#caedchat Archive
#caedchat is for California educators, by California educators. All are welcome as moderators and participants discuss issues that emerge in California education, which are generally applicable to other regions of the United States.
Sunday October 9, 2016
Thank you for joining tonight. The topic tonight is “Connections and Learning” and moderated by
Let’s all take a moment to introduce ourselves. Where are you from? What do you teach?
Glad you could make it tonight, friend!
Hi! My names Tilly and I'm from Fresno, CA! I'm studying at Fresno State to become a math teacher :)
moderators will post questions Q1, Q2, Q3. Participants respond with A1, A2, A3, etc.
Hello there John, Director of EdTech in San Juan Capistrano.
Heya Julie here 6th Gr T and Tech Lead in PESD. Happy Monday's Eve ;-)
JR; tech coach in socal. Ballon artist.
Hi Letty from Oxnard, Ca.
Kirstin from Ladera Ranch, CA. 4th grade teacher!
Leila here Deputy Sup Escondido
Karla- Akers MS, NAS Lemoore, Central Valley. 7th grade Science & Arhletics
Mark Rounds from San Diego. Teacher of all sorts of fun stuff!
JR; tech coach in socal. Balloon Artist.
I'm Heather and I'm studying to be a social sciences teacher
To participate in the chat be sure to use the hashtag on every tweet.
tip: Use TweetDeck and have two columns open for the chat; one for real time and one for where you are in the chat.
Thanks for coming, Heather!
Hello. Jenny from San Marcos
I'm Malyssa from Palm Springs I teach 7th grade ELA & World History
Excellent. how are things going out there? always nice to "see" you.
Excited to be here with educators this evening!
Lance from Fresno, CA future PE teacher (hopefully)
Hi! I am working on my single subject teaching credential at Fresno State to teach science!
Anne 7thgrade ELA T from Upland Ca
Thanks for joining us tonight!
Hi! I'm Christy joining . I'm an elementary principal in Costa Mesa.
Thanks for joining us tonight!
I know how that is. Is it veterans for you?
Hi , from Fresno, board Secretary currently at
How are things going in your neck of the woods?
Well, TY for asking! You?
-----------------> Q1 is ready, are you? Watch for
If busy is good, I am doing great. Loving every minute.
Q1: How is learning influenced by the connections your students have with you as the teacher?
yeah Savannah! welcome to a house full of educators
That is phenomenal! It will go great I am sure.
A1: S & T connection can get a kid to learn something they think they hate.
A1 Ss learn more from Ts they genuinely like and respect...I try my best to be the one they want to learn from even when it's hard
A1 It is the number one factor for the majority of students, the insanely undervalued power of empathy and relationship.
A1: Ss learn from those who they trust. Build trust w/ students, and you can take them beyond what they're capable of
A1: The better the rapport with students, the more comfortable they can be in the learning environment
Without a significant relationship no significant learn can take place. Need trust and support to learn.
A1 it can make or break a student's entire impression of what education has to offer. Buy in or back out
A1 - common ground is always the most important place to start making a connection, from there you can go far!
A1 We have group discussions that make it possible for Ss to build on my ideas and incorporate their own views
A1: if you build a relationship with your ss who they are as individual's you can find ways to connect with them as a "student"
A1:learning is influenced by the connections your Ss have with you because without connections/ relationship little is learned
Totally agree! https://t.co/tFSDJNZPuC
A1 it can make or break a student's entire impression of what education has to offer. Buy in or back out
A1: When you know what is important to your Ss, you can design lesson plans around what they like and enjoy
A1: Students learn best when they feel comfortable and cared for. We have to reach each student individually
A1: Some kids learn regardless. Others need the connection. Be there for every kid. Especially for the S who needs the connection
A1 The effort by Ss is directly impacted by their relationship with their teacher. Good relationships=more effort/risk taking
Fidel from cencal. Connections are key! Lead to trust. It's ok to fail.
Hi Kathy signing in from Upland. I teach 9th grade students. Biology
A1: If the relationship is that of a team vs. who's the boss, then Ss may consider going above and beyond. https://t.co/WyT03tmHIM
great point! Ss want to know they are safe to make mistakes and take a risk in their learning
A1: I do believe that all Ss crave connections w/ their teachers. So key to growth and motivation.
