#worldgeochat Archive
#worldgeochat is a weekly chat focused on teaching geography and global studies. Chats vary between geography specific topics as well as general teaching and education topics. ALL are welcome in worldgeochat!
Tuesday April 26, 2016
Dear ’rs
I’m Pete from Maine I’ll be one of the mods tonight.
tonights topic will be conversations with our first year teacher self :)
Hi everyone! Ed, 7th grade world geography teacher in Naperville, Il, I hope my 1st year self has his listening ears on!
A few suggestions/tips
1.Use hashtag
2.We follow the Q1/A1 format.Use A1,A2,etc 4 responses
3.Be kind, supportive+professional
hI GeoSpiegs Penny from Virginia. It's Parent Night tomorrow so I have to prep. Will pop in and out tonight
more suggestions
1.follow each other/Grown your
2.share photos+stories w/ tag
3.ask Qs+challenge each other 2 be better
Looking forward to jumping in on tonight to talk about the horror that is often the first years of teaching. :)
On my home from grocery store...
Hi & Hope things are going well this week!
Chris from Illinois - another of the moderators. My advice to first year me - throw out khacki pants. https://t.co/DTdMVG9Nyk
good luck!!! i can't do the whole thing either :(
Hi , this is Bill Chapman, a retired secondary social studies teacher, checking in from Berkeley, CA. Multitasking election res
Hey Ed! . Almost was late... had to put the little ones to sleep
Welcome - I know this is a topic up your alley!
Greg from Texas. Teach 9th World Geo and AP Human Geo
Hi Josh! Glad you could make it! I'm glad there are no videos of my 1st year!
Misty, ELA T and Instructional Coach w/ focus on support for 1st yr Ts. Here for
Looking forward to tonight’s here in Austin. HS Social Studies
Hi ! Sarah from MA & 2nd yr teacher. I'm taking a break from final paper crunch time so I can learn from everyone tonight!
Marvin from Paw Paw, MI checking in. Grade 7 SS. Glad to be in the mix!
Hi & Heffernan when did you give up the standard colored pants?
Glad you're here & - glad you're joining tonight!
Popping in a bit late as I prep for a conference next week
I know how that is! 8:30 is bed time in these parts
Hi So glad you all could make it!
We will be starting with Q1/Topic 1 in 3 minutes :)
Haven't warn black, gray, khacki, or navy since April 2014.
it's how we build our PLC!!!
Hi & Glad you both could join us tonight!
Innisfree from U. Wisconsin Stout. I teach world geo as a college freshman class.
i wear black on Mon-Wed-Fri :)
It is always a surprise at dept chair meetings! :)
Q1
What would you tell yourself specifically about teaching ?
What did you get right/wrong? https://t.co/3QT4O3N4Ny
A1 I think I would have went back and realized geo is not a separate topic to be taught in isolation.
A1:
maps are important but it's not the only thing.
A1: I spent too much time on rote memorization, such as map tests. I needed to spend more time building up skills.
A1 Right: Geo is why the where not where the where. Wrong: I thought people already knew this. My bad
A1:
don't listen to the teacher who's been making Ss color maps for the past 40yrs. Trust your instincts.
A1 I would also kick my butt for ever making/grading student's coloring on maps of states/countries.
A1: I should have taken more Geo in college earlier rather in grad school. What I got right? Developed a passion for Geo
A1 If it is something that can be answered with a quick Google search, it's probably not worth teaching!
So important to remember that geography connects to EVERYTHING
A1: Start with your state GeogAlliance from Day 1.
A1 Get ready to define geography and explain why geo is important.
A1 Don't put emphasis on memorization of countries/capitals. Stick to 5 themes & find ways to connect to local/national/global
A1 you are not an island.... join like minded Ts for support (geography punny)
A1: Geography is less about finding locations and more about understanding how people impact the environment and each other.
Skills come first. https://t.co/qguU0ywhaq
A1: I spent too much time on rote memorization, such as map tests. I needed to spend more time building up skills.
Oh yes, I stopped grading maps 2nd year...... now I have open map quizzes that I grade :)
. No doubt! Ss are always surprised when we talk history in geography class. Social studies are interrelated
A1: I tell my Ss on Day One that my class is all about people.
A1b: Better organization. First year I was all over the place.
