#LearnLAP occurs on Mondays starting at 7pm Central Time. Guest moderators and participants discuss topics from author Paul Solarz's book Learn Like a PIRATE.
Phil from Northern Virginia signing in! I teach 7th Grade US History II and am the founder of #waledchat which meets on Thursdays at 9pm ET! Thrilled to be here! #learnlap
A1 To me learning isn't just taking in information. It is synthesizing it and being able to do something with it, like carrying it to a different situation and using it. #LearnLAP
A1: Give a man a fish he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats the rest of his life. Learning means you have practiced and are equipped with key skills and you are not just memorizing and forgetting from unit to unit. #learnlap
A1 Learning is about skill development. Even academic content learning is ultimately about skill development. It’s not what you know, but what you can DO with what you know #learnlap
A1. The ability to interpret and generalize the information into your life. The ability to learn about something such as a proper social skill will forever changed the way you approach life #learnlap
A1 To learn means to see something in a different, and more understood way Learning is the process of growing from your knowledge base thru experiences #LearnLAP
A1: I believe learning is a lifelong process. The most important thing we can do as teachers is to provide a thirst for knowledge so that students have the desire to learn. Learning involves having a growth mindset and being willing to push further. #learnlap
A1. Actively process and master the content which is taught. A Ss can either explain it in their own words, teach it to someone else, demonstrate it, or solve problems. #learnlap
A1 Learning is a process by which a person determines they want/need to acquire new knowledge/skills, then sets about doing what is necessary to attain that new knowledge or skill. #LearnLAP
A1: Being able to acquire new knowledge or to expand your existing knowledge. Exploring the unknown and pushing your boundaries. Learning is a lifelong adventure! #learnlap
A1. To me learning means being actively involved in the process of making new schema and applying it to new situations. I think of the Ben Franklin quote below #learnlap
A1;: Learning is bexoninfncurous about something so you eagerly make observerstions, ask questions, and get excited when you discover the answer on your own and make connections to the value of each step in your daily life. #learnlap
Greetings to the great chats going on tonight. Just want to let you know we are starting a new #APTeach chat on 4/4/18 for all those inside and outside the College Board's AP community. Please join us! #admin2b#LearnLAP#NYedchat#edtechchat
A1-learning to me is learning something you didn’t already know and being able to apply it to life. It could be something big or small, just something new. #LearnLap
A1: Learning is about the process over the product => it isn't Ss rotely mimicking something they saw someone else do - it is the application of their own skills, research and the path it takes them on #learnlap
Yes! #LearnLAP#EDA655. If you are an active learner your able to use those skills to apply them to all aspects versus memory ...in one ear and out the other!
A1 what a fun question!! Hmmm - learn ?? Become more {knowledgeable} than you were. To grow in understanding.... to deepen in awareness or understanding... nice question!! #LearnLAP
Yes it is! I was just working on a paper for grad school tonight, and it was interesting really processing how I learn now compared to when I was younger. Learning never ceases, the context just changes! #learnlap@ERobbPrincipal@LRobbTeacher@KGT_Educator@_on11
A1: Being able to acquire new knowledge or to expand your existing knowledge. Exploring the unknown and pushing your boundaries. Learning is a lifelong adventure! #learnlap
A2. My first superintendent was a big believer in learning to learn as an essential skill. That we had to constantly be modeling metacognitive skills for our kids. My 2nd graders ate that up! #learnlap
A1: I believe learning is a process of which a person will have takeaways leading to some form of growth. What is learned may not necessarily end up being what the specific objective of the learning called for. #LearnLap
A1: Learning happens every day...hour by hour..min by min, second by second. I honestly don't think there is a definition for it. In our classroom learning is defined by the innovative ideas my @piratelearners create; and how they make connections #learnLAP
Q2: YES!!! I often ask questions out loud that I think the kids are thinking, and then talk out how I get to the answer. Does that make sense? #LearnLAP
I know that I've had to unlearn some things... To make room for new, more complete ideas. This was especially painful in my early years of teaching when I thought I knew everything:). I had to unlearn some practices & biases. #learnlap
A2 Information and ideas can be taught. Teachers can help students develop skills necessary to take the ideas and information and do something with them. #LearnLAP
A2: I think learning can be "awakened" in students. Every student can learn, they have just been hampered by various factors that have put learning to sleep. By encouraging students, giving them a voice, and being a positive example you can awake your Ss! #learnlap@MrsAsztalos
A2: I think student suggestions can be made to relay the information but ultimately Ss have to experience what works best for them. #LearnLap#WaLearnLap
A2 I feel that Ts can show Ss processes needed to learn as they mature, however Ts need to facilitate Ss self-discovery thru interactive experiences #LearnLAP
A1 Learning constantly being curious about anything. Constantly questioning and seeking answers even when you don’t necessarily know the questions #LearnLAP
A2: Yes! Learning can be taught and should be taught beyond the classroom. Should be taught consistently through relationship building to .....learning should be monitored but should also allow Ss to find opportunities to learn...from others too! #learnlap
A2 I think we can absolutely help Ss learn various WAYS to learn. It is up to them to be able to eventually determine what works best for them. Good skills should be transferable to any content. #LearnLAP
A2: Teaching students how to learn is undervalued. At the HS level we often assume students have the skills in place to acquire information. However the skill of learning requires intense scaffolding and is vital to success in college #LearnLAP
A2-teachers can teach learning through modeling in a task, explicitly teaching the right kinds of questions to ask, even teaching how to google. We can even point out when we learned something new to show everyone can learn #LearnLAP
A2: I think as educators we can provide opportunities for the learning to occur. We can push the boundaries, step out of our comfort zone and be a role model of a life long learner to our Ss #learnlap
A2: I do believe that ALL students can learn but some are more motivated intrinsically than others. As teachers we can facilitate ways for students to equip necessary skills and procedures to learn accordingly. #LearnLAP
