#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 4, 2016
In about 2 minutes, we'll have a brief mystery activity - then we'll dive into tonight's discussion!
I'm trying to picture what you will do with this activity! Fun!
Hi! Margie from PA
Math Coach K-12
Pleasure is all mine, my friend, how are you this fine evening
Hi, Margie! It's great to see you!
LOL, make some predictions, share them w/someone else, and when I do it, we can see how we did
Hey guys! Zach Peterson, Columbus Ohio!
Steve thanks for moderating last week! I learned a ton!
I am great! It's a beautiful evening in Oregon! ...and you?
Hi! Amy Nichols IRT at Forestville in Knightdale NC
Really well, making connections (:
Kyle, Instructional Coordinator for Technology, North Kansas City.
Welcome, Amy! Thanks for coming!
Hello and my friend This is Melissa from Katy TX
As a team, see if anyone can find the combo...
Life is good! End of Q1 always brings about celebration of growth! How are you friend?
I'm doing very well! Looking forward to this discussion.
So far, I've heard one combo come in...
It has been below 80 for the past two days, so loving it!
suspense has been building all day! Excited for this one!
Sliding in here a few minutes late
I love that! Nice way to say it
Good evening -- I'm Cristin a MS principal and looking forward to tonight's chat
Shane Ferguson. Cincinnati, OH math teacher
I had same numbers but put 10 first as the least, and 26 last as the other, and 39 in middle as the greatest. Ideas?
Hi, Ashley! Thanks for coming!
I think I should cook up an entire mystery evening some time!
Indeed, you're always making these nice tweaks...and yes, I'm so going to try this tomorrow
Hello everyone Tim in Omaha
A1 From a strong foundation, Learning grows, it expands, it becomes better as it is built upon.
Wow! Beautiful! Thanks for joining tonight!
That's really important - making sure the foundation is very strong - built intentionally.
A1 Part of learning is building a foundation, using scaffolding and going step by step, working together to create
A1. Need solid foundations
A1) The foundation for learning/construction must be strong? What's your classroom foundation? Mine is relationships!
Hi everyone! Ann Elise Elementary Math Specialist Berlin, NH
A1 Construction/learning are ongoing, disruptive, noisy, fast-slow cycles, and never done; but different in intent
scaffolding and adding on but also deconstructing previously held misconceptions
thanks! Wish I could take credit for the photo; I am lucky to come from a small state with a big impact
A1. Cannot take short cuts
Totally getting extra credit!!
Hi Tim in Omaha...I feel like that saying could be a Geico commercial
Yes, these are important concepts. Nice connection!
A1: Learning can be a difficult job if not given the right tools.
A1Similar, it needs a firm foundation without gaps. Different, doesn't always follow an exact plan.
Love this idea! Nicely stated
You need a solid foundation or structure will crumble
different because we all learn differently unlike inanimate object.
Yes, I love that foundation part is huge
Deconstruction misconceptions is challenging - and so important! https://t.co/blPhzLEN0U
scaffolding and adding on but also deconstructing previously held misconceptions
Q1 Learning = mental creation, construction = physical creation, both= something new and exciting with unlimited potential
I just make them. I can make more.
A1: As Math Coach I talk about foundational concepts all the time. We need those in place in order to build a success. math journey.
A1-learning builds on each other
especially because its hand written!
A1: You can't build anything without first laying the foundation. Once you have that you begin to see the connections
A1: What Jeremiah said! https://t.co/7h0L321uQX
A1 Construction/learning are ongoing, disruptive, noisy, fast-slow cycles, and never done; but different in intent
Love me some math peeps! welcome
A1 You begin with the end in mind, and with careful planning, every step of the building process will help lead you to the goal.
These are great points about the importance of the foundation. Thank you for bringing light to this!
I could just see something there (: thanks for joining us tonight
I love the word "journey" reminds me of last nights chat! <>
I often go with What Jeremiah said.
