#mschat Archive
A chat that offers middle school teachers a chance to have a collaborative discussion about a different topic each week. Our topics change from week to week, ranging from Common Core State Standards to Character Education. During the chat, participants exchanges ideas and resources. The chat group ranges in size each week from 10 to 50+ participants. Discussion can be general talking about instructional style or process to specific. Recently members of the chat group help each other create lessons.
Thursday February 4, 2016
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, starts now! Please introduce yourself.
We will be talking teacher and student reflection during our hour learning session. We will use the Q1 and A1 format.
Kirk from the Chicago Northshore, 6-8th grade teacher of double accelerated math of a flipped classroom.
good evening, - Michael from Columbus, OH - middle grades teacher. can't wait to with everyone!
Jennifer Elementary assistant principal. Bucks county pa. Hi eveyone!! Happy Thursday!!
Hi peeps! Marlena here in Nashville ready to chat about the best level of education - middle school! ππΎππΎβ¨π
Hello I am Katie a student at Grove City College
How's the week going Michael?
Travis from Bucks County PA. I am a middle school principal. Looking forward to seeing how everyone promotes reflection!
Remember the challenge was to bring a new friend. So please introduce your new friend you brought to the chat!
Welcome to the chat Katie!
Hello, Friend! So good to see you - having a good week?
Hello it's a bit early for us in the UK but scheduled a few tweets which will hopefully be helpful to the discussion on reflection.
Ah Nashville, one of my favorite cities!
Awesome week! ππΎβ¨ππΎπ
thanks Marlena!! Hope you had a great week!!
It has been a busy but fast week!
Hi Jennifer, glad you could make it tonight!
First question coming up in one minute!
thanks Travis! Hope you had a good week!!
Tracy counselor from Marine City MS Michigan
Our first few questions will focus on student reflection and what that may look like in your setting.
Dru from joining up and tweeting while running errands!! https://t.co/LAN0zRqZtp
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, starts now! Please introduce yourself.
Q1-What does student reflection look like in your classroom or school building?
Parent of middle schooler in CT checking out tonight's .
What a great perspective to get!
Angela Rembert 7th grade ELA
A1: Students have autonomy in what they do in my class.. able to reassess on any assessment. They also have input in report card.
Hi everyone! Ellen from NE Ohio
Hi Angela, we are glad you are able to join us!
What does that look like for their report card?
student reflection takes place during class meetings. I wish it were more impromptu sometimes... But an organized session works too
A1 Ss reflect on writing through written or oral defense of choices made. Also, Ss gauge own lrng via targets aligned to stndrds.
We report habits of success (follows directions, respects others, etc.) giving 1-4. Ss give themselves the scores.
a1: Ss reflect as often as possible - during class, mid class, end of class, advisory periods. That is where true learning happens
A1: My own professors stress the importance of reflection and in my field experiences I always reflect on what I've learned
students reflecting on their learning often requires some direct instruction on how to do so. Time well spent. Teaching advocacy!
A1:Hopefully Ss are using multiple formats(apps, blogging, etc.)2 reflect & more importantly share w/peers. https://t.co/FXIYcA0nOh
Q1-What does student reflection look like in your classroom or school building?
A1-in a former role we used reflection sheets for an extended learning program for growth and what Ss needed to be successful.
Definitely!! We started blogging last week!
That is awesome, I would love to see my kids blog about experiences they have.
So true! What an honor to guide Ss how the importance of reflection!
A1 Reflection comes in the form of electronic journaling & discussion prompts.Time is given to think about the lesson
Yes!!!! That's so awesome Angela!
has anyone ever used a symphony discussion for reflection? I've used them in 4th and 5th grade when I taught and they were amazing
Do you use a formal setup or allow freedom with the Ss for their writing?
a1: it is so amazing when they reflect and Ts learn that our perspective isn't how they viewed how a lesson went.
So true! What an honor to guide Ss how the importance of reflection! https://t.co/Gq5JkJWKP2
I want my outfit to be perfect for this concert in April
We sometimes have such a skewed view, if only we would stop, listen, listen then possibly respond.
Holds Ss accountable and gives them a chance to assess themselves objectively.
Our Ss have such depth as they journey through adolescence! What a story for them to share.
Both. Sometimes I give them an organizer for their thoughts & sometimes a free write
Nick Tutolo, Middle School Math, Pittsburgh, PA
Had a student tell me I wish adults would just stop talking at me and listen.
being open as a teacher is also important.
So true! And it's the Ss perception that becomes our reality as Ts. We have to adjust accordingly!
