#worldgeochat Archive
#worldgeochat is a weekly chat focused on teaching geography and global studies. Chats vary between geography specific topics as well as general teaching and education topics. ALL are welcome in worldgeochat!
Tuesday October 11, 2016
This chat is part of what puts a smile on my face when I think about my profession.
I’m Pete from Maine+I’ll be one of the mods tonight.
Where are you from + what grade do you currently (or recently) teach?
Hello and ! Ladonna from Mobridge, SD - Middle School Social Studies
Ciao, . Sam here from MA! I teach 7th grade world geography
Welcome to another edition of ! Tonight we are going to discuss student led learning. I'm pretty excited about this one.
Hey Ladonna! Welcome back!
Merri from SoCal out of the classroom but can't miss out on learning w Ts!
PENNY!!!! veteran! Follow her :)
Hi I am Penny geo teacher from Va and teach W geo and AP Human Geo
Finally made it! I teach Modern US and Modern World through comics
Jennifer from GA Teaching AP Human Geography to 9th graders
Hey , Jeff from Illinois. I teach AP Human Geography.
An author joins . We are clearly moving up the ranks!
awwww thanks (insert sheepish grin here)
April Mandy: former SS teacher; always 1 at heart! Worked with the best . Live in Qatar & teach English
So glad you could make it :) where in SoCal?
Hello, all. Jim from MA. 7th grade geo teacher.
Chris from Illinois - one of the moderators & super excited for tonight's chat!
Lets give a YUGE welcome! give hime some follows!
Hi , this is Bill Chapman, a retired secondary social studies teacher, checking in from Berkeley, CA.
Brent Thurlow here from Harrisburg, SD. First time chatting excited to learn and share!!
Welcome to the show Jeff! Glad you made it :)
more suggestions
1.follow each other/grow your
2.share photos+stories w/ tag
3.ask Qs+challenge each other 2 be better
A few suggestions/tips
1.Use hashtag
2.Use the Q1/A1 format. Use A1,A2,etc 4 responses
3.Be kind, supportive+professional
Joanne from Missouri. 7th grade world history and 11th grade modern global issues.
Welcome in! Glad you're here!
YES! Super glad Tim is joining us!
good tips!! https://t.co/cTb15npCvB
A few suggestions/tips
1.Use hashtag
2.Use the Q1/A1 format. Use A1,A2,etc 4 responses
3.Be kind, supportive+professional
Thats the best feeling as a teacher when your Ss can't get enough of your class GOLD STAR!
always follow!!! we have the BEST PLN https://t.co/odOUl1ie3g
more suggestions
1.follow each other/grow your
2.share photos+stories w/ tag
3.ask Qs+challenge each other 2 be better
So glad to be co-mod tonight after weeks of grad classes! Miss my peeps! Welcome first timers so glad you are here :-)
This chick the the real deal. Great T, spreading her worldly knowledge in the blistering desert!
Question 1 will be coming up in 2(ish) minutes. Hootsuite usually has about a 30sec drag
Follow these awesome geogs --
Had to retweet this! So miss working with this guy! https://t.co/rx56VtyvS1
This chick the the real deal. Great T, spreading her worldly knowledge in the blistering desert!
Texas teachers, it's time for !
Seeing a lot of fresh faces mixed in with the regulars tonight. Glad we are spreading the word and reaching out to new peeps!
Doug from WC IL. I teach FR Geography at and I am a all star teacher.
great pln great people - a secret we want out want to share!
Welcome in Doug! So glad you found us!
A1 SLL is the practice of not pretending that we have all the answers - let Ss inquire & find their answers!
A1: SLL is students following their own inquiries, passions, and curiosities.
A1 To me it means identifying stud interests & needs, then working with Ss to set goals to use the former to meet the latter.
student led = student choice; which allows students to OWN their education and demonstrate their passion.
A1: TRUE sll is confirmation that you're building little worldly leaders. What could be more affirming to an educator?
A1 SLL means the T has to step back and turn the learning over to the student. Less teaching, more direction.
. Schedule is normally busy on Tuesday evenings.
A1 means I get to meet one on one, I get to learn, I am amazed
A1: Student led learning
Let Ss
Explore
Reflect
Discuss
Instruct each other
Repeat
The T is a resource, not an answer key
they need permission to follow their passions! Glad you gov it!
Kevin, Massachusetts 9-12 history
A1: I think SLL means that students are taking the reigns of their own learning, though with guidance.
A1: SLL is Ss following whatever pay they need to in order to complete whatever tasks Ts give them. https://t.co/1v2vdoJD2j
What he said! https://t.co/OUcbU9HtPu
student led = student choice; which allows students to OWN their education and demonstrate their passion.
