#6thchat Archive
#6thchat is used to chat, collaborate, and grow with other sixth grade educators from around the globe. Each session we discuss a topic voted on by #6thchat participants. It's a great way to help grow your PLN and share ideas with others.
Tuesday March 1, 2016
Welcome to tonight's ! Our topic is all about trends & changes in education.
I'm Angela Rutschke from Caroline, Alberta. I teach 6th grade LA, Math, SS. Sci, Leadership & Genius Hour
We use the Q1, A1 format, but feel free to add questions/insights as you think of them. Our chat will join our growing archive.
I'm Elizabeth from Ohio. I teach math and science literacy.
Hi all! Kristin from Lansing, Michigan...ELA and SS. Snow day today!
Question 1 is on its way in one minute!!!
Hi Kristin! I hope you got to enjoy the snow day...do you have to go to school at all on those days?
Welcome Elizabeth! I'm glad you could join us!
Q1: Teaching is ever-changing, how do you determine what trends are fads & which ones are necessary changes?
No...no school for teachers; principal must go in.
A1:Great teaching stems from relationship & understanding how ppl learn, as long as "new" things don't harm those I'm open-minded.
A1 you have to start with things that affect testing/evaluation
A1 If a trend/fad makes teaching seem easy, that's the red flag.
So March came in like a lion for you then :) We still have to go on snow days, if we can make it.
A1) I look to see if idea adds depth to my teaching practice or reaches Ss in new ways; but, often you figure it out by trying it
That's a GREAT point Dan! Anything that claims blanket results is somewhat suspect.
Parent of a 6th grader here. Follow trends in education, so thought I'd check in.
Exactly right Kristin! When something connects Ss with learning, it is great. I love your comment of depth as well.
Question 2 is up in 60 seconds.
Hi Jeremy! It is wonderful to have parents here as well.
Q2: Which trends in education are you excited about right now? Why?
you are definitely right! It is VERY irresponsible, but happens pretty often!
Yes it certainly did! Where's that groundhog?
May not be popular, but I like a lot of common core math. Teaches thinking and understanding. Not memorizing
A2) I like the trends to break the barriers of the classroom's physical walls to connect globally
A2: Flipped classes, gamification, inquiry, empowering students, meaningful tech integration... I'm concerned about these as well!
Hey everyone! Sorry I am late! Principal and great 6 ELA teacher jumping in.
I love the gamification, too. My Ss love it. And genius hour as well as tech integration! Growth mindset as well
I embrace this trend, b/c technology connects our Ss whether we teach them how or not. We have great opportunity!
A2) Student-led learning and more student voice. Still a work in progress, but glad it's begun. https://t.co/UREdSqylrV
Q2: Which trends in education are you excited about right now? Why?
This is a very important skillset & is often under-emphasized! I'm glad you mentioned it!
Question 3 is only a minute away!
Hi Michelle! Wonderful to have you here!
Q3: Which current trends in education concern you? Why?
Agree...the more choice we provide Ss, the more voice. My Ss love to connect their interests with learning.
A2 Buried beneath much of reform is acknowledgment of importance of questioning/inquiry. That should always be a trend!
I LOVE them all, but I do worry about ensuring Ss are learning DEEPLY, as any of these can become the focus.
Are you familar with ? His book "Learn Like a Pirate" is an amazing resource for Ts looking to empower Ss.
A3 The focus on so much data at the expense of other things.
The foundations of learning stem from those roots! They HAVE to be what we build on!
A3) The dependency on standardized tests to measure student learning; also, idea that boxed curriculum meets the needs of all Ss
Join on to discuss a classroom.
You said this better than I. Yes, what Michelle said.
and, in Ohio at least, using standardized testing for 50% of a teacher's rating
YES! Overtesting, small data samples & the truth that ou make make statistics say almost anything, is troubling!
I agree completely! My biggest frustration is that we differentiate instruction & standardize assessments!
Yet getting Ss interested is always the first step into the pool...first the toes and then immersion.
Data has its place but each student has a story and it is not as simple as data can portray.
A3 The belief that teaching is MORE of a science than an art. Insane obsession with data flows from that assumption.
we follow each other, yet I haven't checked out his book. Thanks!
