The Edutopia team hosts a monthly chat to talk about education practices that work. Come with your questions and tips! Find more information about the chat topics here: http://www.edutopia.org/edutopiachat.
Hi everyone, I’m Natalie Gaber Crowley. I’m a 1st gr. teacher in San Francisco and I also run the blog/resource site https://t.co/PG3L675wz0 which aims to help elementary school teachers connect their students with nature and get outside more. #edutopiachat
Hi everyone, Alex from VT. Looking forward to thinking about student activism & how I can foster this with my community college students! #edutopiachat
Hi all. I’m the Community Manager at @Edutopia. I’m super excited for this chat, as I spent many years working with student activists in previous roles at Amnesty International USA. #EdutopiaChat
Hey #edutopiachat! I'm a mom, former teacher, and current DMM @iCivics. So excited to be here for this #EdutopiaChat. I'm tweeting here and via iCivics.
I'm a teacher-librarian & faculty advisor for Seeking Social Justice, proudly hailing from Central Vermont, working at a 7-12 high school. #edutopiachat.
A1: This is good old fashioned dialogue. Listen to your class. Find out what makes their ears perk and allow them the autonomy to activate around their own passions. #edutopiachat
RT edutopia "ChristieNold Welcome, Christie, for as much or as little as you can join us! Sounds like your students are doing some fantastic work. #edutopiachat"
IME, kids know what they're passionate about. Helping them channel that passion into something they can do and then helping them do it without getting in the way...that's the tricky part. #edutopiachat
Q1. I really like the Giraffe Heroes Project curriculum (https://t.co/umiElpqOU1). It provides a great framework for guiding students through the process of selecting a topic they're passionate about. #edutopiachat
I love to take kids for a walk in their neighborhood (or any neighborhood) and have them take pictures about stuff that catches their attention to start. #EdutopiaChat
A1. Student interests should be at the forefront of all activism projects. Asking them questions about the issues they see in their community or their own personal pain points is one way to get a project started! #edutopiachat#DemocracyAtPlay#LetsK12Better
A1: Reading rich texts from multiple perspectives seems to do the trick! Students are often already passionate but may not have the words and/or realize they "can" talk about their passion in school. #edutopiachat
A1 - Echoing @Beyond_Tutoring , listen to your class, hear their stories, ask them questions and connect with local experts to prime the pump. #edutopiachat
A1. The answer’s going to depend a lot on the context of the class, but the first step is listening. What gets them excited? What are they curious about? If there’s a spark of any kind, you can fan it. #EdutopiaChat
A1. Listen, listen, and listen some more. Anything that is personally relevant to them is extraordinarily rich and engaging. Better yet if there might be an impact on their school campuses or a chance to enact change within their local communities. #edutopiachat
A1: Students only reveal their true educational passions when they are in environments where they feel like they belong. Facilitate a classroom environment built on trust and that values authenticity and students passions will come to life. #EdutopiaChat
Right, Emma?! They know- and they'll tell you- if they trust you. Create a space where they feel safe enough to let themselves be known and they'll take it from there. #EdutopiaChat
I find it helpful to share lots of examples of other activists from history or current events. It's especially great if you can find people they can relate to, such as other young people. #edutopiachat
And the instruction is about helping them do the thing- filling in the gaps when they need you to, prodding them to understand more deeply where their thinking might be superficial. Mostly it's facilitation. #EdutopiaChat
This is huge, and there is *so* much amazing youth activism to lift up as examples if you look around! One example I'll shout out are student groups across Vermont raising the #blacklivesmatter flag at their schools. It's fantastic. #EdutopiaChat
I find it helpful to share lots of examples of other activists from history or current events. It's especially great if you can find people they can relate to, such as other young people. #edutopiachat
Yes, and they’re much more likely to feel agency in those settings too—they’ll be more willing to believe in the power of activism to change things. #EdutopiaChat
Agreed! Know your students well and what matters to them and the communities where they live. Seize those opps to tap into young adult passion and drive! #EdutopiaChat
IME, kids know what they're passionate about. Helping them channel that passion into something they can do and then helping them do it without getting in the way...that's the tricky part. #edutopiachat
RT edutopia "RT Beyond_Tutoring: A1: This is good old fashioned dialogue. Listen to your class. Find out what makes their ears perk and allow them the autonomy to activate around their own passions. #edutopiachat"
That's for sure. And for many kids who are learning how to use empathy for others, starting with themselves/Me/I first is often the best way to help them work their way outward to others.
