Val Moch - RRHS English -- Not my ALL TIME favorite, but a good one -- Had a Snow-Day Movie-Day at home today with this one! #ChristmasStoryRookies#gfedchat
A1: Ss learn best in the modern world when they can; at their ability; if it interests them and they can make a connection; tactile; multiple methods; collaboratively, if they are directly involved and have ownership!
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Leslye Thiery 5th Grade Discovery Hands down favorite Christmas movie is It’s a Wonderlife Life, but loved watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas with my little grandbuddies this year... it’s like seeing it through new eyes ❤️❤️❤️ #gfedchat
A1: I believe students learn best by experiencing. Hands on learning, collaboration, incorporating technology. Lectures are not the best way with many of our students #gfedchat
A1: Make thing applicable to them and always relate it back to their changing perspectives....oh Christmas Flick - Die Hard....it is indeed a Christmas movie....#gfedchat
A1: Ss learn best when they can connect personally to the content, problem solve, collaborate, connect and create new understandings or material from the content. #gfedchat
#gfedchat A1: Ss learn best with authentic lessons that relate to their interests, that challenge them, and that they see a connection to a real life application.
I agree with this. I completely agree with "at their ability" Today, we need to look at Ss strengths and build (scaffold). We have so many Ts who are great at this #gfedchat
A1: Ss learn best in the modern world when they can; at their ability; if it interests them and they can make a connection; tactile; multiple methods; collaboratively, if they are directly involved and have ownership!
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Do we always have a valid answer to those questions? Personally, no. I find myself teaching because I'm told that's what needs to be taught sometimes... #gfedchat
Today’s learners learn best when there is trust with their teacher and classmates, when new content is given in smaller chunks & they have time to talk & reflect, when they understand a purpose/goal & are held accountable, when given choice in how to show what they know #gfedchat
A1: Ss learn best when they can take the lead and seek answers rather than having to memorize answers and test. I like to have Ss show me they understand. #gfedchat
A1: I think relation to their "lives" is good, but might not always be possible. Learning new things that are outside of what they would consider "their lives" can open up new doors and learning opportunities #gfedchat
A1: Need a reason / motivation to learn -- Not always, "Because it interests me." Sometimes, "Because I have to." (Ex. I have to learn about water heaters. No, they do not interest me. But I have to learn about water heaters for my next step in 'adulting.') #gfedchat
A1: Students best learn in a comfortable environment. They need to feel comfortable enough to step OUT of their comfort zone. What does that look like? different for every kid, unfortunately.
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A1: I think relation to their "lives" is good, but might not always be possible. Learning new things that are outside of what they would consider "their lives" can open up new doors and learning opportunities #gfedchat
I like this (and the other image) because it is simple and to the point. I love that this one mentions fail up #gfedchat A great way to look at failing and moving forward!
Ss come with so many individual needs, experiences & strengths. Need to have multiple options, modalities available to see what fits each Ss. That's a challenge. #gfedchat
Q2: My question: How do you find the TIME to provide innovative learning experiences? We're always very flexible, but well-laid plans frequently don't come to fruition with today's daily constraints! #gfedchat
I like this (and the other image) because it is simple and to the point. I love that this one mentions fail up #gfedchat A great way to look at failing and moving forward!
A2: How would you be able to teach differently if you could teach outside the classroom? In other words, somewhere in the community where they could see the ongoing world they miss while in a conventional classroom....#gfedchat
A1: I also think students learn best when they feel safe to make mistakes, empowered to try things on their own - maybe even be "different", and encouraged by their classmates, teachers, and school community. #gfedchat
Q2: My question: How do you find the TIME to provide innovative learning experiences? We're always very flexible, but well-laid plans frequently don't come to fruition with today's daily constraints! #gfedchat
I agree. Sometimes it is very difficult to let students "go" when also thinking about standards and teaching expectations. I think this is where collaboration and thinking outside the box would help me #gfedchat
Do we, as a district, understand why it’s important or how to move forward in order to do what’s right by our kids? Do we have a connected vision? #gfedchat
A2: My question: how can I stay ahead of the curve? What can I do to provide my students with the best learning situations possible at their level? #gfedchat
A2: learning can be very toughness especially in the mornings of the school day when elementary Ss attendance is determined by parents getting them to school on time. #gfedchat
A2: I do not know if we will ever be totally clear on how every student learns best, like I am not totally clear why people like reggae so much. But familiarity breeds clarity and we can keep striving for it. #gfedchat
I totally agree!
