Hello everyone can you believe it is Monday night again already? That means time for #formativechat Going to be a great chat as always. Joining in from Pittsburgh
10 Characteristics of a Highly Effective Learning Environment, from @TeachThought ! We love the focus on making learning more relevant to learners! Join us at #formativechat in 3hrs to discuss them!
Hosts: @Rdene915@davidwkwan
Howdy #formativechat! Lauren from NY, currently on leave from teaching 6th grade English to write a book about integrating #SEL into academic learning.
A1- We use podcasting. The ss were responsible to create their show notes & ?'s. They had to check in with me and their ts. Once they were good they were able to record. I think this was successful bc their audience was outside of the 4 walls and the ss owenership #formativechat
A1: Work on our part to make lessons interesting and question worthy. Find ways to open topics up to spark curiosity. Hard to ask questions when you aren’t engaged. #formativechat
A1 - Coaching plays a large role. If students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts with a teacher, they are open to encouragement and direction from that teacher. Give them some space to let them make a decision on what they want to study and follow up! #formativechat
A1 We can help students ask good questions by offering prompts, posting their examples, having them mark each other’s questions they find compelling, and having them respond to each other’s questions with more questions. We can build these routines into every unit. #formativechat
This is such an awesome activity on so many levels! Student creation within a real-world context! A great way to consider questions in the context of different audiences! #formativechat
A1- We use podcasting. The ss were responsible to create their show notes & ?'s. They had to check in with me and their ts. Once they were good they were able to record. I think this was successful bc their audience was outside of the 4 walls and the ss owenership #formativechat
#formativechat It is so important to give them challenging experience that provoke questioning- then make sure to give them time to try and answer them themselves - teach them how to teach themselves problem-solving strategies and give them opportunities to use them
A1 - Building relationships with Ss. Greet them, talk to them about their interested, helped them feel welcomed and valued, so that when it comes time to ask questions there is a greater chance for risk taking and focus on the learning process. #formativechat
A1: Work on our part to make lessons interesting and question worthy. Find ways to open topics up to spark curiosity. Hard to ask questions when you aren’t engaged. #formativechat
I love this. It is a way to flip instruction back onto the student without it being obvious. It creates that sense ownership as well that is invaluable. #formativechat
A1 ss need practice and opportunities to ask Qs in an authentic way. I’ve love using book clubs to help teach questioning. Depending on age, ss have learned to answer Qs instead of asking them we need to change the classroom dynamic #formativechat
A1: anything with bubble forms or a blue book essay seems pretty traditional. I prefer rubrics for #PBL or more creative demonstrations of mastery and open-ended ?s that require higher order thought than memorized info for multiple choice #formativechat
A1 This is EXACTLY what I've been working on! I think modeling great Qs means transforming students' Qs into even better ones, not providing our own. Using TQEs allow me to let students guide our study/discussion. NO "study questions!" #formativechathttps://t.co/I15Rs7ygkx
A1 Make an anchor chart of Question stems!? Talk abouit what they mean and how to ue them. Discuss why they are stronger than other options. #formativechat
Agreed! It's important to consider how much info we are asking them to process, allow them to focus on skills and generating questions based on quality content! #formativechat
A1 #formativechat I love having the closure of a lab not being a collaborative lab sheet- but independent 1-2 minute podcasts- this lets them reflect and answer their own questions about the results/conclusion
A1: I find posing open questions causes them to ask their own good questions to refine their thinking & then an occasional prompt to guide #formativechat
A1 - Building relationships with Ss. Greet them, talk to them about their interested, helped them feel welcomed and valued, so that when it comes time to ask questions there is a greater chance for risk taking and focus on the learning process. #formativechat
A1 For anyone who teaches grades 4-8...I wrote a piece for @ASCD@ELmagazine September issue discussing how to get conversation flowing during the first days of school. Used Nike ads around Greatness from Olympics. Meaningful talk. #formativechat
