEd Speakin' my language!
    In reply to @MrYennePaul
  • knikole Nov 7 @ 10:52 PM EST
    If you don’t have experience, all of your PD is theory. I don’t want to take a chance on students with theory. I prefer to learn from those who rolled up their sleeves nd did the work in classrooms with students. #WeirdEd
  • MrYennePaul Nov 7 @ 10:52 PM EST
    I get some of my best Twitter reading done during those PDs. #WeirdEd
    In reply to @B_KOL, @msmusiced
  • AwesomeScience Nov 7 @ 10:52 PM EST
    A4 I think the longer people are out of the classroom the less relevant their "advice" is. Career PD should substitute (to help with the shortage and remember what it is like in the trenches). Same goes for admin. In my first school every admin taught one period a day. #WeirdEd
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • KristinaBarabas Nov 7 @ 10:53 PM EST
    When you run these off on the mimeograph you are going to want enough for each pupil #weirded
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • msmusiced Nov 7 @ 10:54 PM EST
    Kinda hard when all of the admin are there and it’s in an auditorium of all elementary teachers. Who are also antsy bc we were a hostile audience for 2 hours with no breaks. There was a complaint written in our union monitor about it. #weirded
    In reply to @B_KOL
  • KristinaBarabas Nov 7 @ 10:54 PM EST
    A5 When you trust the person observing you it can be very helpful but I’m more inspired by observing #WeirdEd
  • B_KOL Nov 7 @ 10:54 PM EST
    Again, for me it comes down to signal and battery life. #weirded
    In reply to @MrYennePaul, @msmusiced
  • applesnpaint123 Nov 7 @ 10:55 PM EST
    Q4: YES! PD presenters should be expected to obserce, and shadow I might add, a teacher in their class for a full day. That might help give perspective the next time they think we have time for x, y, and z. #WeirdEd
  • Sneffleupagus Nov 7 @ 10:55 PM EST
    A5: I want to be observed and get feedback I can actually use. I might think I'm rockin it up there, and miss how the lesson is just not connecting with some Ss. Give me something I can use! #WeirdEd
  • FullMetalHoyt Nov 7 @ 10:55 PM EST
    A5 Be observed, hands down. It’s helpful to watch other teachers and observe, but I’d rather have someone else be able to see what I do, get ideas for me and hopefully point out some blind spots. #weirded
  • MrYennePaul Nov 7 @ 10:56 PM EST
    A5: At this point early in my career, I crave observation of me, and the reflection afterwards. I could see it shifting to observing others once I feel like I have a solid foundation of my own. I love both, regardless. #WeirdEd
  • knikole Nov 7 @ 10:56 PM EST
    A5 I require both. I want to see best practices but I also need open & honest feedback on my practice. It’s the only way for me to improve. #WeirdEd
    • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:52 PM EST
      #WeirdEd One more! Q5 Is it better to observe or be observed in order to improve your practice, assuming the conversation afterwards is open, honest, goal-driven, and reflective.
  • msmusiced Nov 7 @ 10:56 PM EST
    A5: I am so tired of being observed. I’d rather be the observer. #WeirdEd
  • B_KOL Nov 7 @ 10:57 PM EST
    Oh, that no longer stops me. 😈 #weirded
    In reply to @msmusiced
  • shadow_uzumaki Nov 7 @ 10:57 PM EST
    #WeirdEd A5 I would want both. And it'd be good if the T you observe can also observe you. Could work in many ways, Observe a T first, then see if u can implement ideas u liked from them, the T can observe u & reflect. I like both, tbh. ANYTHING to further my practice & improve
  • KristinaBarabas Nov 7 @ 10:57 PM EST
    I get anxiety about being observed no matter what... it hasn’t gone away yet lol #weirded
    In reply to @MrYennePaul
  • MrYennePaul Nov 7 @ 10:58 PM EST
    Or maybe you feel like you tanked it and need someone on the outside pointing out the things you did well that you would overlook in your disappointment. #WeirdEd
    In reply to @Sneffleupagus
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:58 PM EST
    #WeirdEd I think I'd like the observing someone else t sandwich between being observed and reflecting. Like be observed, find weakness, observe someone else good at it, be observed trying to implement new thing.
    In reply to @knikole
  • Sneffleupagus Nov 7 @ 10:58 PM EST
    I'm tired of useless observations. #WeirdEd
    In reply to @msmusiced
  • AwesomeScience Nov 7 @ 10:58 PM EST
    A5 I think watching a video of yourself in action is awkwardly revelatory! I tend to learn most from watching others but need to check myself as well by seeing myself on video. We are not the best auditors of our own classroom behaviors while in the act of teaching #WeirdEd
    In reply to @TheWeirdTeacher
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:58 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Me too. Trying hard to make them worth having.
    In reply to @Sneffleupagus, @msmusiced
  • dcrescitelli Nov 7 @ 10:59 PM EST
    Especially when you can get specific feedback, right? Having another set of ears and eyes to see what students are doing and then having time to discuss next steps! #weirded
    In reply to @Sneffleupagus
  • TheWeirdTeacher - Moderator Nov 7 @ 10:59 PM EST
    #WeirdEd Yep, just thinking back is not enough. Gotta see it. Need proof
    In reply to @AwesomeScience
  • MrYennePaul Nov 7 @ 10:59 PM EST
    My district has an awesome peer coaching model that me and my former cooperating teacher, @MsAprilKenyon, are doing together and we get to do this very thing next week! #WeirdEd
    In reply to @shadow_uzumaki, @MsAprilKenyon