My Ssnlearn to be confident & curious life long learners as they get to know me & even witness my mistakes & struggles.
yes!!!! this is perfect https://t.co/Mxn6aNEbXh
A1: Students learn best when they feel comfortable and cared for. We have to reach each student individually
Thanks. Been a long time!
Dianne here from San Diego - teaching 5th grade and technology to K-5.
-----------------> Q2 is up next. Watch for
A1- Personal Connections with students help them WANT to learn more. is more than half the battle.
Q2: How is learning influenced by the connections your students have with one another?
yes it has! hope all is well, atleast we have
A1:Connections allow self efficacy to blossom.Self efficacy is huge when it comes to learning, creativity and critical thinking
amazing to see how much others can see from the outside. It would be great to get that outside perspective
If a S buys in to the connection with the teacher, then learning together is the easy part.
isn't that why they sometimes call us "Mom" ;-)
A1: My students call me Happy Shappy. They know that when I am their teacher, they are respected and heard. I am always fair too
Maybe you. They call me 'coach' :)
A2: the connections that Ss have with each other builds the classroom culture. Culture determines learning success
Learning is influenced greatly by the between you and your students
Hi! I am passionate about educashion!
Michael Cohen / Los Angeles - Dir. of at who became An Apple Distinguished School this week.
A2 there are those groups of the cool ones etc makes teaching tough be the T that makes learning "cooler"
I am sure we all have more names when we are not listening.
A2: Ss are the drivers of culture, both in the classroom and the school as a whole. Their connections w/one another make it work
A2: When you promote a classroom climate of respect for each other, relationships are developed & a sense of community is formed.
A2: students can be collaborative and leave notes or comments for each other. learn from each other.
when it changes from "miss" to "Mom", you know you're doing something right!
A2: If students can trust each other then they can learn from each other.
I totally agree with this +1K https://t.co/vV5mnr7ypL
A1: I do believe that all Ss crave connections w/ their teachers. So key to growth and motivation.
A2 - two heads are better than one. Having that connection with someone in your class can make the difference in achievement.
A2: helps ss stay connected in the class in and out of the classroom; also can learn from each other.
My Ss are in groups & take every opportunity to have group discussions/debates even when not instructed 😄
A2: difference between "teamwork" & collaboration. How can Ss help each other discover strengths & use those to better the group.
awesome, congrats to your staff and Ss
A3: That's a big thumbs down from me! I've never been a fan.
A2 kids speak their own language have common experiences collaborative learning is a powerful tool
A2: I treated my sci class as a community/family, & that we needed 2 watch out 4 each other, esp during labs. They took seriously
Any link to the questions? missed Q2
and often times it just takes one person to make a world of a difference https://t.co/q9ypgK4NMB
A2 - two heads are better than one. Having that connection with someone in your class can make the difference in achievement.
A2: We must create norms with students to create a positive environment. Ss should feel supported, respected, valued by peers
A2 My Ss are in groups & take every opportunity to have group discussions/debates even when not instructed 😄
When students feel like they are in a environment with each other, the potential grows
A2 When Ss know their space is safe, they will encourage one another instead of challenging or disrespecting one another
A2: my Ss live on a military installation & move often. In the classroom Ss are supportive & welcoming to help all succeed.
A2: I also love this quote: "All of us are smarter than any of us." Godin
these may be great opportunities that allow us to see what concerns or interest embody the child
Learning to build off ideas (right/wrong) can lead to huge gains & promote a safe environment of risks in answering.
A2- One of my favorite mentors says “The smartest person in the room is the room!”
my newcomerSs who don't speak each other's lang still speak to ea other. Struggle is real & they bond and help ea other cope
yes I always listen in on their discussions as I rotate the room😊
that community is similar to loyalty with family. That environment is very powerful
-----------------> Q3 is set. Watch for
A1: Having connections allows the Ss to trust and allow you to help them grow as Ss and future learners.
A4: You can do that by making learning groups.
Q3: Good connections with people promote learning. Why? Tell a story.
A3 humans are inherently social creatures - connections promote learning in all ways good/bad
A;3 feel that when you build a good and safe connections with your students, it creates a better learning enviornment
GCT w/ Learning from others help me help our staff understand what is needed in the classes.
Vygotsky. Learning is a social event and cannot be done without interaction.