Time flies when you are having fun! Question 4 in just 60 seconds!
I know! Our district is using an adaptive test now, so that provides better data. https://t.co/LNJGRQMzY6
I agree completely! My biggest frustration is that we differentiate instruction & standardize assessments!
Q4: How much do current educational trends impact your practice? Why?
A3: I am wondering if we over-personalize learning & with engagement trumping challenge. Perservance is something many SS lack.
A3) The tone of some disagreement. The debate has been necessary. But not shouting and narrow-mindedness. https://t.co/x6s7xRfEV9
Q3: Which current trends in education concern you? Why?
Absolutely....each Ss brings their own background to school, tests, projects, and more. They are more than numbers
It has really changed how I teach & my Ss are far more engaged in their learning.
I agree. It's March, and just now kids are starting to ask for more difficulty, a challenge.
I was having the same conversation with one of my teachers today. Do we differentiate too much?
Very valid concern Jeremy! Sometime educators & politicians have a difficult time being open-minded!
Sometimes I wonder! It's an important question & the answers divide ppl very quickly :)
Are you ready? Question 5 is up in the next minute!
Can make you dizzy just thinking about it ;P
A4) Sometimes feel every lesson & discussion must be justified & connected w/ a learning target; sometimes "fun" even feels forced
Yes, if we take away the challenge will they still work as hard or see a reason to?
It's GREAT they are asking for the challenge, it's a step in the right direction, for sure!
Q5: If you could change one thing in education, what would it be and why?
I feel the same way! It's tough to find the balance! I'm starting to trust my 20 yrs of experience more often!
I don't think they will & it's a disservice NOT to challenge them! Learning is NOT comfortable!
Glad to hear you say that! I keep an open mind, but have to stick to my philosophies and knowledge of kids https://t.co/dcwhbegmHj
I feel the same way! It's tough to find the balance! I'm starting to trust my 20 yrs of experience more often!
A4 Current trends (obsessions with data) defines learning as something sterile and numerical-- its harder to inspire learning.
Q6 I would speed up the move from teacher led and focused to student led even with our youngest students.
Sometimes "new" is NOT better & professional discernment is a really important skill! Open-mindedness is good too!
Question 6 in 60 seconds!
I really like this one a lot Michelle :) Ss are FAR more able than most Ts allow (me included sometimes!)
Q6: What are the greatest challenges facing education right now? How do you address them?
A5) Great question. Just one thing? Not sure if I can do that in 140 char. I want schools to inspire, motivate & encourage all Ss!
Q6) Preparing Ss for 21st century careers in 20th century schools---infrastructure, access, technology not consistent
Great answer Kristin! Do you think we are getting closer, or does this depend on each T?
Perhaps we need to figure out how to speed this up as well.
I believe it matters on Ts right now, but hard when there are only pockets of sparkles https://t.co/AoSKeoXnrA
Great answer Kristin! Do you think we are getting closer, or does this depend on each T?
Question 7 is right on deck, I'm excited to hear your thoughts!
A6: Education encompasses far more than teaching, it is parenting, psychology, finance + so much more. Hard to focus sometimes!
Q7: If you were to give a new teacher advice, what would you tell them about trends and changes in education & why?
Pockets of sparkles is a wonderful description :) It's hard to inspire more sparkle when Ts are discouraged.
A7:Make sure that Ss are always at the heart of their practice. Collaborate, try new things, ask for help & trust your gut!
A7) Focus on the big rocks first--don't let the pebbles weigh you down; pick your battles & stay true to your teaching philosophy
Final question coming up already, and it's a good one!
Important advice for us all :)
Q8: What is one trend or change you plan to try before the end of the year? How can we support you?
Much of this points to our leadership understanding that these things are important & supporting us.
A7 To remember that everything is a process. Everything does not happen at once.
A8) Helping Ss to set goals for the final push to the end of the year so that they have buy in; commitment; share ideas!
A8: I'm adventuring into gamification & am developing a science unit that will incorporate game elements.
A7) It's not all on you. To make change, you need us parents (and students!) as partners. https://t.co/xKMtuYDZ9C
Q7: If you were to give a new teacher advice, what would you tell them about trends and changes in education & why?
A8 Keep working on student led and trying to empower them to greatness.
