#FLedchat is a virtual meeting place using Twitter. Educators across the state of Florida come together on Wednesdays at 8pm EST to discuss the topics of the week.
Moderator this evening is yours truly, but the emphasis is on building community even in this chat. Thanks for being the best part of the chat! #FLEdChat
As we gather in the chat tonight, please consider the following (in my Bill Nye voice) - "The Collective Perspective." What is the first thing that comes to your mind?? #FLEdChat
As we gather in the chat tonight, please consider the following (in my Bill Nye voice) - "The Collective Perspective." What is the first thing that comes to your mind?? #FLEdChat
Q1: Let’s start with a quote. Rollo May says “Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing.” If this quote holds true, how have we succeeded or fell short with communication in our education spaces? #FLEdChat
I threw this thought in, as I was talking in class, I had one of those "moments" where I felt like I was in the vein, and that came out, thought it was catchy. #FLEdChat Positively catchy, ha!
Q1: Let’s start with a quote. Rollo May says “Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing.” If this quote holds true, how have we succeeded or fell short with communication in our education spaces? #FLEdChat
Q1: it falls short because the general public still doesn't grasp what teaching is all about. But I do not know it is something we can really communicate. Until you live it, can you really understand teaching? #FLEdChat
A1: I don't think we (in general) communicate to the public very well. Our requests for more money come off as greedy because there is so much we do that isn't ever seen. Like fixing the wiring in an old home. Costs a lot but doesn't look pretty. #FLedChat
A1part b: communication is a two way street, if people don't take an active role in receiving the communication, it does not matter how you communicate, it will fail. #FLEdChat
A2: I think we do better than most professions because our end goal is to help raise good students. We all take on so many roles, and can only succeed by communicating well and working together. That being said, there are times when this goes really wrong...lol. #FLedChat
Active role in receiving the communication, thats a good point Candice! #FLEdChat Hmm. So what does actively receiving communication look like? #FLEdChat
Active role in receiving the communication, thats a good point Candice! #FLEdChat Hmm. So what does actively receiving communication look like? #FLEdChat
I think that another part is refering to pur profession as a 'calling'. It gets used against us because we are not supposed to be worried about money if it our 'higher purpose' #fledchat
A2: Community is both people and place. Geographical communities are very real. With technology, people can have virtual communities that center around a variety of topics/events/etc. #FLedChat
A1: I would say that time compression often limits true communication in education spaces, and also that the ability to communicate clearly and intimately varies with mode of communication #FLEDChat
A2: I think community is more about the people. In order to be a part of a community you have to learn about culture, tradition, relationships, and customs These are all people aspects. Location is secondary to all of these #FLEDChat
Q3: Erin Gruwell said “I realized if you can change a classroom, you can change a community, and if you change enough communities you can change the world.” How can/do we start this change process? #FLEdChat
Q3: Erin Gruwell said “I realized if you can change a classroom, you can change a community, and if you change enough communities you can change the world.” How can/do we start this change process? #FLEdChat
A1, P2: Where education spaces have succeeded in communication is in beginning t use more naturalistic forms of communication and in being more open as to what is happening in schools daily #FLEDChat
Actively receiving communication is often difficult to do. One must be open to hearing something that may cut close to home AND be willing to change. #FLedChat
A3: A class is a unique space where students from different communities come and learn to coexist, collaborate, and overcome difficulties together. These lessons can and should carry over into adulthood #FLEDChat
I love how you bring out the idea of virtual communities. This suggests that communities have characteristics that don't necessarily include being in front of a person directly. #FLEdChat
A3 I think community is a good thought, but I do not teach at a community school ... my school is a magnet school that draws from all parts of the geographic area so we have a rather small percent of students are actually from community where the school is located. #fledchat
A3: Slowly. Change that is forced like a freight train doesn't last and is often resented. Change that comes in slowly over time lasts. (Think of the old adage of boiling a frog. Slowly heat up the water.)
#FLedChat
Good input Dennis. Good example. I guess that brings up a question for all with regards to students...in this situation, is real community still possible? #FLEdChat
A1, P2: Where education spaces have succeeded in communication is in beginning to use more naturalistic forms of communication and in being more open as to what is happening in schools daily #FLEDChat
Yes, the school is a community, those students share a common place, teachers, etc... that brings them together. That is a community. People who share SOMETHING, not jut a place. #fledchat
I follow this line of thinking. I think it may be more challenging based on geography (at points) but possible...What would be a good starting point? #FLEdChat
Just to further this one...and slightly play devil's advocate...haha....do we highly encourage them to speak up or do we just ensure they know they can? #FLEdChat
A4: I think all are the same...people working together, while challenging each other to be better, and bringing their unique talents to the group. #FLedChat
Both! If all are able to speak up, then they should also be encouraged to do so if they wish. The difficult part comes when our opinions clash. Do we really know how to respectfully have those difficult types of conversations? #FLedChat
Do community building activities within the school day, provide transportation if possible, create online places to share and talk to each other. #fledchat
A4: Ideal community characteristics: United around common causes but flexible to change, concerned w/ real world problems: ending poverty, hunger, global warming & reliance on outdated tech & worldviews, dedicated to caring for each other & valuing each others' dreams #FLEdChat
Q4, P2: Ideal professional community: Dedicated to addressing issues blocking success for all and encouraging a resonance in acceptance of changes based on vetted research to improve outcomes for all tied w/ needs of community inside and outside of school #FLEDChat
Great point. How do people that share the same opinion have an honest conversation about opinions that they don't agree with? I think it has to be purposeful. #FLedChat
A4, P3: Ideal classroom community: All students find themselves a welcome part of the class environment, feel valued, establish modes of inquiry that vary & are respectful to all other students & staff. Teacher is a partner in the process & lead learner #FLEDChat
A learning community provides the confidence for all staff to offer ideas, to discuss and support them, to listen to others, and to compromise in the best interests of students. #FlEdChat
not just repeating your idea. Make changes to your own thinking if necessary, OR explain your idea with more depth. Respecting the others if they do not agree #fledchat
A5: Building relationships is the number one way and will always be: no relationships founded in empathy & respect= no communities. Allowing multiple opportunities for success, honoring differences, scaffolding to build strength and confidence for all learners. #FLEDChat
A4, P2: Ideal professional community: Dedicated to addressing issues blocking success for all and encouraging a resonance in acceptance of changes based on vetted research to improve outcomes for all tied w/ needs of community inside and outside of school #FLEDChat
After leaving supt, I am now lead trainer for Character Counts. A training I do is w/ school leaders providing tips on how to become an effective catalyst for significant change in people's attitudes through incorporating organizational values into everyday behaviors. #FLEdChat
A6: If we could not fail, that might lead to vanity, so this is a dangerous question in that sense. The possibility of failure keeps us grounded in some ways. However, given those conditions, I would probably create far more experiential learning opportunities #FLEDChat
A6: I would probably start my own school (with lots of other friends). I would want it to have authentic and service learning opportunities, global collaboration, and flexible schedules. Either that or work as the Education Director for a Children's Museum in a city :). #FLedChat
A6: A mentor for every kid at school. Make Ss in charge of their own learning. Have a special time for colleagues to detox and have fun every day. Connect Ss with inapiration people around the world. #FlEdChat
