#NHCSchat is a monthly twitter chat for, about and by educators in New Hanover County, North Carolina. #NHCSchat is an opportunity for teachers, administrators and other educators in southeastern NC to grow and develop their personal learning network (PLN) by connecting to other educators in our district and around the world. This monthly chat will create a forum for NHCS educators to gather virtually around the common interest of providing the best possible learning experience for students in our district. Chat topics will vary but will focus on best practices for teaching and learning in the digital age and will be moderated primarily by NHCS educators.
A1: Love the steps outlined by this edutopia article: https://t.co/l0Dd6Nz4ZX #1-Equip Ss to ask ?s #2-Provide a Launch Pad #3-Cast a Wide Net #4-Avoid Cutting the Search Short #NHCSchat
Q1 As a whole we could do better to help spark the curiosity in our students because that is when we see the true engagement. I allow my students to have time to collaborate and question things within a lesson. It's those questions that lead to those teachable moments #NHCSchat
Instructional Coach and Academy Director at the Career Readiness Academy @ Mosley. Looking forward to the #nhcschat tonight. Tweeting live from NCCAT with an amazing team of teachers @NewHanoverCoSch
A1: We are starting Genius Hour projects. I also allow my Ss as much voice and choice as possible so they can follow their own questions and interests. #NHCSchat
A1: My Ss literally told me that "learning comes second to grades." I was shocked & disappointed. So how do we ignite curiosity when they just want high marks? #NHCSchat
A1: We are constantly adapting to the latest technology & curriculum. I take advantage of Ss curiosity & integrate by including Ss names, fav characters or foods. I even take the time to teach something not in my plans. Genius Hour is what I'd like to do soon! #NHCSChat
A1: energetic, truly love what you're teaching, get excited about the content that you teach, Ss will notice and their curiosity will perk up more #NHCSchat
A1 I teach Social Studies & have been trying to let students look at docs for things we haven't talked about more. Let primary docs be a hook for interest even if we don't have all the context yet #nhcschat
A1: Wouldn't you like to know?! ;-) @AldermanEagles we are sparking #SoaringEagles curiosity with end of the day clubs, innovative classrooms, tech tools, and aim to incorporate highly engaging instructional strategies daily! #NHCSchat
A1: I'm honest with kids when I don't know the answer to something. We look it up together. I want them to see there is no end to questions. We'll never know everything. #NHCSchat
A1: I'm trying to spark curiosity by teaching them things they may not get in other classes & by using tools that keep they thinking outside of the classroom #NHCSchat
A1: There is no magic prescription for sparking curiosity - we need to let that notion go. Provide choices & ask questions to get Ss started. #NHCSchat
A1: Allowing students time to collaborate with each other and discuss together. I love incorporating debates into my lessons for different perspectives! #NHCSChat
A1 I love a plan/calendar but I am trying (not always successfully) to let myself slow down on a topic that students seem intrigued by or curious about, especially if current even or cross curricular connections #nhcschat
Q2 Through inquiry-based teaching practices, my students are learning more through me asking questions than lecturing. My students are able to use the new information that they have acquired and construct their own meaning from it. #NHCSchat
A2: The staff at #CharlesPMurray aren’t afraid to take risks! Mistakes are sometimes the results, but that’s where Ss and Ts make the most growth! #getuncomfortable#NHCSChat
A2: Giving students control of their learning spaces...where they sit, how and when they access the materials they need to demonstrate learning, easy access to writing surfaces to dump and share ideas, etc. #NHCSchat
A2: So much comes and goes in education that it's hard to get on the bandwagon with all the new strategies...I find things that blend the traditional with the new are the best #NHCSchat
A2: Remember, innovation is NOT synonymous with "uses technology." In a society of standardized testing, any practice that encourages questioning and discovery & allows student choice is innovative. #NHCSchat
A2: I'm constantly researching & getting ideas from colleagues. Over the summer, I learned more about PBL & Genius Hour! I'm looking to incorporate more PBL and Genius Hour in the 3rd 9 weeks after spending time introducing the concept to Ss this 9 weeks. #NHCSChat
A1: #NHCSchat I challenge my students to think about how the things that have happened in the past have led to the world we have today! Industrialization led to the cell phones in their pockets!