A2: Creating the proper learning environment allows for the students to feed off of each other and give feedback and answers
A3:Good connections with people promote learning because good connections creates LOVE. Love is the most powerful force on earth
A3: 1nce a S struggled in chem. Realized she sang. Nxt class, I offered to sing duet in class w/ her. Super S after that.
A3: Science. We learn more from wrong answers than write ones. I am ok being publicly wrong in front of those I trust.
A3: Connecting with others creates accountability and builds a support network. Same for teachers and students!
A3: I long-term substitute taught a class in school w/major gang problem. 1/?
A3: makes it fun! time flies when you're having fun...even when you're learning :) Last semester with
A3: Ss and connect thru stories. Builds interest in each other too.
When you have well developed w/ people, you feel comfortable voicing your without judgement
A3 Good connections challenge us to think different, defend our position, grow in experiences & respect differences
A3: when Ss learn from each other their more likely to be proud of their work and brag about it.
A3: when Ss learn from each other their more likely to be proud of their work and brag about it.
A3 Labels fall off when you make a connection. Kids open up to learning opportunities.
A3: One S I specifically helped every day w/her work. One day she nearly got into a fight w/another student in a rival gang. 2/?
Plus, they hate to let you down :)
Victoria Bradshaw MS Principal
It was only b/c she & I had a connection I was able to talk her down. And then she apologized to me for the disruption after.
A3: Find a single job today where start to finished is done through ☝🏻️person & involves a worksheet. Industry needs collaboration
Gr8t story! Thanks for sharing!
A3: Everybody in this world knows AT LEAST one thing that I don't. Conversation=knowledge.
A3 I connect with Ss parents by telling my own lesson learned parenting stories about my HS daughter's experiences
jr hi is tuf age. When theyre mean it can destroy a S. Who they choose as frds is critical at this age. Parents pay attention!
A5: By continuing to try to make a comfortable learning environment.
https://t.co/5hcpifCMiu
A2: When Ss feel comfortable with each other, they can learn better because they are not afraid to fail. Creating a safe environment is key.
Stories really bring them into your world, and shows you care Well said.
A3: Having the connections with others allows for trust and confidence in asking for help and sharing answers/comments.
-----------------> Q4 is coming very soon. Look for tweet!
A3: I love showing Ss the hidden brilliance in wrong answers. Change POV, show reasoning. This requires a culture of trust.
A3:my YB Ss felt like they belonged to a family,held each other accountable, were each other's biggest cheerleaders and critics
My Ts Team cks in daily & shares lesson success & kid info. Collab Time is fun & rich & improved our teaching & Ss success
Q4: Humans like doing what others do. It’s why Tribes exist. How do you establish culture of learning in your school/class?
A4 create buy in - show why it's not just important in school but in life authenticity is everything
A4 Set expectations for learning and enforce them with your students. Most will thank you later.
A4: when others can learn from others their their own age/grade, they're more likely to accept it. They tend to copy and produce.
A4 Spend the first week of school playing getting 2kno games and making kids sit in a dif seat everyday. Req 2 kno everyone's name
and relatability as well. I can make an authentic chem lab, but why not make it abt getting sharpie out of shirt
A4 Start year off with expectation of 100% support & encouragement and absolutely no tolerance for disrespect towards other Ss
A4: Every S has a story. Never respond with "wrong" start by finding how an answer is a step in the right direction.
A4: If what you're teaching doesn't apply to your student's real lives, they don't care. Less busy work, more engagment
A4: Be consistent and unique in your lessons. Make the environment fun and safe to help promote learning and personal growth.
A4: Promote empathy, respect and love. Build culture around these essential concepts
how do you get sharpie out of a shirt? I ruin every "designer" shirt I wear!
A4: We actually run a program called Tribes which connects ss from K-5 with mini-competitions.
Empathy. Always. First. Well said.
A4:Establish learning as the most precious yet accessible commodity. If everyone wants it they will work for it.
A4: Staff learning must be relevant to significant work needed to help students be successful. .
helps create an environment that enables an individual's personality to flourish and to better establish thoughts
Think about the ink. It dries fast. Find something that dries fast.
I think I just did a science lesson on :)
Every action should echo the expectation you have. If it is a culture, then it should just be "The way we do it"
-----------------> Q5 is up next. Look for tweet!
A4: Create diversity in your lessons, encourage new relationships so that ss's can learn new things from one another other
Q5: How do we continue to connect with Ss/Ts who struggle to learn or be a part of your community?