A2-This attitude is present in many 8th graders. The, "just give me the assignment and I'll do it." They want to get it done so they can balance their home, personal, & school lives. #gfedchat
A2: Community members welcome exchanges with students, we bring in guest speakers on a regular basis and some students frequent and volunteer at community agencies around town....#gfedchat
@joelschleicher#gfedchat I think the community would be more than supportive for more innovative learning experiences. I think the students yearn for engagement!
A1: I also think students learn best when they feel safe to make mistakes, empowered to try things on their own - maybe even be "different", and encouraged by their classmates, teachers, and school community. #gfedchat
A2: Will "innovative capabilities" ever be as important to people (students, teachers,administrators, the public) as test scores and other concrete data? #gfedchat
A2: I know this deals more with classroom management, but how can we get to students at a younger age to get into the habit that games aren't the only thing to do on their chromebooks? Sometimes teachers see the devices as a negative. #gfedchat
A1: How do we get everything done in the short amount of time we have with the students: curriculum pacing guides, expensive curriculum bought, standardized testing, technology, and the list goes on and on. #gfedchat
A2: I always try to innovate but the challenge I come across is how do you get teachers to join you in innovating their own classes rather than sticking with same thing from 20 years ago? #gfedchat
I think we mistake curriculum purchases/pacing guides for standards and good teaching sometimes in GFPS. They are very different things. A good teacher can pull together materials and resources to meet the standards and Ss needs. #gfedchat
#gfedchat A2: How do you stay innovative when Ss sometimes want things laid out for them? If it's not right in front of their nose, they get discouraged rather than thinking outside the box.
@mrs_moch Good Question!We are so data driven-to show growth, to get funding, etc. we forget that dat doesn't always mean learning. if we can get data from "innovative capabilities" then yes #gfedchat
I like this too. The book "The Smartest Kids in the World and How They Got that Way" highlights that other high achieving countries expect and allow for students to "fail" or not get all "A's". Its part of learning and the process - even with high stakes expectations. #gfedchat
A1: I also think students learn best when they feel safe to make mistakes, empowered to try things on their own - maybe even be "different", and encouraged by their classmates, teachers, and school community. #gfedchat
I was just typing a tweet about this! Love your response. I feel guilty sometimes about not being "faithful" to my curriculum. :| #gfedchat#freedomtoTEACH
No, I don't believe so. I've heard a few times remarks like, "Is that Discovery just trying to be "different" again?" Well, to be honest, yes, we are trying to be different and CHANGE the future of education. But it doesn't always feel supported from afar. #gfedchat
A2: We say that we want innovative learning experiences for students but put great emphasis on grades and ACT scores. Can these two be aligned? Should they be? #gfedchat
A2: I think some Ts are afraid that innovation can be a bit messy, noisy at times. It makes them uncomfortable. Trying to get through all of the curriculum. Stresses ppl out. #gfedchat
A2: Capacity for change is probably built within everyone......change often means loss and often a loss of power.... we often don't like to give up that control...#gfedchat
A3: Just because something is "old school" doesn't necessarily mean it's the wrong way. I've learned some great lessons from very experienced teachers. Just a thought. #gfedchat
A3: We, as a district, allow the Ts to truly make the decisions on curriculum. When I taught math, I felt almost forced to teach a curriculum I did not agree with. I didn't do it, and I know their were people that were VERY unhappy with me for that decision... #gfedchat
I agree. I think when times get busy/hectic, when time runs short - it is easy to do what you are comfortable with. Even if we know it isn't the best for Ss #gfedchat
Agreed! Unfortunately, so much of life is not quantifiable. Can't measure a person's joy, struggle, personal metanoia, passion, etc. (I don't really know if it's "unfortunate" really, but it doesn't help with this particular situation of funding or showing growth.) #gfedchat
@mrs_moch Good Question!We are so data driven-to show growth, to get funding, etc. we forget that dat doesn't always mean learning. if we can get data from "innovative capabilities" then yes #gfedchat
Great question...what about spending time talking with students about the positive aspects of being frustrated and helping to build their "frustration tolerance"? @MsHellyersClass#gfedchat
#gfedchat A2: How do you stay innovative when Ss sometimes want things laid out for them? If it's not right in front of their nose, they get discouraged rather than thinking outside the box.