A1 I love a plan/calendar but I am trying (not always successfully) to let myself slow down on a topic that students seem intrigued by or curious about, especially if current even or cross curricular connections #nhcschat
A2: #NHCSchat Interactive notebooks! The kids build up each concept and they are held accountable for their own work and organization. By the end of the semester they have all of world history in a timeline that is THEIR personal notebook which they have personalized themselves!
A2 One thing I have found successful is combining some new tech tools & skills with an activity or skill I was already incorporating. Ex Summative paragraphs recorded as video in flip grid. Some new + some comfort #nhcschat
A2: Giving students control of their learning spaces...where they sit, how and when they access the materials they need to demonstrate learning, easy access to writing surfaces to dump and share ideas, etc. #NHCSchat
Q3 We need to have our Ss see the reasoning behind why they are learning this information. It's not just to know it, but to know how this concept is going to help them in the future and the purpose behind the content being taught. #NHCSchat
A3: It's about BALANCE! Teaching to the standards instead of to the test creates MANY more opportunities for innovation, but it requires patience...from all of us. It will produce results over time, not overnight...but I believe it's worth the wait! #NHCSchat
A3: Find innovative ways for Ss to demonstrate and apply what they have learned. Projects, games, using apps like @Seesaw@GooseChase@ChatterPixIt and even having Ss teach classmates/come up with their own questions for others to answer. #NHCSChat
A3: Creating measures and tasks that encourage and celebrate innovation and risk-taking to counteract the almighty test score will free teachers from the multiple choice box. #NHCSchat
Q3 We need to have our Ss see the reasoning behind why they are learning this information. It's not just to know it, but to know how this concept is going to help them in the future and the purpose behind the content being taught. #NHCSchat
A2: Flipgrid has been so fun to use! It gives Ss a voice and it's super engaging. I also love history labs to get Ss moving and interacting with primary sources #NHCSchat
A3: Allow multiple ways for Ss to demonstrate mastery of the standards that do NOT mimic the test. If Ss can explain/demonstrate what they've learned, they will be equipped to handle the end of year tests. #NHCSchat
A3: Although we are still required to use standarized tests, I have the liberty to change my course weights to put way less emphasis on them & allow more balance. #NHCSchat
A2: Remember, innovation is NOT synonymous with "uses technology." In a society of standardized testing, any practice that encourages questioning and discovery & allows student choice is innovative. #NHCSchat
A2: Flipgrid has been so fun to use! It gives Ss a voice and it's super engaging. I also love history labs to get Ss moving and interacting with primary sources #NHCSchat
A3 show how the content relates to the real world. I forget what elementary school, but they had a parent night at a grocery store learning about math! #beyondtheclassroom#NHCSchat
A3 We have the power in our classrooms to assess our students in so many ways. We need to take advantage of that and DO IT! And collaborate and encourage each other to balance the traditional test assessment with other methods. #nhcschat
A3: #NHCSchat Take them into the community and have them WORK with people to learn HANDS ON things! These are the skills they need to learn for life! They will be better people and more well rounded in the long run! It will also help them to prepare for a career in the future
A3: Having Ss deconstruct standards and turn them into learning targets. Then they can see the end goal and why they are learning certain things
#NHCSchat
A3 Allowing Ss to choose different ways to present their understanding of a concept usually gives me way for information than any test would. Also more motivation. #winwin#NHCSchat
Q4 Ss are much more engaged through technology. I have used different games and apps in order to engage my SS through lessons and try to use technology for each lesson I am doing. It makes it more relatable to Ss #NHCSchat
A3: Ss are so used to testing, but I enjoy project based assessments rather than tests/quizzes. They learn the content, practice research skills, and can be creative in how they present the info! #NHCSchat
A4: B/c our Ss view technology as an extensions of themselves, & the primary way that they access information, we must adjust our practices accordingly. Don't ban their tools. Use those tools to teach them...to help them drive their own learning! #NHCSChat