#Edutopiachat#SEL#LetsK12Better
A1: I take a chapter out of @simonsinek "Start With Why" Ss have to find their why before they can answer their what. I try and provide Ss with choice & opportunity to develop their passions. #edutopiachat
A1. Elementary kids were all given a choice to read a book about different social justice issues and used that as a springboard for a greater project. #EdutopiaChat
A1: my 3rd graders are right in the middle of the age levels for elementary... meaning they are right in the middle of what’s happening around campus, as well. I have to agree wholeheartedly with so many that said to LISTEN. #EdutopiaChat
Not backfire, just lack of interest. Kids have to be passionate to become activists. I think we can drive awareness, but I would guess more student activists drive their own narrative, not a teachers's. #EdutopiaChat
A1: I take a chapter out of @simonsinek "Start With Why" Ss have to find their why before they can answer their what. I try and provide Ss with choice & opportunity to develop their passions. #edutopiachat
A1: It's always good to ask what they are interested in and to tap into the community. Check out local news and see if there are goings on that they might want to be involved in. #EdutopiaChat
A good way is to keep a class blog or a passion journal! Keeping that dialogue going is so important as is serving as a sounding board, model and mentor. #edutopiachat
A1: Students only reveal their true educational passions when they are in environments where they feel like they belong. Facilitate a classroom environment built on trust and that values authenticity and students passions will come to life. #EdutopiaChat
This is so important! Things like having a regular Morning Meeting and Closing Circle go a long way towards laying the groundwork for a successful activism project. #edutopiachat
Agree! Students rolling up their sleeves doing hard work provides their peers w/ a beacon of hope as they become resources for each other. And supports. Doing this work takes a huge emotional toil & it's invaluable to know they are not alone. #BlackLivesMatter#edutopiachat
A2: The teacher serves as a facilitator and mentor and work with your students to establish your role as well as theirs. Trust your budding activists and allow them room to find their voice. #edutopiachat
I think it is possible to create opportunities for students to serve, but I doubt that many would become activists for your class project. It might encourage them to follow through on their own thought. #edutopiachat
A1: Students only reveal their true educational passions when they are in environments where they feel like they belong. Facilitate a classroom environment built on trust and that values authenticity and students passions will come to life. #EdutopiaChat
A2: I build up to our culminating activism project throughout the year, starting in fall, so I can scaffold the necessary skills that will allow the kids to really take the lead on the project when the time comes. #edutopiachat
RT edutopia "RT MCMartirone: A1: I take a chapter out of simonsinek "Start With Why" Ss have to find their why before they can answer their what. I try and provide Ss with choice & opportunity to develop their passions. #edutopiachat"
I wonder about students who already care about stuff and want to make a change but don't consider themselves activists. Do you think the teacher has a role in helping them claim that term? #EdutopiaChat
A2- sorry for the misfire! It's always tricky balancing student agency and covering content. Love dynamic curriculum but you need to be ready to zig when the kids zag! #edutopiachat
I always try to be the "guide on the side" rather than the "sage on the stage." They are much more engaged and invested when they feel like their voices are being heard. #edutopiachat
A2. When I was with AI, I worked mostly with high school students who’d formed chapters at their schools. In that context, they had a lot of freedom, hemmed only by the organization’s mandate and school regulation. #EdutopiaChat
A 2- sorry for the misfire! It's always tricky balancing student agency and covering content. Love dynamic curriculum but you need to be ready to zig when the kids zag! #edutopiachat
#EdutopiaChat templates/timelines and dialogues that you can be flexible with. I believe in discussing with the students what they think is important and what type of info we need them to have.