Global themes should be touched on everywhere - but too often they aren't. That's where I think our class helps.
A1 don't assume your students know basic placement of countries in the world. They need to know the maps
A1) I teach World Hist with a lot of Geography in it. I would tell myself to add more Geo earlier, including skills
. yep- not much memorization needed.... teach Ss to use almanacs, atlases, apps.... no need for rote!!!
Agree! They're very important, but memorizing locations isn't really the best use of 40 minutes!
How about redoing JH curriculum to have themes over 3 years? Blend history/geo/polisci/current events.
A1 You have plenty of mistake still to make.
I would also tell myself that I need 2 be in charge of my own PD & I can’t wait for a silver bullet institute day.
You know that I'm game for pretty much anything. I think with the new IL standards, we have to really rethink.
they use their maps they label/color to answer Qs/clues. This forces them to USE map not just color
A1 and if your going to have the students color maps, give it meaning. Good for them to create a choropleth map
can you explain open map quizzes? Teaching new class next sem that will require mapping skills
right! Coloring maps has a place, but it's NOT THE WHOLE CLASS!
A1 Right: Project-based learning Wrong: Time zones & lat/long. I still struggle w/ how to differentiate when teaching these!
Illinois' Geo Alliance needs to step up their game!
Agree completely. Currently it is disjointed and lacks flow or depth IMO.
A1 I used to dwell on mastering locating coordinates. Now stick to the concepts of absolute location. https://t.co/PaGXVhEAup
. Definitely! It is ok that you don't know all the answers. No one does. Model how you find the answers for Ss
I wish I had know that one existed. I was just thrown into the subject without much guidance.
yep- tell yourself to be proactive and get up and going.... PD worth doing won't fall in your lap
Not sure about the flow, but depth it a HUGE problem. Few topic, greater depth is a must!
I could do an entire year just on Greece/Rome. Need more depth.
A1 Homework is practice. Spend more time with Ss.
they use their maps they label/color to answer Qs/clues. This forces them to USE map not just color
and come up with their own interesting questions
I think that is something to bring up in the next curriculum review!
- You're always welcome in VA. :)
THIS.
If I could get my Ss to grasp this I know I've done my job.
https://t.co/349nqDPcVR
A1: Geography is less about finding locations and more about understanding how people impact the environment and each other.
MA Geo Alliance has great workshops! Anyone in MA who can travel to Elms College, it's worth it!
And unlike other SS classes, about people ALIVE TODAY!
. No doubt! This is an issue & I were just discussing. It is hard b/c our course is so fluid
I could do a whole term on Europe and the Middle East.
A2 I think regardless of the topic, parents are a crucial part of the classroom. Too often shut out and uninvolved.
Finally coming in late! Emily, TN, 7th grade world history&geo. Playing catch up!
I don't grade the map.i give them a quiz that, yes, forces them to USE it.
Yep - If you use maps frequently, the geo knowledge will come!
To be honest I think 3 years of middle east history would do many Americans some good. :)
A2- remember they are the biggest advocate for their child and they want what's best for them. That's how it should be
Q2 is about working w/parents. How would you change how your help parents overcome misconceptions about geography?
A2: Embrace it. In most cases (not all!) parents want to help rather than hinder. We're on the same team!
A2 Best way to overcome parents misconceptions is invite them into your class. Let them learn/create with their child.
A2 Keep Geo in the conversation. Ps can help by their Ss by looking at the world together. The good and less good parts
A2 BE PROACTIVE!!! do introductions via email/newsletter..... be the first contact . I
A2: more relevant in uni than you'd think. Had a Ss love geo, but parents wouldn't let him take another "fluffy useless" class
A2 start early communicating with parents. It'll make a world of difference throughout the year
Welcome in Emily! Are we still Skyping Friday?
such a good thing to do!!!!
A2: Dear parents,
is everywhere + I can't do this without your help.
A2 Wish I would have realized earlier u shouldn’t start plowing into content that establishing a class community is critical.
A2 Pick up the phone...email is not always the best way to communicate.
👊🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾👏🏾 I always say George Washington is not recrossing the Delaware
A2 give parents talking points to help keep the conversation going at home. Share articles or news stories to help
A2 I encourage parents to push their kids to tap into their curious sides. The best geographers are the ones who ask ?s
A2: I'd try to remember that most parents did not have a dedicated geography class.