Q4 Some of the most engaging teachers I observe are able to blend high-tech and low-tech to maintain students' attention. Make tech a tool, not the teacher. #NHCSchat
A4: Technology is a blessing & a curse. Ss have info at their fingertips but cheating has increased & Ss are less likely to THINK--they just look it up #NHCSchat
Q4: Developing not only digital citizens, but digital LEADERS! Focus on how we can use tech to improve the lives, well-being, & circumstances of others! https://t.co/Q4mOJu5kGu#nhcschat
A4: Not enough. I need to use our access to the world to connect with others outside our classroom more. We use creation tools in @Seesaw to allow for digital creation. We use @Twitter and @instagram to share what we're doing. #NHCSchat
A4 Tech with such tech savvy students feels like a work in progress. I have found Tech immediately gets their attention and I am working to use this more and more to my advantage. I also find they are not as good at using tech for specific purposes as they think! #nhcschat
A4 Allowing students to use technology to show their understanding of concepts. Flipgrid is a great way to have students show their understanding! #NHCSChat
Q4 Some of the most engaging teachers I observe are able to blend high-tech and low-tech to maintain students' attention. Make tech a tool, not the teacher. #NHCSchat
A4: #NHCSchat I think this is a problem in our schools. Our access to technology needs to be better and more reliable in order to fully and consistently integrate it into our classrooms.
A4: We are a 1-to-1 school so we use technology everyday. A student just used an app she uses everyday with friends on a project. She was excited to show me something new.
#NHCSchat
A4 I love learning technology alongside with Ss and seeing them take leadership and ownership to collaborate and share. Technology is a tool to support their learning, but cool to see when the tool itself becomes a source of learning for all. #NHCSchat#alwayslearning
A4: We need to embrace and incentiveize Ss using their phones for academic purposes and teach them to use them appropriately; phones are here to stay. #nhcschat
A4 More access to tech allows for more opportunities for student creativity. Balancing tech & traditional tools can provide more student choice #NHCSchat
Q5 By teaching my Ss digital citizenship and setting that up at the beginning of the year, it has helped keep these troubles at bay. When one arises, we discuss how technology is a privilege to use at school, but if we can't use it properly, then we don't get to at all. #NHCSchat
A4: Google Classroom has been a life saver! I blend tech in the classroom, but I think there needs to be a balance. Ss can't always rely on tech for all their problems #NHCSchat
A4 Whenever a question comes up about our world, we add it to our Google board in the classroom and then they look it up later. Also Google Earth has been an invaluable resource for showing the kids the world! #NHCSchat
A5: We set expectations for using our digital tools similarly to using our analog ones. We also keep troubles in perspective and handle them logically. No one takes pencils away when kids use them inappropriately. I treat tech the same. #NHCSchat
A5: Talk about (and model) appropriate and respectful use. Screens at 45, phones on silent and face down...there is a time to use them and a time to not - discuss the difference. #NHCSchat
A5: Teach digital citizenship, anticipate pitfalls, establish clear expectations and monitor students closely, especially when using new tech tools. When troubles arise, make them learning opportunities! #NHCSchat
A5: Constantly reviewing & modeling expectations when using technology in the classroom. Ss having frequent reminders, helps reduce the amount of troubles as well as keeps everything in working order. Ss also keep each other accountable. #NHCSChat
A4 I like the accountability tech can have for Ss By having my info my webpage & using online calendars Ss can practice engaging in the life skills of the online world, whether its prep for College courses on Blackboard, trainign modules for a job, banking info. #nhcschat
A5: Create the ground rules together - esp with secondary students. Try to be PROactive not REactive. Don't punish all when one breaks a rule. #NHCSchat
Typically the same kids who are off task with technology are the same ones who are without it... Making sure learning is authentic and engaging for the student helps! #NHCSchat
A5: #NHCSchat Let them use it for good! Maps, population changes, fashion over the years, etc- all at the tip of their fingers! They DO have to learn to make GOOD decisions for themselves in the long run so they need to learn when it is GOOD for them to put it away as well!
