Our goals are to connect grads and current students, share ideas and advice, and be inspired. #ElonEd chat brings together experienced teachers and novice teachers to discuss best practices. We see our chat as a way to mentor future teachers who are students at Elon, and anyone who wants to join us in that effort is welcome.
The #ElonEd moderators this evening are @jeffpcarpenter and @coreywillingham. We are looking forward to the conversation! Our topic: Overcoming Obstacles to Innovation
Welcome to the #ElonEd chat! Our goals are to connect grads, current students, fac/staff, and other educators to share ideas and advice and to be inspired.
Who is joining us for tonight’s #ElonEd chat? Tweet your name, location, year of Elon graduation (if applicable), your major or job, and your favorite dessert from Thanksgiving.
Scott Morrison here for the #ElonEd chat tonight. Graduate of Appalachian State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Currently working @elonuniversity. Had some fantastic vegan chocolate pie this weekend!
I’m Corey (2012), tweeting from Philadelphia. I teach history to 7th and 8th graders @AgnesIrwin and I also serve as their dean of students. Favorite dessert? Oo..apple tart. Not pie. Tart. #ElonEd
Dr. Jeff Carpenter tweeting at you from hilly Hillsborough, NC (not actually name for its hills tho), Associate Prof @Elon_Ed & director @ElonEdFellows Pumpkin Pie is the correct answer #ElonEd
Hi! My name is Diana Pinel tweeting from Elon, NC . I am a junior majoring in Elementary/Special Ed. My favorite desert has to be the classic pumpkin pie #ElonEd
Hi! Emily Ford (2020) tuning in from Elon! I'm an elementary education major with a Spanish minor and my favorite dessert from Thanksgiving was the cinnamon apple-pie! #ElonEd
Zoe Grove here! Majoring in MS math education & class 2020! My favorite dessert is apple pie (pumpkin pie is simply a disgrace to all pies worldwide) #ElonEd
My name is Cara DePan, I am in a line of cars for CookOut, I am a senior majoring in Environmental Studies and my favorite dessert were the political family table discussions, served cold! #ElonEd
Q1: New is not always better. How do we make sure we innovate for the right reasons, and avoid innovation for innovation’s sake? What are the right reasons to innovate? #ElonEd
A1: Innovation should typically solve a problem or improve upon a certain aspect of what you are working on. If neither of these are happening, why are you innovating? #ElonEd
A:1 I definitely agree with this. I think that reasons to innovate should be in response to student’s needs. If it seems like something can be innovated in a way that would benefit the needs of the majority of students then it should definitely be done.
#ElonEd
A1 innovation comes from blending two pieces of content together. Doesn’t need to have a tech component which seems to be a hang up for people these days #ElonEd
A1: Innovation has to serve a purpose. I think #edtech is a good example of an "innovation" that does not always meet the goals a teacher should have, like improving student learning. #ElonEd
A1: Efficiency is probably most important in my book. Ts have limited time with Ss, so maximizing learning is important. It also creates time to build relationships with Ss, dig deeper into the topics, etc #ElonEd
A1. One reason to innovate is when something didn't work so well the last time we tried it, & after reflection we are clear that a minor tweak isn't good enough to get the desired results #ElonEd
Q1: New is not always better. How do we make sure we innovate for the right reasons, and avoid innovation for innovation’s sake? What are the right reasons to innovate? #ElonEd
A1: I think that innovation is/can be a good thing when the old ways are not working like they used to. All students are different, so if an old method isn't working, it might be time for some innovation! #eloned
A1: I think that innovation should only happen when it responds to students' needs or benefits the school or curriculum in some way. However, it's important to remember that we don't have to fix what isn't broken. "New is not always better" is an important distinction. #ElonEd
I agree with Michael. Pencil and paper can still be effective. In fact, given the heavy emphasis on #edtech, it can be innovative to do something simple! #ElonEd
A1: innovation can be tricky. As a new admin I find it key to encourage staff to innovate when it will add impact to the differentiation or challenging of students in the classroom. Innovation must be about effectiveness and not a checklist item. #ElonEd
Hi everyone at #ElonEd, jumping in a little bit late here. Apologies for that. Just got back from dinner with my roommate. I’m Franceska, Junior at Elon majoring in Middle Grades ed with a concentration in Social Studies. My favourite thanksgiving dessert is for sure apple pie.
