#TWOTCW Archive
#TWOTCW is a weekly chat that discusses the Big Ideas, classroom strategies, and tips from The Writing on the Classroom Wall. The chat is moderated by Steve Wyborney, that author of The Writing on the Classroom Wall. This 1-hour chat takes place every Tuesday at 7:00 PM (Mountain).
Tuesday October 25, 2016
I'm Steve, a math coach from Oregon - and author of The Writing on the Classroom Wall...
good evening, - michael from columbus, oh - middle school teacher
Hi! Margie from PA
K-12 Math Coach
Glad to be here
Thank you, Amy! It's good to see you!
I love this part - seeing who is going to pop in!
So, I DID remember to bring quotes. 2 weeks in a row. It's a record!
...the record only counts if I actually post them during the chat!
Jodi from SD first grade!
Hello everyone Tim from Omaha
Amy from Knightdale. A bit limited tonight...on my phone. Missing tweetdeck!
Hey, Tim! It's great to see you!
Q1: Different ways on different days
Michelle from Kansas. I teach English 11 at Turner High School.
Whoops...jumped in on Q1 before I introduced myself...Kym from Hopewell joining the chat!
Hi, Michelle! I'm glad you are here tonight!
Hello! Tracy, 6th gr science from MA going to try to follow both & tonight.
Q1 What are 5 words that describe the nature of learning?
--Answer as many times as you like!
https://t.co/XuixTqSpW8
I love that you were looking ahead - and also that you wrote an entire sentence with your 5 words.
Howard from the Silicon Valley.
Hi, Tracy! Good evening from Oregon.
A1:
1.Connections
2.Constructivism
3.Disequilibrium
4.Assimilation
5.Discovery
a1: messy, controlled chaos, intentional, authentic
Well these are perfect for tonight's topic! https://t.co/tzQEQCHTGu
a1: messy, controlled chaos, intentional, authentic
Hi everyone! Just back from trick or treating but happy to be here!
A1 The nature of learning is...
1. adventurous
2. bold
3. unpredictable
4. raw
5. beautiful
Welcome! You are 6 days ahead of me!
A1 determined, curious, motivated, messy, fun
Lia checking in from the grocery store!
Attention, Practice, Curiosity, Exploration, Mastery
Wow! Nice going! Are you checking out or in the aisles!
Q1 What are 5 words that describe the nature of learning?
--Answer as many times as you like!
https://t.co/1NBRrhy9nP
elation
frustration
iteration
conversation
sublimation?
I'll try another list of 5...
I tell kids all the time: the messier we are, the more fun we had! (and the more we learned)
Hi and everyone at A little late!
Ashley from TX, 3rd grade math/science
A1 I think the nature of learning can be described in these five words: thinking, reasoning, adapting, reflecting, and change.
A1
1. Reach
2. Try
3. Reflect
4. Reiterate
5. Reach
thank you! Experience is the best teacher. Just recounting my own. 😊
A1. Determination, perseverance, humor, patience and empathy
Hi, Ashley! It's great to see you!
A1 Frustrating, fulfilling, endless, exciting, intentional.
Thank goodness I'm a slob ;)
A1: This is what you see students do when meaningful learning happens: They Question, Discover, Reflect, Talk and Connect
A1: think, reflect, try, fail, grow
thank you for acknowledging that many times it can be frustrating.
A1 Messy, challenging, engaging, inquiring, eureka
I strive for reflection. Reflection is the end game ... the end game that launches a new iteration.
A1: Non-stop. Exciting. Challenging. Rewarding. Slow.
a2: Lesson plans are more like "guidelines" - be ready to adjust the course based on Ss learning and understanding
Nikki from RI Glad to be here.
Oh yeah, the eureka moments when learning is great!
A2 Taking the time to plan new, hands-on student driven lessons can be messy for Ts outside of their comfort zones.
Excitement
Motivating
Reflective Practices
with Risks
When I allow students to take me outside of my comfort zone, they learn much more more that if I stay in it.
A1: fail, grow, fun, discover, success
A2 Learning can be very unpredictable. We may have selected outcomes, but there is much that can't be quantified.
A2:Learning is active. Action takes effort. Effort is personal. Personal gets messy requiring another action
Start over again...
A2 Learning is an adventure, there are many paths that can lead to the summit!
There are many stops, starts, restarts, adjustments, reflections, new approaches. This is at the heart of it.
A2 I don't think we can treat learning as if it isn't highly complex.
A1#2: research, discover, fail, grow, succeed
Exactly! We need to address & value those teachable moments that pop up unexpectedly.