Absolutely. They've been told to sit down and be quiet over and over. Why should they trust us- or believe us- when we say we want them to stand up and use their voices now? #EdutopiaChat
A2: I constantlyask Ss to “solve their problem” as I take on the consumer role. “If I were asked to help in your project, this is what I would like to see...” type scaffolding. #EdutopiaChat
A2: I'll admit, I don't have much balance. Like any great invention I'll provide Ss w/a little guidance and then let them run wide. Plenty of teachers say "no". say yes, let them try something and if they fail, try something else. #edutopiaChat
A2: Determining right balance of structure and freedom can be tricky. I think we have to trust our gut on a class-by-class basis. Some will take off; others will flounder—and that’s just us teachers 🙃 #EdutopiaChat
A2 cont. We supported them with research and training, but they had a ton of independence to decide on what they wanted to do and how they should do it. #EdutopiaChat
A2: I also find it useful to do a lot of low-risk group work activities to practice those skills of working together, listening to each other, and compromising BEFORE we jump into a high-stakes activism project. #edutopiachat
Q2. Very good question. It's hard to find that balance but I would suggest having it be student-led, if possible. Let the students set the scene and jump in when needed asked. #EdutopiaChat
I always try to be the "guide on the side" rather than the "sage on the stage." They are much more engaged and invested when they feel like their voices are being heard. #edutopiachat
I like this line of questioning. I agree with you that making it a class project might suck some of the joy out - but I also wonder how many kids feel validated/supported when their teachers makes the time for this #EdutopiaChat
A2: If we expect our students to be activists we have to give them the freedom to express themselves. But we must teach them how to engage in productive disagreements. In a time of intense polarization our student must learn how to respect other viewpoints. #EdutopiaChat
Absolutely. Mentorship definitely takes SO many forms and can just serve as a sounding board. Some of my best activist mentors have taught me how to think and how to articulate my passions. #edutopiachat
So true! Have to remember their skills are still emerging. Check some of the resources in our Student Activism Resources doc: https://t.co/ImkNCGGzvo#EdutopiaChat
A2- sorry for the misfire! It's always tricky balancing student agency and covering content. Love dynamic curriculum but you need to be ready to zig when the kids zag! #edutopiachat
A2: Once we identify a goal, my mission is to minimize my involvement as long as students keep moving forward. Don't solve problems they don't have. The KISS principle. #EdutopiaChat
You must have a really solid learning community in your class. I've seen teachers lose their kids' trust by letting them fail- particularly publicly. How awesome that they trust you so much! #EdutopiaChat
I always try to be the "guide on the side" rather than the "sage on the stage." They are much more engaged and invested when they feel like their voices are being heard. #edutopiachat
I think we can model activistic activities too. I don't really like the idea of requiring them to find something to become an activist for. What happens when they decide to join an Alt Right movement for example? #EdutopiaChat
Sorry I’m late.... A1 - I’ve seen a passion bracket used, and it seems to work really well to help students determine what they love and what bothers them most. #EdutopiaChat
Q2) Give students choice while also giving them support. Activism is a true slow and steady path. Guide and prepare students ahead of time by defining what "success" can look like. #EdutopiaChat#EdutopiaChat
A2: My #apgov class completed their final project: the goal teach civics to 6th graders and help others (in this case the 6th graders) find their voice. Everyone Ss has a voice--lets help them find and use it! https://t.co/bC2dKhXVaV. #edutopiachat
This is a great point that speaks to the value of leading with issues that students choose, I think. It's easier to get people passionate about a topic they've selected than it is to get them passionate about the nuances of organizing and advocacy. #EdutopiaChat
know your students' developmental places, ages, and topics. Scaffold if/when needed. I love @MHerczog 's description of the civic learning arc ending in taking informed action. #EdutopiaChat
A2 cont. I was blown away by the creativity and energy these high school students demonstrated. It wasn’t everyone, but for those who engaged, they accomplished so much, including helping release a prisoner of conscience on whose behalf they worked. #EdutopiaChat
A3. Educators are usually very detailed orientated, which helps provide structure to organizing activism. Students should be given absolute freedom over what issues that want to engage in. #edutopiachat
Trust is so vital! I'd like to think by a certain point in the year Ss trust me. But I also trust them to do a good job. Set and maintain high expectations. #edutopiachat
I think that can happen organically as we get to know them. I doubt any kid that really is passionate about something would hide it from their teacher if they have a good relationship. #edutopiachat
I agree. We talk about helping at the lower grades, making change with the olders. Mostly we just talk about what we're doing, not what we're calling ourselves. #Edutopiachat
A2. And if students are passionate about it let them pursue it! Point them to the research, tactics, and skills they will need. Help them make sense of it. Facilitate the creativity. That's structure. #EdutopiaChat
A3: Opposing points of view. Sometimes the paths our students choose to support aren't those that their parents or the community would like to see them work for. #EdutopiaChat
A3: As sad as it is to say it, I have struggled with when my own ego and my own passions don't align with that of my students. I have to remember my role, learn to love the challenge, and to think and teach differently with less ego. #edutopiachat
RT edutopia "RT _SMasters: #edutopiachat A2: well defined rules of respect for others and selves. try to find the balance between expression, passion, and service to others"
A2: I think there should be some structure provided for language and awareness. Kids brand-new to an issue may use words inappropriately, ask things that are insulting, etc. Kids may disagree passionately. We should plan for uncomfortable situations. #EdutopiaChat
A2. And if students are passionate about it let them pursue it! Point them to the research, tactics, and skills they will need. Help them make sense of it. Facilitate the creativity. That's structure. #EdutopiaChat
I think the trick is to find a way to give them credit for the things they'd do anyway. There's LOTS of room to show them where they're demonstrating competency in academics when they're doing their passion work. #EdutopiaChat
In reply to
@wmchamberlain, @DulceFlecha, @edutopia
A3: I've struggled with how to help my students carry out their vision, especially if it involves meeting with important people, buying things, etc. I find that leveraging community resources (e.g. parents in the class) goes a long way. #edutopiachat
A3. The issue I ran into most often is administrative reluctance to approve AI student chapters because they were perceived to be political. We did our best to frame the work as part of a larger human rights context. #EdutopiaChat
A2: The proper balance between structure and freedom is a tough call. And I don't have a great answer other than to say I try to establish some structure; then decide on whether to establish more structure on a case by case basis. But finding this balance is hard. #edutopiachat
