A chat that offers middle school teachers a chance to have a collaborative discussion about a different topic each week. Our topics change from week to week, ranging from Common Core State Standards to Character Education. During the chat, participants exchanges ideas and resources. The chat group ranges in size each week from 10 to 50+ participants. Discussion can be general talking about instructional style or process to specific. Recently members of the chat group help each other create lessons.
A1: I changed to #flipclass back in 12-13 and for me, Ss watch videos (8 min. or less) 2-3 times a week. Other nights are just finishing if they don't get done in-class or reviews. Really trying for nothing over the weekend this year. #mschat
I've found that hmwk that is really thought out, for a certain reason, can help Ss get so much more out of in-class time. If they come in with just a little knowledge, we can dig deeper! #mschat
A1 This year I have changed my approach and do not do daily HW . Ss have to complete Science Encyclopedia Pages for key terms in each unit. They are due the end of the unit. They can budget their own time, with suggestions from me. #mschat
I like optional homework to help students develop self-assessment skills. Help them learn to identify whether they need more practice and provide a way for them to get that practice #mschat
A1: HW is not necessary but can be of value if given for a purpose. Busy work is not a valid reason. School days are long enough. Let Ss and Ts rest and prep for tomorrow #mschat
It's a mixed bag. I don't do checks, so if they save them all for the end, it is their choice. I suggest 2 per week, and most kids stick to this. #mschat
Sorry I’m late but I’m here for the #mschat!! I’m a pre-service teacher and I will be student teaching with @tmaynard5 in the fall. @Jeremybballer#edchat
At the start of the year, my go-getters will do it and that's about it. I have conversations with students who need practice on certain concepts and encourage them to do it, helping them carve out time if they need it. #mschat
A1: I feel like homework should be given as a further extension of class activities. I really like giving kids 2-3 questions in which they must really think deeply about the lesson. I also like preview activities, where kids can think about what they will learn next. #mschat
A2: not doing hw out of defiance is usually a manifestation of a larger & deeper issue. Need to see if we can reach our Ss and understand what’s really going on #mschat
A3 I will be honest, I don't do much of this. With 90 Ss, I mostly focus on working with the Ss and their proress. Parents all have access to the Parent Portal. #mschat
A2: Went gamified. Quiz over skills practiced on hw instead of stressing over each hw assignment. Must score 80% or higher on hw quiz to earn rewards toward next level. Motivates to do hw. #mschat
Then we’ve failed them. Primary goal has to be making sure our Ss are healthy emotionally, psychologically and physically. Content and HW are distant in comparison. #mschat
A2: HW in my class is usually reading - either a choice novel or one we are studying together in class. Because Ss know that the activities they'll be doing the next day require them to stay on top of reading, this seems to be somewhat of a motivator. #mschat
Absolutely. We’ve tried it 2 ways: mission cards and digital quests. Actual physical mission cards seemed to be more tangible and more motivating. Completed cards are turned in for rewards. I’ll see if I have pics . #mschat
A2: If videos aren’t done, I have Ss go to side of classroom & watch them. I don’t get mad or upset and then I have more time to help than after they are done since everyone else has already started our #flipclass in-class work. #mschat
Still looking for a student who can’t wait to go home after a long school day and want to do hours of more work. What’s the point? Families need time together and kids should pursue other interests and passions as should we! #mschat
A2: So I don't give homework but stuggle with work completion in class at time #mschat It means I pull up a seat and work with them to get it done... Might mean I get a lunch date too
A2: I hope that by this point in the year (at least!), Ss know that the HW I assign is meaningful & relevant. It also helps that I do the assignments, too! #mschat
A2 In MS there are bigger issues at play often. We can only do so much in 45 minutes. A Ss should still be able to find limited success with instruction alone in class. HW should enhance instruction, not replace it. #mschat
Q3: We often here that building relationships is vital to our Ss being successful. What else can we do to motivate defiant Ss to complete work besides building great relationships with kids? #mschat
Yeah, to do IT! #mschat SO get me to sit by them and help, get to come to lunch and work on it..... If not done, call home to explain to mom and dad that they need their help to get work done!
A3: I alluded to this in A2, but doing the work alongside Ss is a huge motivator. They know that any time I assign HW, I'm assigning it to myself, too! #mschat
A3: Persistence: Most students believe you will give up on them, give them a failing mark and move on.... Remind them work needs to be done, Insist it gets done #mschat
A3: I don't penalize for late work, but Ss know that depending on the HW assignment for that night, they could be missing out on critical information (or activities!) the next day. #mschat
A3: let the Ss devise a plan instead of the one prepared by the T. See if you can reach an agreement and try it out. Might allow S to take ownership and feel like they’ve been heard #mschat
A3: Sounds crazy, but when they actually do work, find a way to let them shine with their peers. Let them explain. Often, they see problems diff. I like to point out their diff. view and really get excited about it. #mschat
Yeah they hate it when it is a lab day and I pull them aside and tell them they aren't allowed to do the lab until their work is done! #mschat ... What took days is done in seconds
The more we know a/b our Ss and their interests, the better we can tweak assignments to be more relevant to them. Get on their level if they’re not on yours #mschat
Q4: When parents/guardians don't value education, how do we help our Ss and their parents see the importance of the work they are doing in and out of class? #mschat
At the start of the year, I make sure the in-class activities are super fun & engaging (not that they are horrible the rest of the yr ;)) Ss need to watch #flipclass video before they can be helpful to teammates. #mschat They don’t want to miss out! Helps most!
At the start of the year, I make sure the in-class activities are super fun & engaging (not that they are horrible the rest of the yr ;)) Ss need to watch #flipclass video before they can be helpful to teammates. #mschat They don’t want to miss out! Helps most!
A4: we showcase their work@and model the excitement, and encouragement it deserves. I leave voicemails and send emails letting Ps know their students work will be featured on our next email blast or Instagram and that they should brag:) #mschat
A4: I think this stems from helping our Ss see the connections & applications of what they're learning to the real world. Once Ss see that what they're learning has impacts far beyond school walls, they're hooked. #mschat
A4: We try and talk about goals and dreams. Try to show them they what they are capable of is so much more than what they look like on paper. (Grades, attendance, behavior, etc reports.) #mschat
One of most important and effective way is to have conversation with them about this by making them understand the value.
One of the great article i read about this is
https://t.co/rWHET9bqfZ#mschat
A4: Not exactly what’s being asked, but we need to remember to respect parents too. Many are stretched thin & get so little family time w/ many demands. May lack resources, time, or energy to provide much academic support. Most are doing their best. #mschat
Thank you for all that participated on our chat tonight. It is a very busy and stressful time of year and I appreciate my PLN to the full extent. Enjoy your weekend everyone. #mschat
A5: I have Ss take surveys about my teaching, the content, our classroom, etc. about 3-4 times/year. On one of these, a particularly shut-off S told me they’d love to have more free writing time. The next week, I carved out time for my classes. The ice broke from there. #mschat
We will be back next week to talk about the power, possibility, and effectiveness of culturally relevant teaching. Please join @richbacolor and me on May 10 8pm CST/9pm EST for the second of a three-part Twitter chat series.
#NoMoreCIT#NGSSchat#elemchat#mschat#PLN
Thanks for another great chat tonight. I LOVE my #mschat and #masterychat combo! Have a great Friday everyone and a magical weekend of fun and adventure!