A5: I have a no phone policy but during every transition (15/20/30 mins), students get a 2-3 phone break. It really works because they know they can use their phones soon. #nhcschat
A5: Focus on the opportunities. What are all the things we CAN do with tech, as opposed to what we shouldn't do. Let's create digital leaders! #nhcschat
Q6 Ss are engaged in real-life problems that they face everyday or will face. By making my Ss apart of their learning and bringing in aspects from their lives, they are more engaged and feel that they play a huge part in the learning that they are doing in the classroom #NHCSchat
A5 Teaching ethical use & responsibility. Monitoring closely. Removing privileges as necessary. Reflect on choices. Repeat. (If done right you wont have to repeat often because the kids REALLY WANT to use technology) #NHCSchat#teachemyoung
A6: I try to allow students voice and choice whenever possible so that they truly own the learning. They run our class social media accounts and share what they think is important and awesome. #NHCSchat
A6: I tell my Ss to be loud & proud of any answers they give, even their mistakes because we are here to learn & grow. Ss also show off their learning w. @Seesaw & having chances to share w. peers. Inviting collegues & admin into the room also makes them shine bright! #NHCSChat
A6: Give Ss a voice, a purpose, and an audience, and they will be stars of their learning! Tech tools provide great avenues for Ss to share and archive their learning, as well as document their growth. #NHCSchat
Q6 Empower students to be the stars of their own learning by giving effective feedback so they can participate in their instructional next steps. Effect Size for effective feedback is +.73! #NHCSchat
A6: #NHCSchat PBL that they create and demonstrate something! I have mine create News broadcasts on different events from WWII. It is fully open ended and they love doing it! They even dress up like news broadcasters and the information they provide is spot on!
A6:Ss love showing off their work! Let them show the class what they created. Encouraging questions and stories from their lives also engage Ss in class.
#NHCSchat
A6 Brag about students to people in their lives. Their guidance counselor, coach, parent/guardian. Don't let all contacts be about problems, celebrate their victories too! #nhcschat
A6 Ss choose what work they are most proud of and have a special wall for that, ours is right at the front door that way they can see it right when they walk in each day and be reminded of what amazing work they have and can do! #NHCSchat
A6: Allowing Ss to have choice in their final product. Given choice, they will take more pride and ownership in their work and give their all - they will want to show it off to their peers! #NHCSchat
A6 Brag about students to people in their lives. Their guidance counselor, coach, parent/guardian. Don't let all contacts be about problems, celebrate their victories too! #nhcschat
Q7 Relevant, meaningful activities that both engage Ss emotionally and connect with what they already know are what help build neural connections and long-term memory storage. #NHCSchat
Q7 It does not look the same for all Ss. You need to build those relationships with Ss in order to provide relevant and meaningful instruction. It is different for each student. #NHCSchat
Q7 Ss need a personal connection to the material, whether that’s through engaging them emotionally or connecting the new information with previous knowledge. Without that, Ss may not only disengage and quickly forget, but they may also lose the motivation to try #NHCSchat
A7: When we accept and embrace “if a child can’t learn the way we teach, then we should teach the way they learn”, ALL instruction is relevant #NHCSChat
A5: good question! I feel like a lot of tech troubles are similar to regular classroom management struggles. off task behavior, meanness and cheating happened before tech tools too. We talk a lot in my class about acting online in a way we want others to see and admire #nhcschat
A7: It seems like students in lower performing schools have programs pushed on them instead of allowing Ts and Ss flexiblity to pursue learning relevant to them. I think creativity and innovation are MOST important in those environments. #NHCSchat
A7: Creating a variety of learning options for Ss to shine. Hands on, computer based, peer based or independent. Ss have a chance to learn which method works best for them. Listening to Ss interests & incorporating into instruction. It does look diff for variety of Ss. #NHCSChat
A7: Socioeconomic status matters! Build background knowledge...attempt to level the playing field and then scaffold and provide support as necessary in order to making learning relevant and success possible for ALL! #NHCSChat
A7: When we accept and embrace “if a child can’t learn the way we teach, then we should teach the way they learn”, ALL instruction is relevant #NHCSChat
A7: All students should have the opportunities to pursue meaningful and relevant learning. Especially those who struggle. Especially those who feel marginalized. We need to give them a reason to come to the table. #NHCSchat
A7: Relationships matter. Find out about your Ss and bring the learning experiences to them - make learning relevant! It should not look the same for everyone. #NHCSchat
A6: I tell my Ss to be loud & proud of any answers they give, even their mistakes because we are here to learn & grow. Ss also show off their learning w. @Seesaw & having chances to share w. peers. Inviting collegues & admin into the room also makes them shine bright! #NHCSChat
A7 tap into students strengths, every child is unique give them an opportunity for them to show you so that as educators we can reach them more #NHCSchat
Q7 Be willing to change what you are doing & try something new. What may work for one class may not work for all, and it may not be personal against you. Reach out to your colleagues, whether a sounding board or inspiration we are all surrounded by great teachers! #nhcschat
A7: #NHCSchat Have SS take Multiple Intelligence test at beginning of year and then play to the strengths in that classroom! Differentiate each day to play on the types on learners you have in the room. Open ended projects where SS decide how they want to demonstrate mastery!