I see this all the time! It's like when you go to take a drink of tea thinking it's going to be sweet, but instead it turns out horribly bitter and wrong. Students sometime struggle to try the unknown. #gfedchat
A3: I think we are aware that Ss need us to teach differently/responsively. If we make it okay to try to innovate, create and try new things in our classrooms and support each other - Yes, I think we will have courage to make learning better in GFPS. #gfedchat
I agree because the world beyond school puts a lot of emphasis on Innovative capabilities. Link to "Why High School Valedictorians Rarely Become Rich and Famous..." https://t.co/gds07oApto#gfedchat
A2: Will "innovative capabilities" ever be as important to people (students, teachers,administrators, the public) as test scores and other concrete data? #gfedchat
#gfedchat@joelschleicher Great question and it is easier said than done. Can we answer the tough questions and work through the dialogue of creating the vision?
#gfedchat A2: How do you stay innovative when Ss sometimes want things laid out for them? If it's not right in front of their nose, they get discouraged rather than thinking outside the box.
A2. How does the amount of time used for assessment/ testing impact your ability to create innovative learning experiences for your students? #gfedchat
A3: I think this goes along with my last tweet. We need to have a different way to measure success. We need to make it acceptable and comfortable to not do well the first time, and try again. Over emphasis on grades, standard tests. New standards for success needed. #gfedchat
#gfedchat A2: How do you stay innovative when Ss sometimes want things laid out for them? If it's not right in front of their nose, they get discouraged rather than thinking outside the box.
I agree. I think we need to look at curriculum/practices that empower our students - is innovative - and follows best practice. But also, trust teachers to teach #gfedchat
I think we mistake curriculum purchases/pacing guides for standards and good teaching sometimes in GFPS. They are very different things. A good teacher can pull together materials and resources to meet the standards and Ss needs. #gfedchat
A3: Innovation is about making things fit the needs of the Ts and Ss so that learning is meaningful and relevant to Ss needs in our world today. The test is about memorization - not innovation. We needs Ss to be engaged in real life, not fill in the bubble. #gfedchat
A2. How does the amount of time used for assessment/ testing impact your ability to create innovative learning experiences for your students? #gfedchat
Agree! I feel like I'm spoon feeding kids. I don't remember getting this when I was younger. How/when can we make the change with kids to think for themselves? #gfedchat
Great Q! I think it's important to take those experiences and reflect. What was the focus then v. now (skill/content-wise)? Who benefited from that mindset?Putting it into context could help :) #gfedchat
A3: We, as a district, allow the Ts to truly make the decisions on curriculum. When I taught math, I felt almost forced to teach a curriculum I did not agree with. I didn't do it, and I know their were people that were VERY unhappy with me for that decision... #gfedchat
I think we have the courage - many here in this chat have the courage - logistics though. Those are more difficult. But, with time, I think details can be ironed out and discussed #gfedchat
I feel the same way! There are definitely some Ss who are willing to put in more effort avoiding a task than completing it. How can we harness that motivation!? #gfedchat
A2: Is the obstacle that we don't have enough time during the day, or that our curriculum is too wide spread to teach in one school year's time? (Is it authentic learning for students or just because the teacher manual/packet said do this on day 3, etc.?) #gfedchat
Exactly, thanks! In education, not everything that is "old-school" should be shunned. There are so many teaching and learning styles that we have to take all of that into consideration when working with our students and colleagues. #gfedchat
A3: Just because something is "old school" doesn't necessarily mean it's the wrong way. I've learned some great lessons from very experienced teachers. Just a thought. #gfedchat
A3: Just because something is "old school" doesn't necessarily mean it's the wrong way. I've learned some great lessons from very experienced teachers. Just a thought. #gfedchat
Perseverance is a skill that needs to be taught and practiced....A LOT! They need to be reminded that the success after frustration is much more rewarding. #gfedchat
A3: #gfedchat I agree there are some "old" lesson plans that I have learned a lot from, but there are other lesson plans that should have been updated.
