#TOSAChat is a chat on Twitter every Monday night at 8pm PST for TOSAs (teachers on special assignment), including all edtech and instructional coaches.
Woohoo!! I'm Trevor, HS English teacher, inquiry author and consultant and co-author of #InquiryMindset with the lovely @rbathursthunt. Happy to be here with you all!! #TOSAchat
Hi #tosachat. Joe, Math & STEAM Coach, excited to be here tonight. Flipped & blended learning helps personalize learning. Self-paced, carefully designed, differentiated, … #tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
Rebecca here! I teach Kindergarten in Victoria, BC, Canada! Co-author of #InquiryMindset with @trev_mackenzie Looking forward to getting to know everyone! #tosachat
A0: I wanted to start out using Flipgrid this year. The kids didn't want to use the program. I switched gears and had the kids screencastify their work which took some convincing. I like to let the kids experiment with ed tech time permitting. #TOSAchat
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@TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben, @Jyoung1219
Hi #tosachat I'm Wes. Director of Innovation and Instructional Support in Fullerton. A0 Choice helps personalize learning! My reply signature in my email gives teachers my cell phone number and suggests DMing me on Twitter for more immediate response multiplying ways to connect
A0: I love using @Flipgrid to have my learners capture, reflect & share on their learning. We also LOVE our portfolios to create that ongoing flow of connection between home and family! We use @FreshGrade#tosachat
I have the kids upload the screencasts to Google Classroom. Usually, I have them explain what they are working on said assignment. We have a new curriculum this year and been an interesting ride. #TOSAchat
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@ggtechtosa, @TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben, @Jyoung1219
Since I break the kids into table groups for novel reading or general activities, it seemed like a great tool for the kids to explain what is going on in said assignment. #TOSAchat
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@Jyoung1219, @TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
A1: Whiteboard walls for #360History to ask kids about their thinking. @flipgrid to get kids to verbalize their thinking based on prompts. Answering questions with questions a la Socrates. #tosachat
A1: Whiteboard walls for #360History to ask kids about their thinking. @flipgrid to get kids to verbalize their thinking based on prompts. Answering questions with questions a la Socrates. #tosachat
A1. Definitely something we are working on. Would love to start badging our teachers and turn pd to competency based rather than sit and get. #tosachat
Hey All!! Coach Ben jumping in from @alisal_edtech in Salinas, CA. Like using technology to differentiate with activities and resources...they are just a click away #tosachat
A1: Not a coach but I have my students broken up into table groups. They must work together in assigned tasks by the table leader or director. All decisions must be uniamious with me (the teacher) breaking any tie. Been interesting to say the least. #TOSAchat
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@TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben, @Jyoung1219
A1) By setting the expectations that educators try to solve surface level problems themselves before coming to me to discuss deeper learning experiences... I like them to take ownership of their PD experiences and I enjoy being part of that. #TOSAchat
A1: We start all PD with a Driving Question or problem. We show some tech tools that may solve those problems in the course of the PD, and most of our PD is personalized, where the Ts can choose the tool they want to learn. #TOSAchat
Powerful #inquiry is an amazing thing. As a HS teachers and ES parent, promoting questions from surface enquiries to true inquiries is a great feeling. #TOSAChathttps://t.co/3WQBPdTfHr
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@TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben, @Jyoung1219
A1: My entire coaching framework is based on inquiry. Whenever I enter a coaching situation, my goal is to always ask leading questions to get Ts to identify and solve their own issues. #TOSAChat
Walls were donated by Diversitrack. They're relatively pricey. 15 dollars for 4 x 8 shower wall boards at Home Depot. They work just as well. #tosachat
we try to build purpose into trainings at the beginning, show the Ts what problems our PDs can solve. All our topics are driven by teacher need. #TOSAchat
A1 I try to let my students passions guide my instruction. If I felt the learning goals would be accomplished, the topic to get us there didn’t matter to me. #TOSAchat