A2 learning comes with engagement, uncertainty & even a thrill. Making it a tame & "clean" would mean memorization, not learning.
A2 We honor students (and ourselves) when we acknowledge the complexity of learning.
A2 untamed because you don't know where learning will take you or the path you choose to get there
A1 inquisitive, reflective, engaged, patient, and passionate
Agreed! Some of the most memorable lessons occur between the lines of the lesson plan!
I agree. There is much, much more than what we can see through a "clean" filter.
A1) the nature of learning in five words-
Risky, safe, practiced, feedback provided
A2: Learning is wild, messy and untamed because too many faliures are a given and how we deal with faliure decides how best we learn
Yes, learning is risky. The journey we begin may not be the one we finish. In fact, maybe it shouldn't be.
A2 Learning is messy b/c it is unpredictable. It can be a powerful constantly moving force. It is never static & always surprising!
A1: Non-stop. Exciting. Challenging. Rewarding. Slow.
A1#3: discover, grow, fail, succeed, reflect
Laurie joining from Maple Ridge BC
A2: learning happens in the most unexpected ways...sometimes on the straight path, sometimes on the curvy, over the mountain path
That's going to be a fun experience.
A3 The learning can take us to so many places and can open so many opportunities for Ss and for Ts
Can lead to discoveries or worlds you never knew
A3: By that definition classrooms would operate more like a library than in terms of it's agenda. Yes?
A2: Learning is wild, messy and untamed because figuring out or learning about anything involves risk, rigour and confusion
a3: as a teacher I present info, but I can't tell Ss what to absorb and personalize. they make their own connections
A3 It is a universal imperative to life.
A3: We are always learning. Trying to contain learning to occur only in classrooms is impossible.
A3 I like to think that it means we need to get outside of the classroom. Give kids real world experiences
A2: learning is messy because we fail first before we succeed
Learning happens in unexpected ways! https://t.co/Ojwf4CXeNY
A2: learning happens in the most unexpected ways...sometimes on the straight path, sometimes on the curvy, over the mountain path
A3a:
There is no ceiling on learning. If a person has the desire to learn, nothing can stop him/her
A2 Throwing new ingredients into the mix is always a bit messy.
I hate the phrase "I'm done" - there is always something new to learn or question to answer
A3 I cannot contain all of the learning within my expectations.
Other learning will burst out in the midst of it.
A3 Once you start learning there is no stopping you. The more you know, the more you want to know. It is a never ending adventure!
A3b: We cannot fit learning between two pages of a textbook. It is too big for that. It is sinuous
Let the learning continue, let it grow, let it extend.
Me too! Right up there with, "Is this good?" Ugh!
A3: My lesson plan must not stop me from the endless possibility of learning!
So...
With the wild nature of learning, Q4 will ask us what can impede it.
A2 learning should be viewed as a journey that doesn't end...its ongoing, constantly changing, evolving, never static
It's amazing how powerful a learning experience teaching is.
A2: Today 7th Hr was diff from all the other hrs because they needed a brain break. It is about adapting &addressing their needs
A4 Fear, unwillingness to take risks.
a4: Ts and Ss mindsets - lack of positive classrm culture - Ss fear of failure, "Just need to pass the test" attitudes
Fear can definitely impede learning.
A3 Ss learning stretches beyond a period or 4 walls. With the tools & opportunities their learning can impact community/world.
A4 Sometimes, lacking to acknowledge and approach the nature of learning impedes it.
A4 Outside of school stressors: friends, family, home life situations that are less than ideal.
A3: the ability to learn is infinite...it can not be contained within a lesson, a day, a year...or the 4 walls of a classroom
these are powerful factors that constantly impact our students.
A3: There is a huge difference between a diverted lesson and a lesson that enables deeper learning!
Perfect! https://t.co/7WiA9pFZQe
A3: the ability to learn is infinite...it can not be contained within a lesson, a day, a year...or the 4 walls of a classroom
A4: I think most things boil down to FEAR.
A3: You know the saying that God is laughing while we make plans? Well so do our Ss while we try to stick to our set plans.
A4 Learning can be impeded by boredom & the lack of engagement. It can also occur when curiosity &/or creativity has been stifled.
Nice point! What do you think characterizes a lesson that enables deeper learning?
A3: my goal as a teacher is to craft tools with my students that will serve them well as "life long learners"...well beyond 2nd gr
Words to live and teach by.
Oh you know, I'm reading this book called The Writing on the Classroom Wall. It's *kind of* inspiring 😉
A2: Learning is "wild, messy, and untamed" because no two learners are alike- we come from all kinds of places & perspectives! !