A3. Problems: 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾
1. Keeping kids focused. Sometimes they uncover other issues while solving the original problem.
2. Keeping activism appropriate for school and keeping their activism in line with school/district rules & regs.
#edutopiachat#letsk12better
Civics Courses Make a Comeback “This is not just about...civics class. — It’s not to prepare students for tests, but to prepare them to be active, contributing citizens... We’ve forgotten about that as a nation.” - Ron Berger and Polaris in the NYTimes - https://t.co/w0V8ecPo2u
A3 - Time! You need time to cultivate networks of experts and time to give the kids the opportunity to go deep. Lucky to have parents and admins to back up the work we do! #edutopiachat
A3: Politics. There will be some who don't like your vision/mission and they will complain. Two weeks ago Ps and ppl in my community didn't like a project my class did and there was tremendous blowback. I've learned to stay true to yourself and your values. #edutopiachat
It's tough, I agree. I keep reminding myself that the 1st amendment goes for everyone AND that opinions require facts to back them up. I encourage healthy debate centered on reliable sources. #EdutopiaChat
If parents know that the project is student-driven and the ideas are coming from the kids (not the teachers), that can help with their buy-in. #edutopiachat
I think it can be done, but I suspect the best way is to bring in those who are passionate. I find that passion creates passion. Bring in some real activists to talk and see what happens. #EdutopiaChat
On #SafeSpaceConvos we talked about how we should make sure students understand that, while we may be new to an issue, there have been people working for justice for decades. Part of teaching advocacy is teaching that we all stand on the shoulders of giants. #EdutopiaChat
#edutopiachat A3: I've been lucky. Regardless, distinct, clear, communicated rules that are guidelines, not prescriptions; partners can be a way to provide a checks/balances; keep an eye & ear out and provide positive, constructive feedback
A3: Facilitating dialogue w/students around controversial issues (gun control & #BlackLivesMatter are recent examples from my school) that don't alienate students, but help them at least understand each other. This takes time, trust and copious amounts of courage. #edutopiachat
Right? I don't have to like what you say, but if I'm going to ask for my own Freedom of Speech, I have to let you say it. The wise person takes the opportunity to learn. #EdutopiaChat
A3. Twitter is another good resource to find community resources, although virtual. I've met many teachers who use it to connect with experts, politicians, etc #EdutopiaChat
A3. Apathy. Did not solve it. Tried to remind them they wouldn’t change the world, but it’s better to do something than to just bitch and moan. #EdutopiaChat
Just checked out this chat so far! So grateful for this topic today, especially as a parent -- appreciate the resources for parents and teachers alike. #EdutopiaChat
I would be very hesitant to give students any kind of grade over this kind of activity. I think we run the risk of taking something intrinsically good and making it extrinsic which may not be so good. #shrugemoji#edutopiachat
In reply to
@CriticalSkills1, @DulceFlecha, @edutopia
Parents love supporting their kid's voice and choice... Parents can be really great allies if you let them in on what's happening at the start of the project. Communication is key!