A1 Learning is scaffolding and setting the foundation to add more layers overtime.
A1 learning and construction both require a solid plan, goal, foundation, necessary tools, supports, and a great team of builders
A1b I also see it as construction has goal in mind, edu does not. Focus isn't on end, but on journey
and we've all seen strong and weak foundations...implications are not accidents...
This looks like a lot of fun!
A1: Learning builds cognitive structure, like regular construction. But learning evolves over time, more dynamic.
Exactly! https://t.co/yopnOAgsmj
A1: You can't build anything without first laying the foundation. Once you have that you begin to see the connections
A1) Before foundation...should we dream with the end vision in mind?
Insightful. I like that thinking.
I knew I had heard my a2b answer idea before...thanks for reminding me (:
That is a good question. Should we have an exact image in mind, a goal, a vision, a hope?
poor handwriting is a sign of intelligence! Ask a doctor! I return your +1 bonus point!
I'd only add lots of collaboration and hits it all (: https://t.co/ra2cU058JE
A1 learning and construction both require a solid plan, goal, foundation, necessary tools, supports, and a great team of builders
I'll drop in a few more quotes as we go...
A1: Like construction, learning requires a strong foundation before building on top. It requires both creativity and following plans
Powerful learning transforms the learner into new ideas and possibly changes pedogogy
a2 learning is disruptive, it may challenge your beliefs or worldview, or even uncover something about yourself that's hard
A1 Memorable Construction is purposeful & awe inspiring- Eiffel Tower- but also enduring and iconic
Q2
True because we come to realize it's not sequential or orderly. It's messy and transformational.
A2: When Ss start taking charge of their learning, they may uncover things we never knew or see things in ways we never did.
can we start with an image...and be content when student choice, voice, and ownership take over?
These are such insightful and inspiring answers! https://t.co/wvoP09cfpM
A1 Memorable Construction is purposeful & awe inspiring- Eiffel Tower- but also enduring and iconic
great discussion, point, counter! I'm learning!
poetic statement! https://t.co/NU9rreNKh8
A1 Memorable Construction is purposeful & awe inspiring- Eiffel Tower- but also enduring and iconic
Students are amazing, and it's a delight to be constantly surprised by the insights they share.
A2-with powerful learning it makes one stretch and grown in new/different directions See things differently
A2 Education is finally trying to catch up. We've found old ways of teaching and learning don't prepare our S's for the future.
I really like that you brought this poster!
Yes, but like you say Dave, it is a learned skill, like thinking mathematically
and how many times has she been an inspiration for what you strive NOT to be?
A2: Powerful learning requires that we shift or evolve paradigms, integrate prior experiences, expand our knowledge.
A2: Ss construct knowledge through experience. When Ss are exposed 2 something new, it challenges preconceptions & learning occurs
It might mean we aren't in control. Scary, I know! Learners driving learning.
a very poignant connection to Ss learning. So true, reminds me importance of growth mindset and class culture
A2: Learning new powerful strategies to teach call into question the way we were taught...challenges everything we've ever known
A2: As we learn we grow. What was once our reality, is now childish and in the past. Situations change and our needs change
Good point! We can't foresee everything. Learning is bigger than we can imagine. https://t.co/xzTDOYNpQO
It might mean we aren't in control. Scary, I know! Learners driving learning.
Yes, risk as well as its cousin, failure, are all part of powerful learning.
Discrepant events, rigorous questioning & problem solving create new doorways to enter & explore.
A2 Learning only occurs when a paradigm is altered. When it gets smashed deep learning & discomfort underway ~ laughter helps:)
I agree. Those cause us to think deeply about what we have known and how it may or may not mesh with new info.
A2: With experience comes confidence and the willingness to take risks. What we once couldn't live without, is now gone
A3: I am constantly learlning to be a better teacher and learning new ways to help students.
