#vachat Archive
#vachat is a great way for Virginia educators to share teaching strategies, educational resources, and more.
Monday April 18, 2016
8:00 PM EDT
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Hey Looks like and are discussing similar topics....great minds
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Please take a second to introduce yourself, your role in education
Icebreaker ?: What time does your school start?
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Christine. Elementary gifted. Charlottesville. Kids start coming in around 7:40, school starts at 8.
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Evan From VA- Principal
School starts at 8:12
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Hola from Minnesoooota where I teach 3rd Grade starting at 745 AM with coffee near by!
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Kay from Northern Va teaching 8th grade World Geography. School starts at 7:15 am. Yep. 7:15.
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Stephanie from Charlottesville, our classrooms are buzzing at 7:45 at Stony Point
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Eeek! Can't fathom 13 year olds are ready to learn so early
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Lisa in Stafford (HS IB Coordinator) using to chat tonight. Try it if you haven't. Wicked cool interface.
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Good evening. Reed HS AP from Charlottesville and our day starts at 8:55!
We'll be using Q1, Q2 format tonight
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Evening ers! Phil, currently AP in WJCC, Come July 1, Principal of NBES in Rockbridge County, VA. we start at 8:25
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Always coffee in hand so early. Even 8th graders have coffee. :)
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Q1: What’s wrong with the one-size-fits all instructional model? What’s good about it?
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Ah, life of the teens now!
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Good it gives us a platform to stand on, bad..some keep standing there. A1
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A1: There are no two same-sized kids in our classrooms: physically, mentally, socially. One-size is easier to plan.
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A1: Good: Same requirements for all Ss means we're less likely to write a kid-off early
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A1 1-size-fits-all model fails to recognize students as individuals & limits them to confines built by designer of instruction
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Students don't come in one size fits all teaching model. Our system still thinks so. Must bring edu into 21st C already.
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A1 One size for all is a remnant of early to mid 20th cent. Ed- lots of presumptions but no research
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A1: Good, you will make sure each child moves ahead. Bad: Goldilocks syndrome... very little "Just right" curriculum/instruction fit
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A1: We're sending Ss to work on assembly lines these days. Schools should stop looking like we are.
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A1: Bad to 1size fits all--it's pretty simple--we're all different, esp as children
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A1: We're not sending students to work on assembly lines any more. School should stop looking like we are.
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one size may fit one child in your room... for others it will be too fast, for others it will be too slow.
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Sometimes 1-size doesn't even provide any growth opp for our gifted learners
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Social studies teacher at Kilmer MS - Vienna, Va. First bell 7:15
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yes! work looks completely diff. Just ask a millennial now who is job hunting. https://t.co/dkkhAtMGjW
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A1: We're not sending students to work on assembly lines any more. School should stop looking like we are.
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A1 OSFA expedites delivery for the deliverer, but doesn't ensure learning by each learner.
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a severely neglected group in the classroom.
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Good evening ! Sorry I'm late. Lyn, K-5 principal in PWCS. Happy to be here tonight!
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Easier to plan in beginning, then kids get bored or struggle, so implementation becomes less easy than thought!
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I don't want to lower the standard for a student under the guise that school isn't for him/her
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1 thing, of many, that we do well in US is not send students to different tracts early on
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So true... easier for the teacher, but education shouldn't be about teacher comfort.
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They can be. They're going to pass the test so it's easy to overlook.
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A1: One size fits leaves too many Ss out. Can't teach to the middle and expect all Ss to grow.
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Margo Isabel, lower school head our lower school day starts at 8:30. Kids can arrive at 8am
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There is absolutely zero probability that all students in the class learn best the same way / same rate! https://t.co/2lv6ezi5M1
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Q1: What’s wrong with the one-size-fits all instructional model? What’s good about it?
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So it's really "one size fits the teacher, but not necessarily you kids"
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An unfortunate consequence of the system and pressure put on educators
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A1 If a third grader can't read at grade level they need to be taught at their intruction all level-
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We don't accept one size fits all clothing. We should not accept one size fits all education.
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A1 of course size does not fit all. I guess the real ? Is, how many sizes are teachers really comfortable with in their class.
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Ashley, 4th grade, Charlottesville
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Q2:
How important is student voice in education? How do we increase it?
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Welcome, Ashley! Glad you're here :)
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Thanks for joining us Central VA is well-represented
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A2: So important! I had a class full of first graders running to tell me & their friends what they were learning as they read.
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A2 Whelp, how important is anyone's voice in becoming intrinsically motivated to do something? (Hint: pretty darn important)
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It is vital. says & that this learning studio is YOURS! You would be here even if I wasnt.