I love the topics of reflection, we have done so much great work from student portfolios reflections to PLPβs and SLCs
Good evening -- Dennis Schug -- Middle School Principal, Long Island, NY.
Randy checking in from just south of Nashville. Good evening all!
Exactly what is this? Is it similar to Socratic Seminars?
Another person from Nashville! Welcome!
Q2 How can we teach students to use reflection to grow as learners?
This is so true. Sometimes we just need to listen.
β¨Ok this chat just became super AWESOME b/c my pal Randy is here!
Hi Robb, glad you could make it!
Personal Learning Plans have been a great way to begin to show student growth in all areas and have it kept in one place.
A1: Student reflection is knowing where you started, where you are, & how you made the journey. That goes for academics and behavior
My daughter's school "sweats" something every week. This week they're sweating being learner-driven (and reflecting on report cards)
This is all apart of building capacity.
Ss make comments or ask questions based on their experiences with learning. Like a symphony, answers build on each other
A2 Honest dialogue may require that Ss revisit the work. Once there is an authentic audience, Ss are more conscious of efforts.
A2: by modeling it for them. When I think of my students, I think of how they need to see first hand why something matters to them
A2
We all learn better when we can reflect
Like self editing as a way to reflect on writing
Checking in for ! Love stumbling across new edchats :)
That is great, can you give us more details? I like the name!
A2: we can lead by example, show students we grow as teachers by reflecting
A2: By reflecting on your own teaching so that student can see the value in reflection
A2: We must show Ss how & share why, but more importantly we should model our reflection & share w/our Ss. https://t.co/YoMYf4pjwL
Q2 How can we teach students to use reflection to grow as learners?
a2: DON'T grade grammar, spelling, and the like - let them reflect without pressure of a 'grade'.
A2-Ss must first figure out how they learn. I didn't really figure this out until college. Starting the convo early is so important
I try to engage in reflection practices that I teach them as much as possible. Often times, Iβm doing it alongside.
A2) Provide time and guidance for reflection after tasks/assessments.
Yes, not everything needs a grade, kids will do things that they buy into and see value in!
love the idea of an authentic audience. That is so motivating for students!
I put that intro video just for you!
Well said! We all have a story to tell even our Ss & others can learn from their experiences.
That can really take stress off students and give them the space to reflect and grow!
This is so true. We spend so much time on content without hitting this basic concept. https://t.co/IzAWNVCdnS
A2-Ss must first figure out how they learn. I didn't really figure this out until college. Starting the convo early is so important
A2 Students can be focused on task completion- true growth comes from reflection
it's something they're working toward. They talk about it at the beginning of each week. Mentioned in weekly email to Ps.
A2-In my role we constantly problem solve and reflect on every aspect that may have landed them in my office
A2: Structure a successful reflection for Ss and the experience will create the buy-in
Question 3 is coming right up.
I really don't like when I watch Ts tell Ss they are 'reflecting wrong' or seeing Ss get a "C-" on a reflection
If we don't model reflection, all Ss may not see the "why" & opportunity to grow if it's not important to us!
A2-It must be something we believe in and value. We value it by listening to what they say and changing based on their needs!
Engaging in restorative circles has been a great way to both reflect and get at the root of the issues.
A2 reflection builds metacognition & Ss connect the new experience with prior It's the brains chance 2 organize
not for reflections. it needs to be a safe space where Ss can be honest w/ themselves without fear of being docked
Exactly! As explains, there much power & accountability in "not yet." Do this with writing. https://t.co/X6MoSHeiwy
a2: DON'T grade grammar, spelling, and the like - let them reflect without pressure of a 'grade'.
The hope is that sβs begin internalizing these processes so that they can become better people.
I constantly tell them stories that show my own reflection and how I would do things differently.
you can't do anything more important in a day than making a child and his/her thoughts feel valued
So true, we want them to have it as a tool in their bag to use when needed!
That really does hinder their own growth and they feel like they have to get the "right" answer
A2
Agree!!1 Grades gets students focused on grades- reflection can initiate a focus on learning
This is definitely something that we all need to embrace. Often this is what they remember. https://t.co/haTFn156ID
I constantly tell them stories that show my own reflection and how I would do things differently.
This also builds relationship w/Ss when we share. They realize Ts are human too & hopefully understand grit!
A2 Prior to my current position, I worked at a private school that requried modeling a mistake and how I overcame it in EVERY lesson
felt silly at first, but then eventually students opened up that dialogue themselves
So glad you joined in tonight!
Q3-How do you tie reflection into your classroom assessments?
