#dubMSela Archive

Dublin City Middle School twitter chat around the book Launch by AJ Juliani and John Spencer.

Tuesday July 17, 2018
7:30 PM EDT

  • sharondechert Jul 17 @ 7:30 PM EDT
    Good evening. Sharon Dechert GMS I’m at a Band B in the middle of nowhere this evening so I have scheduled my responses. Actually somewhere near West Chester but no signal.#dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:30 PM EDT
    Hello and welcome to week 5 of our LAUNCH chat! I'm Jennifer, your moderator. Please introduce yourself! #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:30 PM EDT
    Hi Sharon! Hope you are having fun! Thanks for scheduling your responses! #dubMSela
    In reply to @sharondechert
  • tecarp Jul 17 @ 7:31 PM EDT
    Good evening! Toby Carpenter, former 8th gr science teacher at KMS, who will be a MS tech coach next year. Once again, I am not live... softball tonight. My tweets are scheduled, but I'll be following along later. #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:31 PM EDT
    We will follow a Q1/A1 format with Q1 at 7:35. Subsequent questions will follow every 10 min thereafter. Please include #dubMSela in your tweets!
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:31 PM EDT
    Hi Toby! Hope softball is going well! Thanks for fitting the chat in your schedule tonight! ;) #dubMSela
    In reply to @tecarp
  • sharondechert Jul 17 @ 7:32 PM EDT
    Funny story and apology. Trying to schedule tweets from phone and had great difficulty. Pardon the misnumbered and out of sequence responses. Left computer, iPad and all chargers at home.#dubMSela
  • melissavoss5 Jul 17 @ 7:33 PM EDT
    Hello! I'm Melissa Voss, SMS, 7th gr ELA teacher. #dubMSela
  • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 7:33 PM EDT
    Hi all! Kristen Bennett from SMS here! #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:33 PM EDT
    Isn't it funny how we can almost be two places at the same time... as long as we have technology on our side! :) #dubMSela
    In reply to @sharondechert
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:34 PM EDT
    Hey Melissa! Thanks for joining in! #dubMSela
    In reply to @melissavoss5
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:34 PM EDT
    Ah, @WorldHistagram! Are you back in the buckeye state? #dubMSela
    In reply to @WorldHistagram, @WorldHistagram
  • sharondechert Jul 17 @ 7:35 PM EDT
    A1 cont I intend to embrace the ideas of this chapter and book as I move into the new school year. #dubMSela
  • sharondechert Jul 17 @ 7:35 PM EDT
    A2 cont I like the idea of recognizing that there are periods where kids get bored and the suggestions to move them forward. #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:35 PM EDT
    Q1 How can we ensure that our students are working on actual projects and not on “recipes”? #dubMSela
  • sharondechert Jul 17 @ 7:35 PM EDT
    A3 As I read, the phrase means that in order to be creative , a person has to have the attitude/ belief the he/ she can succeed despite being stuck. #dubMSela
  • sharondechert Jul 17 @ 7:35 PM EDT
    A1Initially I have to make sure I am not providing recipe type activities to them. In science I have to admit that I am guilty of it. My reasons are no longer valid. #dubMSela
  • sharondechert Jul 17 @ 7:35 PM EDT
    A2 last part- finally reflecting with the kids about purpose. #dubMSela
  • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 7:35 PM EDT
    Yep! We got home Friday. Such an amazing adventure, but always glad to be home! #dubMSela
    In reply to @jennifertwolf
  • tecarp Jul 17 @ 7:36 PM EDT
    A1: Projects should not have the same end result (that would eba recipe!); there should be room for opinions (backed up by evidence/observations); possibly very different paths to diverse end results. #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:36 PM EDT
    I have to admit that I'm a bit distracted. I'm sitting in Panera, and there are two young adults on a date sitting near me. They are sharing breakup stories... so difficult to ignore! #dubMSela
  • melissavoss5 Jul 17 @ 7:38 PM EDT
    A1: Keep it authentic and fresh...I think we fall into recipes more easily when we repeat the same experiences. Also, focus more on "process" than "product" #dubmsela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:38 PM EDT
    Sorry... don't know how this question got lost! #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:39 PM EDT
    Did you all see the question? #dubMSela
  • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 7:39 PM EDT
    A1: So many students want to know: "Is this the right answer?" They seem uncomfortable with ambiguity and often desire a "recipe." Getting students to think outside the box and not always for an exact formula is challenging but much more authentic and rewarding. #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:40 PM EDT