#letsk12better#edutopiachat
If parents know that the project is student-driven and the ideas are coming from the kids (not the teachers), that can help with their buy-in. #edutopiachat
A3. One of the biggest obstacles I've faced in getting students to become active learners is getting focused early in the process. It typically doesn't happen without much direct instruction. Coaching, that's what is called for then. #edutopiachat
RT edutopia "RT naturenatalie54: ELEd_AnneVilen If parents know that the project is student-driven and the ideas are coming from the kids (not the teachers), that can help with their buy-in. #edutopiachat"
RT edutopia "RT wmchamberlain: shevtech DulceFlecha edutopia I think it can be done, but I suspect the best way is to bring in those who are passionate. I find that passion creates passion. Bring in some real activists to talk and see what happens. #EdutopiaChat"
A3. Apathy. Did not solve it. Tried to remind them they wouldn’t change the world, but it’s better to do something than to just bitch and moan. #EdutopiaChat
A3. Helping them see the little parts of the "big problem." Guiding them towards what's likely in their power to change. Change happens in little steps. #EdutopiaChat
One of the keys for student activism is connecting it to a topic they have discovered deeply enough to care about. It shouldn’t be a one-off. Take a look at the students at our network school, Polaris Charter Academy. https://t.co/tB2t2FTRyV#EdutopiaChat
A3: One obstacle is students choosing really tough, structural issues for which it’s hard to move the needle. Still worth pursuing, but their efficacy can take a huge hit if they fall short of their goals #edutopiachat
(i got that phrase from @ShanaVWhite, a giant whose shoulders we stand on, who recently published a really dope piece on Medium. If you haven't read it yet, please hurry.) #EdutopiaChat
Sometimes I think apathy is a symptom of trauma. Apathetic people have been taugt they they they don't matter. I can't imagine how traumatic it must be to really believe you have no power. #EdutopiaChat
How do you engage families throughout the year in what's happening in the classroom? Curious about their level of engagement up until a project like that. #EdutopiaChat
A3: The greatest challenge when building student activism is confidence. Students are obsessed with appearing cool and it causes them to be risk averse. Students need to feel like they can fail without repercussions to have the confidence to be an activist. #EdutopiaChat
A3. One of the biggest obstacles I've faced in getting students to become active learners is getting focused early in the process. It typically doesn't happen without much direct instruction. Coaching, that's what is called for then. #edutopiachat
If you can find ways to incorporate the activism project into curriculum you're already doing, that can help. For example, if you have to teach a unit about oceans, you could build in an activism project about sea level rise or keeping trash out of oceans. #edutopiachat
I think we all know someone that is very passionate about something that is for teh greater common good.What if we all invite that one person to come and talk to our students If it raises awareness that is awesome.If it creates a drive to do their own, even better. #edutopiachat
Yes please make sure you use #edutopiachat every time. The questions are coming from @edutopia annnnnnd... wow what a day you had...we are SO glad you could join us and help represent #iCivicsEdNet!
In reply to
@TiRoShaw, @PeterPaccone, @davidjohnolson, @DrJHarmon, @MatthewFarber, @MrsWreggs, @MsSchneeGov, @shelinawarren, @DPhillips236, @PeledgeJay, @edutopia
I think we all know someone that is very passionate about something that is for teh greater common good.What if we all invite that one person to come and talk to our students If it raises awareness that is awesome.If it creates a drive to do their own, even better. #edutopiachat
A3. Helping them see the little parts of the "big problem." Guiding them towards what's likely in their power to change. Change happens in little steps. #EdutopiaChat
I definitely see that need in school. For too many the narrative revolves around what an education can do for you, not what an education can help you do for others. #EdutopiaChat
In reply to
@MCMartirone, @CriticalSkills1, @DulceFlecha, @edutopia
I can get that. I'm not sure all advocacy efforts are intrinsically good-- we've all seen some problematic work done. But it does seem super important to clarify what's being graded if the project is graded at all. #EdutopiaChat
In reply to
@wmchamberlain, @CriticalSkills1, @edutopia
I think we all know someone that is very passionate about something that is for teh greater common good.What if we all invite that one person to come and talk to our students If it raises awareness that is awesome.If it creates a drive to do their own, even better. #edutopiachat
Parents love supporting their kid's voice and choice... Parents can be really great allies if you let them in on what's happening at the start of the project. Communication is key!