A1. With student reflection, important 2 scale up efforts (not scale back) & offer multiple options
A1. With student reflection, important 2 scale up efforts (not scale back) & offer multiple options
We often have to make fun of ourselves and then that gets the ball rolling!
My fav part is the discussion after reflection
Finally home ready to check out
we are on Q3-How do you tie reflection into your classroom assessments?
Such rich convos afterwards! β¨ππΎ
a3: as mentioned, I don't - assessments reflect content knowledge - not behaviors. reflections show growth as a learner or person
make sure the reflection is tied to learning and not grading!! How can growth be made? What areas can be celebrated?
Assessments seem to be a blinding force for sβs. We need to move from talking on in terms of grades towards talking about learning.
As adults we want our successes pointed out and then areas we can continue to grow. It is great when it is validated!
Great quote...sums it up very well
A3: Ss & Ts should reflect after each assessment to understand where everyone is and reteaching needs. https://t.co/Ml7Sy2eKFF
Q3-How do you tie reflection into your classroom assessments?
Late arrival-Jamie-ms ss and careers teacher in rural WI
A3: Students compare their self assessments with their class summative assessments to see if they were accurate
A2 in my role Ss reflect on how their actions related to our 4 behavioral expectations: respectful, responsible, reliable & safe.
A3-I would often have them reflect before the assessment, one last chance to get that last bit of help if needed in a specific area
Yes! How do teachers facilitate this? What role do parents have in this? https://t.co/eAqTZYIJ5G
A2-Ss must first figure out how they learn. I didn't really figure this out until college. Starting the convo early is so important
Do you count as my friend I brought to the chat?
This is where the learning begins! Ss start finding the relevance!! https://t.co/T0ssCzD7cQ
A2 Students can be focused on task completion- true growth comes from reflection
A3
When papers are passed out give student times to communicate/reflect about response in pairs/groups
A3-during 1-1 student conferences. After writing assessments, Ss & I will reflect and conference together to make a plan for growth
A3: Students check their results versus their work habit charts to see if studying and working harder will improve their learning
love the idea of second chance learning!!! So important for reflection and growth.
A3: if the learning was an activity or project there is always a reflection. Informal or formal.
Before to build your PLN & follow these amazing chat participants!
Make sure to give a follow!
A3: Students can and should be allowed to reassess on any assessment to prove mastery or improve what they need to.
hi everyone sorry I'm late:) Jackie Hanlon - 8th grade LA teacher from NH!
Wow that's a great idea!!
Remember to build your PLN & follow these in the chat! ππΎ
Remember to build your PLN and follow those in the chat tonight.
The best way to get new perspectives and make learning bigger than what it is this second!
talking to Ss about what they love about learning. What excites them? Motivates them? Build from there with strategies
A3 Reflection is the heart of project/presentation assessments - first step is student self-reflection, to which I react as needed.
HELLO! how has your week (heck your month) been going?
A3 reflections are more formative. Gives Ss & Ts an opp to clear up misunderstandings, relieve test anxiety, build confidence
We give levels of proficiency. Levels 1 - 4... nothing but pure reporting of understanding of content.
Re-assessments have been a vital part in our learning process. Although, we have had to make better ways to show the process.
Reflection is a daily task. Use collaborative protocols to instill self/group stop, pause, reflect. A2
A3-Redo's and retakes, with reflection a huge part of growth!
A3: I have students write reflections about their learning from projects and demonstrations
Want to keep the middle school convo going?Join the Voxer group! Msg me your Voxer ID to be added! https://t.co/r4KHydxLZZ
Hi everyone, I'm Jim. I'm an AP in Pa.
Ss respond to investment...giving individual time to problem solve tgthr makes them as invested as I am in their learning
Hi Carol! So good to hear your voice in the chat!
Switching gears in question 4...Teacher reflection question coming up.
A3 Reflection incorporated into retake process. No need to do it over if we can't identify the disconnect. It's necessary 4 grwth
A3: Reflection before an assessment can be a great motivator. It reminds Ss how far they have come and can relax any jitters
a3: I have Ss reflect as part of asmnt &journals but also track ideas for extensions-where did u want to go that you didn't get to?
The students need to be able to realize where they are going wrong and determine how to improve in the future.
Q4-What does teacher reflection look like in your school building?
no better way to build upon student success than to invest in their continued growth
1/2 hour in and what great learning is happening. What a group!
Great point! Awesome strategy for Ss to regain composure & confidence before an assessment.
A3.1: A 2nd reflection after an assessment helps students see what they know, what they don't, and what they simply missed on a test
I love that last one, simply what I missed! Great approach!