A2: Connect current events to geography. Keeps things relevant.
A2 Make connections & keep parents in the loop - let them know why !
Idea today. Have students create online maps with popup blurbs instead of map quizzes. Make them "travel brochures."
they think it's all aboout capitals and coloring
A2) SBHS has no Geo classes, so the Wrld Hist Ts decided to add it to our classes. I'd do a better job explaining why to Ps
and that communication needs to be collaborative
current events are crucial!!!!
I want students to want to travel to the world outside of Europe, but mostly I focus on current events, serious issues.
help parents understand how to talk with their kids about the complexity and interactivity of geography
love this idea!! https://t.co/UoRursj39m
sounds a lot like map journal. Have to color then write a paragraph of analysis.
.And many of the countries and boundaries they learned have been renamed or redrawn.
How do you establish community? https://t.co/1wm43WmOAb
A2 Wish I would have realized earlier u shouldn’t start plowing into content that establishing a class community is critical.
I'm fairly certain that does a video intro for his parents. Am I right on this Josh?
A2: Show them this isn't Geography they had back when they were in HS with Coach So-and-So. Everything is geographic
I started that with my classes and its made a great impact. Keeps geo in the Ss minds.
It's just as important to think of parents as Ss, too.
Yes. Instead of a welcome letter I record a "welcome to my class" video and post on youtube.
The best things I ever hear at conferences are about the dinner conversations families have about the topics we discuss. WIN.
I find the video intro is much more effective/engaging way to intro myself and the content.
A1 checking in late from daughter's soccer practice. Trying w/iPhone. From day 1 wish I would've been w/ state geo alliance
It's been on my list of things to try the last few years. Definitely this summer.
So much great stuff right now on
I had coach so-and-so sophomore year. 😂 Didn't know he taught other places. 😬
Always thought it was funny that other teachers advised me to not field Qs from parents embrace it!
yes and mine is tomorrow so i have to go for the chat. Will look back through the thread.
Getting to know you project based on culture. But most importantly building in conversation getting to know Ss.
Hey - - do we have anyone who is in their first year or 2 of teaching?
Are you still screencasting a lot of your lessons Josh?
true! Get them on your side early on. It'll make life so much easier!
Not as much as I once did. I find myself doing less notes and therefore less of the screencasting.
A3 building politics is a painful reality of teaching. It's the dirty little open secret no one wants to talk about
A3 Your district/state might function as a fordist institution in a post-fordist world. Keep moving.
Funny. Ed & I were talking about not giving as many notes just an hour ago!
A3 Sadly I would say stay away from teacher lounge. Often a place of griping and negativity.
Just found your chat! A1: Emphasizing cultural geo to show Ss that people aren't really much different around the world.
. Ss bring in a bag of artifacts that represent them. Got the idea off Twitter. I'll try and find the link.
Can't find Q's on iPhone feed. Can somebody post current Q up. My iPhone skills arent good ☹️
What would you want to know that you still aren't sure of?
A3 To quote Cicero
Politics is simply war through alternate means. Listen more. Talk less.
A3 Another piece of advice would be to do more listening in your first year than talking. Soak it up and learn.
:( Have you tried asking the crew? Someone there might know of something.
Good material culture/cultural geo lesson too.
A3: Politics exists in every job. It's up to the individual to not get sucked into it
A3 Be yourself. You have teach in your comfort zone, not what other Ts tell you. Listen, but adapt.
pro all been to all 50'states except maybe Hawaii!
A3 Rise Above The Fray!!!!
.Q3 What would you say to yourself about the politics of working in a school?
A3: There are politics everywhere. Don't let it affect your work and in fact, stay out of the T lounge several days per week!
A3 you will not get along with everyone. You still need to be a professional.
A3 u can learn so much from your colleagues outside of your discipline & u can learn a ton from observing these teachers work.
A3: Try to stay positive and stay out of the teacher's lounge.
How can I get other Ts on board with connecting geography to their subjects?
A3 be positive, don't gossip, be person other Ts know they can trust to keep mouth shut. Recognize importance of admin assts
Q2 is about working w/parents. How would you change how your help parents overcome misconceptions about geography?
Anyone know of a tool that multiple people can collaborate on a map? Multiple people drop pins on a map?