#letsk12better#edutopiachat
If parents know that the project is student-driven and the ideas are coming from the kids (not the teachers), that can help with their buy-in. #edutopiachat
@GatorCitizen How have you approached the obstacle of bigger structural issues? Do you try to help them scale back their expectations, or design their projects to be more achievable? Or..? #EdutopiaChat
A4: The news, a law school education (it has to be good for something at this point), people who are thoughtful and deliberate activists and those who aren't (for contrast). #edutopiachat
Sometimes I think apathy is a symptom of trauma. Apathetic people have been taugt they they they don't matter. I can't imagine how traumatic it must be to really believe you have no power. #EdutopiaChat
A4 Giraffe Heroes Project (https://t.co/jTBDXPrDVj) has free yearlong curriculum for K-2 & young teens. I use it every year & highly recommend it! Guides students through the whole process of learning how to stick their necks out for others, be brave, & not give up. #edutopiachat
If you are a true advocate it would be intrinsically good. What you are advocating for may not be seen as good by others though. Bad people don't think they are bad ;) #EdutopiaChat
In reply to
@DulceFlecha, @CriticalSkills1, @edutopia
RT edutopia "RT MomOfAllCapes: Parents love supporting their kid's voice and choice... Parents can be really great allies if you let them in on what's happening at the start of the project. Communication is key!
#letsk12better#edutopiachathttps://t.co/im3VJvQfKa"
If parents know that the project is student-driven and the ideas are coming from the kids (not the teachers), that can help with their buy-in. #edutopiachat
RT edutopia "RT wmchamberlain: MCMartirone CriticalSkills1 DulceFlecha edutopia I definitely see that need in school. For too many the narrative revolves around what an education can do for you, not what an education can help you do for others. #EdutopiaChat"
#edutopiachat A3. I teach in a rural area that is very conservative. I have issues with very polarized Ss opinions and also worry about doing projects due to my stance on issues being at odds with that of many of my Ss and the community. This keeps me from fully doing activism.
Sometimes I think apathy is a symptom of trauma. Apathetic people have been taugt they they they don't matter. I can't imagine how traumatic it must be to really believe you have no power. #EdutopiaChat
A4. Community resources! Nothing beats your local community activists coming in and providing valuable feedback, resources, support, expertise, and connections. #edutopiachat
Make civic learning more individualized so students see their passions and participation as an important part of keeping the system going is key. I blogged about it here (An Individualized Approach to Civics) https://t.co/EQ69WeaRW5#edutopiachat#LetsK12Better#democracyAtPlay
In reply to
@CriticalSkills1, @TchrsUncorkd, @edutopia
Key question to ask: do students feel like they have a tangible experience to improve their world? Get inspired! Check out what contribution to a better world looks like at elem and HS here: https://t.co/WJ87Rb1hxe#EdutopiaChat#WeAreCrew
This is critically necessary. The goal in public schools should be to coach the skills for having public lives, with civility and respect. #EdutopiaChat
lmao me. but I had great profs who offered freedom, and then I had the confidence that I wouldn't be penalized for writing about Cardi B and homelessness. You're really on point about grades. My year looks very different if I wasn't comfortable with my professors. #EdutopiaChat
A4: Newspapers, social media,@icivics always has good resources. Also, diagrams/charts getting Ss to see all sides of an issue regardless of their position. #edutopiachat
And passion really does inspire. The reason I love ed conferences isn't because of the stuff taught, I can learn that at home. It is because there are amazing, passionate educators that make me want to do better :) #EdutopiaChat
RT edutopia "RT kimQED: Coaching how to have agency - impact - in the world is a valuable trauma-informed practice. #EdutopiaChathttps://t.co/S4DxdPzolC"
Sometimes I think apathy is a symptom of trauma. Apathetic people have been taugt they they they don't matter. I can't imagine how traumatic it must be to really believe you have no power. #EdutopiaChat
RT edutopia "RT CriticalSkills1: TchrsUncorkd edutopia Sometimes I think apathy is a symptom of trauma. Apathetic people have been taugt they they they don't matter. I can't imagine how traumatic it must be to really believe you have no power. #EdutopiaChat"
This course offers a powerful, multi-step process to help students to discover & explore their aptitudes & passions, shape & share their story, and define & begin to solve their heartbreaks. Based on my work w/@AngelaMaiers & #Choose2Matterhttps://t.co/poHCb8N8nq#EdutopiaChat
A4: I’ve been pleased by the array of resources for this important work. Too many to list. What matters is finding the ones that work for you, your students, and your communities. Not every student needs to storm city hall. #EdutopiaChat