#formativechat a1 There are a number of great #games to practice and develop questions so that ss are thinking more broadly and/or deeply. More choice is more learning
#games4ed
Everyone’s saying sentence stems- YES so so true. They really help students focus their answers and ask the right questions - especially ESL students #formativechat
A1: We can teach Ss to ask great questions by modelling, by encouraging their natural curiosities and by openly valuing the idea that questions don't need to always have easy answers. #formativechat
A1: I find posing open questions causes them to ask their own good questions to refine their thinking & then an occasional prompt to guide #formativechat
A1: Another way to have Ss ask questions is the type of lesson you have: student directed with project-based feel - it will have the T as the facilitator and the Ss asking the questions. #formativechat#bestconvosever
It's how we start everyday we're studying a text! They hit EVERY topic my old study questions covered but this way THEY get the practice of discovery; I'm not pointing it out! It's great and so easy! #formativechat
A1 By assisting the Ss when the ask questions and helping them to ramp up the questions. Asking follow up questions to move them in the right direction. Great questions lead to great conversations. #formativechat
A1a. Also teaching that we ask different kinds of questions depending on what we are seeking to learn not all questions start with a “w” word #formativechat
I just read #hackingmathematics the author suggested a "wonder wall" A place for students to post their questions. Haven't done it myself but good idea #formativechat
If the Ss don't believe in you and your desire to help them through the learning process ... not sure how much modeling would help. Have to take a risk for great deeper questions, fell comfortable, and celebrate mistakes. #formativechat
A1 - Building relationships with Ss. Greet them, talk to them about their interested, helped them feel welcomed and valued, so that when it comes time to ask questions there is a greater chance for risk taking and focus on the learning process. #formativechat
Yes! There is benefit to allowing the struggle to help them reform, revise, and review their thinking. So many times we teachers jump in before the struggle-where the actual learning happens #formativechat
A1: Create an environment of growth mindset where students are comfortable to ask questions, student centered inquiry based activities where questions are natural and purposeful, and ensure that students listen to one another, and build off of each others thoughts #formativechat
A2: My entire classroom is completely transparent to both parents and students. They have access to my planbook, google classroom, basically everything I have. #formativechat
A2 For each assignment, give students a DESCRIPTION of what they’ll create, EXPECTATIONS so they know what “excellence” means, MODELS so they see what excellence looks like, STRATEGIES for making & revising, and TIME in class to reach the expected level of quality. #formativechat
A1: Provide provocations to stimulate student interest in inquiry. Children are naturally curious...let’s not squash that passion! Passion breads curiosity, which often breeds inquiry and questioning. #formativechat
A2 - Be as aware as you can be of your students and their mentalities. It you see a negative shift, then there may be something out of balance and then you can start tracing back to what created this change. It takes some work but simply paying attention help. #formativechat
Sometimes I copy Bloom's Taxonomy wheel and give it to the students. I tell them to try to stay within the bottom 3 pieces of the wheel. Other times, I give them a list of example question starters that use the same words. It varies depending on the students. #formativechat
A2 I provide 1 pt rubric topics ahead of time and show students my goals for their year. I also ask them, we compare, and discuss any which don't match. If I'm missing some of their goals, I do all I can to incorporate them! #formativechat
A2: 1. Limit your criteria to 2-3 good ones. 2. Ensure you are explicitly showing kids examples and non-examples of the criteria. 3. Mini lessons that unpack and show pathways for each criteria. Criteria in itself isn’t a silver bullet. Kids still need a map. #formativechat
A2. The best way is to have clear, attainable standards is to have transparency in the room. Clear posted goals, steps to get to them and clear rewards for achieving them (even if the reward isnt tangible like personal growth) #formativechat
A2- Having ongoing check in's with ss!
