Hi, everyone! Welcome to #engsschat! Please take a moment to introduce yourself, what you teach, etc.
I'm an ELA curriculum specialist checking in from Houston, TX! I am thrilled to be guest moderating this chat about student-led learning tonight!
Welcome to tonight's #engsschat. Thanks @TeachWithHonore for leading tonight's discussion! Please take a moment to introduce yourself, what you teach, etc. #engchat#sschat
Chris from Bloomington, IN. Teach world history for a private online HS affiliated w/ Indiana University. I'm also one of the #sschat co-leaders. #engsschat
Hi, everyone! Welcome to #engsschat!
I'm an ELA curriculum specialist checking in from Houston, TX! I am thrilled to be guest moderating this chat about student-led learning tonight!
Tonight we’ll be using the combined #engsschat. It's a combination of #engchat and #sschat ... we're one big happy English-Social Studies family tonight!
Happily joining this collaborative chat with ELA! Rachael Collins, I teach middle school social studies in CA & I want to learn more about Ss led learning #engsschat
Q1: Excited to start the I-Search and watch students take charge of their own reading, research, and learning throughout the last quarter of the year! #engsschat
A1) A big thing for me is students asking lots of questions. I use this video in the intro to my second semester world history course: https://t.co/ir6JQ8t1AK Sad that many students respond that they have few opportunities to ask ?s in school. #engsschat
A1: It means a culture of "look it up" (I won't always be there to give them answers). It means voice and choice and CREATIVITY. I love seeing what Ss come up with to demonstrate their learning. #engsschat#sschat
A1: student centered learning to me is when students take ownership of their learning through PBL, seminars, stations, peer teaching and I’m there to provide support/ guidance #engsschat
A1: I write curriculum for @HoustonISD , and we place a LOT of emphasis on student choice in reading (independent reading, student-led book clubs, etc.). I've also been building student choice into inquiry topics AND products. Trying to make Hermione proud! ;-) #engsschat
A1: My Ss know that the floor is always open for questions and comments. When I'm teaching, I'm not the sage on the stage, I make a point to emphasize we are learning together and making connections. My students questions often adjust my lesson plan and assignments. #engsschat
A1 Student lead gives students a choice and a voice and encourages students to be active in their learning. Can be simple in terms on 1 assignment or complex in PBL or debates #engsschat
A1) I provide opportunities for student choice when it comes to the focus of their content on end of unit assessments(Free response writing). Ss complete periodic surveys,they give me input on activities that provided meaningful learning. #engsschat
Q2: When Ss drive the learning, they are more invested, have opportunities to share their work to real audiences (blogs, social media, presentations, etc.) #engsschat
A1: Students are given choice in avenues to demonstrate mastery. They are given opportunities to teach each other material and to collaborate. #engsschat
I just wrote an inquiry unit where students got to choose their topic, their research structure, their writing process, AND their final product. It. Was. Terrifying. But it turned out great! #engsschat
A1: students taking charge of their learning. Giving choices so students can best demonstrate their knowledge. Students teaching other students. #alplearn#engsschat
My preservice T asked me today; "So what do I do when Ss are (doing student-centered learning?)." Sit back..and enjoy the magic! And be there to guide and help of course. #engsschat
A1: student centered learning to me is when students take ownership of their learning through PBL, seminars, stations, peer teaching and I’m there to provide support/ guidance #engsschat
A1: I also try to create lessons where students are talking and engaging with the material as much (preferably) more than I am. I'm also guilty of having them research themselves which sparks questions. #engsschat
A1: students taking charge of their learning. Giving choices so students can best demonstrate their knowledge. Students teaching other students. #alplearn#engsschat
A1: I am actually using a lesson right now in which students use a template to create their own @GetKahoot to lead learning, assess their peers, and adapt the lesson from there. Here is this link to the template: https://t.co/UZkmnPIYaW… #engsschat
My preservice T asked me today; "So what do I do when Ss are (doing student-centered learning?)." Sit back..and enjoy the magic! And be there to guide and help of course. #engsschat
A1: student centered learning to me is when students take ownership of their learning through PBL, seminars, stations, peer teaching and I’m there to provide support/ guidance #engsschat
A2: It's up to them to map out their own growth. Teachers need to provide the right culture for learning and hope that students feel the support to "go with it." #engsschat
A2: My growth goal for this semester is all writing centered. I teach honors level courses, so my students have mastered the art of the multiple choice test. Writing helps them understand the content on a deeper level and grows them as thinkers- not test takers. #engsschat
A2: I developed a 4C self-assessment rubric for PBL assignments - I have built in checkpoints for Ss to self-assess and see if they are on target and to grow. #engsschat