    A1 I thought this was an important distinction. It's so easy to have all Ss produce something similar... easier to assess and grade. #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:42 PM EDT
    I'm sorry, but my Twitter is acting a bit wonky... my tweets are taking a long time to post! :( #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:42 PM EDT
    I'm going to log out for a sec... #dubMSela
  • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 7:43 PM EDT
    A1 @RhondaLuetje recently shared an interesting blog post with a few of us taking her PBL course. It hits on the idea of being focused on the project or the learning and reminds me of "recipes" in education. https://t.co/Ixah6TMe8S #dubMSela
  • melissavoss5 Jul 17 @ 7:43 PM EDT
    So true!! And we give them what they want, thinking that we are helping, don't we? This is a good reminder for both Ts and Ss. It has to be a mindset change. #dubmsela
    • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 7:39 PM EDT
      A1: So many students want to know: "Is this the right answer?" They seem uncomfortable with ambiguity and often desire a "recipe." Getting students to think outside the box and not always for an exact formula is challenging but much more authentic and rewarding. #dubMSela
  • JenDalgarn Jul 17 @ 7:44 PM EDT
    A1: Balancing btwn giving templates, showing examples and stifling creativity. I feel that students just want a recipe. They want to be told what to do, do it, & get a grade. I want them to be more adventurous- & it starts with me modeling it myself. #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:44 PM EDT
    Didn't seem to help :( @melissavoss5 .... can you take the wheel? #dubMSela
  • JenDalgarn Jul 17 @ 7:44 PM EDT
    BTW- sorry I am late, thank you @WorldHistagram for reminding me! Jen Walter, 7th grade SS at SMS #dubMSela
  • sharondechert Jul 17 @ 7:45 PM EDT
    A2 Foremost for me is having clear expectations for each phase of work time so that it is productive even if it may look like a circus. #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:45 PM EDT
    Q2 What are some ways to help students overcome the 6 challenges of creating prototypes? #dubMSela
  • sharondechert Jul 17 @ 7:45 PM EDT
    A3As I read, the phrase means that in order to be creative, a person has to have the courage to fail during the creative process and the courage to continue despite the failure. #dubMSela
  • tecarp Jul 17 @ 7:46 PM EDT
    A2: To overcome challenge #1, provide time. Maybe not huge chunks (could be counterproductive), but instead bits of time periodically for all kiddos, not just the ones that complete tasks quickly. #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:46 PM EDT
    I wonder if helping students adopt the mindset that they will produce multiple iterations will help with this? #dubMSela
    • JenDalgarn Jul 17 @ 7:44 PM EDT
      A1: Balancing btwn giving templates, showing examples and stifling creativity. I feel that students just want a recipe. They want to be told what to do, do it, & get a grade. I want them to be more adventurous- & it starts with me modeling it myself. #dubMSela
  • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 7:46 PM EDT
    I'm seeing these! :) #dubMSela
    In reply to @jennifertwolf
  • tecarp Jul 17 @ 7:47 PM EDT
    A2: As for challenge #2, conference with students to check in with them and maybe participate in your own PBL like investigation and share your progress, questions, fears, etc. #dubMSela
  • JenDalgarn Jul 17 @ 7:47 PM EDT
    A2: I think the strategy that I need to embrace is to be patient- the book talks about how we must allow them to be “excruciatingly slow.” Which I think will be a challenge for me- but the point is that it is “necessary learning & discovery, trial & error.” #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:47 PM EDT
    Thanks for joining, Jen! @WorldHistagram is such a good friend! #dubMSela
    In reply to @JenDalgarn, @WorldHistagram, @WorldHistagram
  • melissavoss5 Jul 17 @ 7:48 PM EDT
    A2: I liked "Every roadblock is a CHANCE to solve a problem." I hope to acknowledge that encountering problems is scary but Ss are equipped to solve them. #dubMSela
  • tecarp Jul 17 @ 7:48 PM EDT
    A3: I like the questions posed for challenge #3. I think some fore thought to the classroom management piece may help diffuse issues later. #dubMSela
  • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 7:48 PM EDT
    Totally agree. The "recipe" is the easy way out for them (and even us). But the learning goes so far beyond that, everyone (beyond just the teacher) has to be willing to do the work. #dubMSela
    In reply to @JenDalgarn
  • JenDalgarn Jul 17 @ 7:48 PM EDT
    I was thinking the same thing!! #dubMSela
    In reply to @jennifertwolf
  • tecarp Jul 17 @ 7:49 PM EDT