This Google Form helps me to look back at data and to allow me to ensure I have check in with each student.
https://t.co/al0Gfbltjw#formativechat
A2: One way to balance what is done in the classroom and also make it transparent for Ss is to have no secrets. Why not give them the final essay question for the test and have them explore it as they learn? #formativechat
It does take time and thought, but I try to get around to every student every hour and that helps to "check the oil" in my classroom and understand if what we are doing is working. If not, change it to make it work better. #formativechat
Planning becomes minimal which means more time and energy to let them do the work. So often we struggle with HOW to "let the students do the heavy lifting so they can grow," and this is one way I do that! When you have time, there are examples and easy how to's! #formativechat
A2: For writing assessments, I like using consistent rubrics. Ss quickly learn what success looks like. I include the rubric in the Google Doc template in Google Classroom so Ss can see it. #formativechat
It’s not out yet. Coming online end of August. Here’s another one I did that talks about 2 questions to use to get kids asking their own questions. Might need ascd membership to read. https://t.co/GjKpUk90m9#formativechat
Agreed, but being careful that they actually understand and know what the goals mean. My DD told me not loo long ago that she had been copying SWBAT's for years without knowing what it meant or what she has supposed to do with it. #formativechat
Allowing Ss to struggle is key. I find many of us in ELA do work for the Ss: we read aloud so much and we direct Ss to answer the questions we pose. It can get easy for Ss not to need to learn or not to want to learn. #formativechat
#formativechat Differentiation of process-stations, menus & debates & product -makerspace, skit, podcast or stop motion video. The more options you provide the more balanced the classroom -choice is key. Transparency comes from keeping students involved in the planning process
A2 I start each new unit by giving ss a rubric for the task this way they know exactly what is expected and how to level up their learning. I even give formative feedback based on the rubric criteria along the way outlining ways to improve #formativechat
A2: Seek the input of students! Make sure criteria is fair and meaningful to them. If possible allow them to create aspects of it with you. #formativechat
A2: Have students discuss the goal with you. Make sure they understand the goal before moving forward. Ensure the directions are clearly understood and can be restated to you in other words. #formativechat
A2 - I think this goes back to relationships as well. Make sure students know outcomes and make plans to help students reach their goals and meet outcomes. Supply various ways to communicate both online and offline. #formativechat
A2: We can ensure that success criteria are balanced, fair and transparent by engaging student voice in the co-construction of these. Guiding students through the process - modelling samples, examining learning goals etc. #formativechat
A2: transparent-make expectations clear up front with a rubric/scale they can understand, Balanced-make sure you’re differentiating to provide multiple points for entry and options demonstrating the skills #formativechat
A1. I find if the students are engaged in the topic and you’ve established an environment for questioning and not spoon feeding, you can sit in a conversation with them and help guide them to asking the right question(s). Diving deeper! #formativechat
A1 I share the objectives for each unit in Ss friendly "I can" statements. I refer to them all the time, and make sure my end of unit assessments hit all of them. #formativechat
A2: Use kid friendly rubrics. I like to teach students to self-assess before turning in work. Also, Involve stunts in goal setting and revisiting goals throughout the year to track progress and set new goals. Last, TRUST! BUILD THOSE RELATIONSHIPS #formativechat
Yes! Restarting and rephrasing is such an overlooked strategy. Never assume that just because it’s on a piece of chart paper kids understand it. #formativechat
A2: Have students discuss the goal with you. Make sure they understand the goal before moving forward. Ensure the directions are clearly understood and can be restated to you in other words. #formativechat
A2 #formativechat In all my years of teaching- the most important skill I have learned- stepping aside and listening to what my students want- what they think will be cool to do- the best lessons are created with their input
A1 We can help students ask good questions by offering prompts, posting their examples, having them mark each other’s questions they find compelling, and having them respond to each other’s questions with more questions. We can build these routines into every unit. #formativechat