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@TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben, @Jyoung1219
It is getting there but will need to refine it next year. Still working on the relationships. The 10th graders have an easier time with it over the 9th graders. #TOSAchat
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@rbathursthunt, @TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben, @Jyoung1219
When I led workshops on iMovie years & years back, I always encouraged Ts to create their own videos (personal footage) first. That way they personalize and connect with the process & then think of how to apply to the classroom. #tosachat
A2: A big part of my tech coaching job and #googleei project is to model innovative strategies as well as tech-infused inquiry to the teachers and students I serve. #tosachat
A1 Through Driving Questions first & foremost. I incorporate #GiftedEd Universal Themes & Generalizations to help kids create their #inquiry Qs. #tosachat
I equate it to that “A-ha” lightbulb moment. When you discover something yourself, you are more likely to cherish that memory and retain that information! That’s inquiry at its core - uncovering information in a memorable way! #TosaChat
A2: I equate it to that “A-ha” lightbulb moment. When you discover something yourself, you are more likely to cherish that memory and retain that information! That’s inquiry at its core - uncovering information in a memorable way! #TosaChat
We're in an IB context, so it's different forms of inquiry all the way, but now our PD is inquiry-driven, and we're moving towards Cultures of Thinking / Project Zero practices. https://t.co/ieOwQAXNpF#TOSAChat
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@TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben, @Jyoung1219
Sometimes, when I talk with teachers. I find they just want to talk and not hear suggestions. I agree with your Jason that one needs to ask leading questions. Some people just need to be heard and plus it is good talk to adults once in awhile. #TOSAchat
Great question #tosachat A1 Inquiry is a lifestyle, an addiction, a way of seeing the world and there is no way more appropriate to introduce it other than a question, followed by a question, followed by a question, followed by a question. Be curious abt ur learners & the world!
Q2: I model inquiry in my interactions with Ts. One o my favorite things to do is to show Ts how to use purposeful questioning to guide Ss towards a desired outcome, which makes the learning more meaningful because it was "their idea" #TOSAChat
Told Ss they had unlimited team of smart people & $. They had to study a planet, pose the problems of living there & tell them what to figure out. Interesting ideas about living on a ball of gas. #tosachat
A2: We are a PBL district, so our Ts and Ss are familiar with inquiry as a part of the PBL framework. It works great when we flip the inquiry onto the teachers when we train. #TOSAchat
A2 I hold #inquiry training and present at workshops but in class I create a Q'ing environment > safe to risk, safe to ask. I am a "Socra-tease" and emphasize asking students how they can investigate & problem solve more than me delivering info to them. #tosachat
A2. When I introduce new tools to students, I like to only give them the basics and let them fill in the blanks. Gives ownership to the students and usually "that kid" steps up and gets to be the teacher. Some of by best teacher moments. #tosachat
A2: I start with sharing what I want to learn. The message that teachers are always learning too. And then ask students what they want to learn. #tosachat
#tosachat#DiveintoInquiry for me it’s easy with the new ca History Social Framework one of the instructional shifts it encourages teacher to do is #inquiry!
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@TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben, @Jyoung1219
Btw, Vanessa Heller here from Southern California...a bit late, sorry. I am a middle school humanities teacher and #inquiry#pbl and #GiftedEd trainer...and big fan of #DiveintoInquiry#tosachat
SO #TOSAchat Leading with questions at the beginning is HUGE. I agree: modelling questioning and being curious is big. I love playing the role of the questioner. Check out our wonder wall. There I am!
A2: I start off with an essential question about whatever we are working on. I ask the kids to write down the question and then discuss it with each other before we go whole group. Old school but it works to start the ball rolling. #TOSAchat
FYI #TOSAchat friends! Our new book #InquiryMindset is open for pre-orders and we're giving away a bunch of FREE exclusive content! Check it out after the chat!