Yes - there are some "old school" methods that lay a foundation that can be called upon easily when doing new, innovative tasks. In my line of wrk, I still need to "drill & kill" some skills to have them available to apply in new ways. #gfedchat
A3: Just because something is "old school" doesn't necessarily mean it's the wrong way. I've learned some great lessons from very experienced teachers. Just a thought. #gfedchat
I agree. I think when times get busy/hectic, when time runs short - it is easy to do what you are comfortable with. Even if we know it isn't the best for Ss #gfedchat
A3: Time is always a struggle. I have to remind myself that I don't have to do it all at once. Focusing on trying one thing at a time isn't as overwhelming. #gfedchat
I think we need to realize that "change" is the only "constant" in education! As we strive to be effective in our teaching and help our students learn, we must be open to change, and not view it in a negative light. #gfedchat
Very good question. It reminds me of the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality. Maybe Ts can see innovation as a way to "tinker" with their classrooms versus reinventing the wheel. Maybe starting small first could help? #gfedchat
Provide opportunities for Ss to create & design - guide Ss to find a solution to a problem. Allow enough time to solve & share their findings with others #gfedchat
I agree,there are many demands put on teachers& their "planning time" often is taken up by other things-parent calls, meetings, etc.So instead of being able to plan something innovative they just do something that they have already done because they don't have the time. #gfedchat
I can't help but wonder what students will remember when they think back to their elementary days...unfortunately I am afraid it will be all the testing they had to take instead of the fun, authentic learning... #gfedchat
I think we need to realize that "change" is the only "constant" in education! As we strive to be effective in our teaching and help our students learn, we must be open to change, and not view it in a negative light. #gfedchat
A3: Innovation is hard when students sometimes just want to reach the destination and not pay attention to the journey they are on...a grade will never define them but sometimes they can't move beyond that....#gfedchat
A4: Ask Ss to come up with own measure of learning--what do you think you can do to show me you learned this? Develop own formative assessment. #gfedchat
A4: I think this is what you are looking for.....working on math on Seesaw-my Ss just posted a subtraction word problem they wrote and then recorded how to solve it. #gfedchat
A4: the first thing that comes to mind is technology. There’s a lot of free innovating that can be done at a keyboard or with a student’s smartphone #gfedchat
Agree! However, it can be very difficult to get some teachers who are traditional and possibly stuck in their old ways to change. How do we convince these teachers that change is not negative? #gfedchat
A4: Turn the power over to the students. Let THEM say what they want and need from their learning experience. My Ss can be so much more innovating than I am, I'm innovating by letting them be! #gfedchat
A4: Less of the teacher-centered, compliance model of education and more of a learner-centered experience with empowerment and student agency at the forefront. #gfedchat
A1: How do we get everything done in the short amount of time we have with the students: curriculum pacing guides, expensive curriculum bought, standardized testing, technology, and the list goes on and on. #gfedchat
A4: Just striking up a general conversation with students on a Monday morning. It's easy and gives them a sense of community in the classroom. From there once trust is established....try anything. You really have nothing to lose.....#gfedchat
And then Ts feel pressure to give another test, get a score, to get to the next unit and Ss are pressured to study to pass the test, not to learn, and it's a vicious circle of NO learning, much less innovation. #gfedchat
A2: Is the obstacle that we don't have enough time during the day, or that our curriculum is too wide spread to teach in one school year's time? (Is it authentic learning for students or just because the teacher manual/packet said do this on day 3, etc.?) #gfedchat
A4: Differentiation, meeting students at their readiness level, include interests, allowing some choice in process, product, assessment, tool, etc. Flexible grouping, flexible seating, and project based opportunities. #gfedchat
A4: Ask Ss to come up with own measure of learning--what do you think you can do to show me you learned this? Develop own formative assessment. #gfedchat
A4: It could be something as simple as changing the structure/layout of the learning environment or classroom. Take an "old lesson" and try something different...it doesn't have to be reinventing the wheel. #gfedchat
A4: I often wonder if our traditional school day is hindering to students. I'm not saying I have an answer, but it is something that I think about and wonder if more flexible days would be beneficial #gfedchat