A2: I also am constantly seeking FEEDBACK from my students either via surveys or through conversation regarding pace, content, sequence of my lessons. What can I improve for next years class #formativechat
Yes, I love rubrics that are created with students so they know the purpose and expectations. Then, they are able to use them to self-asses which is so important in developing independent learners. #formativechat
A3 I want my Ss to have a #growthmindset. I work hard to reinforce it with reflection and feedback. I want them to be "gritty" and stick with their learning in the struggle. #formativechat
A3 - I want my students to have the habit of following up on their questions, no matter what the content. Too many times do we see students state a question and just throw up hands when they have to look it up. That would be my main goal. #formativechat
A3 - I achieve this (hopefully) by creating lessons where students have inquire to know the answers and not just do a simple route project. It takes a lot of time to set up but it is worth it. #formativechat
#formativechat Differentiation of process-stations, menus & debates & product -makerspace, skit, podcast or stop motion video. The more options you provide the more balanced the classroom -choice is key. Transparency comes from keeping students involved in the planning process
A3 I want my Ss to have a #growthmindset. I work hard to reinforce it with reflection and feedback. I want them to be "gritty" and stick with their learning in the struggle. #formativechat
A3 I want my students to connect their schoolwork to what matters—to them personally and in the world. Here’s how I EMPOWER them to do that: https://t.co/gJkpGucobu 😊
#formativechat
A3 I want them to stop asking permission to do their best and I want them to revise until they reach their best or go beyond it. They are so capable and many don;t have the confidence yet to see their best through. #formativechat
A3: I want my students to be persistent and to look at mistakes as opportunities for growth. I want them to push themselves past where they feel comfortable. I can help them attain grit and a love for growth by creating a classroom that celebrates difficulty. #formativechat
A2 I provide 1 pt rubric topics ahead of time and show students my goals for their year. I also ask them, we compare, and discuss any which don't match. If I'm missing some of their goals, I do all I can to incorporate them! #formativechat
right, we need to make sure, not just assume that they understand, be sure to start with everyone on a similar level of understanding of goals #formativechat
#formativechat Rubrics are essential I think- letting students create them is cool too- they really take ownership when they decide how to check for progress
A3:
Skills I want Ss to have:
* Thinking Outside the Box
* Perseverance
* Growth Mindset
* Life-long Learner
* Positive Community Contributor
How I can help them get there:
* Project-based learning
* Choices
* Giving them a voice
* Modeling those skills daily
#formativechat
A3: Flexible thinkers. Risk takers. Empathetic learners. I teach math almost exclusively through problem solving. My classroom is flexible - no assigned seats and no rows of desks. I respect my students the same way I would the adults in my building. #formativechat
A3 No matter what happens in their lives, I want them to be adaptable, open minded and engaged in learning that is important to them. In this regard, I have to outperform their phones, tablets and video games and engage them with hands on #formativechat
A2. The best way is to have clear, attainable standards is to have transparency in the room. Clear posted goals, steps to get to them and clear rewards for achieving them (even if the reward isnt tangible like personal growth) #formativechat
A3 I want my students to connect their schoolwork to what matters—to them personally and in the world. Here’s how I EMPOWER them to do that: https://t.co/gJkpGucobu 😊
#formativechat
Joining late...WiFi and signal not so good here in the Northern Wisconsin. I want them to be prepared when they come to class so we can proceed. I use in-class flip and regular flip class. It works pretty well. #formativechat
A3 I want them to not be afraid to fail, to take changes, to voice their opinions. I help them by encouraging and modeling those behaviors. #formativechat
I found when I gave them the timed essay question six weeks before the actual test and brought it up often, they were looking for “clues” as we read. #formativechat
#formativechat An open-mind and mindful vision of trying new things. Stepping out of their comfort zone. Not having specific directions but a clear goal and having to decide the best strategy to reach it. Taking risks and discovering new “crazy” solutions and innovative designs
A2 At the start of each unit, I had students tear apart the standards with me so they could help me write the rubrics and scales as we built the unit with the end in mind. I had buy in from the vast majority and Ss felt heard and in charge of their learning #formativechat