A2: it teaches them the research, analysis and questioning skills they need to be successful. When my students are engrossed in a project or lesson they are passionate about they go beyond the “tested” materials and really go deep #engsschat
A2: Student-led learning empowers students to take ownership of their learning. When students have choice/voice, they #ownit (s/o to @thierck)! #engsschat
Student-led Inquiry - handing over the reins of learning using student questions to dive deep into primary and secondary sources. Student voice is the core of #QFT and drives the relevance for students. #engsschat
Yes, I don't like the misconception that loud means out of control. Or the comment, "Wait, they're actually discussing the lesson!" #engsschat Don't assume the worst
A2) If lessons are crafted well, Ss should be engaging more meaningfully with material and developing skills that will serve them well on the assessments. #engsschat
A2: Students can learn through memorizing content and do GREAT on tests, but they can probably do just as well by developing the skills they will need to be successful in the future (4C's, anyone?) while performing at a similar level. #engsschat
A2 Taking down multiple choice tests is my goal in life. When was the last we needed that skill for our jobs? I’ve been working for years on a tool (it’s FREE) that invites student voice and engagement in reading instruction #engsschathttps://t.co/HdJcpUavlm
Agree completely, biggest misconception is that it is less work. And there are so many "small" ways you can help move the kids in the right direction #sschat#engchat#engsschat
My preservice T asked me today; "So what do I do when Ss are (doing student-centered learning?)." Sit back..and enjoy the magic! And be there to guide and help of course. #engsschat
A1: student centered learning to me is when students take ownership of their learning through PBL, seminars, stations, peer teaching and I’m there to provide support/ guidance #engsschat
A2) When Ss are active in their learning true educational ownership is achieved! Stealing this from a church sermon, but it applies to our classroom: we can't treat school like a movie theater, dining or shopping experience. #engsschat
If I do my job ... follow my standards ... create engaging activities ... the scores will be there and they will remember their learning experiences long after they forget their test score #engsschat
YES! Kids process their thoughts through writing and speaking. Multiple choice limits them in ways that open-ended, student-led assignments do not. #engsschat
A3: Respect! For students to feel safe enough to lead, they need respect from their teachers and peers. The relationships in your classroom community must be strong enough for students to feel comfortable taking risks like leading learning. #engsschat
A2: Especially with the ELA tests, the primary reason students struggle is because of reading level. Kids become better readers by reading more. They're more likely to read more if they get to choose what they read and how they respond! #engsschat
1. An engaged and flexible teacher.
2. A safe learning environment.
3. Some sort of device for creation and research.
4. Collaboration, rapport, and respect.
5. Interesting and important questions.
Go!
#sschat#engchat#engsschat
A3.1 my school is big with #CKH so I would say relationships Btwn students and teachers as well as peer to peer is incredibly important. They need to feel safe and supported in order to risk failing. I model failing for them and we encourage each other #engsschat
A3: Classroom must-haves for fostering student-led learning: students with a teacher to facilitate. Curriculum must haves: books and or internet service. Really, light their fire, and they will glow. #engsschat
A3- Primary sources! My favorite way of structuring lessons is to provide students with a big question and a set of carefully chosen sources. Students do the work of answering the question while I guide from the sidelines (and occasionally inserting myself into groups) #engsschat
OH wow, I love this. Yes! Especially if kids haven't had experience with "freedom" in the classroom, they might be uncomfortable with leading at first. A mutual respect and trust goes such a long way! #engsschat
A3: Student's feeling safe is the number one must in my mind. Following that is classroom norms or expectations that they can lean on when they put themselves out there to lead discussion #engsschat
A2 We need to find a way to mark mastery of a standard after the fact. Just bc the T doesn't know what a student's objective was doesn't mean there wasn't one. I want to identify the mystery objectives of Ss and reward them. #engsschat
A3 part 2: we as a class also discuss class expectations and norms via our social contract. We discuss behavior expectations as well as learning expectations and the standard we are focusing on so they know the why. #engsschat
A3: SS, much like English, should foster an open environment for conversation and allow students to engage with the content on a human-human level. Also, Chromebooks. I love them having access to so much information and having to think critically on how to use it. #engsschat
A3: a classroom must-have for me is space for students to move around, flexible furniture, an environment where students feel comfortable being in front of fellow students or leading small groups. #engsschat
#engsschat#sschat A2 Think about what is more powerful to a parent. Your child got a 78% on a test vs. Your child works better as part of a team and can produce sound written arguments supported by details.