A2b We take our teacher trainees and students through the same process of formulating Driving Questions...it's a new and challenging way of thinking about content, context, and concepts. Very hands on, minds on, and deep! #tosachat
A3 I see the importance of inquiry SO much as I watch my 6 year old son discover new learning. He is always asking questions and coming up with ways ideas to solve problems. It's amazing. #tosachat
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@TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben, @Jyoung1219
Did we have the conversation at EdCamp that Essential Questions are questions that cannot be Googled? It changed the way that I look at Essential Questions. I think we talked about it. #TOSAchat
#tosachat#DiveintoInquiry I start with making connections to something that hey feel comfortable #dbq where there is a question that drives the inquiry for students . Basic I know, but it empowers the students to research and discover with primary sources!
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@TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben, @Jyoung1219
A2: I walk Ss through vid tutorials for Android App Inventor. Once they learn a few Apps, some stay on the path while others mix & match components to create an App that will do Good. #tosachat
Aw yeah! I see that too in my son. I think that’s bc when he was just born, I read #DiveintoInquiry to him - as part of the #tosachat book study this summer.
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@KarlyMoura, @TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
A3: Inquiry from teacher gets students to verbalize their thinking or make thinking visual. Promotion of student inquiry promotes critical thinking, curiousity and empowered learning. #tosachat
Questioning... this desire to know and see where that knowledge leads you is so inherent to our natures...the driving question is to how to keep this flame bring bright in a traditional school setting. #tosachat
A3: Inquiry has fostered problem-solving skills in my Ts. They've slowly stopped relying on me for all the answers and started seeking their own. #TOSAchat
A3 When Ss focus on learning over grades, or use high-quality inquiry built on strong foundations to ask really good questions, even in late high school. #TOSAChat
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@TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben, @Jyoung1219
A3: I am not sure that this is a benefit but I have one group that finds my presense intrusive if I walk up to their table to listen to the conversation. I don't know to be feel annoyed myself or remind the kids that the teacher needs to be part of the process as well. #TOSAchat
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@TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben, @Jyoung1219
A3 #inquiry creates environment & mindset where kids think on their own willingly! Say what??? In my intervention class this morning, kids wanted to know What does it mean to be human? Is it okay to go to war? and Can you have the good without the bad? Pretty deep, huh? #TOSAchat
I remember you telling me that. I think that's the cutest thing ever!!! We must pass on our passions to our kiddos. Jake is also partial to #ditchbook and loves his special pin from @jmattmiller 😊 #LikeParentLikeSon#tosachat
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@Jyoung1219, @TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben, @jmattmiller
So true. My students know that its' highly unlikely I will answer their Qs... I'm very good with the shoulder shrug and a wry smile.... They sigh and investigate on their own. #tosachat
Heck yes!!!!! Their bright eyes running into school with artifacts, books, and resources that are connected to our learning =MASSIVE BENEFIT. #TOSAchat
A4: coming up with the right questions to ask, the right spark to ignite the questions from the Ts and Ss, and making inquiry SUSTAINABLE. that was hard in the beginning. #TOSAchat
A3: Some of my Ss do not function at grade level in this area. They get stuck - can’t seem to find the next step. Making connections is challenging. I guess that makes Inquiry all the more important. #tosachat
I love Cycle Diagrams, thinking routines, graphic organisers & sentence stems (EAL support) for inquiry. Aim high, build foundation, language & process, think hard, get it done. https://t.co/EaWz4iLOvJ#TOSAChat A2
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@TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben, @Jyoung1219
A4: Coming up with, consistently, stimulating questions. It's easier for me, as teacher, to do inquiry. The challenge lies in getting the kids to engage in inquiry. As a coach, getting resistant teachers to embrace inquiry is a challenge. #tosachat
A4: As a fairly new instructional coach, I had to learn that it wasn't about me knowing all of the answers and more about helping Ts and Ss find their own answers #TOSAchat