A7: Make sure Ss know you care, and will work with them when situations outside their control happen. Encourage Ss to ask questions, and have other Ss explain when they understand.
#NHCSchat
A7: Get to know your students, what topics interest them, what activities get them engaged, etc. Make content relavent to their daily lives and bring focus to current events that are in the spotlight! #NHCSchat
Q7 It does not look the same for all Ss. You need to build those relationships with Ss in order to provide relevant and meaningful instruction. It is different for each student. #NHCSchat
A7 Keep trying! Just because you didn't connect with one student 1 day, doesn't mean something will not click next time. Students bring so much to the classroom, our job is to keep trying to make connections for each individual Ss.#nhcschat
Q8 My Ss take part and self-assess themselves throughout different points of the day. They are aware and more accountable for their learning when held to this higher standard. We perform debates and research where Ss provide the information, not the teacher. #NHCSchat
Q8 I always do some sort of interest survey at the beginning of the year for my Ss. I am able to get a closer scope in on their lives and what they are interested in. I keep these with me to help plan my lessons and relate it to my Ss.
#NHCSchat
A7: When we accept and embrace “if a child can’t learn the way we teach, then we should teach the way they learn”, ALL instruction is relevant #NHCSChat
A7 tap into students strengths, every child is unique give them an opportunity for them to show you so that as educators we can reach them more #NHCSchat
A8: Allowing Ss to pick their best work to put on display/include in their Seesaw journal. Inviting families & colleagues into our classroom after we complete units. Also, using Twitter so Ss can express & show their learning. Ss love being able to see themselves! #NHCSChat
A5: Teach digital citizenship, anticipate pitfalls, establish clear expectations and monitor students closely, especially when using new tech tools. When troubles arise, make them learning opportunities! #NHCSchat
A7: Creating a variety of learning options for Ss to shine. Hands on, computer based, peer based or independent. Ss have a chance to learn which method works best for them. Listening to Ss interests & incorporating into instruction. It does look diff for variety of Ss. #NHCSChat
A8 Set up Google voice, allow Ss to text you with questions. Use pixiclip to give feedback quickly & easily ( even math problems are easy to work out virtually) This is a great confidence builder & they share w/ other Ss #NHCSchat
A8: Been waiting for this ? all night to showcase my class mascot mante.mono (Check him out on Instagram!) My Ss do such a great job taking ownwership of this activity! #NHCSchat
A7: Socioeconomic status matters! Build background knowledge...attempt to level the playing field and then scaffold and provide support as necessary in order to making learning relevant and success possible for ALL! #NHCSChat
A8 Interest Inventories, Learning Style Preferences, and yes, Relationships again and always. Listen to what they talk about to know where to go next. #NHCSchat
A8 Teaching High school students, they can be so close to that future their education has been building them towards. I try to continually encourage them to keep as many options available for themselves, even though they may not seem attainable now. Keep doors open! #nhcschat
yes! I am now inspired to incorporate more service learning in the classroom. Providing Ss with a "why" & a "bigger picture" to the assignment will empower them #NHCSchat
Q9 I use Class Dojo and I am exploring the SeeSaw app in order to post assignments that students have missed. I try to make a google slide for my lessons and post them to my webpage for students to be able to catch up whether it be during their small group or at home. #NHCSchat
A8 As hard as it can be in a grade/ transcript driven environment, I try to get Ss to focus on their growth and comparing themselves only to themselves. We all have different strengths and work at different paces, measure yourself by you! #nhcschat