A3 I am working on my Master’s, learning ways to do things I never thought of doing, like using Twitter as a resource
a3 I'm learning , how to balance being T and Math Coordinator, and alot from all these amazing folks
Q3 My learning is currently under construction because it's constantly being challenged and shifted not stagnant or fixed.
I want to constantly grow my repertoire of risks that I am willing to take.
Q3. Working on MS in Curriculum and Instruction is one way, most important way = my children and Ss teach me something new every day
And the truth is...control is a myth...I love this concept! Momentum!
A2 A phrase I heard while pursuing my Masters-What if everything we thought we knew was wrong. Must consider there's other poss
Makes me thinking of a garden of risk taking and where do you go
This is so true. The world is constantly changing, so must our learning.
A3 I'm constantly 'under construction'; when learning stops I will have stopped living.
A3 We've moved into Summit Base Personal Learning. Our S's are ahead of schedule in classes and excited about learning.
A3: Each day we learn and grow. We use these experiences to become better versions of ourselves
I am learning so much about technology and 21st century learning and seeing my own views changing as I go
I hope it never leaves! How many "sloppy" kids need you to model failing forward? Be the light!
A3 I want to learn more about the breakoutEdu experiences!
Growth Mindset-always seeking opp for growth- reading amazing books, Tweeting & lrng from am… https://t.co/z59aA0LVpU
A3 Challenged by how much direct instruction is necessary in math 4 understanding to occur? fine line between telling & modeling
This came up today in what is different between successive years and success an amazing T has had, struggle 1st yr
A2 As we continuously learn, we are evolving and changing to meet the needs of our kids to prepare them to claim their future.
A3: In my 3rd year as Math Coach...I learn something new every day! Still learning how to support teachers most effectively.
It's so amazing! Planning a game for 100+ community in Family Math Night next week
I sometimes feel like I'm wading into uncharted territory, but you have to keep going forward.
I am working on my PhD in education, trying new things like teaching classes for teachers, blogging, writing
I'm dancing this line now in 8th and IM3, same holds true in all grades (:
A3. Daily self reflection of myself and students. Student reflection on me.
Always learning, sometimes what I build (understand) fails but I keep building
I understand this. It is daily balance I still struggle with.
I am learning that there is so much support through social media, where we can learn from each other, ask, receive and reflect
That's a pretty good place to be. It's not always easy, but now it's becoming charted thanks to you!
Is it weird, that I read this 3 times before I was convinced it wasn't giving directions to location
I am constantly trying new things and making adjustments. I keep adding to my life tower!
Discomfort causes us stretch. By tipping into the unknown we have no choice but to increase our sphere of learning.
I really, really like that you do this. What a propelling risk this is!
https://t.co/4K5Af8RcBf
A3. Daily self reflection of myself and students. Student reflection on me.
A3-always learning growing in many directions from technology to leadership.ideas from other teachers k-12 from students from pln
Why it's so important we grow our community, we're so much better together
I'm currently taking classes in Leadership from
A3 - Learning how to better support those around me and to better identify those I can use as supports
It's been a journey for me to understand this, to embrace it, and then to find the power in it. https://t.co/SnuIzUZrQa
A3-I'm coming to terms with the idea that life long learning means never arriving. I like completing the task. I'm… https://t.co/q6cLRo6Mpm
I just learned about hyperdocs and cant wait to try and incorporate them into my classroom.
Twitter is my venue for learning everyday
Oh, I love this teaming conversation!
They're a game changer, I've been investing a lot this year in them. Get better w/eac iteration
A3. I'm learning every day. I'm a house under constant reconstruction
A3 continuos learning keeps me wondering, wanting more, keeps me alive
there's a new perspective! Thanks for the insight & encouragement!
I think we see our students in a new way when we understand this about ourselves.
Hi - joining late this evening! Catching up here!
a4 getting outside comfort zone, risk failure, challenging, doing something new, or something old in new way
I think I'm learning in this moment that we have different "styles of risks."