Thanks for your honesty. I love using provocations to get things going and see what comes from my learners. This helps me to bring forth their questions! #TOSAchat
We MUST change that. Let’s light their curiosity, give them choice, foster ownership. School is their place. We’re there to guide the discoveries. #tosachat
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@rbathursthunt, @ggtechtosa, @cogswell_ben, @KarlyMoura, @TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @kmartintahoe
We MUST change that. Let’s light their curiosity, give them choice, foster ownership. School is their place. We’re there to guide the discoveries. #tosachat
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@rbathursthunt, @ggtechtosa, @cogswell_ben, @KarlyMoura, @TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @kmartintahoe
A4 Time is the bane of my #inquiry & teaching existence. One day I will totally integrate my ELA and SS curriculum which will certainly help. More time would allow me to help kids take #inquiry into action and advocacy by tackling #SocialJustice and #CivicAction issue #TOSAchat
We MUST change that. Let’s light their curiosity, give them choice, foster ownership. School is their place. We’re there to guide the discoveries. #tosachat
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@rbathursthunt, @ggtechtosa, @cogswell_ben, @KarlyMoura, @TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @kmartintahoe
A4: A big challenge is not having the resources or knowledge to help my students when they pick a topic for their genius hour that I don’t know. Such a good problem to have though. #tosachat
I'm going to jump on the @Flipgrid train, but I think the greatest tool they have is the ability for students to spark their own questions and then pose them to the class. #tosachat
Yep. I also value inquiry in the younger years and feel that this will help connections and questions as our learners go through their school years. #TOSAchat
A4: Definitely a good problem - when I don’t know what will come up: what topics, what decisions as to how to attack the learning, …
Let’s do it together is always my response.
#tosachat
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@TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
Grassroots! Always starting with those who are invested, willing and eager. Then the ripple effect will hopefully follow. Easier said than done, but I hear you. #TOSAchat
Me too! I am ALWAYS trying to break down the structures we work under to provide more time and rich learning to occur. Slowly but surely it's happening. #TOSAchat
A4: I have found that I needed to teach my students how to write questions and talk to one another. I am actually a quiet person in my old age. I understand it can take a bit to get out of the comfort zone. At least the profanity as has stopped. LOL! #TOSAchat
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@TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben, @Jyoung1219
A4: Definitely a good problem - when I don’t know what will come up: what topics, what decisions as to how to attack the learning, …
Let’s do it together is always my response.
#tosachat
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@TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
I have a similar similar situation and can be hard. I think next year I’d like to team up with a couple Ts to help them to provide these types of experiences #tosachat
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@lcccarrillo, @TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben, @Jyoung1219
Inviting teachers in to observe lesson & lots of 1 on 1 meetings. I've had the best results when colleagues ask for help privately. I encourage small steps but always forward motion when it comes to #inquiry#TOSAchat
LOVE this. Start small. Mentor those who are excited. And yes, 1 on 1 or small groups is huge hey. Funny, just like with our students in our class. #TOSAchat
A4: I have my guesses as to why this happens, but I have Ss who sit and ask me ‘what do I do?’ Almost every act is predicated by a question. ‘Should I, Do I, Does it...” This makes me hesitant. #tosachat
A5: I use a gradual release model. I begin with demo lessons in my learning space, then follow up 1 on 1 to help them plan a lesson on their own. #tosachat
A4 "Investing time to make time" (Cultures of Thinking) - so that we can think of curriculum as a compass, not a calendar, giving more time for true interaction. #TOSAChat
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@TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben, @Jyoung1219
Les, this is a Padlet that I created for one of my district’s NGSS training. There are resources toward the bottom that may help with questioning. https://t.co/syhsnmPKPr#tosachat
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@MrDsengclasss, @TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
A5: Its a tough balance between direction and choice. Most people like some direction to get them going, but also like choices in the direction they take #tosachat