    A2: Related to challenge #5... when kids are bored that could go one of two ways... kids could create amazing-ness or could really get into trouble, so I would try to get in front of the "boredom" to ensure it leads to good things. #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:49 PM EDT
    I liked that quote, too! We need to look at "problems" as opportunities to think differently and to try something else. #dubMSela
    In reply to @melissavoss5
  • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 7:49 PM EDT
    Loved that quote. We need to make a bulletin board out of it! #dubMSela
    In reply to @melissavoss5
  • melissavoss5 Jul 17 @ 7:49 PM EDT
    This is a problem area for me, too. I'm always amazed at how some lessons feel like baby steps to me, but are leaps for them. #dubMSela
    • JenDalgarn Jul 17 @ 7:47 PM EDT
      A2: I think the strategy that I need to embrace is to be patient- the book talks about how we must allow them to be “excruciatingly slow.” Which I think will be a challenge for me- but the point is that it is “necessary learning & discovery, trial & error.” #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:49 PM EDT
    You and @sharondechert are on the same wavelength! #dubMSela
    In reply to @tecarp, @sharondechert
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:51 PM EDT
    A2 For me, figuring out what to do with students finishing tasks at different times is always a challenge. I also need to think about "brain breaks." #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:53 PM EDT
    Here's a brain break for you right now.... If you were on a date, and your date said, "I want to have kids so I can pass my genes on," how would you respond? :) #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:55 PM EDT
    Q3 What do the authors mean by “Creativity is…an attitude...” (p. 172)? #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:55 PM EDT
    A2 This resonated with me, too: "We quit stopping and observing and wondering because we are afraid of being unproductive." #dubMSela
  • tecarp Jul 17 @ 7:56 PM EDT
    A3: In order to make the most of these ideas, there needs to be a shift in mindset, which means giving up a lot of control, but is so worth if for learning... both student and teacher! #dubMSela
  • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 7:56 PM EDT
    This is so hard! I hate when Ss finish tasks at different times - which happens every single day. It's like a giant juggling act. I know it's how Ss best learn, but it is such a personal struggle for me. #dubMSela
    In reply to @jennifertwolf
  • JenDalgarn Jul 17 @ 7:56 PM EDT
    A3: Creativity is a mindset, and it takes time to master. There are no shortcuts, and it can be frustrating. To me the message was to be patient, to persist, and accept all aspects of the creative process. #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:57 PM EDT
    This is our second circus-type reference of tonight's chat. What is the subtext here? :) #dubMSela
    • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 7:56 PM EDT
      This is so hard! I hate when Ss finish tasks at different times - which happens every single day. It's like a giant juggling act. I know it's how Ss best learn, but it is such a personal struggle for me. #dubMSela
      In reply to @jennifertwolf
  • melissavoss5 Jul 17 @ 7:58 PM EDT
    A3: I think they mean it is a thinking routine vs. end result. I know I've had to reframe what creativity means to me, so I think I'll do the same with kids #dubmsela
  • melissavoss5 Jul 17 @ 7:59 PM EDT
    Apparently this leaves me speechless as I can't think of a good comeback. I guess there wouldn't be a 2nd date! #dubMSela
    • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 7:53 PM EDT
      Here's a brain break for you right now.... If you were on a date, and your date said, "I want to have kids so I can pass my genes on," how would you respond? :) #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:00 PM EDT
    A3 This is a new way of thinking about creativity... that we can CHOOSE to be creative and to create. It's an empowering mind shift. #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:00 PM EDT
    Brain break: Date is over. Are you surprised? :) #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:02 PM EDT
    A3 This also circles back to the expanded notion of creativity. If creativity is an attitude, then there aren't creative people vs non-creative people. We can ALL choose to create. #dubMSela
  • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 8:03 PM EDT
    A3: Many Ss/Ts think you are born with creativity. Launch points out that anyone can be creative, if they are willing to go through the process.... Creativity isn't a trait someone inherently possesses, its something that we can develop and master over time #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    I heard her say something about how many kids she'd like to have... and then they left shortly after that. AWKWARD. #dubMSela