A4 All teachers write a reflection in response to student evaluation. In my case, I also reflect frequently on the school blog.
One of the things that has been continually improving is our schoolβs ability to bring each other together and talk about successes.
A4: Collaborative and individual writing on processes.
A4: PLCs, team time, collaborative planning, participation in Twitter chats... https://t.co/OAANNSFUQ8
Q4-What does teacher reflection look like in your school building?
Yes. Learning how they learn will eliminate future frustrations & failures. It's a learning experience in itself.
Q4 Weekly CLT meetings, monthly district quadrant dept meetings
A4b Tons & tons of informal teacher reflection in my school, too - as in most schools, I would imagine. Internally/conversationally.
A4: Looking at data and thinking about how our instruction impacted our students learning
a4: T reflection is in a professional development portfolio at my school. Really is done to meet requirement- not authentic:(
A4 Great questions tonight-
Staff reflect on research and best practice as they evaluate their pedagogy
Our team takes 10+ minutes to write on our successes and challenges. We then spend the meeting responding to challenges.
A4-one area I spend a great deal of time doing on my drive to and from! I think about the decision and always how to improve
We have a good follow up to this first question and I can't wait to hear your response.
A4: It looks like there is not enough of it. Except for Evaluation process but that isn't timely enough.
A4: Monthly grade level meetings
allow more time for teacher reflection and growth at faculty meetings. Make those meetings time well spent. Captive audience use it
A4: At bi-weekly PLC meetings
That is an a great way to start a meeting!
A4: Discussions on teams about student behavior: What works and what doesn't
A4 T reflection needs to be encouraged. Especially prior to BLT & PLC meetings. Get your thoughts organized & ready to share
a4: best true reflection comes in collegial conversations & team mtgs. This is where we collaborate, document, plan & move fed
unless it all happens privately after teaching and the learning isn't shared well. I'm guilty of that.
At times informally.I try 2 connect w/ spec ed teach and co-teachers during the day to reflect &help drive instruction even 4 nxt pd
I've worked at schools where this doesn't work b/c the trust and relationships aren't there. need this culture first!
A4: We are given opportunities to further our own education and knowledge in our pedagogy in a gamification for tchrs.
I am fortunate enough to have an awesome co-teacher and a coach who really help in the reflection process.
A4 Qualitative data via Ss feedback & surveys are immensely beneficial! Also, action research process yields useful data 4 rflctn.
A4 collaborate with colleagues to take good idea and turn it into a great one
Collaboration is key and continuing to grow ideas no matter where they fall!
So important, that relationship is key!
Question 5 is coming alive in one minute!
We are starting to investigate this and begin planning badges around PD!
Q5-How do school leaders (admin/teachers/staff members) create time for reflection and hold that time sacred?
A4: all of our Ts give Ss anonymous surveys. Results shared w dir of curriculum & reflected upon as part of eval Very helpful :)
The relationships we have with each other are one of our most powerful reflective tools.
A5: Put it on a calendar that can't be changed! Once scheduled it will become a habit for all
this is an area of growth for me. I'm interested in all ideas here!
So important to be able to reflect with those you work closest with.
I know creating the time and holding it sacred when you get pulled in 100 million directions is always a challenge!
a5: it is hard. I try to take the first five minutes of my prep to look at the day's classes&reflect & document what worked & not
A5
Try changing faculty meetings from traditional to working sessions where staff collaborate and problem solve!
Our school changed our weekly meetings to create groups of people who could reflect and progress
A5: USE Staff meeting time to help model good reflective practices
Common planning times within departments = sacred times in our school
A5 Honestly, I think that's something my school could get better at, as well as we do in so many areas.
A5-We did speed dating last faculty meeting about a HW assignment I gave everyone. It allowed others to share with others quickly!
dialogue is so important to me for reflection. I process so much of what I do well/don't do well out loud with others Trust is key
A5 Having the same scheduled prep time as my co-teacher is helpful. When we reflect together, our teaching becomes more cohesive
A5-We are eliminating managerial items from faculty meetings. Read it in an email. Focus is on teaching, learning, and growing!
A5 Weekly grade level departmental mtg times at built in to schd; time protected all year. Admin drop in as support.
A5: Rethink routine mtgs (i.e. flipped faculty); incorporate reflection time in all mtgs; include in master. https://t.co/hpUAo7ZVNv
Q5-How do school leaders (admin/teachers/staff members) create time for reflection and hold that time sacred?
Yes, we have badges and can earn prizes like class coverage, iPads, etc.
Informal dialogue is where we learn the most.
I love the idea of class coverage!