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A 2 absolutely essential! Listen more, ask more questions of them, invite them to share their ideas
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A2 I have found that when students have a voice in their learning, choice, reflection that they own their learning. It's about them.
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A2 Student voice is critical if we want ownership of learning VS point chasing!
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We can increase by giving them multiple ways to showcase their genius throughout the yr. A2
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A2: critical for student buy-in, making meaningful learning experience for kids. Ask students questions, and LISTEN
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A2: student choice is key. PBL lets students decide how to show the world what they know and what they think.
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A2 When adults consider what makes us want to learn/grow, it usually involves having some (or a lot of) voice in it.
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We can increase it by restructuring the classroom into more of a Starbucks or what I call the A2
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A2: They want to learn! They want to learn even more when they get to make choices.
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A2: If there is to be Effective Learning, there MUST be student voice along with student control! https://t.co/ttxI1m5EcM
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Q2:
How important is student voice in education? How do we increase it?
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This exactly. The more voice they have, the more they own their learning. https://t.co/ZB9r76qwbp
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A2 I have found that when students have a voice in their learning, choice, reflection that they own their learning. It's about them.
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2 hesitations about too much st voice:
Ss don't always know how they learn best& often say I don't like...great Tr can change that
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Yes, is essential I feel for https://t.co/iA4nyFKj7S
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A2: student choice is key. PBL lets students decide how to show the world what they know and what they think.
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A1 One size fits all great for industrial economy of mass education. factory model, uniformity and conformity.
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A2: Let student interests drive their learning and embed content standards within their passions
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you do a great job with student voice!
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A2 One fave way is to give students a choice of how they demonstrate mastery of a skill or concept.
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It was the first thing I learned from Twitter 4 years ago!!!! Raise the roof by raising
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Vital to reflect w students from youngest age. What went well? What was challenging? Help students be metacognitive
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There once was a chat all about it.
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A2: I do "topic talks" - like book talks, b/c Ss don't know what they don't know. In most cases, Ss tell me I was right.
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Definitely. One of the key points of true PBL It's not just doing projects
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A2 It's a new day, new model of education. Silence and obedience are no longer the .
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A2 One of our best teachers has totally mastered indiv reading choice...Ss voice what they want to read, work on skill not content.
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One of the more vital, but often overlooked, lifelong learning comp
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I can hear the fear in some Ts voices as we talk aout student voice and giving up control.
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Someone said (Will Richardson?) that if all projects or answers are the same it's not learning, it's a recipe.
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But who's classroom is it any way? IMHO, it is theirs....
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Absolutely - always pressure to move onto next thing
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YES! We get on and Ss realize things they'd like to learn.
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Seriously scariest thing I've done in teaching. Also the best. You have to learn where the line is & that it moves.
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In 5/6 grade I used their and their Ed.Ted stuff. Ss ate it up.
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Right. Weve come to learn to respect the way our classmates learn. Its an interesting journey for the Ss
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I know some seasoned Ts that will tell you it is their classroom... period. take it or leave it.
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A2 Baby steps for teachers new to it = totally OK. One project or lesson at a time until comfortable. We grow in increments, folks.
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This is huge. Still talking "finals" after state tests in 8th grade. sigh. https://t.co/vpsq3FhVjO
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I can hear the fear in some Ts voices as we talk aout student voice and giving up control.
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I wish I had done more of it... sign that you are moving in the right direction.
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If we have clear rubrics that define the knowledge the student needs to demonstrate the fear for Ts is minimized
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Hm. I could not more passionately disagree. But that is ok.
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from :If u aren't excited about examining your Ss work, you're giving the wrong type of assignments
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Would love to see my 3rds get to that.
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And that is why I like you!
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Q3:
Should school and learning be fun for students? Why? Why not?
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I live on the edge my friend...alone on the edge!
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A3: It doesn't have to be fun all the time (though...why not?) but I know I'm more apt to do something if I'm having fun.
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A3: School & learning should be fun (who wants 2 b some place NOT fun all day for 180 days?) But that doesn't mean not challenging.
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A3 Sometimes 'fun,' sometimes (often) 'challenging'; always ENGAGING. ('Fun' = semantically problematic when we use it like this).
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A3: I want school to be enjoyable, fun, and challenging... but it shouldn't always be fun. Growth occurs from failure and challenge.
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A3: I don't think that fun and challenging are mutually exclusive. I have 2nd & 3rd graders begging me for more algebra.
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Sorry I am late! Megan-Fauquier-high school history.