Yes! That first ten-page paper where they have to come up with their own thesis and do their own research they will be thanking you! #edfb4338#engsschat
Want to see real magic ... actually collaborate with your ELA teacher ... share articles ... kids are like “hey we talked about this in History” tag team teaching #engsschat
Interactive documents are SO great for student collaboration and quick, easy feedback! Teachers I work with have had great results with collaborative OneNote notebooks as well! #engsschat
A2 - gives Ss how to ask good questions, rather than just look for the answers on google. Asking good questions leads to better research, smarter humans. #engsschat
A2: Especially with the ELA tests, the primary reason students struggle is because of reading level. Kids become better readers by reading more. They're more likely to read more if they get to choose what they read and how they respond! #engsschat
My classroom must-haves for student-led learning are BOOKS! Not textbooks, though. A robust classroom library with diverse, contemporary books in all genres and at all levels. #engsschat
Q3: My “go to” was always primary sources using the Stanford History Education Group. When students engage with the sources, reading like a historian - the close reading strategies mirror those of our ELA friends. Same skills, different approach! #engsschat
A2 We need to find a way to mark mastery of a standard after the fact. Just bc the T doesn't know what a student's objective was doesn't mean there wasn't one. I want to identify the mystery objectives of Ss and reward them. #engsschat
I have had the pleasure to build 2 cross curricular units w/ ELA. Deep connections made w/ this approach.
Also, takes trust and respect from both teachers. #engsschat
Q4: What do you think are the most common fears teachers have about allowing students to lead the learning? What would you say to ease those fears? #engsschat
This becomes more real to me every day. In my six years of full time teaching, I've never had so many Ss who don't feel safe either physically or emotionally. Tough times for our kids. #engsschat
Man, we need to rework the grading system something fierce. Should a student's grade tank because they didn't master a standard until a week after the grading cycle ended? Let's start a grading revolution! #engsschat
There are 2 big ones and here's how I answer them:
1. Loss of control. "If the kids are more engaged the classroom is going to be buzzing. They will be focused on the meaningful work."
2. Covering the material. "The kids will actually know the material you cover"
#engsschat
Q4: What do you think are the most common fears teachers have about allowing students to lead the learning? What would you say to ease those fears? #engsschat
A4: GIVING UP CONTROL! Letting go of my control over the lesson & it being a disaster and a waste of time. I would say, “Go for it!” How can you expect you Ss to take risks when you aren’t willing to do the same? It’s hard to be innovate when you don’t try new things #engsschat
Q4: What do you think are the most common fears teachers have about allowing students to lead the learning? What would you say to ease those fears? #engsschat
A4: It's not the classroom model students are used to, they might freeze up and not know how to guide their learning OR take advantage of the flexibility and be completely off task. #engsschat
A4 Control and Ts PPTs. Some like the order of trad class. What if they don't get it? To Ts: It will be messy at first- develop lessons & getting Ss away from points #engsschat
A4) That not all the standards/assessed content will be covered. Do you want surface learning or deep learning? Again, if Ss engaged in learning, things will probably work out. #engsschat
A4: I think there's a misconception; that the T says "good luck" and the Ss just "do their thing." In reality, it's a constant weaving in and out of Teacher-student, student-student, teacher-students (plural), etc. It's truly a "dance." #engsschat
A4) Guilty- detailed planner over here! My fear comes down to managing time/content. Powerful Ss led learning can take time and flexibility from the teacher. The unit plan can't be the end all, be all. #engsschat
A3: I think it begins with good questions, and lots of room for small group work and whole class discussion. Engaging in these early and often gets students comfortable with being in charge of their learning :) #engchat#engsschat
Q4: What do you think are the most common fears teachers have about allowing students to lead the learning? What would you say to ease those fears? #engsschat
A4: lack of control. I know I’m a perfectionist so letting students take ownership was a struggle but now that I have it’s so much more beneficial for them #engsschat
YES. I've been talking about this all year (esp. post-Harvey). Trauma is a real thing, and a lot of our kids are coming to us traumatized from something. Once they feel safe in the environment, giving them some control over their academic destiny can be so powerful! #engsschat
A4: Lack of control is a big fear. Teachers worry that students will either be off task or that they won't get deep enough into the information. #engsschat
Alternately, I just had to explain to a parent what really happens in my room when his child told him I just give them reading packets that they answer questions about, ignoring the other 75% of the lessons. #engsschat
A4) And sometimes Ps and administrators aren't on board. They may have preconceived notions of what "school"/"learning" is supposed to be like. Have to show them learning that's happening. #engsschat