A1: I think that you know something you are implementing is innovative when it is helping achieve something that otherwise could not have been done before.
#ElonEd
I agree with Neil about efficiency; it is SO important. While not often classified as innovative, efficiencies can improve student learning, save time, enhance classroom experiences, and decrease stress. #ElonEd
A1: Efficiency is probably most important in my book. Ts have limited time with Ss, so maximizing learning is important. It also creates time to build relationships with Ss, dig deeper into the topics, etc #ElonEd
A1: I think that innovation is something that should be done with a specific intention in mind, like to create a new product to serve a specific purpose. I often feel that we innovate simply for the sake of doing so rather than having an intention #eloned
I agree with Michael. Pencil and paper can still be effective. In fact, given the heavy emphasis on #edtech, it can be innovative to do something simple! #ElonEd
A1: Innovative practices should be used to enhance student learning. If the learning is the same with a more traditional method a new practice may not be needed! #ElonEd
Teachers need to be willing to go outside of the box, too. I find that too many teachers are unwilling to do so. In #MostLikelyToSucceed, @DrTonyWagner and @dintersmith point out how most schools and classrooms look strikingly similar to what they did 100 years ago. #ElonEd
A1: We need to innovate to make things better in the classroom and for our students. It’s also helpful to work with the end in mind so we can direct our focus. We shouldn’t change just for the sake of it bc as we know, change can be scary especially for our students. #ElonEd
A1 I think innovation should be used to improve something youre already using or to benefit the Ss but I also think Ts should be open to trying new things that have been working for other Ss in their school either way I think Ss should be one of the main reasons behind it #ElonEd
May be accomplished by constantly referring to evidence-based practices: a good avenue for progress. Simple trial & error technique, but if past feedback is overlooked, previous efforts become irrelevant/useless to us. We innovate for the needs of future generations #ElonEd
A1 students need to value their choices and the opportunities from them. That is what innovation is. Being able to see the good when something goes off course #ElonEd
A1: Efficiency is probably most important in my book. Ts have limited time with Ss, so maximizing learning is important. It also creates time to build relationships with Ss, dig deeper into the topics, etc #ElonEd
A1: I think that innovation is/can be a good thing when the old ways are not working like they used to. All students are different, so if an old method isn't working, it might be time for some innovation! #eloned
Most forms of assessment look the same too. Many jobs look the same as they did 100 years ago, but most have changed. It's an interesting dichotomy. #ElonEd
In reply to
@scomorrison, @DrTonyWagner, @dintersmith
A1: Innovation is key because things are always changing, especially in the education world. Benefitting the students is the most important thing, so as long as it helps them, it's right #ElonEd
Yes. Sometimes innovation comes with the permission to be flexible. I know that I felt that I permission to tweak things and innovate on a small scale when I was first starting out. #ElonEd
A2: I'm trying to incorporate Talk Moves into my lessons for an effective and innovative way to incorporate more student ideas and encourage discussion in the classroom. #ElonEd
A2: I would love to make more innovative connections between arts and basic core curriculum. For example, I am currently reading “The Music and Literacy Connection” by Hansen, Bernstorf, and Stuber on how closely reading and music share their basic learning foundations! #ElonEd
A2 I ask students what they like to do in their spare time. Taking their ideas and make them part of the experience will get them to dig deeper and come up with new representations of knowledge #ElonEd
Q2 As future an educator I really want to be innovative when it comes to planning lessons. I want to create lesson plans that allow students to make meaning out of what they are learning and also be genuinely interesting to them. #ElonEd
A2: As a Social Studies ed major, I would love to be innovative in my approach to inclusion within the Social Studies curriculum, and covering untouched topics, but that’s not necessarily a new focus. It’s still something that we can all continue to work on in this area. #ElonEd
A2: While I think some routine and structure is good for children I want to be innovative in my classroom activities so things don’t become run of the mill, boring, and stagnant and be able to occasionally surprise students #ElonEd
I think we can think of innovation beyond curriculum and instruction inside the classroom. There needs to be change in school- and system-wide practices. My #EDU441 students are learning first-hand about how students are grouped by ability, which is not a good practice. #ElonEd