Q5: end of year fac meetings. Small focus grps. Discuss topics/propose changes for next yr ex: discipline, dress code, field trips
so true. Have to find a way to quiet the storm to find time to reflect
Get the buy-in from everyone, shared decision making!
I put time on my calendar for specific things!
Absolutely! Fac loves ownership. An authentic reminder that our Ss do too!
A5 Time & venue Digital means allows for time to digest info conveniently Give Ts time & prompts 2 facilitate reflection b4 meetings
For iPad schools: I genuinely think you'd find our new tool useful. It has dedicated Reflection Stage. Vid: https://t.co/ZlXShx9ZkS
That has been a great change in my building too https://t.co/jQoLebgr7V
A5-We are eliminating managerial items from faculty meetings. Read it in an email. Focus is on teaching, learning, and growing!
Last question is coming up! This hour goes to fast!
A5: book studies and are helpful with reflection. As far as time, it's a commodity that can be traded away in an instant.
This is such a powerful push forward. We need to be mindful over everyoneβs time.
A4: Teacher reflection is often done well in pairs. It's good to have a sounding board.
Q6-What is your favorite approach to reflection with other staff members (we do it better together)?
I think that everyone should have their own time to process/ write, and then move together to talk about it.
A6: I like dissecting lessons with the other 6th grade science teacher: How did each part work for you vs me... What pit falls?
A6: Just share in conversation with staff! More open & transparent a leader can be the better! https://t.co/E2A2kl2Ztp
Q6-What is your favorite approach to reflection with other staff members (we do it better together)?
A5: respectful tasks (like we ask for our students) & no housekeeping. That can be done digitally. Love the idea of
A5: this isn't formal but it could be made formal-every time I learn about something new I start thinking about what or how I teach
Love the same content area discussions. So fun to game plan and Monday morning QB together!
A6 When we talk about instruction and observe each other we grow
A4.1: Also, reflecting with a partner is like working out with one. A partner gets you to do what you forget to/won't do on your own
A6-I enjoy the discussion that comes when I critique myself and then get advice from others!
A5: Digital reflection with blog or would be a fun way to voice concerns and cut the meetings shorter to respect our time
Agreed! This will enrich the conversations & outcomes of meetings https://t.co/3uwA2ohhod
I think that everyone should have their own time to process/ write, and then move together to talk about it.
relaxed atmosphere. No judgement Trust is present Allow each other the space to ask a question, listen to answers and grow together
Such a great tool that we must do and it must be focused!
A6 I reflect best w/progressive educators who are thoughtful and reflective themselves as well as good listeners.
A6: I like when we have to present something as a group- creative collaboration is the key to learning and engaging.
A6: Lean on each other. Discuss what worked with your shared kids... more importantly discuss what didn't work
A6 Like to place an article in Google Docs pose questions- share with staff for comments and ideas!
Such a great approach, gets others to open up in a comfortable arena!
I learn the most when someone disagrees with me. It broadens my perspective and allows me to decide how much I value my own opinion
Q6: Offering time /platforms for us 2 reflect with various cohorts: grade level teams, departments, extra-curric advisors, coaches
I am the same way, I like to have my views challenged!
A6 Organic dialog about Ss reactions, instr strategies, tech used, learning goals, etc.
A6 : Our staff is currently reflection on how we use Total Participation Techniques in our lessons
a6: book study blog was great for facilitating discussion and respecting our time. Worked great!
What a refreshing chat tonight! Awesome job moderating! ππΎβ¨
It is always a fun puzzle to solve, the what didn't work.Having the comfort to be able to monday morning QB is essential
Great point! Friction is a good thing!
β: A6 Organic dialog about Ss reactions, instr strategies, tech used, learning goals, etc. β Yes! Well said :)
Such an awesome group and the topic was awesome. Thank you for suggesting!
Thank you to everyone that contributed to the questions! Keep it going!
Thank you all. Keep on inspiring!
I would like this post twice if I could. Hit the nail on the head IMO.
We have a policy that disagree and discourse is great, as long as we all have student centered thinking
Wow love it! I want to make that a banner in my office! Might be my new door sign!
Thank you for a great learning and reflective session!
Thanks to everyone for participating. Make sure to grow your PLN and follow those in the group! Have a great weekend! Go Broncos!
Huge thank you to for handling the moderating duties tonight
Thanks Angela, it was great learning from you!
A6: We gather together in my office after school on Friday, everyone has a Mt. Dew, & we laugh/cry/learn as we reflect on our week
A6 A collegial atmosphere is built on connections Trust & respect promote sharing thoughts Attend 2 the culture 2 deepen reflection