A1: Learning happens from the day we are born to the day we die. Learning is something that is lifelong!! It’s important to help Ss learn to love learning!! #LearnLAP
A2 I think we can help Ss understand strategies/techniques that will help them to acquire new skills/knowledge, metacognition, being able to self-assess, see growth, #LearnLAP
A2: Learning can be modeled and guided. Ts need to equip Ss with a toolbox full of skills to aide in the Ss learning. Ts must also provide a safe environment for the actual trial and error process Ss will go through while "learning to learn" #LearnLap
I like this! So true that we need to model and review. Most students do not know how to bring out those metacognitive skills without modeling, teaching and practicing. #LearnLAP
A2: Absolutely! One thing I want to get better at is getting them to ask questions--deeper questions--not only about content but about the world #learnlap
A2 so teachers can provide opportunities that help students learn- but .. this quote hangs in my classroom. “... a teacher opens the door to learning, but the student must enter.” Chinese proverb. #learnlap
A2: Learning can be taught, but it’s hard to learn about things that you are not passionate about. Remember that the learning process isn’t the same for every single person. Embrace the power of differentiation and let the learning happen naturally. #learnlap
A2: All about growth mindset. I think when you look at the gains we make through executive functioning skills- we see that students just haven't learned some of these skills yet #LearnLAP
A2: I think learning can be taught. Students can be taught strategies. I know that I used to watch videos on youtube on how to be a better student, but that was just something I enjoyed. Students need to have intrinsic motivation developed. #learnlap
A2a Ts can't make Ss learn, but we can show them how to take control of their own learning Ts interactions w/Ss can have an impact on Ss self-motivation to learn #LearnLAP
#LearnLAP I believe so yes. The art of listening, summary, writing, conversation, debate and most importantly reflection and self-assessment can be taught and emphasized with students.
A2. I think yes and no. We can show Ss how to learn, but we can’t learn for them. I think that when Ts model meta cognitive strategies or engage in think alouds we make learning tangible. I also think that we have to give Ss opportunities that challenge their thinking #learnlap
A2: I consider teaching learning skills to be a huge priority! In K I'm starting from the ground up-showing them possibilities, giving background knowledge and showing them how to jump over the first learning blocks :) #LearnLAP
I agree. In a CSE meeting the other day with reluctant parents I talked about how their child had roadblocks to learning, and an IEP is meant to either remove them or work around them.
#LearnLAP
A1 Learning is applying skills that one has learned to the real life situations they encounter. It is having confidence in oneself to make mistakes and move forward. #learnlap
I think this is an important aspect. Ss need to see us learning, too. Not being afraid of saying, I don't know so let's find out. Or listening to us share what we're reading or finding out! #learnlap
A2 Learners have preferences that optimize ability to learn, productivity, and (when given the option) learning process can be enhanced by type of product they are asked/allowed to create as demo of mastery. Ts can “teach” learners to be more atune to these aspects #LearnLAP
A2: YES! Helping students to learn how they learn is a must! Helping a student to develop their metacognitive skills is important now more than ever! #learnLAP
Like a change of mindset? I still remember my first years of teaching and reflect on them often. I have grown so much since then, thank goodness! #learnlap
A2: I say yes it can be taught. Prates call it a hook I think? I think of the Zone of Proximal Development - getting them in that spot on that lies in between curiousity AND what they already know. Yes? No? #learnlap
#LearnLAP Learning- acquisition of new information but more critically integrating the new knowledge into your schema- using it to create a more affluent world view and finding your place in it.
A2: I think learning can be "awakened" in students. Every student can learn, they have just been hampered by various factors that have put learning to sleep. By encouraging students, giving them a voice, and being a positive example you can awake your Ss! #learnlap@MrsAsztalos
Everyone that is taking part in this chat has already taken the first step in becoming The One for Kids. It is impressive to say the least to hear your answers. Be sure to take the next step and check out @sheehyrw new book #BeTheOne for Kids pick it up on Amazon TODAY! #LearnLAP
A2: My child knows how he learns best - it's great to hear him talk with his teachers to share his "how" in learning and showing his learning! #LearnLAP
A2: It is our responsibility to show students the ways in which they can learn. Let students find what works for them. Give them an environment where they are encouraged to take risks, pursue their passions and choose how they learn. Model skills that they can use. #learnlap
A2. Learning can't be directly taught! We're not animals using treats as rewards for a stimulus. Ideas, creativity, critical thinking- can be brought about through teaching and interaction by sharing ideas. Ss can improve ln sk. through listening, reading, c.t., ?. #learnlap
A3: Whiteboard tables, flexible seating all around, lots of windows, nature/plants all around, a reading hub, more fit desks, a carpeted area and light colored walls. Collaborations + Creativity happens in happy places. #learnlap
A2 Learning is a skill and I believe Ss have an innate ability to learn. It is our job to encourage learning and provide as many opportunities to learn. Taking an interest in what students like will encourage learning. #learnlap
A3: Learning would look like dedication and hard work. Learning would take many forms: collaborating, studying, writing, working hands-on. #LearnLap#WaLearnLap
A3 - So many risks would be taken by everyone! Teachers would be trying new things left and right, making adjustments, ditching things that don't make sense, etc. Students would be trying hard to learn new things, sharing with others, pointing out their mistakes! #LearnLAP
A3: You can tell that students are afraid of failure when they ask for help before they try a skill on their own. Build a culture of revision and reassessment and students will no longer feel like they will be punished for wrong answers #LearnLAP
A3: Boundaries would be pushed...goals would be set HIGHER and the learning target will be extraordinary...in my classroom I share my failures and have my @piratelearners follow suite; BEAUTIFUL things come from failure! #learnlap
Q3: I’ve been working with tech in the classroom for 18 years. I learned early about failing forward and resilience. You can’t give up on anything you deem important. #LearnLAP
A3: We have to promote and encourage risk-taking in our classrooms. Sometimes the fear of failure causes people to play it safe but sometimes the rewards can be worth the risk! #LearnLAP
A3b: Ditch grading for a more accurate depiction of student growth. Grades < Feedback.