A2: I would love to be more innovative in my lesson planning/teaching style. For me this would include having more hands on activities that allow for students to engage in many different ways. I would especially love to do so in a way that is more UDL #eloned
Q2: I want to be innovative in how to approach math! I struggled with all thinks math when I was in school and a lot of my Ss in placement are struggling with their multiplication facts #ElonEd
A2 I ask students what they like to do in their spare time. Taking their ideas and make them part of the experience will get them to dig deeper and come up with new representations of knowledge #ElonEd
A2: As a Social Studies ed major, I would love to be innovative in my approach to inclusion within the Social Studies curriculum, and covering untouched topics, but that’s not necessarily a new focus. It’s still something that we can all continue to work on in this area. #ElonEd
Q2: I want to be innovative in how to approach math! I struggled with all thinks math when I was in school and a lot of my Ss in placement are struggling with their multiplication facts #ElonEd
It's so important! Everyone gets excited when they learn about their own histories, building time to learn about stories that impacted them, especially stories they think they know, can change how they see themselves and their world. #eloned
A2 being innovative isn’t going paperless. Their are some edu-rockstars that spout this but is more about letting student lead and own their learning. #ElonEd
I agree with Michael again. Having routines that provide structure is necessary, but it is just as important to allow freedom of choice within that structure. For many teachers, this is innovative. #ElonEd
A2: While I think some routine and structure is good for children I want to be innovative in my classroom activities so things don’t become run of the mill, boring, and stagnant and be able to occasionally surprise students #ElonEd
Q2: I want to find ways to be innovative in lessons for math and ELA! I think its easier to come up with innovative/hands on for sci/social studies but I think innovative lessons can really help learners who may be struggling with traditional math/literacy instruction #ElonEd
I've been trying to incorporate Number Talks and Talk Moves into my lessons and lesson planning. I think incorporating these moves can be altered to students needs at any time and is flexible for each new group of students every year #eloned
A2: I'm always working on being more innovative on ways to help my students better access the general curriculum-whether that's through modifying assignments or better collaborating with other, tech..In the dream world, I'd also innovate an easy IEP paperwork system :D #ElonEd
In our EDU312 course, @KatieAGPhelps introduced us to the reading "The Tools of Classroom Talk" where we learned different ways to engage our Ss. There are five effective Talk Moves (pt. 1) #ElonEd
A2: While I think some routine and structure is good for children I want to be innovative in my classroom activities so things don’t become run of the mill, boring, and stagnant and be able to occasionally surprise students #ElonEd
A2: I would love to be innovated with my use of technology. I'm excited to learn more about how it can be used to benefit students in a math classroom. I'd also love to be more innovated with how I incorporate the outdoors into my future lesson plans #ElonEd#EnviroEd
A2: I would love to be able to bring my students outside as much as possible! There are so many ways to implement environmental education, especially with math #ElonEd
(pt. 2) There's revoicing what a student has said, asking Ss to restate/rephrase what a peer has said, having Ss apply their reasoning to someone else's reasoning, prompting for further participation, and using wait time! #ElonEd
A2: An area about which I've admitted before where I'm trying to be innovative is working to find comfort in public speaking. Not looking for nonverbal indicators of interest levels within a crowd. Focusing on Educating and Leaving the room... BETTER than how I found it #ElonEd
And knowing how your own preferences play into your lesson designs is important. I love structure and a roadmap, so naturally my lessons had them. Learning that some people need a "mess" to learn best required me to get away from what I was comfortable with. #ElonEd
getting students outside can be so beneficial in so many different ways that it's definitely something I want to make sure I incorporate as much as i can #ElonEd#enviroed
(pt. 3) The idea is that it allows students time to think about the information, hear it a few times, and then think critically on their own! It's great for encouraging participation from more students. #ElonEd
Q3: Teachers may have freedom 2 innovate but perceive obstacles that are non-existent or entirely surmountable (e.g., end-of-grade tests). What do we do when our own fears & unwillingness to change are preventing us from innovating? #ElonEd
A2: I want to be innovative by teaching my students about the nature of the subjects they're learning and not just the material itself. For example, what even is history? And what does it mean to be a mathematician. This will help my students be innovative too! #ElonEd
Structure is having students complete project logs after every activity to usderstand their process. A lot of innovation comes from the unstructured #eloned