A3: I'd love if it Ss valued learning and their education for their ability to make us the best version of ourselves - to be able to love and care for ourselves, others, and our planet. I'd love it if they learn to fight injustice & stand up for the vulnerable #formativechat
Yes. I agree. I have mine keep it on their desk or split their screen so that they have it on their mind. A bookmark helps because it doesn't take up too much space on their desk. #formativechat
A3 - I want them to have the hard & soft skills necessary to continue to grow through out their lives. I want them to love learning, be critical & creative thinkers, & have a growth https://t.co/5dNNyxgsXB way is to be a lead learner and be better in classroom. #formativechat
also, this encourages you to create Q's, prompts, challenges that allow students to engage in higher DOK levels and consider their approach more than then one a final answer. #formativechat
A3: I want my Ss to be inquisitive and to identify as readers. This can drive other skills. To do this, I give choice independent reading time daily. #formativechathttps://t.co/l5Acj1u5kh
A3 #formativechat Of course- being ok with collisions- the class motto- welcoming turbulence- buckling up and expecting bumpy journey- it’s more fun when it’s a bit stormy but knowing a safe landing is up ahead- the ups n downs become exciting
A3: Have goals to be their personal best. All students are different, and "gifted" in their own ways. I want students to be self-aware, and learn strategies that are best for them. I want students to have a growth mindset, use feedback, become life-long learners #formativechat
A3 I want them to be able to process info, think critically, collaborate, focus on process not product, take risks and embrace failures #growthmindset and I can create student driven opps for learning #pbl#geniushour#formativechat
A1: I teach my students Bloom's taxonomy at the higher level. Then, we do group challenges where they create questions. Some even end up on assessments, so kids find value in it. Plus they love to 1Up each other. #formativechat
Self-awareness is key, learning to tune in to their strengths, areas to grow on, how to set goals, prob solve and collab are so important #formativechat
A3: (cont.) To do this, embrace different learning styles and modalities, offer choice to students for assessment and assignments, give constructive feedback and help students recognize the difference between praise and feedback #formativechat
A3 #formativechat I specifically leave out steps or I remove all the tape, staplers etc to force them to think outside the box- problem-solve. Set high expectations- reinforce independence and growth and they will struggle willingly for the sheer discovery factor
#formativechat a3 If ss know their clarifiers, their explorers, their reflectors, then they have a habit toolbix of questions to play around with and habit starts there.
Thank you everyone for an AMAZING #formativechat ! We loved hearing from everyone and all the different approaches people are using to create a great learning environment for Ss! #inspiring
I can’t believe it! I looked up at the top of my computer and it’s 8:01! How did that happen? I’m still reading answers and having such fun! Have a great week and keep inspiring yourself and others to learn! #formativechat
Special thanks to @Rdene915 for hosting each week alongside @davidwkwan ! We are honored that you are such a big part of what makes #formativechat awesome!
A3 I want my students to be able to find the desire to to learn, I want students to be able to connect their current situation to their future #formativechat
Nice chat tonight. Don't forget to join me for #peat - it makes kids grow (passionate, engaging, authentic teaching ) on August 6th 12 to 1230 pm EST. I will simultaneously be keynoting on the same topic! #formativechat
A1: There are some great resources out there to teach questioning skills. Alberta Education has the Asking Powerful Questions lesson plans and classroom videos. Awesome resources! https://t.co/kU8hf9kY1k#formativechat#abed
A3: I want students to grow to understand themselves as learners - strengths, areas of growth, how they work best. So self-assessment, goal setting, self-monitoring, executive functioning. I love new @UDL_Center site for this! https://t.co/cF2ad1uHw2#formativechat
It is easy to use - make a copy of it and you’ll have editable features - you can share it with Ss and they can work on it collaboratively #formativechat
The ultimate purpose of #UDL is to help all learners develop into EXPERT LEARNERS who set their own learning goals and monitor their progress via @BrookesPubCo@UDL_Center#formativechat#abed
A3 As a history teacher, I truly emphasize that my students think critically and question all sides of every event, document, situation! To never take it for what it appears to be or what others say it is but to form their own opinions based on personal research! #formativechat