    In reply to @JenDalgarn
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:05 PM EDT
    Q4 What role does courage play in the creative process? #dubMSela
  • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 8:05 PM EDT
    I also think that we are nervous about being judged by others as "unproductive" if we or our Ss spend too much time observing/wondering. As professionals, we have to let that fear of judgement go. #dubMSela
    In reply to @jennifertwolf
  • tecarp Jul 17 @ 8:06 PM EDT
    A4: Courage = trusting the process, believing in learning, willing to take a risk (with a huge reward), ability to reflect, refine and redo when necessary... admit you (as the teacher) as just as vulnerable as the students throughout. #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:06 PM EDT
    This has me wondering.... are any of you seeing your own creativity in a new light since reading the book? #dubMSela
    • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 8:03 PM EDT
      A3: Many Ss/Ts think you are born with creativity. Launch points out that anyone can be creative, if they are willing to go through the process.... Creativity isn't a trait someone inherently possesses, its something that we can develop and master over time #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    It's difficult to do! #dubMSela
    In reply to @sharondechert
  • melissavoss5 Jul 17 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    A4: I think the more you FEEL creative, the more courageous you get the next time. And again, being successfully creative doesn't mean you have to produce something. It might be solving, tweaking, reconstructing, etc. #dubmsela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    Why do we feel so bad about ourselves when we "fail"? Why is there so much power behind the concept of failure? #dubMSela
    • sharondechert Jul 17 @ 7:45 PM EDT
      A3As I read, the phrase means that in order to be creative, a person has to have the courage to fail during the creative process and the courage to continue despite the failure. #dubMSela
  • JenDalgarn Jul 17 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    A4: Many times a result of fear is giving up- fear kills creativity. Courage gives Ss permission to be creative, to put themselves out there and take risk. It builds perseverance in Ss as they grow & learn. #dubMSela
  • JenDalgarn Jul 17 @ 8:09 PM EDT
    A4: cont. Its important to remember that mistakes are an important piece of the learning process. #dubMSela
  • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    Definitely. What I enjoy most about Launch is the message of persistence and acceptance of mistakes. #dubMSela
    In reply to @jennifertwolf
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    And it also might be trying again and again. I loved the earlier anecdote in the book about the "Biography of an Idea." Creativity doesn't happen instantly or in isolation. #dubMSela
    • melissavoss5 Jul 17 @ 8:07 PM EDT
      A4: I think the more you FEEL creative, the more courageous you get the next time. And again, being successfully creative doesn't mean you have to produce something. It might be solving, tweaking, reconstructing, etc. #dubmsela
  • melissavoss5 Jul 17 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    @jennifertwolf Great question. I think we need to reframe our def of fail like we are creativity.#dubMSela
  • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 8:11 PM EDT
    lolol!! Right?! :) #dubMSela
    In reply to @melissavoss5
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    Does anyone know how many different ideas were floated before the Thai boys were rescued from the cave? Reminds me of the Apollo 13 situation where creativity grew from necessity. #dubMSela
  • melissavoss5 Jul 17 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    Yes, this will be a story highlighted in our publications this year, I'm sure. Great, great example! #dubMSela
    • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:12 PM EDT
      Does anyone know how many different ideas were floated before the Thai boys were rescued from the cave? Reminds me of the Apollo 13 situation where creativity grew from necessity. #dubMSela
  • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    Exactly. Fear kills creativity. Honestly, fear kills everything. #dubMSela
    In reply to @JenDalgarn
  • sharondechert Jul 17 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    A5 Revising is changing your product to make it better and better. It is testing and revising based on data/outcome-perfect for science. #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    Q5 What are the differences between revising and editing, and why is the distinction important? #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    Maybe we need to start talking to Ss about the "beta" versions of their work... needs improvement, not fixing. #dubMSela
  • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    A4: This part of the text reminded me so much of our ELLs. So many of them are fearful to say the wrong thing in English. When I encounter this with a student, the first thing I do is try to say something in their L1, which is inevitably pronounced incorrectly. #dubMSela
  • melissavoss5 Jul 17 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    A5: I've got this one! Revising is rethinking. Editing is polishing. 2 phases, both needed! #dubMSela
  • tecarp Jul 17 @ 8:16 PM EDT
    A5: As I see it... Revising is about ideas, flow, overall package of the product. Editing is about grammar, sentence structure, mechanics of the product. The possibility of generating student excitement rests in revision over editing (but both are uber important). #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    Why does it seem so difficult to tease out the differences between revising and editing in so many LA classes? #dubMsela
    In reply to @melissavoss5
  • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    A4 con't: However, my willingness to take a risk and mispronounce a work in their native language (and giving the whole class a good laugh), gives Ss permission to make mistakes, be courageous and give learning/speaking a try! #dubMSela
  • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    A4: To me, it's all about creating a SAFE space where students embrace courage and aren't afraid to fail. #dubMSela
  • JenDalgarn Jul 17 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    A5: I love how the book presents revision as the act of “refining” & “tweaking.” This moves away from “revision designed as a deficit mindset.” #dubMSela
  • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    Yes!! Always a work in progress. It's not about being wrong, it's about being better. #dubMSela
    In reply to @jennifertwolf
  • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    Brilliant. Wouldn't this be a cool thing to learn more about with our students? Relevant. Authentic. Real. #dubMSela
    In reply to @jennifertwolf
  • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    Yep. I don't know how to quote something on Twitter, but this is the perfect answer so I'm stealing it. :) #dubMSela
    In reply to @melissavoss5
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    Q6 What are some ways that you have encouraged or could encourage students to work through multiple iterations of a project? #dubMSela
  • sharondechert Jul 17 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    A6 I hope the process the Ss have used to create their project topic gives them ownership and the stamina to go through multiple iterations. #dubMSela
  • sharondechert Jul 17 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    A6 cont If that is not enough, hopefully the fact that the project will be shared with an audience will be enough motivation. It can’t be about a grade. That stifles many Ss #dubMSela
  • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    Thanks, @melissavoss5 ... A5: I've got this one! Revising is rethinking. Editing is polishing. 2 phases, both needed! #dubMSela
  • tecarp Jul 17 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    A6: Taking time away from the project is critical for students to revise their work. Giving them a different perspective when reviewing their work helps, like a different task or take on the project. I'm curious to hear what others have done??? #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:27 PM EDT
    I love this! Patience, empathy, love, and some humor all help others build courage to try and "fail" and try again. #dubMSela
    • WorldHistagram Jul 17 @ 8:17 PM EDT
      A4 con't: However, my willingness to take a risk and mispronounce a work in their native language (and giving the whole class a good laugh), gives Ss permission to make mistakes, be courageous and give learning/speaking a try! #dubMSela
  • jennifertwolf - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    Sorry... I got distracted again! This time by 2 fellow dance moms! #dubMSela
  • melissavoss5 Jul 17 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    A6: Various reflections really help. With practice, kids get good at reflecting and when it can be visible, that's even better. #dubmsela
  • JenDalgarn Jul 17 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    A6: The book makes a great point about us being more limited in our views of what students can accomplish. I want to be more supportive and I want to encourage students to explore using a learning path that they have selected. #dubMSela