A1 SLL is the Ss making decisions about learning with the teacher guiding them.
A1 SLL when Ss are given prompts / tasks but own the learning (even better when Ss decide the prompts / tasks) with T support
Don't think there is anything more affirming!
It's finding time, structure, and motivation for ss that's the challenge. :(
A1: It's SSL when all the T has to do is get out of the way --> Ss initiative, persist, and ask the right ?s
A1 thought:
How do we set the boundaries to their freedom?
my mind is thinking of so many questions right now....
we are not the wizard.......
Very hard for some Ts to let go of control, don't you think? https://t.co/ZOjmtb6s8C
A1 SLL means the T has to step back and turn the learning over to the student. Less teaching, more direction.
A1: SLL allows Ss to nurture their natural desire to learn.
A1: letting the Ss take the reigns, presenting/solving their own problems/ideas by themselves or as a group.
Here! Jessica from Illinois! 7th gr World Geography!
A1 SLL is allowing Ss to be in the driver seat. We give them the framework and allow them to create it in their vision
A process that teachers can help facilitate as students learn through their own qs and wonders https://t.co/RiRBWPGceX
A1: SLL is influenced by student wonderings around units of study!
Lots of you are talking about Ts 'guiding' the learning. What does that mean?
Glad you're here Kevin! I missed last week's - won't make that mistake this week!
. ex - last week had smack down about y the natural disaster assigned to you was the worst. Discussion - fantastic
I like to think SLL means that Ss build questions within the parameters set my the T and then explore possibilities.
To me it means working with Ss to set specific goals for them, then working to set up work that gets them to goal.
Speak for yourself ;p
Wizard needs food, badly! 80s Gauntlet video game reference
I like that: "allow them to create it in their vision".
get the ideas flowing, answer Ss Qs, diretct to resources
Guiding is setting into place the necessary tools (conferences, technology, equipment) and being accessible to ss
Or working with them to debrief how those goals were not met.
You know how much I love when you start sharing photos of your inquiry stuff!
Which can be a step in the process of meeting them.
Are parameters and expectations the same thing?
follow and particpate in each week. You won't be sorry.
So true. Getting Ss to understand that the learning is in the questioning is key.
only 2 minutes until Q2?!?!??!
1 of the best strategies I adopted was "lingering questions" & provided Ss a place to ask questions beginning through & end!
The most important step to learning
I have the same with a wonder wall or through the use of KWL charts
A2 Most important - the skill of letting go!!!
How do you get students to probe deeper - I'm struggling with this with new students. Just real basic "it was important"! HELP
A2 Ts need to learn & teach essential steps of proj management - set individual goals, then list milestones that must be ...
A2: Ts role is facilitator. To be able to engage all students in conversation & inquiry (something I'm still struggling with)
A2: set the friggin' frame work and MODEL. Be the example of what you want them to be. Be inquisitive, enthusiastic, and REAL.
A2 ... reached to get to specified goals. Work with individuals/groups to evaluate progress.
A2 it took me years to learn how to let go - to give myself permission. helped push me over the edge!
I think we all struggle with engaging ALL students - some Ss and Ts just don't match up!
A2 THIS CHAT GROUP!!!! and pre panning.... we MUST pre plan. You can't do SLL from the hip https://t.co/4srRvlVOSH
Q2 What are the basic skills teachers need to establish SLL in their classrooms? What is the teacher’s role?… https://t.co/PnetF3Bceb
A2 1st step contracting & class norms (noticed I didn't say rules) about what it means to be SLL sometimes Ss are resistant
teachers need to create compelling questions that promote conversation & inquiry
A2: Skills
Learn how to
Let go
Listen
Ask follow up questions (open ended)
Moderate discussions
Trust
Say "I don't know"
A2 Be able to give up control. DON"T give them the answers. Ask open questions that have more than one answer.
I think gave A LOT of Ts permission to push their comfort zone, which you need for SLL!
Facilitating is a skill that needs to be instructed to pre-service Ts in grad school. MUST
A2: Conferencing! Checking in!
A2 By the way, project management and mind mapping software/apps are great to use here.
A2: Knowing when to step in and knowing when to step aside.
Teach them to ask questions based on a topic. Have them investigate & show how it should lead to more questions.
Right?! How can we as Ts expect it from Ss if we're not willing to do it ourselves? https://t.co/LgvNZiDx9B
I think gave A LOT of Ts permission to push their comfort zone, which you need for SLL!