#gfedchat A3 replying to Joel, I think T's have the capacity and willingness to change, but hesitate as change means doing something different. Out of the comfort zone
A4: Have students plan the day lead the choir rehearsal. Ask leading questions to them so they can play appropriately. Have them pick the music for the concert so they have passion for it. #gfedchat
A4- Yes. Innovative doesn't need to be expensive 3D printers and drones. It's taking the road less traveled...could be scenic or a short cut. #gfedchat
A4: More project-based and authentic learning opportunities with student voice, choice, and agency allowing students become more curious and embrace the process of learning how to learn. #gfedchat
Exactly, thanks! In education, not everything that is "old-school" should be shunned. There are so many teaching and learning styles that we have to take all of that into consideration when working with our students and colleagues. #gfedchat
A3: Just because something is "old school" doesn't necessarily mean it's the wrong way. I've learned some great lessons from very experienced teachers. Just a thought. #gfedchat
A4: Flipping the teaching to the learner! Having students become the teacher; identify the learning goals, using resources provided; give them supervision, guidance; and watching the magic! It happens! #gfedchat
A4: We also need to keep in mind...innovative education is a mindset, culture and way of thinking in which everyone is both a teacher and learner. #gfedchat
A4: Allow freedom in assessment. They don't always have to write a paper to prove they can use textual evidence or that they can identify theme. What else can they do? #gfedchat
A4. Ask your students! What are their interests? What gets them curious? Adapting their ideas to fit within the constraints of our curriculums may be still be possible. #gfedchat
Wasn't familiar with the phrase "inside the box" so googled it.. liked what I saw, "Innovation is not about products and services. It’s about people with a passion for making a difference and the desire to make the world a better place." @joelschleicher#gfedchat
Wasn't familiar with the phrase "inside the box" so googled it.. liked what I saw, "Innovation is not about products and services. It’s about people with a passion for making a difference and the desire to make the world a better place." @joelschleicher#gfedchat
A4: Allowing the teaching to veer off the beaten path. When Ss get excited and start asking more questions, go that route. It's okay to veer from the plans when Ss are engaged and taking the path as the Ts. #gfedchat
A4: make student voice heard: teaching their peers after studying and researching the topic. Using community resources helps too: Skype the professionals for free! #gfedchat
A4 Less testing. I want to students to show me what they know in practice not on a test. Student voice, student interest. Real world learning. Implementing technology #gfedchat
A4 Let The Ss TEACH and LEARN from each other, give them jobs in the classroom, use more inquiry, give them choice about how show you what they’ve learned, ditch worksheets and crappy curriculum, make it relative to their world. #gfedchat
A4: Give students options, let them be the teachers. There are many free programs on the internet that are available where students can share their knowledge, one happens to be @AdobeSpark#gfedchat
A5: How about get rid of grading?
Grades do not prepare kids for the “real world,” don’t motivate students, assumes uniformity, diminish students’ interest, create a preference for the easiest possible task & reduces the quality of students’ thinking. #gfedchat
Q5: Now it’s time to think differently about the box. If you were to reimagine school and transform student learning in our schools...what would it look like? #gfedchat
I agree as well, change is scary. However Ss today have VERY different needs/dreams than Ss 20 years ago. Especially with technology, the world changes quickly. If we want to do what's best for Ss, we have to make sure we are continuing to grow and learn ourselves. #gfedchat
A4: Differentiation, meeting students at their readiness level, include interests, allowing some choice in process, product, assessment, tool, etc. Flexible grouping, flexible seating, and project based opportunities. #gfedchat
A5: How about get rid of grading?
Grades do not prepare kids for the “real world,” don’t motivate students, assumes uniformity, diminish students’ interest, create a preference for the easiest possible task & reduces the quality of students’ thinking. #gfedchat
A4: More choice in core classes based on interests and abilities early on, more co-teaching with specialists and members of the community, and more standards based learning instead of always fighting for a letter grade. #gfedchat
Grades can also shift Ss thinking of top grades means top dog. They want the good grades, but don't know how to fail or problem solve if they just shoot for the grade. #gfedchat
A5: How about get rid of grading?