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One student wrote that this year, she had fun in school. It inspires her to open an art studio where they have fun A3
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A3 Fun is an odd word-Learning should be enjoyable and challenging- if it is engaging many would use "fun" 2 describe
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Maybe fun could be replaced with the word PLAY which is something Ss do not know how to do well. A3
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A3: We teach kids. This is their childhood. We have a responsibility to keep it fun. Learning is innately fun, let's not ruin it!
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A3 Schools should be engaging Ss to be challenged, to think outside their normal. I want 2 hear Ss say "that was cool" after lrning.
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Great point. Fun might not be the right word. https://t.co/vNSOu6B3x2
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A3 Fun is an odd word-Learning should be enjoyable and challenging- if it is engaging many would use "fun" 2 describe
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A3: for something like ancient world history, as much fun as I can bring into it I will.
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A3 (& A2): A lot of this is addressed in Dr. Glasser's work on human needs & how school can meet them to promote engagement.
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A3 YesYesYes! I want my Ss to run down the hall in the morning. The next big thing is waiting! Enter if you dare.
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I'd love to know more about what you mean - students don't know how to play well?
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I think as long as we are making progress, small steps are totally ok. Worry is when we are digging in heels https://t.co/jhFKCf2RA2
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A2 Baby steps for teachers new to it = totally OK. One project or lesson at a time until comfortable. We grow in increments, folks.
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And they don't get that yet, I very much agree with this. Sometimes most challenging is most life changing. https://t.co/Hsrc5ANzLY
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A3: I want school to be enjoyable, fun, and challenging... but it shouldn't always be fun. Growth occurs from failure and challenge.
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So if we can't make it fun, fully engaging, should we teach it?
Working on a blog about this
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A3: It should be fun so that Ss can be comfortable working hard in order to achieve Effective Learning. https://t.co/PYtoANBC0R
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Q3:
Should school and learning be fun for students? Why? Why not?
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A3: let me be clear... NO, school doesn't always have to be fun. It should however not overwhelm or cause the S to shut down
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A3: let me be clear... NO, school doesn't always have to be fun. It should however not overwhelm or cause the S to shut down
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A3 I spend a lot of time in classrooms observing. More than 80% of the time I observe engaged, fun learning
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Why are we afraid of the word fun? I want to have fun at work, work hard, am challenged & learn a ton!
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Absolutely agree, and problem-solving is a great example. Fun to be challenged, followed by euphoria of figuring it out.
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A2Teaching is like an . Often we teach the way we were taught. Ts must be comfortable with ambiguity, less power & control
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Even if the content is challenging, the classroom atmosphere should be fun: Ts need to make a space where kids want to be
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Life is not all about fun. There are things that we do that are not fun. It is impt to have those discussions w/ Ss. V3
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A3 Agree with . As much to learn in failure and mistakes as in success and winning. Find ways to make risk taking OK.
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Definitely agree we should be challenging Ss and for some this might not be fun...getting out of comfort zone
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Stress isn't the worst thing in the world as long as we scaffold and support our students. fun, no... supportive yes!
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Yes! They may not know right off the bat that a challenge is fun in itself, but they figure it out.
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Their lives are over structured by their parents. The don't have time to play. Free Range Children? WTH
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A3 - a well planned presentation can make any topic interesting to many
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at the very least-purpose should be thoroughly examined.
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We've already started talking about Q4, but here it comes...
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Q4:
What are the obstacles and dangers of making school fun for students?
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Be sure to use PVLEGS to help with that! It is a great asset!
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A3 Life isn't always about fun.Find a balance. Changing diapers not fun but necessary is what I shared W students back in the day.
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A4: When something isn't fun they disengage.
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I think about it this way, i"m on a health kick, losing weight (56 lbs) exercising, its not always fun. Its satisfying 2 see success
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Can't justify not-fun experience by saying "some things in life aren't fun," that's a dangerous path in ed
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A3 I don't disagree but often fun is associated with not academic things- parties- movies- free time
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A4: The biggest obstacle to learning be fun: teachers
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Seriously wish we could use word 'engaging' rather than 'fun' for this discussion.
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A3 How about that really me me. Made me better than I thought I could be.
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A4: What is fun for some is terrifying and frustrating for others
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So true :/ We participated in Global School Play Day. Great convo came from observing Ss in free play!
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A3 if students are kept in the ZPD-learning should be enjoyable
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So true! Important thing to remember. Not everyone wants to design, share, and be out there.
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Um, nope. Testing is not fun. But we do it anyhow & give it our best shot b/c of WHO we are!!