Ken from Western Oregon University just arriving from being my child's uber driver
A2 teachers role is to facilitate and conference throughout the process. Model through mini inquires.also spark ss interest
But the problem is that so many Ts teach the way they learned. You're right - we need to teach this!
YES! follow up and use formative assessing as part of the daily process/routine
I hope she tips well. :) Welcome, Ken!
na - too worried about acronyms, testing, etc - new teachers need our help!
A2: Teach students to analyze the standards/curriculum & ask questions about the content they lead to.
A2 try not to jump in if you see Ss floundering provide direction & options
A2: The T has 2 let go. To keep them on track I find questioning/being interactive not in a T role but learning role is key!
A1 relating curriculum to Ss. Teacher as facilitator. Inquiry based
A2 provide background knowledge that makes students question and then lead their learning from that point
It's not intuitive to many people and takes practice! maybe advocate for PD at schools?
Coming into late-- packing for fall break getaway to the mountains in the morning!
going. too. fast. can't keep. up.
Google Earth
"I don't know. What do you think?" and answering their questions with questions carry a lot of weight.
Yep - or when u tell honors kid that u don't have answer,history isnt facts, what do YOU think?
A2 looking at topics from multiple viewpoints. It's not always just one way. A great model for framework is called R.A.F.T.
I think its a great idea - unfortunately, theres a saying about old dogs & new tricks - :(
Was waiting for the Google Earth mention!
Agree w/. If you model how being enthusiastic & inquisitive can be interesting & you enjoy it, Ss will too!
I'm on it! just checking to see who's playing!
Welcome back Emily! YERT!
I'm trying Bellringer, Notes / Thoughts from class and a summary for the day as an assessment - gives me more info than test!
I don't even remember being taught how 2 use SLL in the classroom, learned when I got the job & from
A2 Ss need to know how to be able to & distinguish between observation, reflection, & question
A2: Learning to be a coach. Use questioning that accesses what students already know and can do to solve problems
A2. Ss need to understand expectation of quality production; modeling through actiivites and examples, fumbling along the way
Good point Tim. Then we need to reach out to them
front .loading curriculum and then when they start questioning say I don't know, or that is a great question
yea my coffee is getting cold here 😂😂
Great word choice! We have to coach them - coaches don't play, they guide - we must do the same!
I'm a big fan of making it a mystery. CSI your lesson. Make it something they want to get to the bottom of.
yep - department chair, mentor, and take student teachers
Welcome in Ellie! Any clown sightings?
A2 after S experience SLL Ss tend to move away frm being pt chasers & move towards real learners not easy for all Ts to let go
A3 Without careful T observation & feedback, it is too easy for many Ss to get lost and wander in circles.
A3: Motivating students to buy into the idea that they're just about in control of their learning
I always let my students explore Google Earth before I instruct them how to use it.
huh - how much time do we have left? But so worth it! A3
A3.SLL is messy, noisy, and it takes time. Must monitor and adjust.
I fumble along the way and share openly about what's happening, hoping Ss will take risks and communicate honestly
A3 S buy-in, Parent buy-in, Admin buy-in move to going in-depth vs. overview, taking the 1st step & willing to fail
A3: chaos! Also, it's really easy to get off topic and go another direction entirely especially during discussions.
A3: Getting students to go deeper, and Ps to understand that it is still learning - just different than P used to!
Is it a good thing that this chat is going so fast that I missed Q3 already?
Or at least equal partners with the Teacher in it.
A3 tendency to veer from facilitator. Ss skills often lacking in inquiry in the early stages, BUT given time they can thrive!
A3: As said. Without good planning... you're dead in the waters of Google Earth.
A3 challenge is planning and being prepared for what to expect while also expecting the unexpected.
A3 It takes more time than we're willing to give. We need to be patient.
Definitely should've done that! Lesson learned for next year.
Helping parents understand that school is different than what it used to be is an important lesson! G… https://t.co/qe6fVJ5Uyw
A3: Getting students to go deeper, and Ps to understand that it is still learning - just different than P used to!
A3 time constraints, student absences, alternate lessons
Students don't realize how much time it takes to learn. patience. https://t.co/HxSJN2Lz1o
A3 It takes more time than we're willing to give. We need to be patient.
- is a pro i would get some tips from him!
A3: Ss are habituated to just give back to the T what is expected, they've forgotten school & learning is a place of curiosity
The realities of a school year wreck havoc on SLL https://t.co/cNCBdiK4ii
A3 time constraints, student absences, alternate lessons
#1 comment - wow - I wish we talked about this when I was in school!