A3: it's not as bad as you've heard. (I'm blessed w/a great work culture)
A3 There is no green grass at any school Every school has issues, its your job to make those issues better.
sometimes you get pulled in even when you are trying 2 avoid it. You still need to be prepared for it just in case
Put the map image in a google doc?
Stay out of the teachers lounge. RT https://t.co/YrowUvoMce
A3: There are politics everywhere. Don't let it affect your work and in fact, stay out of the T lounge several days per week!
Q1
What would you tell yourself specifically about teaching ?
What did you get right/wrong?
A3 - Do lunch duty, before/after school duty. You'll find Ts there that actually enjoy their Ss!
A3: Find a mentor you can trust and talk to about personal struggles. That person may not be an educator, will be objective
Yes! Keep yourself surrounded by positive energy
A3: Keep your friends close and enemies at school's length. Don't believe the hate you hear about Geo. It's just as important
One of the hardest things to do as a geography teacher so many Ts do see the importance https://t.co/knXWMqG9sV
How can I get other Ts on board with connecting geography to their subjects?
Here is a question from a newer T - can we help?
https://t.co/BBCZmlvJU7
How can I get other Ts on board with connecting geography to their subjects?
“God created war so that Americans would learn geography.”
― Mark Twain -
Depends if grad school counts - either 8 years or year 1. Feels like my first year. Students are diff.
Could you use this w/ if you set the map as the background?
I think is avoiding us out of shame right now!
A3: Always be professional & find a positive buddy. Side note...my positive buddy become my sister-in-law :-)
I bet. That's a whole different world!
True, but one can be prepared for it w/o being sucked into it
Can Google Earth do this? https://t.co/egSJeqUCOV
Anyone know of a tool that multiple people can collaborate on a map? Multiple people drop pins on a map?
I was thinking you create the doc, put the image on it, create a pin jpgs for them to drag/drop.
great ideas here. I also teach lessons in which Ss must try to solve global problems themselves: water issues, deforestation.
I will keep my eyes out for a tool but I go the simple route if possible. :)
That is a fantastic piece of advice, even if you don't marry into his/her family! :)
What about or ? Can we do collaborative online mapping w/ students?
Who's coordinated a National Geographic Bee at their school? I did my 1st one this year and I certainly learned a lot!
May not be as realtime as you wish but MyMaps in Google has worked for me.
A4
Don't get caught thinking that your lesson is awesome + amazing. Try 2 think like a Ss+poke as many holes in it as you can
A4 i would say lesson plans are over rated. :)
A4 I underestimated the power of student conversation! Students need to be discussing & collaborating daily!
A4: It's more than just coloring and labeling a map...
Destroying stereotypes. Next you'll tell me you don't know what storm chips are.
A4 Biggest mistake I made early in my career was thinking if I wasn't talking/running the class then learning wouldn't happen.
A4) World Hist class and Geo class teachers should collaborate on lessons. Integrate the two.
A4 not sure you ever finished planning a lesson. They're more of a guideline. Don’t be afraid to ditch it mid-class.
A4 Don't try to reinvent the wheel in Yr1. use other Ts plans.
A4 would remind 1st year self of need to focus on foundational geo early & often before getting into more complex concepts
Done it. I have mixed feelings about it. It's not really what geo-educ should be about, but any geo talk is good.
Gold Star! https://t.co/iZWyZG6kjX
A4 not sure you ever finished planning a lesson. They're more of a guideline. Don’t be afraid to ditch it mid-class.
I have done it with . Only drawback is that only one person can edit at a time.
A4: find out what ss know 1st. Make time flexible plan.
A4 Connecting course material to student’s own lives is so important.
A4 Would YOU want to come back again? I'd love to track tardy data based on students engagement and excitement about a class
Something I used to do...like going to the movies, and staying up past 10pm.
Q4: never teach lesson the same way year after year. You can always make it better. Tweak it to meet the needs of your Ss.
A4 If you do lesson plans in ink, you are fooling yourself. I'm 19 yrs in, and still can't plan beyond tomorrow.
A4 Don't be afraid to overplan. Group work is better than lecturing because Ss can engage with each other
A4: Student-centered, with movement as much as possible, and let them talk
A4 Also remember that you can/do create awesome work and you can redo/reuse things from time to time.
YES. Still remember the S who asked why she was being graded on coloring like she was when she was 4.