It's interesting that this theme is recurring. Fear is powerful, and can displace willingness to risk.
A4:
unsafe
Dread
Boring
Ashamed
Useless
Disinterested
A4: Fear is the singlemost dreadful factor that can impede learning!
You just made my day ! https://t.co/xo16aHIkig
Oh you know, I'm reading this book called The Writing on the Classroom Wall. It's *kind of* inspiring 😉
A4 - Lack of interest... Which keeps me on my toes.... Always looking for new ways to make class/learning interesting.
A4 Sometimes we stop learning because we become 2 comfortable & forget about the exhilaration that comes from stretching & growing
A4 A attitude by the teacher impedes learning. thoughts and actions produce positive outcomes.
Q4 Ss tried to type w/ her thumbs on desktop keyboard. Had to suggest she try other fingers. Lack of basic… https://t.co/3ZjDSFfmEL
A4 Lack~ whether it results in unguided fear, distrust, money, time, organisation, enthusiasm or belief....
That's great! How have I never heard this? Powerful!
A3#2: Learning should stretch beyond our imaginations. That means we should find new ways to reach our Ss & be flexible.
Okay...
Let's turn from what impedes to what propels learning...
A4 Learning can be impeded by anxiety, lack of engagement, material too difficult or not difficult enough
A4: Lack of relevance is another thing that stop people from learning. Fear is the first thing!
I shared it at my presentation at and none had seen it there either. was powerful for sure!
A4: being close-minded...fearful of change to the extent that it paralyzes the learner
embracing the recognition that learning is available - all the time. It seems obvious, but is important.
A3 Learning is constant and changing- trying to "contain" it would mean stifling the growth https://t.co/8poaF6KAz1
A2: True learning is full of trial and error, tangents, and creating.
I stole it from Michael a while back and have shared it w/ mentees. Thanks Michael!
A4 hungry tummy, little sleep, no routines, lack of engagement, anxiety, Sorry, taking q'n in a different direction
It so interesting to me to compare these factors (boredom, lack of inspiration etc.) to the power of learning.
a major reality for many of our students.
A5:
Laughter
Collective efficacy
Confidence
Interest
Relevance
Fun
Challenge
Intrigue
Purpose
A3: Learning can't be contained in any school-ironically, it extends beyond the classroom walls where we write all this cool stuff!
Factors that propel learning.
Thanks https://t.co/k0AQ2IB36I
A5:
Laughter
Collective efficacy
Confidence
Interest
Relevance
Fun
Challenge
Intrigue
Purpose
A5 Being in an environment where you feel safe. Where you know and trust those around you. No fear & can
A5: time to think & reflect...openness to feedback & the opportunity to apply it
A5 Enthusiasm, curiosity, fun and questions!
A4: Not being flexible, not reflecting, not knowing the Ss needs.
Great concepts rolling through the feed. Factors that propel learning.
I think it is about deciding which question to park & which to pursue! And what kind of questions both T and S ask!
A5 I'll add...
A recognition of the nature of learning itself can propel learning. It's exciting and invigorating.
A5: Enthusiasm, modeling, freedom, encouragement, active participation, natural curiosity (which I guess is freedom).
A5: when a student knows he/she is truly cared for...that a teacher has a vested interest...learning can sky-rocket 💫
Oy vey, the anxiety- one of the biggest obstacles on both sides of learning in the school environment!!!
A5 Many, many students deeply love to learn, hunger to be challenged, embrace opportunities, seek story, and love to produce ideas.
A5 - I've found that when students WANT to come to class each day, it propels their learning.
A5 Learning is propelled by engagement, open-mindedness, excitement, relevance, curiosity, wonder, interest, need, & collaboration.
Factors that propel learning...
https://t.co/z76OKfKE7e
A5: Enthusiasm, modeling, freedom, encouragement, active participation, natural curiosity (which I guess is freedom).
Learning is wild, messy & untamed in those moments when we let go & let S's lead. This empowers them to believe their voice matters
A5 Someone who believes in you, persistence, growth mindset, engagement, authenticity, real life application
A5 curiosity, autonomy, safety, failing, succeeding - all couched in reflection - joining late, great chat!
So...
Let's chat about how we would describe learning to our students.
Welcome, Whitney! Love the "couched in reflection"
A5 Students having a say in what or how they are learning, hands-on experiences, knowing that they are truly liked & valued.
A5-Must build relationships with Ss-find out what they are passionate about. Their interests should drive learning.