Joy Kirr developed it for Genius Hour. It’s like a Tournament bracket. You list things you love on one side, things that bother you on the other. Keep narrowing them down until only one on each side. Combine the two to create a project. #EdutopiaChathttps://t.co/IP3YOsi6gV
Yes! We need new energy infused into activism while acknowledging its roots. And, I love to think about creating “brave” spaces to take risks, try, + make attempts with a safety net of caring people (who will also give supportive feedback). #edutopiachat
Passions change, no reason not to have different ones. I mean, I wasn't passionate about getting rid of a specific politician until the last couple years ;) #EdutopiaChat
In reply to
@ABartlettPear, @edutopia, @shevtech, @DulceFlecha
A3 - Time! You need time to cultivate networks of experts and time to give the kids the opportunity to go deep. Lucky to have parents and admins to back up the work we do! #edutopiachat
No matter what the local political leanings, I wonder if it would help to connect with other classrooms across the country, at least exposing them to a diversity of views. You want to teach more than anything. #EdutopiaChat
And while I have a decent sized Native American population in my school, I have a handful of African American students, which would be an important voice in that discussion. #EdutopiaChat
We introduced it to tens of thousands of students at live events, with little prep, and so many of these students became empowered, passionate change makers, despite hearing a fraction of the total message. This course shares it in its entirety. #EdutopiaChat
There is absolutely nothing better to have in a classroom than a motivated student, even if they aren't motivated by your content area .Passion drives passion. :) #EdutopiaChat
Agreed. But some folks are more opportunists than advocates, and that's probably a conversation worth having with kids, too. This isn't all feel-good work. #EdutopiaChat
In reply to
@wmchamberlain, @CriticalSkills1, @edutopia
As a school, one of our 5 main areas of focus this year has been on being trauma-informed. I never considered the relationship between trauma and apathy. Wow. Thank you for sharing your insights. #edutopiachat
Hm, figured it was something like that. I do wonder whether there's a true commitment to school being a source of learning, no matter what. #EdutopiaChat
RT edutopia "RT MCMartirone: A4: Newspapers, social media,icivics always has good resources. Also, diagrams/charts getting Ss to see all sides of an issue regardless of their position. #edutopiachathttps://t.co/VJoMOohlyy"
RT edutopia "RT JeremyDBond: Kareemfarah23 Makes me also think that it's a privilege to be able to fail. Which students don't have that luxury? #EdutopiaChat"
A post on 7 ways students can begin to connect w/experts.Adults are so eager to help kids change the world, if only schools will make time for it. https://t.co/njPzJujtpW#edutopiachat
I definitely see that need in school. For too many the narrative revolves around what an education can do for you, not what an education can help you do for others. #EdutopiaChat
In reply to
@MCMartirone, @CriticalSkills1, @DulceFlecha, @edutopia
A5 - So proud of the work our kids did this year digging into bridges and barriers in their community and what urban renewal looks like in our city. Link to their project👇🏻
https://t.co/cCJ8qMtSGZ#edutopiachat
A3 The biggest obstacle most times seems to be adults. Too often we focus on the "learning"/ standards in school as opposed to experiential learning. Adults need to create the environment where student/ children voice matter. #edutopiachat
A5: I had student advocates work on advocating universal design in their classroom, school and community. As a disability advocate, it made my heart swell. #edutopiachat
A5. Our gr8 Ss @Hanscom_AFB have completed social issues project to end yr. Find inequality in society, research why it exists and why a prob. Then propose practical solution toward solving. #edutopiachat
That, I think, is what I worry most about with teaching into advocacy. It doesn't necessarily feel great to do it. It's heartbreaking, it's frustrating, you'll work for years to see very little done. You're right, that passion can't be graded. #EdutopiaChat
In reply to
@wmchamberlain, @CriticalSkills1, @edutopia
A group of students became so passionate about making service learning available to all kids that they created a youth training team to teach teachers about how to do it. They did PD all over the state of Missouri and even went to some national conferences. #edutopiachat
Privilege is so much about having a safety net that allows for failure. When students do not feel like they can afford failure it paralyzes them and amplifies inequality. Transformational change only happens when students feel comfortable enough to take true risks. #Edutopiachat
You know, if we require kids to 'become' advocates as a project then we are really creating a lot of opportunists who really only want to get the grade. That is what has been bugging me the whole time! This gives me clarity. You are making a great poin!. #edutopiachat