A4. "Risk" being willing to take a chance and fail to get a desired outcome.
A:4 For Math, trying out new strategies risks making mistakes...need to embrace them as part of learning process. So, so important!
Risk can be big or small. Each day we cross over to a little anxiety we have a chance to move toward greatness
A4 Risk is taking a big chance w/o being able to know if we will meet our desired outcome, & without having control of the variables
Q4 Trying anything with potential to improve. engagement & motivate students, especially if failure is an option, teach thru example
A4 risk is something out of your comfort zone, scary, new
Leaving comfort zone, facing your doubts, being the first to step into new territory regardl… https://t.co/IWnAcT3AId
absolutely! I was thinking about how I never want my Ss to stop growing...
A4-Risj can be anything you've not done before or doing something differently so the outcome is unknown
Oh good, I couldn't help but think R on Ashley, then...what, L on? I'm strange
A3 Went to an EdCamp last April+ haven't been the same since. Twitter, NerdyBookclub,,THIS! My list is always growing
A4. I use this in class everyday. "Failure is not a permanent condition. It is a means to an end"
A4 Never being satisfied with the way things are.
I really like how you thought about that!! Can you tell me a little bit more. That is fantastic!
A4 -- Risk -- outside of the comfort zone, a sense of vulnerability, scary, exciting, and/or confusing
gambling for success in spite of chance of failure. failure provides learning too.
Risk leads to innovation- ahead of the times-Henry Ford, Steve Jobs
A4 Risk is part of having a growth mindset. I hope it loses its negative connotation in education.
Love it! I think you should post it on your wall. https://t.co/SSLGPh5cOU
A4. I use this in class everyday. "Failure is not a permanent condition. It is a means to an end"
A4 In exploring new ways of learning,we risk straying from the map or the lesson plan. When kids are driving, anything can happen!
studebt reflection. that's how we learn to be better!
A4 risk is taking a chance and maybe failing but also maybe not. See my pic, says it all.
I feel like they would be a huge game changer for differentiation and individualized instruction
How should the "debt" stu's pay off?
Love EdCamps! Always love learning new things and meeting new people! Same here! https://t.co/rUeeglVT3Q
A3 Went to an EdCamp last April+ haven't been the same since. Twitter, NerdyBookclub,,THIS! My list is always growing
A4. Stepping outside your comfort zone
Living in a state of dissonance, a place of cognitive disequilibrium where I'm vulnerable that is my idea of taking a risk.
win some, or learn some! -Jason Mraz
A4 Trying my first slow chat w/ Ss. . No idea who it will work out but have to jump in and see… https://t.co/eeZu8omAwv
A4 Asking the question that's least comfortable, listening to the answer that's least comfortable ~ feeling uncomfortable & going on
Its so powerful to see 30 Ss jumping in, trying different pieces, and how they each respond. Love not being 'needed'
I'm hoping that's where I am and continue to be. https://t.co/niyAJoTkCo
A4 Never being satisfied with the way things are.
love the imagery! Muscles grow when they are broken down!
Being vulnerable and putting yourself in that position is truly a risk! https://t.co/znggNW0fDp
Living in a state of dissonance, a place of cognitive disequilibrium where I'm vulnerable that is my idea of taking a risk.
Absolutely! nice addition
A4: Diving into unchartered waters, stepping out of comfort zone, & getting butterflies in stomach from the sheer joy of it
A4: Risk is trying something that may or may not fail and, being able to move forward with either outcome.
Risk is an acknowedgement that failure is part of the learning process. Dont be safe/dont do the minimum! Step up to the challenge!
I am sorry, need to go, early start tomorrow and need my beauty sleep. Goodnight everyone and thank you
A5 It is from our mistakes that the most real and powerful learning can happen!
thank you! It's the paradigm shift that's the most difficult. You're your own risk & limiting factor w/ learning
A5 No need to defend. Mistakes are the integral part of learning.