Grades do not prepare kids for the “real world,” don’t motivate students, assumes uniformity, diminish students’ interest, create a preference for the easiest possible task & reduces the quality of students’ thinking. #gfedchat
A4 The school schedule (day/calendar etc) with so many interruptions as well as stops and starts in a day...constantly on my mind. It seems to create disconnected, short focused learning. #gfedchat
A4: I often wonder if our traditional school day is hindering to students. I'm not saying I have an answer, but it is something that I think about and wonder if more flexible days would be beneficial #gfedchat
@joelschleicher watched some of the video you posted...liked the idea of "creativity happens when you run into barriers" For example, how many of us came up with great ideas as kids when we were bored? #gfedchat
A5: Classrooms that actually support the technology. Simple things like storage, ample outlets, Infrastructure that is as forward-thinking and as innovative as teachers are asked to be. #gfedchat
A5: More chances to let students go where their interests lead - more time for in-depth learning instead of just grazing over content. No Letter grades! #gfedchat
I agree as well, change is scary. However Ss today have VERY different needs/dreams than Ss 20 years ago. Especially with technology, the world changes quickly. If we want to do what's best for Ss, we have to make sure we are continuing to grow and learn ourselves. #gfedchat
A5: We talk about grades and student grading in a unit in AP Psych under Motivation. What I've found is the KIDS don't want to end the grading system, they are fixated on it. We need to change the grading apparatus or mindset at some point in order to alter the system.#gfedchat
It's be nice if grading were more based on feedback and less on "that one final grade." Teachers are scaled on the Marzano scale. It might go in our record, but we're not going to tell someone in an interview, "Well, I was a ___ in innovation in my last observation." #gfedchat
A5: How about get rid of grading?
Grades do not prepare kids for the “real world,” don’t motivate students, assumes uniformity, diminish students’ interest, create a preference for the easiest possible task & reduces the quality of students’ thinking. #gfedchat
A5: Ts sharing Ss, Ss moving easily from groups, Ts working together to do PBL, Ss choosing topics, Ss choosing their seating, Ss choosing their books....lots of fluidity and Student Choice! #gfedchat
A5: I would do away (and have...) with papers papers papers. I mean...some things are necessary but I'm not giving you an end of the unit test so I can know if you know it. You should've already proven engagement/understanding along the way! #gfedchat
I agree. I wonder if we were more flexible with our schedules if Ss would benefit. It's been on my mind because I feel like I am constantly rushing them. I hate that feeling #gfedchat
A5: I would relook at schedule set ups and class offerings. Also structure of classrooms. Can all rooms support technology? Throwing this out there....free busing! #gfedchat
A5: No grading and classrooms/required classes not set up by grade, but by skill level. No homework. More ability to to have electives in their schedules, especially those destined to become something like a choir teacher! #gfedchat
a5: less focus on academics alone-grades, test scores, etc. focus on teaching the WHOLE child life long skills, empath, emotion management, financial literacy, critical thinking. #gfedchat
A5: Not sure school would look much like it does today. Ss take on standards they are ready for, not necessarily tied to grade level or curriculum binder. Some "real world" in the field learning as well, with opportunities for learning beyond core topics. #gfedchat
I think if we went toward "did you grow" rather than "did you pass" we would see a positive outcome. Definitely a boost in confidence from Ss. #gfedchat
A5: No grading and classrooms/required classes not set up by grade, but by skill level. No homework. More ability to to have electives in their schedules, especially those destined to become something like a teacher! #gfedchat
I agree. I wonder if we were more flexible with our schedules if Ss would benefit. It's been on my mind because I feel like I am constantly rushing them. I hate that feeling #gfedchat
A5: I would relook at schedule set ups and class offerings. Also structure of classrooms. Can all rooms support technology? Throwing this out there....free busing! #gfedchat
A5: Not sure school would look much like it does today. Ss take on standards they are ready for, not necessarily tied to grade level or curriculum binder. Some "real world" in the field learning as well, with opportunities for learning beyond core topics. #gfedchat
A5: pt.2 I would DEFINITELY change up the schedule. More time for things like #GeniusHour and less time spent doing certain "required" things. #gfedchat
A5 Oh gosh! How much time do we have? My head is so full of ideas! Let’s take real problems that exist in our communities then read about them, discuss points of view, research & analyze, ask ?s, problem solve, communicate ideas, possibly engineer ideas... #gfedchat
A5: Open campuses- free space to create and explore - 1:1 devices - wide variety of manipulatives and guest speakers/field trips to make their learning applicable in the real world. Emphasis on growth rather than grades #gfedchat
A5: my only thought is I wish there was another class in the day at high school to put all of the surveys and other random non class related things I had to do in a year #gfedchat
A5: Student-centered, students are taught to take charge of their learning. Less focus on test scores and more focus on students showing us what they are really capable of #gfedchat
A5: Revamp our school day and overall schedule. Ss are limited in the classes they can take because of required classes or limited availability. Flexibility in class meeting areas. #gfedchat
A5: Also, We require things like Art, Music, PE, in Elem. but when we get them into MS & HS, it becomes an elective. at a stage where they NEED those classes to remind them of the finer things in life, we decide they're not as important....hmmm.. #gfedchat
A5: A more flexible schedule so we aren't always watching the clock. 1:1 devices. Student-centered and more spaces for collaborative learning. #gfedchat
A4: I think using tools that students are interested in and then making the lesson more hands on. The students need to feel in charge of their own learning and take responsibility for the direction in which it goes. #gfedchat
A5: pt.2 I would DEFINITELY change up the schedule. More time for things like #GeniusHour and less time spent doing certain "required" things. #gfedchat
A5: More flexible schedules, student-interest driven curriculum rather than "teaching to the test" allow students to have real-world experiences, offer classes that will prepare them to be successful in the future #gfedchat
A5: How about get rid of grading?