I've tried that maybe some materials are better than others for this ;-( BTW rubbing alcohol is great wb cleaner
I had students clean lawn mower engines, then tell me why the cleaner worked. Solns to Gas laws.
A5: Last week I met with each of my Ss indiv for 3 min. We talked about interests, fav subjects, etc. Learned so much about them
Conversation > Lecture. The incorporation of information and practical engagement fosters an engaged educational environment.
A5 trying to teach the others to value EVERY member esp those who have difficulty relating to others
A5: jumping in late. I talk with my Ss each morning while they play games - no morning work/bell work.
A5: finding something you share together (outside the classroom too). just one thing in common can spark a relationship
A5: Try and find a connection with the Ss. Anything can be huge and something small can make a huge difference in their life.
A5 keep trying everyday is a new opportunity to try to connect again in a new way
A5: speak to every kid, every day. especially the ones who dont want to connect. Reach out privately to them. Public is scary.
A5: Meeting with students can create a meaningful connection with hard to reach students. Meet them at their level
Whats hard is recapturing a student who gave up two grades ago. Got one who's super negative now! Tuf to regain trust.
A5: Communicate expectations, differentiate learning, show them the value of the work, build a relationship with them.
A5: Be genuinely interested in them. Whatever is it that interests them. And talk to them.
A5: staying open minded, don't always have to talk about things in the classroom!
A5- We need to find what's keeping learning from happening (language? attitude? information? habits?) Work w/ S to find solutions
welcome to , never too late for a chat!
I like this! Can't create a community for my students without knowing who my students are. https://t.co/XVnzTz1tLD
A5: Last week I met with each of my Ss indiv for 3 min. We talked about interests, fav subjects, etc. Learned so much about them
A5: We are such a small intimate school that all feel included and inspired. I am teaching 21 kids with two full time teachers
A5: If you haven't heard of Capturing Kids Hearts, look it up. It's done wonders in SO many classes I've seen.
A5: Be persistent but NOT overbearing. Make a point to see what interests them, that can be an avenue to reach them.
A5 I make each students compliment one another sincerely - especially their efforts it's important to see the + in all
show them, don't tell them. learning walks, class visits, etc. Not saying it is easy, but awesome is hard to refute.
especially for those kids who have always sat quietly on the sidelines unnoticed https://t.co/Ra81B3FESV
A5: speak to every kid, every day. especially the ones who dont want to connect. Reach out privately to them. Public is scary.
use recognition of what Ss are doing right and highlight that with benefits and praise. Positive attention
I'm so making time for this!
Accepting their differences as a positive and really trying to connect with them personally and educationally
Exactly. A kid may not want to speak, but they want to be seen. See every kid for what they are.
A5: Ss & Ts alike need to know that not all answers/suggestions are not the same. Teach opinions are not all the same
A5: building confidence in ur ss's self image....when someone says something nice, always makes you feel good about yourself :)
A5: The same works w/ Ts. Listen. I mean really listen. Ask them, "What can I actively do that will help you be successful today?"
A5 there’s no better way to connect with reluctant learners than art and music. Let them show you how they prefer to learn
A5 it's amazing how much showing up to a student's rec game on a weekend/after school does for my class climate
Engines are the best textbooks.
I used to show up to practice. Kids would yell from the field, and they'd step up the effort just bc I'm watching.
you're definitely battling culture in EDU, but sincere relationships play a powerful role to motivate Ss to learn
virtual high five, how awesome! when my Ts showed up to my X-country/track events it made me try harder i… https://t.co/EwU2cMfPEo
A5 it's amazing how much showing up to a student's rec game on a weekend/after school does for my class climate
A5: Ts offer 2 pair a lesson study, or attend a Conf. W/ Ss we try 2 find engaging peers then class. Try daily 20s chats
There's the CONNECTION right there!
most effective for that student who has given up in a classroom.... I try to keep up with their teams and ask ?
---------------------> Prepare for Q6 from
Q6: We are all leaders, like it or not. As a leader, how will you bring Ss/Ts together this week to improve their learning?
A5 The community shouldn't belong to one, but is owned by all. When ownership is taken by all, the investment is there
guess i'll have to have my Tuf S teach me video games since he hates sports!
not "the way we have always done it." but if the goal is to be awesome for our Ss, then, as Ts, we need to "do it."