So many of the responses to the second question, on the ways people are trying to innovate, are striking. What they consider to be innovative many teachers already do on a daily basis and are quite normal. Reminds me that innovation is a continuum. #ElonEd
I love this! We've done a couple visits to the #ForestClassroom with EDU312 and I think that's such a great way to be innovative with teaching and learning! Would love to hear more about your efforts with this in the future. #ElonEd
A2: I would love to be able to bring my students outside as much as possible! There are so many ways to implement environmental education, especially with math #ElonEd
Q3: Teachers may have freedom 2 innovate but perceive obstacles that are non-existent or entirely surmountable (e.g., end-of-grade tests). What do we do when our own fears & unwillingness to change are preventing us from innovating? #ElonEd
A3: Support groups! Especially with teachers who are outside your grade level/content area. Art is mostly project based, so go visit an art class if you want to learn how to manage projects. How do sci teachers do inquiry in labs? Math do direct instruction? Etc. #ElonEd
A3: Being able to recognize our own fears is an essential first step. Having a critical friend, coach or mentor can help. An enlightened leader who encourages risk-taking is even better. #eloned
A3: I feel like the schedule inhibits some innovation and the the feeling that “this is how it’s always been done” can prevent T from innovating. As educators, having a mentor or support system helps innovation. But how can we expect our Ss to take risk if we don’t? #eloned
Q3: Teachers may have freedom 2 innovate but perceive obstacles that are non-existent or entirely surmountable (e.g., end-of-grade tests). What do we do when our own fears & unwillingness to change are preventing us from innovating? #ElonEd
A3: This question really resonates with me. So many teachers, myself included, can make other issues the scapegoat for our own inability or unwillingness to innovate. "I would like to be creative but can't because ___." Teachers have more freedom than they think. #ElonEd
A3: (Continued) I think that what teachers need to realize is that content does not have to be compromised for it to be enjoyable and that so much can be taught in innovative ways that are outside the box #eloned
A3. I think many teachers are worried about classroom management issues that could arise if they do things differently. But if students realize that teaching & learning are more meaningful as a result of innovation then management challenges could actually be less #ElonEd
A3: I think as Ts we can get caught up in what the curriculum/state requires us to teach and can lose sight of the individual Ss we have in our classroom at the time and how they may be different from our past Ss. #ElonEd
A3: (Continued) I think that what teachers need to realize is that content does not have to be compromised for it to be enjoyable and that so much can be taught in innovative ways that are outside the box #eloned
A3 with deeper learning experiences and using their ideas will lead to better test scores. Allowing for more innovation leads to a better understanding of materials and the connections to other materials #ElonEd
A3: We need to over-come our fears and change for the right reasons. Innovation can be a great thing and can really help students & educators. We shouldn’t be scared to face the unknown. Change is the only way things can get better. #ElonEd
This is such a tough question! I think that Ts tend to let fears stop them from being innovative because they think the schedule, standards, or end-of-grade tests limit what they can teach. BUT there are creative ways to teach to the standards that can be innovative too. #ElonEd
we’re in the middle (near the end?) of a massive schedule redesign right now to address some of this. we’ll see how our new time structure allows for more innovation and interdisciplinary work! #ElonEd
I hear this often as a reason teachers do not take students outside. However, when they do, they are usually impressed and surprised at how well the students focus and engage. #ElonEd
A3. I think many teachers are worried about classroom management issues that could arise if they do things differently. But if students realize that teaching & learning are more meaningful as a result of innovation then management challenges could actually be less #ElonEd
Q3: I think we need to keep at the forefront of our mind the reason we teach in the first place. We are tasked with preparing students for the life of the future. We need to give them all of the innovative tools that we can so they can change the world! #ElonEd
This is such a tough question! I think that Ts tend to let fears stop them from being innovative because they think the schedule, standards, or end-of-grade tests limit what they can teach. BUT there are creative ways to teach to the standards that can be innovative too. #ElonEd
SO TRUE! I think that educators often think of the school day as going from subject to another content area which hinders innovation, when a lot of content can be overlapped to go across subject and create a more fluid schedule! #eloned