Grades are subjective and do not give a clear picture.
Also, I’m stealing this idea from @HollyClarkEdu— no more multiple choice! #learnlap
Being a math teacher, I would see lots more students willing to offer up their mistakes so that we could learn from them. Personally, I’d love to see more of this in my classroom. #learnlap
A2: Learning can be taught by exposure to play, scaffolding, and helping students realize their own thinking and potential. Also modeling the skills of the learning process. #learnlap
A3 I already try to emulate that in my classroom now. I give plenty of opportunities for non graded practice with feedback. I hope next year to adopt more of a mastery learning approach to meet Ss where they are. #LearnLAP
A3: An environment based on collaboration, encouragement, skill based learning, creative spaces, open seating, interdisciplinary teaching, transparency, risk-taking, support, reflection, modeling, positivity. #learnlap
A3: I've been working towards creating this for a long time, both in Ss and myself. I believe a classroom that actually adopts and lives this model will perform like Coach Frost's teams: everyone, from the T/Coach to the S/Players will reach their full potential #LearnLap
A2: Strategies used to learn can be taught. Encouraging students to use whatever method works best for them is the best way to educate. Don't require them to do it "Your way". As long as they can explain their work, they've "learned it". #LearnLAP
A3 I believe it would remain the same in our classroom. We celebrate mistakes when kids are presenting. We celebrate when Ss figure out their mistake. We discuss that learning takes place when mistakes are figured out.#learnlap
#LearnLAP I think we would be more free to take risks - we do but it comes down for them & parents to the grade- no grade based but goal and growth based would open up my classroom to more experimental design and setting them up to stumble and fail so they do grow as learners
A1;: Learning is being curious about something so you eagerly make observerstions, ask questions, and get excited when you discover the answer on your own and make connections to the value of each step in your daily life. #learnlap
A3. I do a lot of work with growth mindset to offset fear of failure. We study famous failures and talk about how the world would be different if they gave up. I also try to show Ss that each attempt at learning a new skill brings them one step closer to mastery #learnlap
Q2 #LearnLAP Yes! I love the analogy to a basketball coach. 1) A coach models a skill. 2) Provides extensive time 4 practice. 3) Provides 1:1 help, if needed 4) Players transfer the skills to a game. 5) Review footage 6) Adjust based on data 7) Keep practicing=Learning in action
A3. Ss would be willing to go to any length in learning. Nothing would stop them. Ss would take risks constantly. Teachers would be more apt to try new things. #learnlap
A3: I admit that fear of failure can prevent us from taking risks. As a student teacher, I am faced with many fears and wondering if I am good enough, but I know that my Ss care about me and embrace me for who I am- imperfections and all. #learnlap
A3: Traditional classroom settings have made Ss risk averse - by removing the fear of failure, we empower Ss to do more than take a risk, but to share their voice & perspective and make learning personal to them #learnlap
Now you have this Husker fan's attention!!!!!!!!
A3: Fewer questions about grades, more about actual learning. Lots of iteration--Ss trying, reworking, and trying again. #LearnLAP
A3. I do a lot of work with growth mindset to offset fear of failure. We study famous failures and talk about how the world would be different if they gave up. I also try to show Ss that each attempt at learning a new skill brings them one step closer to mastery #learnlap
3b. Looking at Ss on a personalized learning continuum helps lesson the feeling of failure. We talk a lot about where are you as a leaner and how will you level up? Kids need to see tangible steps to get to an end goal. #learnlap
There is great power in building an environment where students and teachers truly acknowledge the power of each other's strengths and imperfections #LearnLap
A3: in other words “what would you do if you knew you could not fail?” I have adopted this, this year to an extent. Removed a lot of high stakes test. Focused on relationship building and collab. No AP scores. I told my Ss today I won’t even look at their results, #LearnLAP
A2 Yes - that's the entire point of education. The "teach a man to fish" mentality of educators is how we enable learners to be lifelong, and not simply obedient robots. Teachers enable this by allowing for curiosity via question-based and discussion-based curriculum. #LearnLAP
I love that you said they would take a risk. I agree. Right now they are afraid to take that risk and so the learning seems to be at arm's length. Taking the risk personalizes the learning. #learnlap
A3: We need more of this in education. Failing forward is often a prerequisite to success. Reminds me of something my old boss would say: “High risk, high reward.” Less aversion to risk and failure would be a good thing. #LearnLAP