A6: I'm reaching out to SPED teachers in my district to create/curate resources that would be helpful for them. Share on a padlet
A6: This week/month it is easy since we are celebrating Jewish holidays. The community is very “together” at this time.
A6 I'm going to PD w/history tomorrow amd presenting to whole staff Tues to share discussion strategies for Ss
A6: Having a group discussion like this one is a great way to help improve their learning! Having fun and sharing ideas is awesome
I did minecraft with my tuff S the last 2 yrs thats right I had him 2 yrs because they bumped me
A6: Group students based on interests. Create a culture of collaboration. Promote open mindedness and willingness to learn
A6: I'm meeting with a group of district Coach/TOSAs in the morning. I'm going to ask them how they are feeling about their work?
Sounds cool! What are they going to work on?
A6: By having the students share more in group work.
A6 i’ll be presenting at our local CUE, hopefully Ts walk away with ideas to inspires other Ts and Ss
A6 Share the amazing things Ts are doing! Share resources found & highlight the positive things in EDU. Motivate w/ encouragement
The debrief/check in is SO helpful.
A6: I get to work with Principals on their data and setting goals for this year. Love watching plans form and action taken.
A6 reviewing DO Culminating Tasks with Ss. what we did well - where need improvement - asking them how I can improve as their T
A6: By making that extra effort. If ss's see you taking that extra step with them, they will want to take that extra step with you
A6: Conduct book chat on and and provide the coffee .
A6: Encourage collaboration whenever possible! A class should be a team
Awesome! I love starting things from the ground up
Then I think that is something that should be built into your classroom culture. I think you are awesome in that.
Yes to creating a culture of collaboration
It is fun to be a teacher, presenting to principals, and working in collaboration for Students.
--------------------> will be sending out Q7 soon. Thanks tribe!
Q7: is OUR tribe. Share why you’re grateful to be a part of it, and the connections we make here.
The best part is the mindset that it requires can lead to amazing things for students.
A7: I'm grateful to learn from so many educators around the great state of California.
A7 I am beyond grateful for my online tribes - I don't have one in RL for work at least - it's empowering to know you're not alone
A7: Thanks for the topic tonight. See you all next time
A7: After this, I and the chance/responsibility that I am afforded to help Ss.
A7: grateful because I got to learn how important relationships are and influential they are to our growth :)
A7: This is my first time in the discussion. This was some great feedback and can't wait to apply it in the future.
A7: Teacher need connections/support just as much as Ss. I'm thankful to have insight from teacher who have experiences to share!
A7: Y'know, we've been at this for a long time now. Everytime I'm in a chat, I always learn something new. is my
A7:As a district admin I am often not seen as an individual ( I become "the district") here I'm just Leila which feels really nice
A7: so grateful that we can all learn from each other an accept that not everything is for everyone. Yet we learn from each other.
A7 you get me , seek like minded individuals!
A7: Grateful for this great PLN! Thank you for providing ideas and support to a new teacher!
A7:Teachers need connections/support just as much as Ss. I'm thankful to have insight from teachers who have experiences to share!
You are always welcome to the tribe!
A7 I'm grateful to collaborate with on topics of genuine connections, S relationships and building a safe community for learning
Learning from Ss is rewarding, but it is scary. Fear of not knowing what is down the rabbit hole. comfort w/ exp.
A7: This is the only chat I religiously follow because of the amazing educators and admins who make up this/my PLN.
I'm grateful to be able to learn from this , since I'm still an aspiring teacher :))
Thanks, Diane. You're pretty amazing too, y'know.
A7: If learning has no walls, then we need to be able to exemplify it. We need to be able to show our Ss that we are learners too.
A7: I also can't tell you how many connections people have made here. I know of a couple met here and eventually married ;)
Thank you for a fantastic chat with on Connections & Learning
seriously? I may have to rethink this online community thing ;-) j/k kinda...hahaha
Yes. Model it with our Ss.
Enjoy your tomorrow everyone. Each one is a blessing 💗
Without exp in guiding conversation, it is scary,but I love it. That is where I learn, when I learn, Ss teach.
absolutely....my Ss always love it when I tell them some random thing I learned usually from a book I'm reading
Thanks everyone for a gr8t tonight! It was an honor and pleasure to be with you, learning together.
thank you for doing a great job mediating. You are awesome!
Thank you to everyone who joined the chat tonight. You are what makes great!