A lot teachers assume that classroom management means students are always at their seats. Learning and collaborations comes in many forms. By creating more engaging activities students will share more and try new avenues. My room looked like chaos #ElonEd
A3: I think a lot of being a teacher is being able to overcome fears whether it be your first day as a teacher, a year with a particularly difficult student, or a veteran teacher trying to innovate you just need to take the dive and learn from mistakes and successes #ElonEd
A3: I think as Ts we can get caught up in what the curriculum/state requires us to teach and can lose sight of the individual Ss we have in our classroom at the time and how they may be different from our past Ss. #ElonEd
I've definitely had this fear before. When teaching in another T's classroom, it's hard to break away from the routines they are used to. I'm afraid that if I try something innovative, but shake things up too much, the classroom management could be difficult to maintain #ElonEd
A3. I think many teachers are worried about classroom management issues that could arise if they do things differently. But if students realize that teaching & learning are more meaningful as a result of innovation then management challenges could actually be less #ElonEd
A3: I think a lot of being a teacher is being able to overcome fears whether it be your first day as a teacher, a year with a particularly difficult student, or a veteran teacher trying to innovate you just need to take the dive and learn from mistakes and successes #ElonEd
A3: just ONE of the best ways (because everyone's different) to move past your seemingly insurmountable obstacles that prevent you from innovating is to get a second, third, or fourth opinion. Perspective is a powerful tool in the making of a variety of initiatives #ElonEd
Q3: I think that we need to try to be positive and try to work with these obstacles and not necessarily against them. There are definitely ways to work with these obstacles and find some benefits in things like end of yr. tests. #ElonEd
You need to realize that you don’t have to be to source for all information in the classroom. Be a co-learner in the classroom with your students. Student will create better products when they see you create #eloned
A3: It definitely helps to have colleagues to have a support system/look up too in a professional field. Seeing other educators stepping outside of their comfort zone can be motivating to do so yourself. #eloned
A3: When those problems arise, I think it is most important to take a step back and reevaluate what will aid the students in the long run. This will help us realize these problems are achievable #ElonEd
A3: My theory is that teachers are rule followers. They mostly liked school and were successful in school because schools reward passivity. Teachers are a self-selected group that tends to stay in the box because they have been rewarded by being in the box. Thoughts? #ElonEd
Management issues can come from not knowing how to free students to learn and how to create an environment where students can create. It took a semester for me to figure it out and always still reigniting my process #eloned
In reply to
@mark_enfield, @jeffpcarpenter, @coreywillingham
I agree. I think it's easy to simplify the job of teaching down to covering the standard material, but the job of teachers is really to prepare their students for the future! #ElonEd
This is such a tough question! I think that Ts tend to let fears stop them from being innovative because they think the schedule, standards, or end-of-grade tests limit what they can teach. BUT there are creative ways to teach to the standards that can be innovative too. #ElonEd
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Sometimes we put innovation on hold because we think we lack the resources or support we need. How might we innovate without technology or with limited tech? #ElonEd
I totally agree with this. So much content for multiple subjects can be taught with integrated lessons but often Ts are held to time blocks for lessons/subjects that hold Ts back from innovating. #ElonEd
In reply to
@GostomskiSara, @JFinneyfrock, @coreywillingham
A3: My theory is that teachers are rule followers. They mostly liked school and were successful in school because schools reward passivity. Teachers are a self-selected group that tends to stay in the box because they have been rewarded by being in the box. Thoughts? #ElonEd
I can definitely see this being a thing -- I feel like a lot of times when I'm asking Ts why they do thing a certain way it's because that's how they did it when they were in school and it worked for them, so they assume it'll work for their Ss too #ElonEd
Every year is different! Just because a lesson plan worked last year doesn’t mean we can assume it works forever! Think outside the box every year to make instruction work for your set of students. #ElonEd
I agree that schedules have too much power. A schedule reflects priorities and values. If you want to have time to be innovative during the day, schedule the time to do it! #ElonEd
