#COLchat Archive
Monday 9-10 p.m. EST. Building a Culture of Learning. "We invite all educators, parents, students and any member of a school community to join our mission of moving away from compliance to create and foster a true COL."
Monday February 8, 2016
Good evening and welcome to I am Co-Mod of this exciting chat that focuses on creating a Culture of Learning
Welcome to the best of
Please introduce yourself!
Rodney Hetherton
co-mod
Assistant Superintendent
MI
Hello all! Greg- 2nd grade, MD. Glad to be in the conversation again this evening.
Good evening, all! I'm Jodi. Middle school educator from Calgary.
Hey there, ! Robin here, instructional coach from Saskatchewan.
Hi all! Rhonda Luetje, Tech Support Teacher Dublin Ohio.
Dave - HS SS from Iowa joining - love being part of the Culture of Learning Club
Welcome to a best of https://t.co/BHNObcZWFf
Hello all! Greg- 2nd grade, MD. Glad to be in the conversation again this evening.
RKT here from the Swartz Creek Academy
Brad on international ed leadership sabbatical in Bangkok.
Walt, MS educator from Macomb, MI. Good evening, !
Hi I know it's been a while...I have missed you. In and out tonight. Papa has bedtime duty.
Welcome to a best of https://t.co/M2CSKfupkR
Hi I know it's been a while...I have missed you. In and out tonight. Papa has bedtime duty.
Steve from Urbandale, Iowa. Curriculum facilitator -ready to start my week on a high note
Welcome to a best of https://t.co/7o3xFASihD
Steve from Urbandale, Iowa. Curriculum facilitator -ready to start my week on a high note
I am Brian, director of awesomeness for tiny humans learning to deal with big humans here in NJ
I am Brian, director of awesomeness for tiny humans learning to deal with big humans here in NJ
Hi there . Connie Hamilton Curriculum Director/Questioning Consultant from Michigan.
Joining in for a brief time for my first time. Angela (ITS) from Atlanta
Welcome to a best of https://t.co/qlZrDS0NOv
Hi there . Connie Hamilton Curriculum Director/Questioning Consultant from Michigan.
Welcome to a best of https://t.co/N8kRwUFUcW
Joining in for a brief time for my first time. Angela (ITS) from Atlanta
Hi Papa....get multi-tasking. Nice to SE you Mike!
thanks, I haven't been around on a Monday in forever!
Q1 Why does a solid COL always start with positive relationships?
A1: Because positive relationships are the 'magical' key to a successful Culture of Learning
A1 Relationships build trust, trust builds risk, risk creates learning opportunities.
Hi, I'm Leslie, an international HS biology T in Mty, MX. raised me when I was a Twitter baby. Thanks! :) https://t.co/3oPK9Smceo
Lurking tonight because of how intriguing the "best of..." topic is! Hi everyone :) - Shirley
Welcome to a best of https://t.co/2ob7cbS0UV
Lurking tonight because of how intriguing the "best of..." topic is! Hi everyone :) - Shirley
A1 It's like the personal invites to a chat; I learn best when there's a relationship. Someone cares! I can do this!
A1: Learning together & pushing each other to be our best requires trust. Trust is built upon positive relationships.
Lurk away...or throw us a few zingers!
A1: Without relationships all learning is put in jeopardy. Relationships are the first step in the whole culture-building process.
A1: Should I get the Maslow out? If you are feeling low or negative, learning is not usually on your mind. Fight or flight.
A1 Positive relationships are the necessary foundation in a risk-taking classroom. Ts and Ss need to feel ready to amp it up.
A1: a good COL requires a willingness to take risks, both in teaching and learning - first you need trust
A1: hierarchy of needs. Relationships = feeling safe, valued, & respected. Impt foundations for an effective learning environment.
#1
https://t.co/a543V8XUEL
A1: Without relationships all learning is put in jeopardy. Relationships are the first step in the whole culture-building process.
It's my buddy! This is one of my favorite chats! There are so many brilliant people here! https://t.co/XvAYAPuZO4
Joining in for a brief time for my first time. Angela (ITS) from Atlanta
A1 "Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care." various authors (I think!)