A5 Without mistakes there is no learning; memorisation perhaps, but not learning...
I really hope you will blog about this. I would love to hear your further thoughts on this.
140 characters makes it tricky to elaborate! lol
a5 Honestly I'm not sure if I am not sure if I even comprehend it...
A5 If we make a mistake, we must learn from it, no excuses. Mistakes are evidence that we are trying, refusing to become stagnant
yesssss! Love the graphic!
Interesting, that's helpful
Yes, it really does make it tricky to elaborate, but you've packed a lot into just 140!
A5. How can we learn w/o making mistakes?
A5-if you're not making mistakes you're not learning
You are bringing so many powerful images! Thank you!
A5: Mistakes meaning you are learning. Learning means your brain is making connections and growing.
A5. Risk taking and mistakes must both happen in our classroom
A5 If there are faults or errors in edu we will not excuse them but fix them through innovation & determina… https://t.co/VK91aRtZtQ
thank you! I'm so honored to hear that from you. I'm working on getting a site & blog live as we speak / tweet!
until mistakes...it's all theory...rhetoric!
A5 Whether they are in the process, the system, or the knowledge itself we will correct it not ignore it.
Love this! He is one of my fav authors!
A5 Mistakes provide an opportunity to learn more deeply & to answer why-as long as struggle is productive we shld embrace not defend
A6 Characteristics like resilience, empowerment, dedicated, optimistic and hopeful. Find learning opportunities in every experience
a6 curiosity, freedom from failure, perseverance, and learning as outcome not a score
A6 They are fearless! Attack each day with vigor, they seize the moment for all it is worth. https://t.co/whJL739gmG
A6-successful people have a growth mindset
Can you imagine the power of a classroom community that deeply, deeply understands this? https://t.co/g9UVSMNpy6
a6 curiosity, freedom from failure, perseverance, and learning as outcome not a score
👍👍👍 DETAIL! We need to be aware of times when struggling is not beneficial! Synergy between empathy and growth mindset
I'll try to find my graphic...
A6 Being insightful, reflective, and flexible
A5 Mistakes don't determine whether or not learning has happened.
In my dreams, I hope to foster this in my classroom and as a district norm
A6: Reflective, teachable, honest, okay with feeling vulnerable, self-efficacious, forgiving, self-motivated.
A6-Grit persistence determination are characteristics of learners who turn mistakes into learning
It sounds like something you could post on the wall.
Love that these are all "soft skills" that are required by life
change the world would become a destination...not just a dream...
A6 These learners are committed, open-minded, courageous risk takers!
A6 Wellness, strong self worth, sense of curiosity, resilient, and a joy to teach (not always a pleasure, always a joy)
A5 I will create authentic learning experiences that balance digital & 5 digit learning. Hands on means a deeper connection.
I agree. I think we should say this out loud, post it high on the wall, and refer to it every day.
I should have known. You are always nine steps ahead of me. Nice going!
Yes, and if we started locally, small, replicate success, imagine how it'd grow
Q6. Leader successful confident inquisitive open-minded brave
A6 Determined, resilient, curious, passion/thirst for knowledge.
No sir, I'm barely keeping pace, I'm still pondering the last Q as a quote.
Sounds like we have a new learning direction (:
Sometimes we set the world on fire by empowering our students who are the ones who change the world.
A6 Optimism, determination, self-confidence eager to learn, curiosity, adaptable creative, open-minded sense of humor
A6 Resilient, supported, curious
I really like these traits that are being shared! Thank you for thinking so carefully about these.
It only takes a spark!
https://t.co/eDeoNhFp7f
Sometimes we set the world on fire by empowering our students who are the ones who change the world.
Empowering Ss is a call to arms to make it greater
A6: It's just about embracing our humanity. This is exactly how we have evolved. Mistakes have led to now.