This is such an interesting theory! One that I definitely feel guilty of. My classrooms as a kid were structured and following the rules was a MUST. I try to stray away from this strictness in my teaching, but sometimes there's residual rule-following holding me back. #ElonEd
A3: My theory is that teachers are rule followers. They mostly liked school and were successful in school because schools reward passivity. Teachers are a self-selected group that tends to stay in the box because they have been rewarded by being in the box. Thoughts? #ElonEd
A3: Just to have the mindset that positive changes - even the scary ones - will benefit the class setting and it will make future changes easier! #eloned
My personal experience confirms this. That's why reflection is so important to me. I need to see how I'm expecting my students to learn and then see how they actually learn. I often need to change my side. (Personally, I was a rule followed but I wasn't a good student) #ElonEd
YES. As a future educator, I don't want to spend the majority of my time telling my students what to do. I want to be a learner with them and assist them in their discovery of knowledge. #ElonEd
In reply to
@nathan_stevens, @jeffpcarpenter, @coreywillingham
A4: Honestly I was incredibly entertained by @scienceguRhew teaching us about forces of motion using marbles and straws! With a little creativity most lesson plans can be accomplished on a limited budget! #ballinonabudget#eloned
A4: Reach out to anyone and everyone. Resources can sometimes only be found when you ask for help. Don’t let your limitations stop you but instead, be creative and innovate further around your obstacles. #ElonEd
A3: My theory is that teachers are rule followers. They mostly liked school and were successful in school because schools reward passivity. Teachers are a self-selected group that tends to stay in the box because they have been rewarded by being in the box. Thoughts? #ElonEd
I totally agree with this. So much content for multiple subjects can be taught with integrated lessons but often Ts are held to time blocks for lessons/subjects that hold Ts back from innovating. #ElonEd
In reply to
@GostomskiSara, @JFinneyfrock, @coreywillingham
A4: It's possible to teach really great lessons on a budget or with limited resources. Sometimes, I find the tech distracting, so having kids get outside or engage in hands-on exploration could be great and just as effective (if not more so). #ElonEd
Innovation can be a lot more then just using technology and can be something simple like a new system for the bathroom or a fun way to teach a lesson. I saw one teacher make a life size treasure map with a piece of candy at the end to teach directions to 1st graders #ElonEd
A4: Reach out to anyone and everyone. Resources can sometimes only be found when you ask for help. Don’t let your limitations stop you but instead, be creative and innovate further around your obstacles. #ElonEd
I love the idea of “classroom leadership”. Sometimes your problem children are exactly who can step up and be leaders and bring your class back on task rather than you as the T. Give your students these opportunities to create responsibilities and confidence #ElonEd
In reply to
@scomorrison, @jeffpcarpenter, @coreywillingham, @MrDpasion
You're SO right! We had a great talk with Mr. Rhew about how we can teach to the standard, but do it in a super fun way without spending too much money. He had so many great ideas... I especially loved the pumkin genetics like @hahner_shelby taught! #ElonEd
A4: Honestly I was incredibly entertained by @scienceguRhew teaching us about forces of motion using marbles and straws! With a little creativity most lesson plans can be accomplished on a limited budget! #ballinonabudget#eloned
A4: I think it's incredibly important to bounce ideas off of coworkers, friends, and roommates (shoutout to @zoegrove16 and @katiemcorreia rn) to come up with unique lessons that work with differentiation. In addition, EE is a great way to teach Ss without the use of tech #ElonEd
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Sometimes we put innovation on hold because we think we lack the resources or support we need. How might we innovate without technology or with limited tech? #ElonEd
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Sometimes we put innovation on hold because we think we lack the resources or support we need. How might we innovate without technology or with limited tech? #ElonEd
I have not thought of this before but definitely agree! I was always a rule follower and loved school- but not everyone is like this. So important to think about with Ss and how individual Ss learn and are motivated to learn #ElonEd
A4: Technology should help our efforts for innovation but it shouldn’t be the end of the world if we don’t have the access we desire. We can still innovate without technology, by working with other educators and utilising all of our resources. #ElonEd
I was definitely a rule follower, but I was very unenthusiastic about school until 5th grade. My 5th grade teacher taught me how to think out of the box and how to learn creatively. I hope to model my future classroom off of hers! #ElonEd
A4: Ask other people for advice, talk to fellow educators, or get ideas from people other than educators. There are so many ways to get interesting ideas that don't involve technology! #eloned