A8: Using tools that give Ss a voice. Give Ss a space to let their voices be heard and allow them to explore interests outside the curriculum. #NHCSchat
A9: Choice Boards for projcts are a great way to allow Ss to choose a more independent option if needed. Also, Flipgrid allows Ss to record their presentations, share & comment on others. Check it out! https://t.co/qLydlRfiku#NHCSchat
A9: Pull Ss after they have unpacked. Instead of completing morning work, we will work on missed work. Also pairing Ss with a peer leader to help after you pull is great! Gives Ss the chance to be social, work with a peer & learn from a different perspective. #NHCSChat
A9: Using @seesaw, we have a portfolio of EVERYTHING we do. It's easy to share and catch someone up. Someone at home can look at our @instagram feed and see what we're doing. I also use our class website to post resources. #NHCSchat
A9: Tech tools are a great way to mitigate this. In 2017 does anyone really have to miss anything? The possibilities are endless to remote in, archive video, etc. #solutionfocused#NHCSchat
A8 As hard as it can be in a grade/ transcript driven environment, I try to get Ss to focus on their growth and comparing themselves only to themselves. We all have different strengths and work at different paces, measure yourself by you! #nhcschat
A9: #NHCSchat Sometimes a good ol' fashion sit-down conversation is the best way to discover true comprehension of material (+ connect with a kid in the process) Is it ALWAYS worth it to make them makeup the work if they can demonstrate mastery?
A9: Google Calendar and Folders! All notes go into the folder, and Ss can look to see what they missed on the calendar. Can't wait to try Google Classroom next semester.
#NHCSchat
A9: I post all of my assignments on Google Classroom. I try to connect with Ss during down times or in the hallway between classes. Alternate assignments are also used. #NHCSchat
A9: If students and parents are aware of the expectation to utilize your teacher webpage when they miss, they should have the work they need when they need it. Phone a friend works if they do not have internet access. Hold them accountable for their learning.#nhcschat
A9: Google Classroom has eliminated all of this for me. Ss always know what they have missed and what is expected. Remind as well - Ss can ask me ?s if they need extra help #NHCSchat
A9 I like to have students do a quick recap or review of the previous lesson/expectations when there is someone who missed a lesson or project. Checks for their understanding, provides leadership opportunities and helps us all get our minds ready for our next steps. #NHCSchat
A9: #NHCSchat Sometimes a good ol' fashion sit-down conversation is the best way to discover true comprehension of material (+ connect with a kid in the process) Is it ALWAYS worth it to make them makeup the work if they can demonstrate mastery?
Q10 I follow Ron Clark academy and some of the teacher associated with that school in order to learn exciting and engaging ways to teach my Ss different concepts. I love the way they set the stage to engage for each lesson taught #NHCSchat
A10: My colleagues are great with sharing ideas & resources! I also like @ScholasticTeach and Amy Lemons has AMAZING ideas!! Love her blog! The current BT book study is pretty awesome too! #NHCSChat
A10 Lin McMullin's blog for high school Calculus Ts & Ss has instructional techniques and applications to help with many higher level concepts. Check it out!
https://t.co/rvhuArIOvc#NHCSchat
A10: @alicekeeler and @gcouros@cultofpedagogy inspire innovative instruction. Also, in our own district - make sure you check out that #NHCSchat tag. Every day there are great ideas being shared!
A8: Been waiting for this ? all night to showcase my class mascot mante.mono (Check him out on Instagram!) My Ss do such a great job taking ownwership of this activity! #NHCSchat
A10: Wow, so many to choose from! Locally, @aladams7m was one of the first teachers I followed and I still look to for ideas to use in my teaching. #NHCSchat