A risk I embrace is to tell my students about the nature of learning.
love the idea of someone who believes in you! I could name those who did that for me!
As just pointed out, not only is it complex, it's personal, different for each person.
All roads lead back to relationships. "Learning is about making connections." Big Idea #1 https://t.co/urOweIMwHF
A5-Must build relationships with Ss-find out what they are passionate about. Their interests should drive learning.
Yes! No better feeling than the feeling after hearing those words!
Yes!! Having a say. Autonomy matters much - to learners of any age
A6 Love when my chats overlap! Great minds! https://t.co/nCO31C9eRs
A5 Students having a say in what or how they are learning, hands-on experiences, knowing that they are truly liked & valued.
How powerful to hear describe that she is still impacted by those who believed in her.
Inspired by
We are in the business of propelling learning.
Q5: A safe environment that encourages thinking and accepts failure propels learning
A5: The excitement of the classroom! When Ss are excited & the T is excited, the atmosphere is contagious!
A6 It might sound simple or nerdy T speak but I would say learning is a fantastic, magical, wild ride! It's a never ending journey.
you are on the list of believers! Even Ts need someone to believe in them. Thank you!!
Yes! We are the architects of our classroom culture. How it feels impacts how it works. https://t.co/bwe74QqMjO
Q5: A safe environment that encourages thinking and accepts failure propels learning
True! When you're anxious learning is hijacked by your amygdala which leads to a flight, fight or freeze response
a6: learning is unique - a brain has 100bil'n neurons - you wonder why you learn dif'ly than other people? it's fantastic!
It's often important to remember the power of story!
A6 Learning is empowering, it can lead you anywhere and everywhere! If you can dream it you can achieve it!
Q6 never ending. The moment you've decided you've learned everything is the moment you've decided to stop learning.
Yes! And it's social. Your comments and propelling my thinking. https://t.co/y0XrVBbFVW
A6 Learning is empowering, it can lead you anywhere and everywhere! If you can dream it you can achieve it!
A6: Learning is different for all of you. In the beginning you have to trust me... (I teach full inclusion)
Powerful words right here! https://t.co/vKvnLl5Mxs
Q6 never ending. The moment you've decided you've learned everything is the moment you've decided to stop learning.
A6 - Learning is an ACTIVE process. Learning is not passive.
A6: Learning is learning to ask relevant questions about what you are learning about!
A5 A teacher doesn't know the power of a positive attitude. A positive atmosphere set by the teacher will p… https://t.co/4yc9tTXAfS
Q7 Why does "tidy" fail to describe learning?
A7 When something is tidy it can be contained. Learning is explosive!
Yes, seeking questions is key!
Neil Gaiman says he doesn't right, but that he explodes.
have2go. As Ts our goal is 2 never give up on any child, give Ss wings 2 fly,discover a world they never imagined TY
Love his work! Glad he is not tidy!
A7 As an educator, I have decided that I am perfectly fine with the fact that learning is messy. I embrace it!
A6 Learning causes change,gives you strength,gives you new Q's.Ex-How did Miss T manage to delete the padle… https://t.co/D439TvwncT
Q6 If you were to explain the nature of learning to your students, how would you complete this phrase?
"Learning… https://t.co/1eiL568KX6
A7 Tidy doesn't describe real learning because learning happens in an active mind & active minds are changing, adapting, & "messy".
thanks!We are knee-deep in S Concern Mtgs right now.Breaking through to acad success is the stone constantly turning
A7 Tidy has a feeling of completion - which doesn't describe learning.
A7 The edges of learning can b tidy; deep learning digs in and that is messy and wonderful indeed.
A7: Tidy implies that it's neat and can be easily "packaged"...just as this is untrue of learners, so too is it untrue of learning
I'd love to hear an observer ask me to describe the "messiness" of learning that is taking place.
Learning has to be experienced! It involves purposeful dialogue amongst peers, reflective thinking and personal goal setting
I risk embracing the messy nature of learning.
a7 because if you got there in a quick & neat fashion, did you really learn anything new?
Oooooh.... I love this! Learning IS explosive! https://t.co/lF5kDwXc6I
A7 When something is tidy it can be contained. Learning is explosive!
Q7: If you can't afford it, break something you can afford & make it work.
A7: there are way too many variables in learning for it to ever be tidy...learning is messy, complex & invigorating
That's a great analogy. Learning does require overturning many, many things.
how often we limit ourselves because tidy is comfortable. Wonder how much learning I've missed!
Great discussion about the nature of learning.
This discussion might challenge some of us!