Ts, of any level or experience, & Ss need to remember "Failure is the best teacher" - Yoda
Our limitations cause us to put up learning boundaries associated w/failure #LearnLAP
A4 Fear of humiliation in front of peers is HUGE in MS. If you want Ss to take risk, you have to take the time to create an environment where they feel they can safely try new things #LearnLap
A3 I have always worked hard to establish a safe place to fail! Ss know that big failures lead to even bigger successes #mindset and a sense of community are key #learnlap
A3-my 1st thought was out there projects and Ss work, 2nd was controlled chaos from collaboration and excitement. We’d see Ss trying new things, going beyond what they think they can do, all with a look of focus and smiles@ #LearnLAP
#LearnLAP Barriers- grades and standardized testing schedule but I think pushing students and getting them to challenge themselves- take risks- and think outside the box is critical to a growth mindset and preparing students for the real world
A3: I feel there is too much entrenched need for: the Grade; To answer who is best; How many did I get correct. When it should be: Did we get better; What did we learn; What will we do different next time. #learnLap#walearnlap
Can you imagine if college admittance teams celebrated growth and risk-taking as much as they do GPA? I know I took few risks because I did not want it to negatively affect my college options. #learnlap
A4: I have always been a risk taker and encourage my students to do the same. I embraced the edtech opportunities. I overcome the barriers by sharing out my findings and being real with people. What works? What doesn’t? How can “I” use it? How can “YOU” use it!? #LearnLAP
A4: Fear of relinquishing control I feel is a big one to overcome. Ts are afraid to let go. We fear failing in front of our Ss but that can lead to tremendous teachable moments #LearnLAP
I agree. Ss need to realize that no one is perfect and that it is okay to make mistakes. Once they see the Ts misstep they feel more comfortable and let their guard down to be open to the learning process - trial and error. #LearnLAP#WALearnLAP
A4 #LearnLap In my classroom we take a lot of risks- my belief is to try something new every day- experiment and fail- tinker, design, create using our makerspace and just trying to knock down any barriers- what box?
A4 The biggest #risk in my classroom is that I still am required to give an ABC grade. The Ss in my room know that they are just a letter and don't mean anything to me or them. I am just pacifying my district until we jump and do standard based grading. #learnlap
A4: I think I am fearful of taking a risk due to being new in the game. I took a risk when I joined Twitter, and that was one of the best decisions I have made. What that taught me was that I need to look fear in the face and push through. #learnlap
I think that I need to do a better job of highlighting mistakes and celebrating the positives. Kids want to be celebrated, so providing this opportunity will challenge them to take more risks. #LearnLAP
#LearnLAP Q4 There is always a risk in everything...you have to be willing to see the reward as more important. Our student’s success should be the motivating factor to break the box. #GrowthMindset
Definitely not - in fact, that's the entire point of our organization. Sadly, most schooling destroys the love of discovery/learning among students via competitiveness, content-driven classrooms, and authoritarian environments. #LearnLAP
A4-I teach in an urban setting with high ELL. #Risk isn’t taken from having little schema of the big world. Some Ss are afraid of failure, don’t know how to process feedback. Once those 2 things are handled, I get to see some #Risk#LearnLAP
A4: Grades are a huge barrier. For many parents, Ss, and even Ts, they block learning. Ss know one failure can bring down a grade. We need to give Ss redos, move to Standards Based Learning, more S/T conferences about grade. More communication. #learnlap
A4 Continuing on...our middle school hasn't made the jump to a risk taking environment. They are still traditional and I worry my kids will revert back to the "old" way of learning. We are working on changing this, but it takes time and a growth mindset. #learnlap
A4: There needs to be a supportive environment where risk-taking by teachers and students is embraced. As Principal I encourage my teachers and students to take risks in learning and not be afraid of what can happen. Try, fail, reflect and improve. #learnlap
A4: A nervousness of releasing control. As a result, I have adopted @ERobbPrincipal's policy of when my brain says no I instinctively say yes to it! It has allowed me to grow in major ways. I have done more PBAs, flipped learning, and prof I started a Twitter Chat+! #learnlap
#learnlap A4: Often the biggest barrier to risk in a classroom is the T's reaction to both right and wrong conjectures. Do YOU react in a way that would elicit risk? Do you monitor/discuss how Ss react to each other?