A1 everything is about relationships. You miss that and you miss it all
A1 Building + relat°ships is key to bringing ⬇️ affective filter,making Ss + open to what Ts have to teach https://t.co/IGsiOWkfcg
Q1 Why does a solid COL always start with positive relationships?
A1 Real relationships lead to a culture where truth is heard, the question is celebrated, and we are advocates/allies for our kids
A1) everything begins with relationships. If we are not sharing our hearts, we won't get to meaningfully share our thoughts
As Maslov says...
https://t.co/ntqbhIIKsU
A1: Should I get the Maslow out? If you are feeling low or negative, learning is not usually on your mind. Fight or flight.
A1 COL starts with relationships because we are all social beings, (even if we don't want to be) good relationships open the door
KaBoom - pretty simple! https://t.co/2LI7g7I1Gx
A1 everything is about relationships. You miss that and you miss it all
yes! That safety, which enables risk-taking & freedom to make mistakes, is huge.
A1: Positive relationships = empathy which has to be at the heart of teaching and learning
A1/Ss (a) need 2 feel safe + that they can trust adults; (b) feel they have a stake in success of school community
A1: To learn is to FAIL then try again...have to have trusting relationships to get up and try again...
. I've seen you posting to so often, I wanted to join in, see what it's all about! 😊
honestly, students will learn what they don't care about if it comes from people who care about them
A1: Trust. Nothing can be accomplished without it. People become risk averse when they feel they aren't respected & supported
Teddy Roosevelt!
https://t.co/Rn7vhbgon9
A1 "Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care." various authors (I think!)
The more the merrier...relationship building.
so true - both for students AND teachers
It's all about building a culture of learning!I learn something new every week and get inspired every week! https://t.co/aGxcVqDxRS
. I've seen you posting to so often, I wanted to join in, see what it's all about! 😊
Indeed! https://t.co/kxJpIDVfa6
honestly, students will learn what they don't care about if it comes from people who care about them
my thoughts went straight to Maslow too. Those lower order needs are imperative!
Be the inspiration!
https://t.co/GQ1bWu3P4J
It's all about building a culture of learning!I learn something new every week and get inspired every week! https://t.co/aGxcVqDxRS
. I've seen you posting to so often, I wanted to join in, see what it's all about! 😊
SO agree w/this! Ss need to feel like Ts have their back if they try & fail, freedom to try again https://t.co/8NbNBLo2xP
A1 Positive relationships are the necessary foundation in a risk-taking classroom. Ts and Ss need to feel ready to amp it up.
Learning to fail is a difficult, but fundamental skill https://t.co/KCcqV8cwQZ
A1: To learn is to FAIL then try again...have to have trusting relationships to get up and try again...
Not sure I agree - I think if they don't care its more memorize for test/etc. Need connection
A3 Having a growth mindset is the same as having an internal locus of control- you realize you control your ability 2 learn & grow.
Great answer https://t.co/LBYu7ZTAlN
A1: Without relationships all learning is put in jeopardy. Relationships are the first step in the whole culture-building process.
Q2 In what ways can / have you positively deviated from the norm in order to impact learning?
care about the person is enough, my kids don't care about grades, I don't even tell them any
RT Q2 In what ways can / have you positively deviated from the norm in order to impact learning?
A1: Being both a sponge as well as laser-beam focused on long-range goals is usually winning combo.
A2 I stay positive and separate myself from negative or gossip. Helps me stay focused on learning.
RT Q2 In what ways can / have you positively deviated from the norm in order to impact learning?
A2: Gave students choices about how they want to for me - they choose their assessment format
A2 I deviate every Monday by including twitter in my C&I Memo to principals.
A2) I model doing what's right not what's easy for learners. Let the results to the talking. Nothing breeds support like succes
https://t.co/C6twTwUjVq
A2: Gave students choices about how they want to for me - they choose their assessment format
I'm not doubting that ur students are learning - I think they care abt the learning bc you care
👏 That's awesome! A no-grades classroom culture helps Ss to focus on learning
A2: Choosing the road less traveled. Focusing on relationships by not departmentalizing. We teach kids, not content!
. Many positive deviants see success when they move away from status quo!