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My job isn't too entertain you, it's to teach you. Sometimes the work is hard but strive to make the classroom a positive place.
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Experiencing challenge & even failure doesn't have to be "unfun" esp in space where taught that failure is learning
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A4: obstacles-planning time, lack of creativity in presentation, teacher centered class.
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A4: Obstacles can be standards. It's hard to imagine "covering" all SOLs and having time for fun. Need a mindshift.
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A4: Biggest obstacle making school fun is it doesn't fit traditional school conception of some parents/teachers.
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A4: Ss believing fun means easy and no work rather than fun because the hard work gets results!!! https://t.co/fgWWxolodo
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Q4:
What are the obstacles and dangers of making school fun for students?
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You know what wasnt fun either? Re-dos but we did them anyhow because we are kids of character.
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A4: not sure there is a danger. Hopefully with scaffolding challenge-even challenging material can be fun
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Yes, I remember teachers who did this. It wasn't fun, but exhilarating afterward. Felt way more meaningful than fun.
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We learn a lot about learning and mindset and it really really matters and I think it changes things
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Can be hard to consider when S preferences are different than our own. Important to be aware!
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it doesn't have to painful/overwhelming, but always fun no. 2 be successful there are times u just have 2 suck it up.
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Q5: How do we make learning fun for all students?
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spot on. Fun is different things to different people.Key is lots of different options so everyone gets a time to shine
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Yes, take the good with the bad and the bitter with the sweet. requires both.
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A5: Get to know Ss. Know that they're terrified of public speaking or that they love it. Find ways to make things interesting.
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Q5: How do we make learning ENGAGING for all students?
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A4: appropriate challenge is more fun for S. Too hard-defeated, too easy- bored
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Reflecting w kids helps. I ask kids how they feel after figuring out something challenging/frustrating - they feel good!
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Ss have all kinds of fun, they need meaningful & what they wouldn't have at home. Of course, this may be diff for diff populations.
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A5: You have to believe the stuff they need to learn is engaging, or interesting or challenging in order to make it so for Ss.
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A5: student voice &let them use their strengths to show their learning/growth. Make it about the journey and not about the product
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It was a struggle on . This yr was much better than last though. Free play....
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Yes, but it's all a journey they/we NEED to take.
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A5 Engaging is back to question 1 - giving choices, student voice and making meaning. Getting out of comfort zone.
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Have we defined fun? I think engaging/challenging is fun.
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Sound like a broken record.
Give them choice and a voice and make it real world.
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this is where choice and voice are vital
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This was our 1st year - T's worried about that, but then were shocked that there were no probs, kids shine!
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When we have less engaging subjects/SOLs to cover, make use of games, collaboration. Find other ways to engage
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Q5: School becomes engaging 4 more students when we meet needs for safety (phys & emo), belonging/connection, autonomy, enjoyment.
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Who knows, I am not on twitter much for chats, but is my homeboy chat! I LOVE it. Since the beginning!
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A5 I also find that my Ss need to find meaning with real life to be engaging. Connections with others, sharing learning. Audience.
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Absolutely crucial to engagement and growth.
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Q5 Assessments that are authentic increase engagement.
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A5: Student choice! But so is: song, poetry, movement, challenge, connection, hands on experiences.
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Q5 Making personal connections daily with as many kids as possible increases engagement.
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It helped to talk about it with the students and with their parents. Parent voice is VERY impt to me!
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A5: Relate learning to student interests - content & process - to build engagement
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A5: Thematic approaches, project-based learning, passion time, simulations, student choice, tech can all increase engagement
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Q5 Providing student choice/voice increases engagement.
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Meaning... an underrated concept!
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Q5 Helping kids measure & see their own growth/success increases engagement.
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Education is a collaborative effort!
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And it should often be a social one too
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always room for fun, engagement, & feeling of community, even with the "have-to's" ie testing
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A5: Combo of appropriate level, relevance, & enthusiasm
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A5 Linking learning to student interests when possible increases engagement.
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Isn't that sad? They expect "edutainment" not education.Teaching remote control Ss: is needed
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Yes! My plan for this summer is to build a few cross-curricular project-based units for my peeps.
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Yep! I think we should really look at more interdisciplinary teaching at all levels
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A5 Teacher being excited about topic/subject increases student engagement.
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Student collaboration is key.
Ss get engaged when they push each other to learn and create.
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Q6 Especially if they can verbalize their growth or lack of to peers and parents.
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A5: Put them in situations where the Effectve Learning enables them to address real-world problems. https://t.co/Bs8H6Ikr5H
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Q5: How do we make learning fun for all students?