A4: fear for how they are perceived by their peers and Ts. Asking questions often has a connotation that someone needs help rather questions foster collaboration & meaningful learning experiences. We have to create a culture that encourages risk taking & questioning. #LearnLAP
A4: Students who struggle with remedial skills develop a low sense of self worth in the classroom. It is critical that we empower students to believe that they can make academic gains. It liberates students to take risks #LearnLap
A4 risk barriers (6th grade pride & hormones!). But they DO overcome these challenges! 🍎 as we model news skills and try new lessons - tools - technology- kids see us taking risks and “surviving” or “growing” so .... it gives them courage !! #learnLAP
A4: Being passionate about what is best for Ss and inviting others into your classroom can help overcome barriers and make risk taking worth while #LearnLAP
A4: No bigger barrier to risk than the past=> "That's The Way We Have Always Done It" doesn't embrace risk or failure, rather it avoids it. We must be able to recognize when our systems & protocols need to be revisited while not falling victim to an action imperative! #learnlap
A2- We can help students and guide them in the right direction and strengthen their skills to learning. Students have to want to learn and embrace the process along with us! #WALearnLAP#LearnLAP
A4: Report cards, cultural expectations of what school is for families (sometimes staff) and time are some of the barriers. I get the privilege to meet with each family before school starts to share about some ideas around mindset before school even starts #LearnLAP
And if they all get straight A’s? Do the A’s mean something in the next phase of life? What if an A doesn’t mean anything to a student? How do we encourage them? #learnLap#walearnlap
A4) My community likes being on top, or at least well regarded. Maintaining existing strength becomes more important than growth, and thus risk is avoided. We can overcome this by valuing risk over reputation. We'd discover there's a lot of areas to do better after all. #LearnLAP
Truth. Join that committee. Share your successes and losses at PDs. Offer to lead a workshop at conferences. Everyone has something worthwhile to share! #LearnLAP
A4 there is that fear of mistakes, of not being good enough, we need to model it, share our exper, when we make mistakes in class, emphasize that it is part of the growth process and it is okay! #LearnLAP
If all we value are "correct answers", Ss pick up on that - they become "teacher flirts" , telling us what we want to hear rather than an authentic voice #learnlap
A2:teachers can help Ss become better communicators leading to enhanced learning. Many Ss need social/people skills which helps to create life long learners #WALearnLap#LearnLAP
For many teachers letting go is a hindrance. For true risk takingto occur a classroom needs to be student-driven. Student-centered classrooms are noisy and messy- they seem chaotic - mine is organized, structured chaos - I lean in to the craziness of student-centered #LearnLap
I think success is generally a sliding scale depending on the learner. I do believe a learner is far more likely to take risks when they are generally confident regarding their ability to achieve the outcome. What do you think? #LearnLap
A4 The biggest #risk in my classroom is that I still am required to give an ABC grade. The Ss in my room know that they are just a letter and don't mean anything to me or them. I am just pacifying my district until we jump and do standard based grading. #learnlap
A4. Fear is a barrier. Ss fear change and challenges. Ts also fear stepping away from pacing guides and curriculum maps to met Ss where they are. It’s a daily struggle to keep up pace while ensuring Ss are learning and not just memorizing information #learnlap
A4. Fear of messing up with older Ss in front of younger Ss. Everyone makes mistakes. Your human! Laugh it off! Problem solve what went wrong and correct the error and redo it until it works. Try something new! Learn new things! Share different ideas! #learnlap
A4 Viewpoint & Purpose Viewpoint of why take a risk and lack of sense of purpose to take risks Best way to overcome is to model, model, model so Ss see benefits ot risks #LearnLAP
A4 one barrier to taking risks is fear of criticism! The ever famous 🙄! Forming #PLN to find support outside of your building if necessary or to “get off your island” can help make risks more comfortable #learnlap
#learnlap For students, parents it is a snap shot of progress- for teachers a way to meet that goal of how the content is taught and how successful the or not the lesson. BUT it should be less important- it should be based on growth a beginning # and an ending to show improvement
A5: grades are a measurable way to justify if a concept was mastered but students become so obsessed with the grade rather than the errors that were made. #learnLAP
A3- Students need to know that it’s okay for everything not to be perfect and it’s okay to fail as long as they continue to try with success as the ultimate goal! Failure can lead to determination, motivation and success! #WALearnLap#LearnLAP
#learnlap A5: A grade is just feedback. It's up to YOU to train your Ss how to respond to that feedback. (Pro-tip: You can always offer more complete feedback than just a grade.)
A5 - I always believed that grades on assignments were to provide feedback to the child. But then I learned that specific feedback that helped the child continue the learning process was more useful to students & resulted in less pressure, judgment, embarrassment, etc. #LearnLAP
A5: Grades mean more to Ss than to me. I always tell my Ss not to focus on the number but always strive for understanding and set goals high. #learnlap#walearnlap
A5 The state (and now conditioned parents/students/many colleges) believe that grades equate to success. Sadly, grades diminish performance. Feedback/authentic assessment by peers/experts is where it's at! #LearnLAP
Perhaps the other person, teacher or whomever, can be a sounding board for figuring it out. As a parent, I find "help with homework" often ends up with me not being able to help, but them asking for it somehow makes it click. You can get confused lost in your own head. #LearnLAP
A3: You can tell that students are afraid of failure when they ask for help before they try a skill on their own. Build a culture of revision and reassessment and students will no longer feel like they will be punished for wrong answers #LearnLAP
A5b. Feedback, however, is where it’s at! Students see a grade and think, “Well, I didn’t do too well but I’m finished with that. What’s next?!”