A4 Ss are naturally curious and want to explore. Explore the content and students agency to drive the inquiry. More willing to work in area of interest #engsschat
What I would@like to see is ELA and SS working together in a manner that materials kids are reading and write for in my class count for what they are learning in ELA and vice versa #engsschat
A4 - I'd also tell skeptics: you know those "Aha!" moments that Ss get every once in awhile? Imagine that happening more frequently while #PBL or student-led inquiry units! #engsschat
A2: Especially with the ELA tests, the primary reason students struggle is because of reading level. Kids become better readers by reading more. They're more likely to read more if they get to choose what they read and how they respond! #engsschat
A5: The students differentiate because they are choosing which paths are the best to explore. Student-led learning is perfect for social equity projects. These projects also intersect with differentiation b/c students choose their passion. #engsschat
Regarding misinformation, you can help guide Ss who are going down a wrong path. Good to let them struggle to some extent but want it to be productive & accurate. #engsschat
Q4: What do you think are the most common fears teachers have about allowing students to lead the learning? What would you say to ease those fears? #engsschat
Q4: I think there is a fear that students will take it in the wrong direction and the T will have to backtrack and spend more time to be sure the content is covered. But there is something to be learned either way, and the T can always be a guide. #engsschat
A5: I think student-lead learning makes differentiation easier for everyone because the S can engage with the content on whatever level they need, whatever method they need, and maybe even on something they're interested in. #engsschat
A4: I think the primary reason is it's not how we were taught. I also agree with those saying "lack of control". But student-led learning will be a little chaotic and messy and out of control--just like REAL learning is! #engsschat
A4: Ss lack of knowledge or discipline to stay on task. I'd tell Ts the goal is to engage Ss, not compliance. If engaged, they'll work.I'd also say it takes a lot of planning to build structures & procedures for Ss to read to expand knowledge #engsschat
Q4: When we hand over the reins, we are afraid students will not know how to engage, they will miss the content markers we need them to know. #QFT, with a question focus established within the content by the teacher, insures that they ask the BIG ?s they need. #engsschat
A6) Ss can find sources that work for them & likely be pushed to go beyond their comfort level b/c of interest in topic & need for more info. Ss can explore topics that are meaningful to them & community. #engsschat
A5: Student-led learning and differentiation intersect when the students get to engage the content on their own levels. This also allows the learning to be more personal and relevant. #engsschat
Student-led instruction is exhausting but in a different way--lots of running around to check on Ss, lots of thinking on my feet--it's a good, accomplishing exhaustion! #engsschat
A4: I think the primary reason is it's not how we were taught. I also agree with those saying "lack of control". But student-led learning will be a little chaotic and messy and out of control--just like REAL learning is! #engsschat
A5: different group roles with different tasks. Students become the expert for their part and teach their groups and then they combine all their knowledge for the final product #engsschat
A4. Transparency is key. When my Gov Ss conduct 'Inquiries' I usually do not know all of the details that they uncover when researching a big Q. I mandate that all sources used are precisely linked to content found. I then browse before they present to peers. #engsschat
A5: Student led learning is essential to discussions about social justice and equity. This way students can frame discussions in ways that truly make sense to them, discussing difficult topics in ways that make the most sense to them rather than the teacher #engsschat
When students lead, they get to listen to their inner voice more. They get to work at their own pace and in the way that they choose. It also frees up the teacher to work one-on-one with students! #engsschat
By far, this opportunity to pursue Qs that they are interested in and communicating it to their peers is usually at top of list of best things they do in my class. And my role is quite passive. #engsschat
Yes, and they can bring their OWN experiences into the conversation in a way that there hasn't always been room for in "traditional" classrooms. #engsschat
A4 I think we should be more afraid that kids will leave our class and not know what they learned, rather than fear that they missed a unit or two to explore their passions. #engsschat
A4 I think we should be more afraid that kids will leave our class and not know what they learned, rather than fear that they missed a unit or two to explore their passions. #engsschat
Agreed. I've had conversations lately where the highest compliment given is that the kids are "compliant". :-( I think we're seeing right now that kids can do more than be"compliant", and it's actually when they're NOT that we start to see fireworks happen! #engsschat
There are definitely practical concerns. I have freedom at my school, but I struggle with finding my own balance. I try to remind myself that it is about what each S needs, not what I think I should be teaching them. #engsschat
A5)Cross curricular EQ w/ ELA at my site "How did people survive injustice throughout U.S. History?"