It is ironic, no? Almost all teachers and students want school to be different, better, inspiring, exciting. Yet teachers think that students won't be able to deal with it. 1) Expect students to struggle with something new. 2) Teach them the skills they need to handle it. #ElonEd
I've definitely had this fear before. When teaching in another T's classroom, it's hard to break away from the routines they are used to. I'm afraid that if I try something innovative, but shake things up too much, the classroom management could be difficult to maintain #ElonEd
A3. I think many teachers are worried about classroom management issues that could arise if they do things differently. But if students realize that teaching & learning are more meaningful as a result of innovation then management challenges could actually be less #ElonEd
A4: Just because you have a limited amount of resources doesn't mean you can't teach incredibly creative lessons -- use what's available, bounce ideas off each other & bring students outside for some tech-free innovation (everyone could use a break from tech anyways) #ElonEd
As teachers we have to figure out how to make our classes work for more than just the students who are going to be the next generation of teachers ;-) #ElonEd
Q5: How do we negotiate obstacles that are created by stakeholders’ (e.g., students’, families’, and/or fellow teachers’) expectations of what school is supposed to be like? #ElonEd
It takes students 2-3 weeks to get use to being the owners of their learning. The first week is a little rough. Give them freedom in small increments. #ElonEd
A4: The mindset of many Ts is that Technology & Innovation are synonymous. As admin or teacher leaders we must provide Ts with PD that utilizes everyday classroom practices in new innovative ways so they don’t fee pressured to create something new in their own! #ElonEd
Thank you! I definitely plan to incorporate that in my set up of the classroom expectations when I start my own classroom. I want them to be equipped to handle new, challenging lessons. I know I always have fun when the lesson is different than the "norm." #ElonEd
I love that!! While my future students should respect me and view me as an authority figure, I want to teach them to lead themselves instead of being dependent on me. #ElonEd
In reply to
@scomorrison, @taylorvtrotta, @jeffpcarpenter, @coreywillingham, @MrDpasion
A5 important consideration... i think they need to be involved from the ground up. Include all parties in the beginning stages, planning, and implementation. #ElonEd
A5: We should give students the opportunities to grow and develop in their learning. They should learn from their mistakes, instead of being punished for them. #ElonEd
A5: This question is difficult! It’s something I have been struggling with but you ultimately have to find some middle ground. Especially with Ss because if it takes away their motivation to learn, there are new problems created. #ElonEd
A5. Honors students will often push back at first when you do something different. They have the game of school figured out & don't like you messing with it. Expect this initial resistance & have your rationale for the innovation prepared #ElonEd
A5: I've found that parents always believe I ha e the best interest of Ss at heart. Nobody has pushed back too hard if I've articulated why the lesson was designed the way it was. But to do that, I had to know why I made the choices I made. "It seems right" doesn't work. #ElonEd
A5: Get them involved from the ground up. Let them be as involved as they want to be, and show them the incredible things that their students are doing in your classroom! #eloned
A5. Honors students will often push back at first when you do something different. They have the game of school figured out & don't like you messing with it. Expect this initial resistance & have your rationale for the innovation prepared #ElonEd
A5: especially for units that you have overhauled, it helps to be clear about changes in routine and assessment. Keep parents in the loop about how their kids are doing throughout the process. #ElonEd
@scomorrison made a great comment about this earlier when he said that Ts tend to be rule followers. It's hard to shake things up, we can explain our reason and give a little push to give it a try (while also respecting boundaries when necessary). #ElonEd
A5. Communicate, communicate, communicate. Negative family reactions to innovations often due to lack of communication from teachers & schools. #ElonEd
Q4: whenever we read, "technology," we assume the regular digital brainwashers, however I challenge people to re-read Q4 and think of other forms of technology that could have been implied: i.e. fire-starters, Kelly-Kettles (@KellyKettle), saws #ElonEd
A5 have students create short videos to explain what they are doing. Student voice is so important. Have them write tutorials if they come up with a new process. Why learn something if you aren’t going to share it. #eloned
YES! Students are interested in learning the hows and whys of the everyday objects around them. We don't have to have anything exotic to excite them! #ElonEd
In reply to
@jeffpcarpenter, @mrjennings22, @scomorrison, @rylie_torretti