Lots of great chatting here. I can barely keep up
that's no small accomplishment. I'd be humbled to play a small part in that play!
Absolutely, and that's how we move forward
A7 We must reflect and see why we were successful. There is power in being positive and celebrating wins, no matter how small
Yep! https://t.co/H7IsTMnnP3
Yes! & honor all Ss & not assume someone does not have grit just because he/she doesn't want to do our HW
We all play a small part, it's the sum of all us, that we make it happen
A7 It is when we learn from our successes that we find more innovative solutions! We improve. https://t.co/7zXHgqA2oD
The ability to laugh at oneself not take oneself too seriously a positive attitude & a strong support system
Q7 we know what works and can reflect on how it can be improved, success does not = perfection
Yes, I just got feedback from Ss using this language, it was a huge win for me (:
A7) I like scoring goals. Sometimes we need to replicate more than one to win the match! https://t.co/8ekw94Cr2l
Q7 There is a great of conversation about learning from our mistakes.
Why is learning from our successes so imp… https://t.co/wF8KR5i4Nz
A7 Knowing how we succeeded and the journey along the way helps pave the path for future successes also.
A7: Our successes help convince others to not be afraid to follow our lead and try something out of their comfort zone.
Positive, explorer, new angles, questioning
As a former math teacher I can say, I use these skills more frequently than quadratics.Soft sklls matter!
Success that is reached through risks inspires others.
https://t.co/MPvQAl1dTZ
A7: Our successes help convince others to not be afraid to follow our lead and try something out of their comfort zone.
A7-learning from successes the same as learning from mistakes but know you now what works and how to do it even better or different
Success is internal. Reflection and introspection guide us to accepting something as success or failure.
A7 Because it validates our efforts and renews our hope, giving us fresh confidence to move forward with our children!
Change the world, all before recess!
Good point. Success can be a powerful starting point!
A7: Success in learning is a function of learning from both mistakes and failures: what to do, and what not to do (next time)
This is a great chat! Very impressed and humbled! Great people, great insight!
A7 Success is a launching point!
In a minute, we'll take some time to reflect.
So glad I was able to join tonight! Late but so inspired with all of the shares here tonight! https://t.co/GjI1Gaqg6w
This is a great chat! Very impressed and humbled! Great people, great insight!
A7 If my off the wall idea works, I can convince other fellow Ts to try. https://t.co/uH1OTBwdew
Q7 There is a great of conversation about learning from our mistakes.
Why is learning from our successes so i… https://t.co/f1eKiNLshV
We learn from successes and should share our successes with others so they can use them and more importantly help make them better
A7 One persons successes are sometimes another's defeat. They are often mutually inclusive.
A7: When we succeed, we are motivated to try again because success is possible
That's an interesting point. I wasn't looking at it from a competitive vantage point.
A7 Isn't the point to be learning what works & what doesn't - learning either way about "How can I do this thing called life well?"
A deep growth mindset will accept successes as challenges and not finalities
This was a great chat tonight! I learned so many things and put several things into perspective. Great end to a rather crummy day.
We learn a lot about ourselves as learners along the way. We learn about learning itself and who we are.
We must know that taking risks is ok, trying something new is ok, making mistakes are ok, Education is a journey, not a destination
Thank you for coming! I hope tomorrow will be a wonderful day!
A8) Learn from learners! Follow connected educators here. You guys are a wealth of knowledge!
A8 Reflecting on successes just as powerful, maybe more so, as reflecting on failures. Continually recognizing both leads to growth.
tomorrow will be great! The sun always shines above the clouds!
Thanks! Tomorrow is a new day. :) Always start fresh.
Great chatting! Please follow and I'll follow back so we can continue to learn together to help Ss
Embracing our mistakes and shifting students' understanding that both success and failure = powerful learning.
I think that this one: reflecting on success - is too quickly and too easily overlooked. I'm glad you mentioned this.