Very true...the kids will demand it (#inquiry based teaching). They want to think on their own and learn important things about themselves and their world. Who are we to squelch that? #tosachat
A5 Scaffolding is a great term. Can be taken away as needed. "Low entry, high ceiling" ways into #inquiry. Simple strategies, MTV routines, thinking time in class... #TOSAChat
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@TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben, @Jyoung1219
As long as you are good with teaching via google and how to search online safely and effectively, note taking, time management, etc. .... ya know, the nitty gritty of #inquiry...you can help the kids get to their customized content for #geniushour#tosachat
A5) I think it’s key that it ties to an end outcome and that the inquiry based learning experience is meaningful to them....bringing Ss or adults back to that outcome frequently (since inquiry can lead to all sorts of discoveries) should help them be more successful #tosachat
YES! Love your words here. I’ve always said that the curriculum is like a GPS navigator. The destination is the standards, the curriculum helps us get there. Teachers can ALWAYS stop, take another road, … based on interest. When appropriate, look at the GPS navigator #tosachat
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@sjtylr, @TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
Thanks Joe. Curriculum before pedagogy - but it is a challenge for new teachers. It is easier with strong curriculum resources to navigate with fluidity. #TOSAChat
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@Jyoung1219, @TosaChat, @trev_mackenzie, @rbathursthunt, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
Depending on the group! I find free inquiry with our littles works well in buddies. Together they are working on a /idea/passion/wonder of their choice. It really happens when they have and are ready to use their #inquiry abilities. Big buddy free inquiry is great too! #TOSAchat
Sorry, I had to step away for a bit. I really can’t wait for to read the transcript of the chat. Thanks Team @TosaChat for setting that up. For those who don’t know - it’s on https://t.co/RpUQVSwhfJ#tosachat
I also have to say that Free Inquiry in Kinder happens on a daily. With lots of play exploration time, we have free inquiry happening all over the classroom (just in a different sense). Lots of provocations and open ended materials to discover, question and learn with. #TOSAchat
A5 Creating environment & #InquiryMindset culture comes first. How to talk with (not to) each other & how to work well together (including working thru conflict). How to ask higher level Qs and be okay with not always having answers. These are l lessons I model & teach! #tosachat
A6: Don't adopt inquiry, DIVE into it! Like anything, it will be scary at first. WIth a good attitude, a good guide and some support, you will soon wonder how you ever did without it! #TOSAchat
A6: Be prepared to #failforward and not be perfect at it. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, learn from them and get better. It is much easier said than done. Rock that #growthmindset#tosachat
A5: Bouncing off Coach Ben, I am in the camp that I need direction to get started but then want to take the reins afterwards. What can I say, I like structure? If there is none or I will seek it out or create it. #TOSAchat
A5: Its a tough balance between direction and choice. Most people like some direction to get them going, but also like choices in the direction they take #tosachat
A6: Don't adopt inquiry, DIVE into it! Like anything, it will be scary at first. WIth a good attitude, a good guide and some support, you will soon wonder how you ever did without it! #TOSAchat
SO true. And as a beginner researcher having someone to go through those steps with always helps. Also helps to keep those who need a little extra love on track and empowered. #TOSAchat
A6) That its important to take on an inquiry based mind set yourself as you continue your own PL journey. That way you’ll already know some of the challenges and strengths in taking on this approach. Try it out! I’d also say “Be patient with the process” #tosachat
A5 Develop a strong PLN of people doing similar to you (e.g. similar programmes, situations, standards). So many great ideas out there. See #MTBoS, #MYPChat, #PYPChat or #NGSSChat for examples. #TOSAChat
#TOSAchat A6: Start small, share, connect with your colleagues, build each other up and teach with your DOOR OPEN. Let others see what you are doing, and hopefully bring them into your tribe.
Don't forget friends! Pre-orders are open - get access to free webinars, book club resources, companion resources, high res sketchnotes and more when you pre-order a copy of #InquiryMindset! #TOSAchat
A6 Seek mentorship with your #inquiry journey! There are so many great resources from people to website to books! Especially on twitter! Ask and you shall receive. Conferences and especially #EdCamp are also great ways to network and create or join a #PLN too. #TOSAchat