Students see feedback without a grade and try to fix it. #learnlap
A4: Ss focus on grades because that’s what matters. They don’t appreciate the process of learning or the fun of trying something hard. My first sem. in college I took biological psych (the hardest course in the psych program and a logic course because it intrigued me .#learnlap
A5 #LearnLap A number or letter for many is an absolute a measurable event but really it is a limitation- it sets up some to stress and give up, some to be complacent with high marks-verbal and constructive feedback is what truly matters-FB is purposeful-grades are just snapshots
A4: barriers are often numbering “what Ss can’t do” vs. “establishing what they can do”. Ss will surprise you if you give them a chance. #habitsofmind = Responsible Risk. 20 years and they are still with Edus. #learnLap#walearnlaphttps://t.co/KVzTWGJx9Y
A5 I question myself with this all the time. Rubrics and conferences and proving their learning a variety of ways replaces grades. Meat is graded, not students. Leave the "old" school behind and ditch the grades!#learnlap
A5: It should indicate the level of mastery a student has, but it usually doesn't. This is near impossible to accomplish b/c grades are relative based on teacher. As I tell my Ss, grades are pretty meaningless. I'll make sure they get good ones if they promise to learn #learnlap
A4 "Moderates" in education. If you know something is wrong with the system, you can't take tiny steps to fix it (or else they won't matter. Large, major changes to grading and curriculum are necessary to embrace the needs of our students. #LearnLAP
A5: It is like a notch on a ruler when measuring a plant growing. It is a marker. We can either help our students grow and blossom from it, or deny them sunlight and watch them wither. A fluid grade book is key to a growth mindset! #learnlap
A5 To show a level that can't be applied to 2 diff people Assessment need to show a level of process growth not some indiscriminate letter that varies in value & depth #LearnLAP
A5 A grade shows a level of understanding, status, performance or level attained, at least what they used to be, but grades are a tough topic, have to give grades, there needs to be a change #learnlap
A5: To me, a grade is just a snapshot of how a student is doing. I always think of the iceberg analogy where grades are at the top while work ethic, persistence, and other qualities are on the bottom. Those are behind the scenes but more valued by me. #learnlap
A5: It is like a notch on a ruler when measuring a plant growing. It is a marker. We can either help our students grow and blossom from it, or deny them sunlight and watch them wither. A fluid grade book is key to a growth mindset! #learnlap
A4: The constraint of time to prepare Ss for standardized tests. In the community and within the school the barrier is the traditional mindset of education. I try to challenge myself and continue to grow in learning. Be a transformer of education. #learnlap
A5⛳️.I know I already shared this, but Q5–‼️you are learning a new skill, you are trying to foster a culture of growth, no fear, try, & encouragement- then you DRIVE.., and it’s in the rough - and your Instructor gives you a GRADE..really?The first week with a club #learnLAP
Yes. That was the word I was looking for- compliance - grades are I did what I was supposed to do or I didn’t- feedback is I am doing what I need to do- set goals and strategies to improve #LearnLAP
A5 Grades should reflect where they are on the path. I don't use percentages at all, bc they are meaningless to them. If there are 6 questions, I tell them how many out of 6 they got right. ALways pluses, never minuses. Then let them go fix the ones. #LearnLap
A5: Grade on assignment is feedback but in high school the semester grades are used to signify how well the student mastered the content standards & objectives #LearnLAP
#learnlap At my school, we have a "rubric narrative" that describes the qualities of both work and demonstrated classroom behaviors that are associated with the various grades. It's a great platform for helping Ss self-evaluate and give meaning to their grade.
A5: A grade loses its purpose if there isn't the opportunity to use feedback and reflection to generate improvement => one grade measures current state of knowledge, not learning! #learnlap
Every time I present on the seed that you planted, it causes even deeper reflection and appreciation for all that #LearnLAP represents, and how it pushes us as Ts. Thank you for your book, the community, learning, and support. #gratitude#AELincoln
In reply to
@PaulSolarz, @JezabelAnahis, @Carrieoverseas, @healtheduteen
Students are not overly stressed, high strung and often neurotic because they are growing as learners. They are all of the above because of an unnecessary measurement placed upon their learning and understanding #LearnLap
A6: Model reflection skills constantly for Ss and charge them with reflecting on their own learning and areas of need for growth/understanding of the concept/where they need further assistance in the process. #LearnLap
#learnlap A6: "Mathacognition." Every two weeks, I give my Ss a metacognitive prompt. About their emotional state in class, process of learning, study habits, etc..... They respond on a private Google doc and we keep the conversation going. THIS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE MATH
I'm all against authoritarian environments, though there's a place for some competitiveness and content. It's why I'm not sure "most" schooling destroys the great things about learning, thanks to the kind of educators we have here who work within the system for change. #LearnLAP
A5 i’m with you all on feedback - that’s way more constructive and helpful than a number - and I don’t think kids should get their grades until they’ve received and reviewed their feedback OF WHICH THEY ARE A PART OF DETERMINING! 💙 #learnLAP
A6 Students need to be given feedback daily! This can be done through specific feedback for skills and I often do t verbally or through quick notes in the margins of their work. #learnlap
A5: A lot of the time a grade represents the effort that goes into the assignment. This who put forth effort get more out of the practice. Even if they struggle with it. I’ve seen kids that put forth effort and struggle with the concept but they keep learning. #LearnLAP
A6: This year I realized that the numbers I toss on the math test mean nothing...I use my spreadsheet of skills to reteach (so...I'm just not going to put numbers on them anymore) #LearnLAP
A5: Grades should tell you the level of mastery of the student. However, this is not the case. Many grades are just grades that you have to have in the grdbook because the district requires it. Other grades are in there to help these Ss to pass. #learnlap
A5b. Feedback, however, is where it’s at! Students see a grade and think, “Well, I didn’t do too well but I’m finished with that. What’s next?!”