A2 nothing about my class is normal, well not to someone who has never seen it.
A2 As a tech integration coach, it's okay that I still learn from Ts and even Ss! Learning rocks!
Agree Rod - promote Twitter as a professional learning tool when many peers see it as entertainment only https://t.co/2uv24GHztB
A2 I deviate every Monday by including twitter in my C&I Memo to principals.
Yes. Authentic choice is so important. Sometimes we make the mistake believing contrived choice is choice.
Abs true! I've convinced Ss who started Lvl1 bc they have to to go to AP bc they want to bc they know Icare https://t.co/0TxFP2p9lT
honestly, students will learn what they don't care about if it comes from people who care about them
A2 Every day starts with as clean a slate as possible. Care enough to believe good things are still to come.
PSU ensured that students at one HS were part of the interview process 4 hiring new principal. Ss must be involved at all levels!
sadly I still have to give them to their parents (working on that) but not to kids!
A2: Every space in our school and most of our practices are fair targets for improvement because we can ALWAYS do better!
A2 Long ago, I took teachers to a bar for our weekly faculty meeting. Beer tap labeled "agenda." Positive deviance ensued.
A2: I talk about my planning and teaching process w/my Ss - we collaborate on assessment & rubrics
Wish I was there... https://t.co/gzeoijHFaw
A2 Long ago, I took teachers to a bar for our weekly faculty meeting. Beer tap labeled "agenda." Positive deviance ensued.
A2 Educators reaching out beyond the box"We've always done it that way"...especially on grading practice: Retakes/Redos
Keep on trucking...we continue to pick up steam...some get off, some stay on!
status quo = mediocrity. This would force me to deviate.
Kids don't learn from teachers they don't like! https://t.co/LtehmnPWOn
Abs true! I've convinced Ss who started Lvl1 bc they have to to go to AP bc they want to bc they know Icare https://t.co/0TxFP2p9lT
honestly, students will learn what they don't care about if it comes from people who care about them
A2: bringing in creativity through influenced teaching. Bring in the unexpected> Create experiences not just teach lessons.
This should be the norm. All stakeholders should and need to be part of the process. https://t.co/Rg0co8scyi
PSU ensured that students at one HS were part of the interview process 4 hiring new principal. Ss must be involved at all levels!
A1: +ve relationships are required as you have to trust others to build a COL
Such a good point! Important to start fresh each day. New opportunity to learn and grow.
A2 we make things, make messes, kids share about themselves, try new things, screw them up and try again.
Redos / Retakes so important in changing the culture to one of mastery and growth!
https://t.co/cimim9yQCe
A2 Educators reaching out beyond the box"We've always done it that way"...especially on grading practice: Retakes/Redos
A2 Asking open-ended questions. A lot. Of everyone, Ss and Ts alike. What might be YOUR thinking? (resist giving answers)
seems like a really small number who are willing to invest time to learn via Twitter - maybe just my impression
When kids would miss my class they would ask for the work they missed. Response: you missed an experience! https://t.co/ZeWyPkwH7M
A2: bringing in creativity through influenced teaching. Bring in the unexpected> Create experiences not just teach lessons.
A2: implement standards-based grading to show that Ss matter. Seek to give the most meaningful assessment that I can.
A2 the most important positive deviation is that I start my classes with TRUST. I trust them 1st before I ask them to trust me
A2: I created a company based on learning. Total deviation. Felt there was more that i could impact than just my spec kids.
Yes...I think people need passionate models and we are lucky to have that in
A2 Ss all have different starting points in learning. Not all kids have to march down the same path. Messy, but worth it.
I've been trying to ascertain # or % of educators on Twitter. Guessing 1-2% https://t.co/Qq61ciVkQn
seems like a really small number who are willing to invest time to learn via Twitter - maybe just my impression
True - seems obvious at first, but many classrooms still based in traditional teaching, learning, and assessment.
Questions are so key - as adults, I think we forget that Qs are the surest way to answers!
Q3 Why is a growth mindset key to a COL? How have you empowered others to use a growth mindset?
sometimes that is enough, doesn't always have to be a topic they care about to get them into it
WOW - that is incredibly small...