Agreed! So many ss ask "Is that correct?" They're afraid to make mistakes
So true. so many balls in the air to juggle
legacy of standardized testing It takes so much time to deprogram Ss from the standardized test
hey - it's Ashley from deep south TX ... sorry I'm late, but I'm going to try & jump in (after I catch up a bit)
Culture overload! In Qatar, watching , & having a w/amazing people back in US! It is AWESOME and it's only 4:30AM!
I'd reply (in most circumstances), "It might be, give it a try and see if it works."
have to get students to be OK with not having a 'right' answer https://t.co/FkB1GDa37O
Agreed! So many ss ask "Is that correct?" They're afraid to make mistakes
Great start (you) and end (me) to a wonder day! https://t.co/SbuSzZiDbk
Culture overload! In Qatar, watching , & having a w/amazing people back in US! It is AWESOME and it's only 4:30AM!
A3: Tapping into Ss curiosities & passions can be difficult within the confines of a curriculum.
My most successful attempts have taken all year, but they finally got it. We got it.
A3. Going back to modeling and quality work; Ss need ideas of what they're working towards but freedom to push boundaries
A3: Ownership of learning-- takes time & a culture of high expectations. How many times have I heard, "Is this good enough?"
so true!!! and so sad!!! https://t.co/nVfrJi7SGe
A3: Tapping into Ss curiosities & passions can be difficult within the confines of a curriculum.
legacy of worksheets as well.
I was upfront w Ss at beginning of the year that my goal was to get them excited by learning & my class would be different!
Very true! I teach 2 90 min ELA blocks & 1 50 min World Geo class. Geo goes by likeTHAT and I always feel rushed
hey sorry just here to learn. Still in school and student-teach next semester
part 2 also stated that I knew this new experience might not be comfortable but give it a try!
Welcome and good luck catching up! So many great ideas tonight.
A3: Ss need their confidence levels built up b4 they feel capable of leading ... they are so capable, so it kills me sometimes
You have come to the right chat!
but it's great when the Ss say "class is almost over??"
I currently homeschool my son (5) I'm trying 2 instill in him its ok 2 have wrong answers not easy
I'm so happy right now at . my fingers are hurting from typing so fast
Google Earth is amazing https://t.co/SXF3uh6ILk
Respond w/ "What do you think?", "Why do you think its correct?" or "Why do you think that?" Let them justify.
welcome!!! you'll get great stuff here!!!!
A4 In the same way I do in all other environments - recognize it, then use it to get to where I need to go.
he is a teaching stud! Creative and dedicated - follow him now and say you knew him when.
A4: it's difficult ... I often catch myself not saying things, but my facial expressions give me away ALL THE TIME
the realities of being a teacher.
We are undervalued but are so important to the future.… https://t.co/NXus6l4t2W
Very true! I teach 2 90 min ELA blocks & 1 50 min World Geo class. Geo goes by likeTHAT and I always feel rushed
or "What makes you say that?"
A4 to be honest I felt it is easier to control my personal bias because I was moving around / assisting vs. dictating
A4: Absolutely set it aside, moving out here helped me ALOT. You're there to keep the learning respectful not force opinions
Q4: IT CANT HAPPEN. Sorry, ur personal bias twards whatev cannot impede a child's journey. Give guidance, not spoon fed ideas.
And w/some appropriately placed questions, you can lead him to the correct answer "on his own"
A4. Always argue discuss, no matter your viewpoint. Challenge students always to see multiple perspectives
Completely agree! Took the words right out of my mouth
A4. That's a great question. Just shut up & listen. Ask q's instead of answering them & hve a rubric that grades the learning.
A4 Keep teacher role as facilitator & provide skills for Ss critical analysis to avoid bringing our bias.
Practicing group roles has been helpful. Ss find roles they are good at and form groups around strengths
This is why needs to listen to and follow
He knows things and puts it in words that… https://t.co/yDHWQxlxIW
A4 In the same way I do in all other environments - recognize it, then use it to get to where I need to go.
reminds me of an interview question I was once asked! 😂😂😂
Truly important, but also must learn to evaluate various POVs to see if they are built on supportable evidence.
just want to say I needed to be here tonight y'all have revived my cynicism / negativity I was feeling earlier today! Thanks!
Do you have an example of a rubric?
I don't understand why more emphasis isn't placed on Social Study subject areas!
- I completely agree with you ... I see it all the time w/ our PBL teams
THANK YOU TO and - but I've got to go prep for Wed. I was gone today!
A4 Seems that there are a few schools of thought
ignore it
acknowledge it
use it
Thoughts?