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This is absolutely true. I became a master at selling the Missouri Compromise.
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OMG...So so so yes (said the 46 year old woman). https://t.co/tgPJ5PyPqP
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Q6 Especially if they can verbalize their growth or lack of to peers and parents.
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Why is parent voice so important to you? Just curious.
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so true! Teacher enthusiasm is contagious.
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Enthusiasm can make a less thrilling learning objective into something students are excited about learning.
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Q5b: Anyone care to share a best lesson/specific technique at increasing engagement so Ss can't wait to learn?
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Teachers need to enjoy what they do for their fun to translate to students. Can't force fun from someone not having any!
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is important to the engagement for Ss. is the rock star for that.
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Hm, sounds like church ppl today. Come to church to be entertained. I don't get it.
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I disagree. Ss & Ts want to learn useful info thru activities that aren't a waste of time, not always easy
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Final question:
Q6: Should competition be used to make learning fun?
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A5 Mazlow would have been proud of you. It's such a big task though esp in today's economic environment.
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A5: Teacher excitement is a big one. I did just get my box. I can't wait to whip that out for some learning!
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Completely agree. Enormous power in the method of delivery. Could learn lessons from marketing.
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We're w kids only 1/2 of day. Can't just ask for support from parents w/o getting their input
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Q5b: I hated rock cycle when I started, I developed lessons that were vaguely gross (not vulgar) that made me laugh as well as Ss
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A6: I think it's one way to make learning fun, but as we said earlier: some Ss are going to hate that. Be aware of that.
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I visited families at their home BOY to begin partnership - made all the diff
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Q6 Competition, like anything else, can be handled well or poorly in the classroom. Needs to be well planned.
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A6 I hate competition but there is nothing like a great game of to get those review assessments going!
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The 2nd gr has been eating out of my hand since we learned text features using "The History of Poop"
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We just finished a PBL project and the students were thrilled to have choice- art, music, poetry, rap, film, fashion, cooking.
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(I keep typing Q when I mean A)
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We're busy building a 2D and 3D geometry city that will take 6 weeks. Were on week 2. is stopping by!
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A5b: Ask for topics / issues they have and facilitate discussion to get them engaged. https://t.co/wN5rUtmzVw
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Q5b: Anyone care to share a best lesson/specific technique at increasing engagement so Ss can't wait to learn?
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One lesson we chewed up different kinds of crackers and used them to create rock layers...
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One of the best things I did as an educator Need to do it this summer you in?
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One of the best things I did as an educator Need to do it this summer you in?
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Yuck! https://t.co/FRlDKz8wSy
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One lesson we chewed up different kinds of crackers and used them to create rock layers...
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One of my favorite comments... during the plant unit " So, are you enjoying your plant poop (oxygen) today?
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A6 I also think that classrooms that use competition should balance by sometimes emphasizing collaboration. Ss need both skills.
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Girl! My mind is blown by them and their creativity! The 3D starts on Thursday.
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Thank for a great convo! Gotta run. Thanks Have a great week everyone!
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Signing off a little early. Thanks for a great love the input and ideas
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I think competition can be really dangerous for students who lack confidence or ability. One reason I don't like Kahoot!
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Ss need to learn to see the BIG PICTURE, beyond today-immediate gratification. ?
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A6: A definite no from me! ALL should be challenged to do the best but not compete!!! https://t.co/YzDfEyO7rv
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Final question:
Q6: Should competition be used to make learning fun?
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we then placed stacks of dictionaries on them and let them dry... Poof... sedimentary rock!
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These are not my children, the belong to many. The more voices that speak life, the better.
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They arise strong humans on the shoulders of many!
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Thank you! Great topic! My computer is now...dea....d
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Unless it's a true collaborative effort with interdependence, group competitions usually are just for the smartest
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Yes! Offer Ss choice to participate in competition or not. No 1 is they feel safe. Also competition as group, not indiv
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Or the most outgoing. https://t.co/o5yOkyZQZv
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Unless it's a true collaborative effort with interdependence, group competitions usually are just for the smartest
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Q6 If we can get students competing against themselves (for a PR, like in track) THAT's money.
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Thanks for a great chat Take a second or two later tonight to check out some and keep on learning!
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Q6 Helping students set learning goals, plan how to meet them, and measure their success/growth (PRs) is golden for engagement.
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Don't forget coming up in one min! https://t.co/X11ger6eG5
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Thanks for a great chat Take a second or two later tonight to check out some and keep on learning!
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Thanks for leading us on an outstanding and thought provoking topic!