Yes! What we do in class can't be put into a worksheet and sent home for absent Ss as homework!
Right?! Especially open ones that promote a growth mindset & reflection. Questions rock!
A2 Offering Final Exam exemptions for kids taking AP Test regardless of policy.
Great quote - but doesn't help the child.
Good evening ! Joining late. Mike, MS Principal in Pa
A3: Because a Fixed Mindset deters learning and a Growth Mindset fuels learning!
YES! Don't short-change the question part of learning. Questioning drives learning. https://t.co/1AyqJlEQkn
Questions are so key - as adults, I think we forget that Qs are the surest way to answers!
A3 Please see below... https://t.co/iD6FPELFI4
Right?! Especially open ones that promote a growth mindset & reflection. Questions rock!
Exactly! Make it relevant!
A3: If we don't believe we can learn and improve we won't. Must be willing to try, make mistakes, try again.
I always work on growth mindset, with kids, teachers, administrators, put out some great videos for kids about mindset
A3/Faculty & staff need to perform a growth mindset in front of & w/Ss. Young people need good role models!
a2) This year we are piloting a continual, year long grading period. no marking periods!
A3: always value PROCESS over PRODUCT - learning happens through experience, not assessment
Half of our 200 Ts r on about 25-30 are regulars...plus we have 8 building accounts for branding
A3: The fixed mind is the settled mind. The rested mind. The mind that's unwilling to bend or flex. It's stagnant and stubborn.
A3: GM is a must to the change in culture - believe in abilities and that gives us purpose - without that why try?
A3 is necessary for learning...THAT's what it is. If you're now learning, you're not growing: you're fixed
Yes! Actions speak louder than words. Have to model. https://t.co/Ob5YqRw8ID
A3/Faculty & staff need to perform a growth mindset in front of & w/Ss. Young people need good role models!
And it probably wasn't the child's choice.
A3 Differentiated learning is great - so long as we're not pigeonholding kids and holding them back in the process.
yes! Also communicates that we value the Ss enough to honour the fact that their learning is a work in progress.
A3: Learning doesn't have and endpoint. We always have the capacity for more. A growth mindset supports this reality. What about?
A3: Trying to show my awesome teachers that they are awesome and could teach the phonebook if they had to!
also need to give kids opportunities to see how it plays out, PBL and Engineering Design Process
A3 There's no COL if there's no growth mindset. Fixed mindset is is stuckin a rut syndrome. Nothing grows there.
A3 every day in the counseling office, I help Ss and parents see things from a growth mindset esp when disc SBG
Thank you! We are thinking through a Tug of War while reading Mr. Popper's Penguins. Leave a few comments? https://t.co/3DPVFIa7oF
I found my way to the Third Grade Exploring Ideas blog, great example of text based reasoning with your students! So inspired!
That's great! Twitter is such a powerful source to build PLN. https://t.co/H5VQQbiyiT
Half of our 200 Ts r on about 25-30 are regulars...plus we have 8 building accounts for branding
A3) provide opportunities for Ts to work and grow together. Teacher led PD is leadership growth for all.
A2: My senior Ss are all on SM and working on biology for an authentic audience: all of you + the world! It's the latest example.
model, and for little ones, explain your process, I made this mistake, so I did x to improve, now this works because.
A3 Growth mindset is just as learned as a fixed one. Relationships and trust help growth. We do important work.
depsends on the chat you are in... most of the chats i participate in are all educators.
Scaffolding success for all learners! https://t.co/oEYq0JzABr
A3) provide opportunities for Ts to work and grow together. Teacher led PD is leadership growth for all.
A3) reflective process is key. Always thinking how the experience shaped our thinking and what we would do differently next time
A3 Data shows low scores on DOK 2-3 tasks.
Growth: We know where to start. We have focus.
Fixed: "Our" kids can't do high level.
I agree! I think teachers learn so much more from each other than from a textbook... https://t.co/O8UpkcVX6B
A3) provide opportunities for Ts to work and grow together. Teacher led PD is leadership growth for all.
A3: Empower by inviting new ideas, challenging old thinking, promoting risk taking, recognizing effort.
Me too, but how many in your district actively do it?