This is why works. We might be small but we are there for each other when we need it. {HUGS}
Google… https://t.co/CxN0jIyBAI
just want to say I needed to be here tonight y'all have revived my cynicism / negativity I was feeling earlier today! Thanks!
A4: it's a great learning point ... the discussion of bias is something that shouldn't be ignored; at times we have to relearn
Never possible to truly ignore it, bias works behind the scenes then in ways you may not want.
Seriously Bill. I've learned more from you in the past two years than i care to admit.
Said spreadsheet really needs USA geographers and more (Australian and UK is doing well)
depending on the topic, age group, community all are appropriate in their own time.
toughts... it's easier.....don't want to rock the boat....don't want the waves
Well, I've certainly learned lots from you and others in too. That's why I come back week after week.
can acknowledge & use it by having Ss confront T bias thru having them analyze T positions &choices for author bias
my words were twitter edited. 2 'ignore it' means 2 hide it from students. should have just said that instead.
A4: Have Ss explain their perspective. Validate it. Then you can say what you were thinking.
Peace out tweeps - thx for great convo tonight
Thinking about age/developmental appropriateness is an important thought!
A4: Personal bias ... Over the years of being open with Ss, they have helped me understand harmful biases so I am more aware.
Acknowledge bias, teach kids to understand their own, and find it everywhere, use it to learn. Can't ignore it
Not a particular one. It depends on project. Have 2 measure things like evidence and support, regardless opinion
So great to see conversation threads decending down rabbit holes.
part 2 But there's STILL bias there.
Just stirring the pot for chat purposes ;p
This is suiting for the discussion! https://t.co/IZKMgkRb6w
"We must be in the business of removing boundaries for kids."
shared w but when exploring bias I told Ss it's not that you have one (we all do) it's what you do with that matters
I have a spoon I could help! LOL
I need to go. Thanks for the invigorating chat.
Great to have you here tonight Jim! Thanks!
This is the biggest difference I've noticed in and other Ed chats I've done-- way more convos & resources shared
A5 depends on age. Some foundational terms to provide early learners, but by upper elem most Ss cognitively ready for inquiry
A5: The beginning of an idea. SLL is best when T sets framework. Discussing Trump on Monday w/o framework would be a disaster.
A5: I'm sure there are, every S/class is different. Can't think of a situation off the top of my head but I won't say no.
. then move on over to for some fun!!!!
We try 2 treat the chat like a conversation at someone's house where we are all having a beer it's on purpose
don't worry... I'm on it.
Bias is not necessarily bad thing. It's a point of view based on experience. You just need to be aware so you can understand.
A5 kind of like teachable moments.... sometimes there are different kinds of TM that bring constraints or postponements to SLL
brings up a good point about understanding the age you are working with https://t.co/LDivXXbDyL
A5 depends on age. Some foundational terms to provide early learners, but by upper elem most Ss cognitively ready for inquiry
I'm going to quote you next time I teach bias! Nice way to put it
A5: SLL should be implemented following careful & meaningful planning, doing SLL for the sake of it is not best practice
Dinner time. Have to run. Thanks !!
A5: Agreed with beginning of an idea. Present main ideas and concepts, but then give it 2 them (with structure) to engage in
It is impossible to ever be unbiased. Each brain gets slightly different sensory input, then constructs perception.
A5: With there are some foundational skills (maybe map reading?) that SLL might not work well? not sure.
spur of the moment things?
as always thanks for a great night of learning!
my P once said my room was chaotic after an eval. But then she said "it works for you, keep it up"
know what she is talking about! https://t.co/5gXfDGi5c9
A5: SLL should be implemented following careful & meaningful planning, doing SLL for the sake of it is not best practice
- I find that sometimes it helps to have the Ss perspective @ the beginning to help guide your planning
or current events..... always want to be flexible, you can do SLL tomorrow to touch on imp info today
Perhaps when we are unconscious, we are unbiased; but I'm not sure about that.
I would think that CE would be a perfect place for SLL.
if you let them work with Google Earth could it not be SLL?
Have been at school this evening. Thread looks awesome. Great work everyone.
Always the fastest hour of the week. , do not forget to visit this Google Map and tag your location! https://t.co/W0KpYpC8dh
Dear 'rs,
This was one of the best chats I've been a part of. It was philosophical, deeply personal to my instruction, + FUN!!
Oh my, has the hour already gone?
Thanks Ken! It was a whirlwind of typing
it can be for lengthy CE (elections, hurricanes, aftermath/ refugees) but sometimes it's too quick for planning
just an acronym for Student Led Learning. saves space on Twitter.