A6 Learning is knowing more about myself & the world because I asked questions, sought answers.
Q7: Don't wait for the perfect tool. At least get a partial solution.
A5. Hunger, lack of sleep
good point. Sometimes we limit our learning by trying to keep it quantifiable and tidy.
True, basic needs must be met first.
A7: If it didn't work before, wait & try it again (months even years later).
A7 I like tidy. It's comfortable and safe. Learning requires failure. It's risky. But so worth it.
thank you! I never thought I'd be so glad to see my child's room so messy so often. It's a beautiful type of chaos.
A8: a teacher who understands the nature of learning is more likely to embrace the complexities of each learner
Absolutely! Discover a question and jot it down.
Arriving at a question is learning in motion!
https://t.co/wapdemFdUj
A8 Ts need to remember that the how, when, & where of learning is different for every S. It should be a unique journey for each S.
Yes! https://t.co/L8apYIA1A0
A8: a teacher who understands the nature of learning is more likely to embrace the complexities of each learner
A8 We have to understand our students' preconceptions in order to tackle new learning efficiently.
and model that attitude for students while we do!
When my son went to college he left the truck parked at an odd angle at home. We left it like that for a long time.
A8 Learning in the classroom is a reflection of T beliefs and expectations. Ss need flexibility to learn between & among the lines
A8: Need to be intentional as teachers.What do we want Ss to come away with as a result of lesson? And plan with that target in mind
A6: Learning is totally not linear! It exists in dimensions we can't always physically represent. Be open to the ambiguity!
a8: need to understand that not all Ss learn the same. 4th period lesson can't be the same as 1st or 7th.
Good point! https://t.co/OCZnykvtMT
A6: Learning is totally not linear! It exists in dimensions we can't always physically represent. Be open to the ambiguity!
A8: there is no greater joy in teaching than to find the key 🔑 that helps a child unlock their own learning
If find Q8 very challenging, because I recognize the complexity of learning even as I plan with intentionally and with focus.
A6 Learning is being observant and making connections-the mindful learner takes from the process as much as the info
I love it! If we find ourselves in that same scenario years from now I will likely do the same. 😊
True, and all the Ss in the same class don't always need the same strategy. Personalized learning is imp.
The reflection Q is on the way...
Clearly, this is a topic I would never try to "wrap up" but I do wonder what wrestles it has brought us to...
A8: I think it makes me more patient & confident.
True for kids, but don't Ts get bored? Makes more work, but it's more meaningful!
A9 It may be that we'll step into class tomorrow with an enhanced appreciation of the complexities of learning.
A8 understanding the true nature of learning guarantees that Ss AND Ts will be learners - reciprocally guiding
A9 Learning is wilder, more untamed, more messy that I sometimes imagine. I want to recognize its complexity as I teach and learn.
A7: "Tidy" implies taking care of all the loose ends... there are always loose ends in learning. We are NEVER finished!
A7 "Tidy" reminds me of minimalism...I love to watch S thoughts grow and tangle
A9 this is my take away from tonight. I want to make sure my Ss understand that learning is never ending. https://t.co/NSWQglnm27
A9 I must practice what I preach & make sure that every day has some choice for Ss, whether it is how or what. It will be messy!
Excellent! Learning continues to grow and sprout and extend. This is what happens in our classrooms.
Thanks for another great chat... Feeling rejuvenated after a long day! Happy teaching and learning, all!
A9: reflecting on how truly complex learning is will help me celebrate the small achievements along the way...they all add up!
Great reflection. It is not easy. It's challenging. Thinking about the nature of learning is an important step.
I want to say thank you for all of your time - your thoughts - your insights. This is a challenging, important concept.
A9 Stop learning & stop growing Embrace challenges, take risks & look for many ways to build the puzzle & use the pieces in new ways
A9 cont Takeaway 2 - we need to understand that learning is a gift but we have to want to open the package. https://t.co/cqnVBrQ6wc
I want to reflect more on how my growing understanding of the nature of learning challenges me as an educator.
I wish I could have participated more! Great to check in and follow while shopping & cooking.
A9 Get messy. Let it be okay for me, not just my Ss and Ts. I can be messy too! After I clean my office!
much of this makes me think of the importance of number sense.
Thx for another wonderful chat! I am sitting in the car waiting for my daughter at tutoring. What an engaging way to spend the time!
Good night everyone and thank you for a great discussion
Thank you for challenging me to reflect & examine my own learning as well as my teaching! thank you!!
Thanks, Casey! Have a great week!
thank you for yet another great chat! Excellent, insightful and inspirational, as always.