A3: w/o GM, we'd peg Ss in a particular achievement level & expect them to stay there. Thus, teaching would be quite pointless.
Perfect example of the two mindsets...very realistic convos happening in schools! https://t.co/kbbqEoLhH3
A3 Data shows low scores on DOK 2-3 tasks.
Growth: We know where to start. We have focus.
Fixed: "Our" kids can't do high level.
Mike is getting ahead of himself with reflection...that is coming up in Q4. :-)
https://t.co/4BBjwdrh7j
A3) reflective process is key. Always thinking how the experience shaped our thinking and what we would do differently next time
Acta non Verba in The Latin Life Lesson - I concur with you Gwen https://t.co/b0TNjRQL6l
Yes! Actions speak louder than words. Have to model. https://t.co/Ob5YqRw8ID
A3/Faculty & staff need to perform a growth mindset in front of & w/Ss. Young people need good role models!
A3 Growth mindset is necessary or it jeopardizes classroom culture of learning. All Ss need to be expected to grow.
I think there are options beyond worksheets. Curious then, how do you get them the content?
I do'nt know where you are, but i would say there's close to 4 000 in my field. Twitter PLN is encouraged.
Empower the mindset!
https://t.co/NgaywAjzEr
A3: Empower by inviting new ideas, challenging old thinking, promoting risk taking, recognizing effort.
Q4 Feedback & reflection are essential to a COL. How do you use both to engage your learners?
Active use of Twitter is key. Lots of "egg" photos out there.
A3
The fixed mindset is a curse for students and adults- Encouarge-lead and promote a growth mindset!
Process > Product in a COL, for sure! :)
Get real. Get rid of the egg!
https://t.co/BEbB9zRGec
Active use of Twitter is key. Lots of "egg" photos out there.
RT Q4 Feedback & reflection are essential to a COL. How do you use both to engage your learners?
A4: Use feedback to help identify learning and skill gaps to focus on growth.
This is what I preach to my own children daily. I am most concerned w the learning. Need schools to support that too
For some. Are you searching general use? Many are specialised. Lots of French educators here.
Must be specific and intentional.
A4) this year I have focus on crowdsourcing peer review and feedback in addition to individual learner conferences
A3 Growth is important and remains the ultimate goal for all stakeholders. If given more of an opportunity, I can.
A4: Essential for Ss to take ownership of learning. Not just in self-reflection, but in goal-setting and feedback between peers.
A4: carving out time for BOTH - Ss will reflect if given the time, space and skills - we can model through providing feedback
I have a feeling my children will be getting a heavy dose of this, too. https://t.co/ZbDy7KLXWa
This is what I preach to my own children daily. I am most concerned w the learning. Need schools to support that too
A4 I talk to almost all of my students 1-1each day even if it just for a minute.They get my full attention,I give feedback & LISTEN
A4 We build criteria for success together. T models. Ss practice, T&Ss reflect. Then voila! Gradual release = success!
A4 I try to model by showing my own reflect° process + encourage Ss to use FB to reflect on their growth https://t.co/Jr7PXC4sHz
Q4 Feedback & reflection are essential to a COL. How do you use both to engage your learners?
It is hard for them when so much depends on their grades/numbers.
A4) HONEST feedback that is excepted as that will lead to growth.
A4: I ask targeted questions about their learning - I engender trust with one to one convos
A4: Inspire what they did right. Reflect on how their mind processes and adapt.
I often joke that I need a Twitter tutor but at least I've conquered the egg! Someday I'll figure it out! https://t.co/JC37mDsZdW
Get real. Get rid of the egg!
https://t.co/BEbB9zRGec
Active use of Twitter is key. Lots of "egg" photos out there.
yes, I try to reflect out loud so my kids know what that internal monologue sounds like (or just talking to myself)
Crowd sourcing peer review? Interesting.. Where from?
A4: With feedback, Ss know where they're at & how to improve. W/o this knowledge, how will they grow and why would they try?
With a growth mindset we strive to get better, don't worry about what we can't control, and encourage others on the journey!
Cheers, 'best of'. Off to tuck the best of my existence into bed.
Which requires a culture of trust
A4: Try to use reflection as the basis of self-assessment - set their own targets!