Students see feedback without a grade and try to fix it. #learnlap
A6: Talk and confer with Ss; formative feedback, having students reflect on learning and discussing these reflections can have an impact on the learning process for both Ss and T #LearnLAP
A5 My co-worker and I got rid of grading daily assignments. We put up answer keys and have kids check their answers. They learn from immediately seeing what they got wrong and then going back to fix. Amazing how much less grading I have to do. Our Ss are learning! #learnlap
A5: A grade should be so many things. It should be a way to communicate learning. It should show progress. There should never be a final say or definite point in the grade. Ss should be encouraged to keep improving. #learnlap
A5: No, grades are not the only way. I give feedback through formatives which are not graded, and I try to walk around and interact with my students as much as possible. #learnlap
A6 I always go back to the question, Is our goal to teach them or grade them? If it is to teach them, we need to give feedback and opportunities for growth more often than a number. So much #edtech to help do that job! #LearnLAP
A6 - Lots of feedback verbally, in writing, whole-class, individually, etc. We always talk about improving, growing, revising, redoing in order to become the best "Me" that we can each be! We learn to welcome peer critique & improve self-assessment/reflection too! #LearnLAP
A6. I give a lot of formative feedback to help Ss reach mastery. Learning is a continuum and even when a Ss earns a 3 or 4 they still have room to grow and level up. We’d never stop trying with a Ss who fails yet we forget that we have to push kids who pass too #learnlap
A5-give parents an idea of their kids abilities, give teachers an idea of what kids can do. And I’m not saying this in a positive manner. It’s a shortcut to identifying Ss learning abilities, not meaningful #LearnLAP
A3 - So many risks would be taken by everyone! Teachers would be trying new things left and right, making adjustments, ditching things that don't make sense, etc. Students would be trying hard to learn new things, sharing with others, pointing out their mistakes! #LearnLAP
A5b: It is most often frowned upon to have a S fail, but what if we took the grades away and truly evaluated their mastery level. Maybe then, would the grades be truly useful for education. #learnlap
A6. Grades are not the only way to give Ss feedback. When we look at Ss progress, we are looking for growth from basepoints. Some Ss don't appear to take written tests as well as orally explain the information! Grades aren't everthing! #learnlap
Q7 Sometimes students demonstrate tremendous growth but still miss their target. What value does growth & improvement have when goals are not mastered? How can this be communicated to students & parents? #LearnLAP
For sure, there's great educators! It's the system itself that drains desireness to learn (see something like "Losing Ourselves" by student Rachel Wolfe.) For content, it's a standards-based curriculum that values content/tests > relationships/learning that's an issue. #LearnLAP
#learnlap Feedback, self-reflection, one to one verbal conversations, debates, student-led discussions- these are alternative ways to assess and check for understanding- an end product doesn’t always need a grade but definitely needs recognition in someway- for me encouragement
Feedback can be given during or after an assignment. It can be verbal or written. It should be specific immediate and actionable. Praise and polish is a great way to think that I heard at a training #LearnLAP
A6: This yr I started putting standards on a Google Sheet and Ss evaluated themselves. Then I added my narrative feedback. Finally, we conferenced and decided on their unit grade. #learnlap
A6-feedback, rubrics so they know what is expected, goal setting. Grades don’t show what a Ss has achieved or gains they’ve made. They are just labels #LearnLAP
A6: Grades need to be reframed as an opportunity to showcase a newly acquired skill. Students need to build the intrinsic motivation to show mastery. Otherwise the learning will be shortsighted #LearnLap
#learnlap A7: There is no reason why communication should be prohibited. Growth and improvement have value and can always be communicated. It may or may not translate to "your S is ready for the next class," however.
A6 conferring - conversations- quality sharing - just a few feedback options. The more students are involved in creating their own feedback, the more productive {I believe} it is #learnLAP
Q7 Sometimes students demonstrate tremendous growth but still miss their target. What value does growth & improvement have when goals are not mastered? How can this be communicated to students & parents? #LearnLAP
A7: growth is a tremendous part of learning. Qs to ask: Have you given your best effort? What could you have done more of? What do you need to focus on to get better? What i as the Edu do to help you? #learnLap#walearnlaphttps://t.co/Oco9seF6s4
Q7 Sometimes students demonstrate tremendous growth but still miss their target. What value does growth & improvement have when goals are not mastered? How can this be communicated to students & parents? #LearnLAP
A6 Ss prove their learning in many ways. They take something they have an interest in and prove ie..Minecraft is a neat way for kids to prove. They ask questions in their worlds, take me on journeys and show the right answer. Tech has opened doors.#learnlap
#LearnLAP Growth does not have to mean mastery. A goal can be met in a myriad of ways. Most importantly goals & strategies need to be individualized- so when baby steps are needed or giant leaps acquired they are always growing and settling new goals-goals should be fluid
Q7 Sometimes students demonstrate tremendous growth but still miss their target. What value does growth & improvement have when goals are not mastered? How can this be communicated to students & parents? #LearnLAP
yes there are so many tools that can be used to assess for learning and help you do the work. I can give so much more feedback now that I am not always trying to handwrite the same comment over and over again! #LearnLAP
A7 Value comes in having S see what happens when you make the effort to grow Ss need to stop looking as short term learning, grades, and move to long-term growth #LearnLAP
A7 looking at the process, what steps were taken, the thought that went into it, how the Ss got there, learning still happened, open conversations, #learnlap
Yeah, these issues are systemic. I also think kids perceive school largely by the actions of individuals in the classroom (and everywhere else in the school) every day. They're not thinking of the system, just whether their teacher is awesome or sucks. #LearnLAP
A7: growth and improvement are incredibly important, even when struggling to master the objective. Ss can demonstrate what they have been able to learn by leading that conversation themselves while conferencing with parents #LearnLap
A7 I think growth is the most important. We are all on a journey but we move at different speeds on different paths. Maybe the actual grade configuration is what needs to go? #LearnLAP