Q5: How do we negotiate obstacles that are created by stakeholders’ (e.g., students’, families’, and/or fellow teachers’) expectations of what school is supposed to be like? #ElonEd
A5: You need to take their opinions into account and respect them. There is no one right way about education every student and teacher is different and every parent has had a different experience at school but this also does not make their opinions the end all be all. #ElonEd
A5: Seeing is believing. If anyone doubts that school can't be innovative and engaging (ie. parents/other teachers/administrators) invite them into the classroom to see just how engaging education can be and hopefully it will exceed their "expectations" #eloned
A5. Communicate, communicate, communicate. Negative family reactions to innovations often due to lack of communication from teachers & schools. #ElonEd
A5: ask students, parents, families, fellow Ts etc what they're expectations are -- see if you can strike a balance (maybe try Plan B from Lost at School by Ross Greene) #ElonEd
A5: You need to take their opinions into account and respect them. There is no one right way about education every student and teacher is different and every parent has had a different experience at school but this also does not make their opinions the end all be all. #ElonEd
A5:we strive to find ways to involve our families in the process to help with the stigma against something new. We have 2 curriculum nights a year & we have parents in during the school day to participate in these “new ways” of teaching! Very effective and creates buy-in. #ElonEd
A5: I have to agree with previous answers. Open channels of communication and participation between teachers and the stakeholders is key in having a successful classroom #ElonEd
Q5: Having research on hand to back you up is always helpful! There is lots of research on project based learning (just as one example) that you can show to administration/ parents to explain what you're doing in the classroom #ElonEd
A5: I have to agree with previous answers. Open channels of communication and participation between teachers and the stakeholders is key in having a successful classroom #ElonEd
A5: I think it is crucial to be clear of your expectations for the school year from the very beginning. It is also important to have good communication with the stakeholders throughout the entirety of the time you are the teacher #ElonEd
A5: In early childhood it's sometimes difficult to let parents see benefit in play based/student directed learning because it is not what is expected in a classroom, but 2 let them know the social/communication skills that they will gain will hopefully ease their concerns #eloned
Never realized how big communication was from the classroom teacher until I stepped into the admin side of things. Communication is key to allowing parents to be a part of their Ss education and believing in the process! #ElonEd
Be proactive when sharing this research. Explain it to students, other teachers, and admin. Share it with parents over email or through a course website. Anticipate adult questions just like you would S questions. #ElonEd
Q5: Having research on hand to back you up is always helpful! There is lots of research on project based learning (just as one example) that you can show to administration/ parents to explain what you're doing in the classroom #ElonEd
A5: you should see the surprised and refreshed looks in my classroom when I say “I’m not totally sure how this will end up. Let’s be flexible and patient with each other.” #ElonEd
Never realized how big communication was from the classroom teacher until I stepped into the admin side of things. Communication is key to allowing parents to be a part of their Ss education and believing in the process! #ElonEd
I think that's partially because in MS and HS students are given more responsibility in being those communicators and often respond with "good" or "i don't know" when parents ask...sort of like I did #ElonEd
Q6: EXIT TICKET LIGHTENING ROUND!
After participating in this conversation about innovation, fill in the blanks: I used to think __, but now I think __. #ElonEd
Find support from other educators, parents and research. Many of the obstacles can be overcome with evidence for your position. Also, try not to take it personally...remember to educate. #ElonEd
I feel that now (have a 6th grade student), but when parents ask, please be able to answer. I have too many half-answered questions to teachers #ElonEd
Thank you for participating in tonight’s #ElonEd chat! The next chat AKA the FINAL CHAT OF 2018 is in two weeks on December 9th. Topic: Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy for English Language Learners
schools & teachers need to be more clever given the many communication channels we have! relying upon teenagers to communicate to their families is not a recipe for success! #ElonEd
A6: I used to think innovation was on the back burner of teaching but now I think it’s important to constantly think about for all Ts in all grade levels and subjects!! #ElonEd
A6: I used to think that innovation in education was meant to apply to everything that happens in the classroom, but now I think we have a lot of work to do outside our four walls. #ElonEd