A4 I'm interested in overall #'s or % of ACTIVE K-12 educators.
I do the same! We talk process all the time - I encourage Ss to help me shift course
You rock! Kids want/need time even if it's just a few seconds of yours. Active listening. Growth!
Love the "encourage students to help me shift course".
https://t.co/6fBAekAZOJ
I do the same! We talk process all the time - I encourage Ss to help me shift course
A4: Feedback fuels reflection and reflection fuels feedback - cycle of improvement.
A4 Reflection and feedback are essential components to an effective T (and admin) evaluation system.
A4 Transparency. Let kids in on our thinking, and reflect as a class. Authentic and shared learning - Ts and Ss in community.
Q5 Resource share time: What are some of your favorite resources related to building a culture of learning?
its just what they need, so they get it. It isn't me doing anything spectacular, just quick talk, works wonders
A4 Challenge ourselves & our Ss to think about learning while learning how to think
But you do it. Some don't engage the same. Good for you!
I use it to promote - just don't see many using it - might be local thing.
It is ever changing...That's the fun!
Never heard of before, so cool! Thnx for sharing. Great way to take advantage of the twittersphere
A5: my favourite is my colleagues. I learn so much from watching them teach & seeing first-hand how they build a culture of learng
Model our thinking!
https://t.co/Hhq7xonsGM
A4 Transparency. Let kids in on our thinking, and reflect as a class. Authentic and shared learning - Ts and Ss in community.
A5: The best resource of all isn't available online, it's inside of you. :)
A5: my fav resources are free. Be open. Be present. Be willing to learn something new with the Ss. Be willing to discuss.
Your is a tremendous resource. Follow and connect with others!
A5 teach kids the skills of interpersonal communications, body language, body lean, shoulder turn, eye contact! Value/authenticity
A5 Yep, these Twitter chats are my best resource!
My resources require 1 hour of open-mindedness
As a parent...dancing around an answer spells trouble.
A5 the time I spend with my SI Team. More than data -Like family planning
A5 I shared some of Dweck's Mindset research. Applies to Ss, Ts, Ps, Admin.
Create a family environment!
https://t.co/6jwLhFjB5s
A5 the time I spend with my SI Team. More than data -Like family planning
A5 While not helpful or nec shareable, my best were those I created the night before (1/2) https://t.co/MBBoUPDNBC
Q5 Resource share time: What are some of your favorite resources related to building a culture of learning?
thanks, need to try to get more to engage, I am still looking for more ways to increase that time
friends...its been fun! Thx - Have a fabulous week all!
A5 That way I related content to Ss, what they needed, who they were, what they enjoyed. Made convo abt learning more personal(2/2)
It's Twitter...I only have 140 characters and I'm trying to be inspired by my and crew!
Q6 Time for Action! Name one COL component and how you will put it into action this week!
RT Q6 Time for Action! Name one COL component and how you will put it into action this week!
This week it has to be . Several projects that are only going to progress with a team effort. https://t.co/mCjgq56hau
Q6 Time for Action! Name one COL component and how you will put it into action this week!
A6: Need to do a better job of - self-assess my own growth or lack thereof.
A6: embrace the ideas of my Ss and add it into our reading/writing lesson.
A6: Tomorrow...I will focus on and
A6: AND via one to one writing conferences with all 50 of my sophomores!
Ken O’Connor, very late, lurking in
Glad to have helped using :) enjoy the time with your team!
Join us tomorrow at 8 EST for second monthly on “Supporting Assessment for Learning.
A6 Be what I want to see.
A6 as we work as a team at the Academy to inspire Ss to a
TY for joining tonight! Make sure to build your PLN w people that want to move away from a culture of compliance!
80% of the week remains.
Plenty of time to make a difference! MAKE it a GREAT week!
folks, keep the discussion alive over at ! Less than 3 minutes til we begin!
Thanks to & for co-moderating this chat each Monday from 9-10 p.m. EST
Thanks for making Monday great and
A1 ...because learning cannot occur without solid rapport and trust! https://t.co/MR9Nok6a8M
Q1 Why does a solid COL always start with positive relationships?