Connects slavery to civil rights &
social justice issues. Ss choose how they show learning w/ art,film, writing. Counts for both classes! #engsschat
A5: with metacognitive strategies built into student led inquiry and other student centered learning, Ss learn to self assess and also communicate their glows and grows so that we can support them along the way. Also Ss get outside self advocating #engsschat
Q5: Students leading gives Ts a glimpse into their individual preferences and styles of learning. We lead the way we want to be lead; seeing students do it lets us know what they need from us as far as differentiation. #engsschat
I had students create a @nearpod presentation from scratch and present to their peers. They did an excellent job. Some even used @Screencastify to rehearse their presentations! #engsschat#proudteacher
A6) When I was starting out (mid-90s), my mentor had Ss do ind research projects in place of final exam. My U.S. history Ss did some AMAZING projects. Was so cool to read their reflections on what they learned & what it meant for them to study something they wanted to. #engsschat
A6: My favorite memory was judging IB MYP Personal Projects. These projects were truly passion projects. I learned a lot about a variety of subjects that I had never heard of before. #engsschat
A6: my AP world students last year researched human rights violations in their chosen countries, looked at alliances, and created sanctions for their enemies. We then held a model UN to try to solve the Syrian Refugee crisis. #engsschat
Students got to compete by group for what the final essay question of the term would be. They wrote them. They voted. They chose what I thought was the best prompt & the most challenging one. I never said a word. #engsschat
I agree! We have to model the behavior we want to see in them - modeling the reading and thinking in front of them, showing them our content is much more than memorization - it’s about delving into the messiness of our sources and thinking like historians, authors, etc.#engsschat
We did a 6-week "layered curriculum" unit where students chose the book they were going to read and then chose a "path" through the curriculum based on how they wanted to pace themselves and how much they wanted to be challenged. They all really pushed themselves! #engsschat
It's been a work in progress for about 4 years. We presented it a few years ago and it has been modified since then. ELA and SS still have autonomy in our classes. Growth mindset : )
#engsschat
A5. Student-led learning and differentiation intersect in social justice and equity when the student can speak authentically about experiences a teacher can only try to empathize with #engsschat
Also, I've discovered that if you give them enough space to discuss, they come around to what you intended to discuss without it feeling artificial and scripted. #engsschat
A7) If you'd be a "lone wolf" doing this at your school, maybe try to get someone else to do it with you or find a Twitter buddy so you have someone to reflect with and get support from. #engsschat
A7: I think for someone who's resistant or apprehensive, nothing is better than seeing it live and in person. Keep your door open and invite them in! And then offer advice on how they can incorporate it in baby steps--assignment menus, Socratic Seminars, etc. #engsschat
YES! I am happy to be a Twitter buddy for anyone wanting to bounce ideas or try this for the first time! I'm English-y by trade, but I have SS friends who will take pity on me and help me help you! 😂 #engsschat
A7) If you'd be a "lone wolf" doing this at your school, maybe try to get someone else to do it with you or find a Twitter buddy so you have someone to reflect with and get support from. #engsschat
A7- There is always room in our curricula for content & topics that inspire our students & spark their curiosity. Review learning targets and final assesments to determine what is essential & what can be cut to make room for what really drives student interest. #engsschat
A6: I'm a big fan of having students lead discussions or give oral commentaries on a portion of the text. They always find meaning I haven't yet found! #engsschat#engchat
Join #engsschat the last Monday of every month. We have some big names coming up including @Newseum in April! Keep the conversation going every Monday with #sschat and #engchat!