I felt the same way. It took a while to loosen the reigns and give them real ownership of learning
Yes and no. It is a great experience. Really builds strong relationships with parents.
I get bored with the same lesson. I change it to entertain myself. Of course with the Ss needs in mind.
A4: Connect cultures to places. Explore the human side to places. Ss will take an interest. Ex: Architecture like Angor Wat
I prepped Ss the way I prepped for my college geo bowls & it definitely wasn't helpful. I'd want to try again
can do just that and more
Always room for dancing. I love to add choreography to aid memory and interest.
"A good lesson is a great classroom mgmt plan!" Quote from my first principal.
planning redesign w/history prof. "Mapping Change: power and culture in the contemporary world" https://t.co/eP39ogyL8Q
A4) World Hist class and Geo class teachers should collaborate on lessons. Integrate the two.
Some kids just know insane map facts. It's impressive, but I don't know if it can be taught!
Are we really already up to Q5 to ?!?!?!?!
What counts as foundational geo for you?
Yep. Would you want to sit in your own class? If the answer is no, then CHANGE it!
A4 Always have a back-up plan (or two)
A4 Also work on literacy skills. Will never forget when S asked why we wrote so much b/c this wasn't a writing class
Exactly! I have to step back & remember that my Ss didn't grow up with maps in their house like I did
Even better! I have really tried to get better this year & keeping Ss moving. So critical!
Anyone do formative assessments? If so, how?
a4 build in a space for questioning and wondering. S's know more then we five them credit great way to get their minds into ge
A5 Don't settle for status quo.
"writing about the earth" it's literally in the name
Talk more about this! Seriously, must hear more.
A5 No manager's special in cafeteria.
A5 Have fun! If you aren’t enjoying what you are doing, how could you think Ss would be excited to learn about it
A5: See through a teacher's lens.
depends on the standards/themes being explored. It can be as simple as lat/long, border locations, etc
A4 Make sure the Ss can find the places you want on your map.
A5
Have Compassion, Humor and Smile
or,
See through a student's lens.
I will take a picture of a wonder page started this week by the end of the week
If you don't follow , you are missing out on some gems for any classroom!
https://t.co/ws1bnzfKwe
have spaces in note books, Google docs, walls where S's can share ideas and questions. good place to go back and inquire more
A5 Need to train your bladder.
A5) Talk more about Trade
A5: "Chill. This too shall pass." Haha... I had a hard first year.
A5: I'd tell myself to get a Twitter account pronto.
A5: Potty breaks, important they are.
Wise choice. I do wonder how my teaching would be different if Twitter has existed in 1997.
A5 Collaborate frequently! There is so much power and it can only make you better!
A5: Map-reading is fundamental, and fun.
A5: A haiku-
A first year teacher.
Sees through a new perspective.
Reflections and growth.
A5 TAKE A POSITIVE RISK EVERYDAY!
A5 if a rule follow through
Dear me, You are not
The greatest geographer
Your students might be
A5 Stop being hard on yourself
A5 I would also tell my 1st year self to exercise! Has been one of my biggest stress relievers!
A5:
"Are you breathing? Good. Keep going"
A5: check your sweater for tags
YES!!! Everyone fails. EVERYONE. Even Naperville Teacher of the Year .
Along with that, check your fly.
We only have a few minutes left tonight. I'd like to thank everyone for making this especially great. Learned lots tonight! :)
This is tough on iPhone from soccer practice. Looking forward to reading thru when get home!!
Thanks for the great conversation tonight gang. Great sharing and learning.
A5:
This is a hard job.
Focus on eternal things.
You teach for impact.
A5: (Haiku) A helpful resource, your State Geo Alliance, awaits your support.
try new things all the time, if they fail you still learned something!
A4b: Let Ss have a say in the lesson plan. They don't buy-in, they DIVE-in
A5: Practice, "I'm not sure. Let's find out."
As we head to the end of another great
Next Tuesday - East Asia
5/10 - Political Geography
5/17 - ??????? (IDEAS?)
Dear ,
Thank you for again pushing me beyond my comfort zone + to think outside of where I usually find answers.
Yes! Let Ss know that you learn something new everyday too!
A5: Teach to your target audience
Thanks so much for leading tonight If only I had a Delorean and a flux capacitor! Have a great week everyone!