A7: I tell my families that I'm more interested in growth (because...really...I am). When I send or give anything about progress I make sure it shows the starting point, the points along the way and where they are now #LearnLAP
Q7 Sometimes students demonstrate tremendous growth but still miss their target. What value does growth & improvement have when goals are not mastered? How can this be communicated to students & parents? #LearnLAP
A7 I like using Ss learning portfolios as a way to show growth. Parents can see the improvements over time even if Ss work is not meeting the standards. I would like to have Ss start selecting the items that go in their portfolios that they think demonstrate success #learnlap
A7: This is where narrative feedback is a great benefit. Maybe they don't meet a standard, but then teachers can describe what they have learned. The problem=Lack of Time. This would need to be addressed #learnlap
Q7 Sometimes students demonstrate tremendous growth but still miss their target. What value does growth & improvement have when goals are not mastered? How can this be communicated to students & parents? #LearnLAP
Right! Teachers that know to fight for their students and build relationships. The more teachers that buy into this - the greater our school systems will be! #LearnLAP
A7: If students are making legitimate growth then they must be engaging in mastery. You may need to scaffold to skill further to highlight the gains the student has made. It is a great way to build student confidence. #LearnLap
A7. A Ss continously has room for more growth in any subject area. If by chance they are missing the target area, then encouraging them to keep trying harder for the goal! If a weakness is detected, then we can work in that area. #learnlap
A7 - Since we still have traditional report cards for one more year, I report to my students' parents how students did "Before Feedback" and "After Feedback." This gives them an idea of their child's growth, how much help they needed, and how close they came to mastery. #LearnLAP
A7 growth is important!! Celebrating growth is also key! When kids grow, but don’t meet their goals, isn’t that still progress !? Won’t celebrating and valuing that still be a positive position? I think we keep on celebrating growth - #studentstories#learnLAP
Q8 Is "learning" about effort & growth? Meeting targets? Some combination? Do other factors (i.e. students' ages, special needs, state testing, etc.) affect your answer? #LearnLAP
#learnlap YES! Different speeds is exactly one of the major reasons I went to standards-based-grading! In Disney terms, think "people mover" that you can get on at any time, rather than monorail which comes and goes:)
Growth can not be taught nor can it be forced. We grow when we feel a balance of confidence and struggle, engagement and challenge and when we feel supported and respected. When we feel safe we dive in. #LearnLap
Student-led conferences can lead to amazing conversations between children and parents. The teacher can step back if the student has been set up for success and knows how to talk about their learning. #LearnLAP
A7: You won't go from sitting on the couch eating potato chips to reaching the summit of Mt. Everest in 1 day. It takes time, training, perseverance. Praise the strides and help bring parents in as you help their child climb to new educational heights! #learnlap@ERobbPrincipal
Thanks for the great conversation tonight #learnlap! I always have fun picking up tips here. I hope you'll consider joining me as @ToddRisser and @misskoplin guest host #waledchat this Thursday at 9pm ET. It is going to be a blast!
A8: Learning is all about growth. We do need targets/goals/expectations for Ss to aim for, and they need to be specific. But ultimately, it comes down to whether students have grown as much as possible #learnlap
Q8 Is "learning" about effort & growth? Meeting targets? Some combination? Do other factors (i.e. students' ages, special needs, state testing, etc.) affect your answer? #LearnLAP
#learnlap YES! Different speeds is exactly one of the major reasons I went to standards-based-grading! In Disney terms, think "people mover" that you can get on at any time, rather than monorail which comes and goes:)
#LearnLAP Growth is personal- based on interest, desire, motivation and encouragement- when I am bored and disinterested I cease to do that task anymore- knitting for me. But when I feel constant engaged I will keep trying till I succeed. Mindset=growth we have to have a balance
Q8 Is "learning" about effort & growth? Meeting targets? Some combination? Do other factors (i.e. students' ages, special needs, state testing, etc.) affect your answer? #LearnLAP
what do you mean can't follow recipes? i can't follow a written score but love music. Ss with average working memory can follow steps.
Our kids are going to great tomorrow's jobs #learnlap
A8 Always appreciate effort and growth. No matter what students are "learning," if the effort is there- we can applaud students for attempting. From there, the focus can be on measuring targeted goals. #LearnLAP
A8: As a special ed teacher it is always about what each Ss needs & finding the path they need to learn. This is individualized & often makes one way not always the right way. #LearnLAP
Amazing thanks goes out to @cooper1503 for moderating tonight's fast-paced #LearnLAP chat! Thanks to everyone who participated!
Join us next week as @teresagross625 & @KimSnodgrass moderate: "Building Student PLN's!"
For now, jump on over to #tlap for more great discussion!
A8: I believe learning is about effort and growth (how) and the targets are a demonstration of what you have learned. I believe the other factors matter in both how you learn and what you learn #LearnLap
Q8 Is "learning" about effort & growth? Meeting targets? Some combination? Do other factors (i.e. students' ages, special needs, state testing, etc.) affect your answer? #LearnLAP
A8. Learning is about effort and growth. It’s not about test scores or scores. We start every day by saying “work hard, get smart” we don’t quantify what smart means but Ss have internalized that effort =results. #learnlap
Thanks for the chat #learnlap & @cooper1503! Great questions that got my mind thinking and had to really put my thoughts into words. Have a great week!
A8: I don’t think learning should be about effort, but I know with effort and belief by teachers, inevitably students learn. Learning should be about setting a goal, planning out, meeting that goal, and making connections from other learning experiences. #LearnLAP
#learnlap A8: In math and language, promotion has to be based on preparation for the next set of skills. No way around that. Grade must reflect it. BUT, it IS possible for grade to reflect the S in May & not an "average" of the S from Sept-May. REWARD GROWTH. Don't punish "slow"
A8-combo for sure—growth and meeting targets! Ss are all different and learn and show their learning in different ways. Tt have to know their Ss to really understand their learning #LearnLAP
If you're on Twitter tomorrow evening at 7pm Central, please join @BeckettHaight for #5thchat (Everyone is invited!).
TOPIC: "Preparing Students with special needs and their families for the transition to Middle School."
#LearnLAP
Thanks for the chat #learnlap & @cooper1503! Great questions that got my mind thinking and had to really put my thoughts into words. Have a great week!