Grades do not prepare kids for the “real world,” don’t motivate students, assumes uniformity, diminish students’ interest, create a preference for the easiest possible task & reduces the quality of students’ thinking. #gfedchat
A5: I also think lessons on social connections, social skills, mental health, friends, and life skills would be beneficial. Like, how to apply for a loan or build a budget. That is real life. #gfedchat
My first instinct is YES...that's a big shift but let's get to what are Ss learning instead of what grade/score that earned (even though the Ss maybe didn't learn much OR learned a TON.) #gfedchat
A5: How about get rid of grading?
Grades do not prepare kids for the “real world,” don’t motivate students, assumes uniformity, diminish students’ interest, create a preference for the easiest possible task & reduces the quality of students’ thinking. #gfedchat
A5 Oh gosh! How much time do we have? My head is so full of ideas! Let’s take real problems that exist in our communities then read about them, discuss points of view, research & analyze, ask ?s, problem solve, communicate ideas, possibly engineer ideas... #gfedchat
A5: I always thought it would be so impactful to have a school attached to a nursing home. Just think how much this would benefit both populations - life long learning and contributions. #gfedchat
#gfedchat A5, Do I dare say "less technology"? It has given us way to many tools to use that we maybe don't spend as much time teaching/learning the basic facts.
A5: my only thought is I wish there was another class in the day at high school to put all of the surveys and other random non class related things I had to do in a year #gfedchat
A5: pt.2 I would DEFINITELY change up the schedule. More time for things like #GeniusHour and less time spent doing certain "required" things. #gfedchat
A5: No grading, and classes not set up by grade level but by skill level. No homework. More electives in schedules, especially those destined to become something in a specialty field (technology, building trades, etc.)! #gfedchat
A5: Classrooms would have specific resources & Ss would visit rooms based on what they need to be successful to find solutions to their problems. Flexible schedule & Ss driven projects #gfedchat
A5: I always thought it would be so impactful to have a school attached to a nursing home. Just think how much this would benefit both populations - life long learning and contributions. #gfedchat
Yes! Sometimes the dates just don't make sense with the natural flow of the school year. Not enough days sometimes and other times too many days without a break that causes Ss & Ts to get worn down. #gfedchat
Agreed! I've partnered up with city leaders to monitor a local stream. (Was closer to a stream at that point). Ss gathered data over time & shared findings at EOY #gfedchat
Loved GH as a teacher - such an authentic way to learn, communicate, think critically, collaborate, create and share. Best investment of classroom time ever (followed by MakerSpace and coding)! #gfedchat
A school near my hometown does this. High school Ss can explore interest areas in the community and at school. I wish my high school had done something like this #gfedchat
Thank you to all who engaged in the #gfedchat discussion tonight on “Innovations in Learning.”
Let’s continue to explore ways to make learning even more engaging and innovative for our students.
A5: More time. As a specialist, I don't feel that there is enough time to teach the materials to the students and provide time for student exploration. Figuring out a way to teach creatively in 25 minutes would be grand. #gfedchat