In reply to
@DulceFlecha, @CriticalSkills1, @edutopia
Great pt made by @ginaseymour in @SLC_Online webinar: many xx Ss w/ fewer financial means are overlooked for philanthopic work, but they do want to help. She used the term "inclusive volunteerism" https://t.co/PI673Vsedh Webinar will be posted for 2 wks. https://t.co/H2YXrNvsjg
F. 🤦♂️ Tweet is already deleted. My question is, how is ‘social activism,’ i.e. empathy, a leftist agenda? You know others think it has no place in PUBLIC schools. #EdutopiaChat#somepeople#teachered#zeroapples
#edutopiachat A5: GMO "debate"; Stem Cells; "Would I....gene therapy?"; Town hall style debate where they took on persona of a local in a debate about expanding an imaginary Nat. Wild. Ref.; Conservation report on a biome of their choice
A5: More recently, all ExEd students at @AntiochNewEng spend their final semester creating a project dealing with an issue of equity surfaced during their program. They design and implement something to address the issue long term, beyond their time with us. #EdutopiaChat
I also did a project this year where my students had to design/build an adaptation for one of their hobbies so that someone w/ a physical disability could participate. Later one of our students got injured & was in a wheelchair, & their empathy was so much greater! #edutopiachat
A5. Twice a year, students and teachers in Eminence, Kentucky, collaborate for three days on meaningful projects that serve their community: https://t.co/KFYnKMOwKH#EdutopiaChat
That's tough, and more attacks on teachers is the last thing we need. How engaged were these critics in your teaching before this particular project? Do you feel like you built any relationships beforehand, creating allies? #EdutopiaChat
Yeah, and freedom drives passion. We talk a lot about creating safe spaces for kids-- that has to include safety from the pressure that schools and educators place on them to perform a certain way. I wouldn't have written that Cardi B paper if I thought I'd fail. #EdutopiaChat
Education as a profession requires us to invest a lot without ever seen much of the return. (Unless we are lucky and see someone changed by it) It really is a faith based profession. #EdutopiaChat
In reply to
@DulceFlecha, @CriticalSkills1, @edutopia
A1: Students only reveal their true educational passions when they are in environments where they feel like they belong. Facilitate a classroom environment built on trust and that values authenticity and students passions will come to life. #EdutopiaChat
RT edutopia "RT CJDteaches: A5 - So proud of the work our kids did this year digging into bridges and barriers in their community and what urban renewal looks like in our city. Link to their project👇🏻
https://t.co/tiJKDtpdi9#edutopiachat"
A3. Sometimes we’re seen as pushing “MA liberal agenda.” We have tried to work in more nonfiction from other perspectives, brought in speakers from the base, and more to help see social issues are everyone’s issues. #edutopiachat
If these projects must be graded at all, focus on the effort, organization, perseverance, etc rather than the outcome. This should not be about "finishing" something by year-end to get a grade. It should be about developing a lifelong calling. #edutopiachat
In reply to
@CriticalSkills1, @JeremyDBond, @Kareemfarah23
Man, so maybe this isn't a project? Maybe we sow advocacy throughout the year, give them complete freedom to demonstrate their learning, and hope they follow some of the mentor texts we provide? #EdutopiaChat
In reply to
@shevtech, @wmchamberlain, @CriticalSkills1, @edutopia
A3. I also try to expose Ss to gr8 social activism models in history. Love reading Frederick Douglass! Trip to @EMKInstitute lets them simulate solving issues as faux Senators. #edutopiachat
You probably wouldn't have written that paper if it weren't for class either :)The balance between requiring something without it being too regimented can be really hard. Your teacher/professor seems to know how to balance :) #EdutopiaChat
A5: From from 3rd year of teaching kids I adore did fundraisers for @Heifer It was such a powerful tool for Ss to learn that they can help others regardless if it's down the street or around the world. Right @_____jami#edutopiachathttps://t.co/BIkESqL5Lz
Privilege is so much about having a safety net that allows for failure. When students do not feel like they can afford failure it paralyzes them and amplifies inequality. Transformational change only happens when students feel comfortable enough to take true risks. #Edutopiachat
YES! Grade the process- the skills or dispositions you're targeting- and whatever academic content lives alongside the work they're doing. #EdutopiaChat
In reply to
@markemoran, @JeremyDBond, @Kareemfarah23
A5. Youth Media Challenge Captures Stepping Up Stories. This article I wrote in 2017 for the @KQEDedspace In the Classroom website. It contains several stories of students having engaged in cool civic action projects. https://t.co/Y9pRFakOuI#edutopiachat@crfusa
A5. Inspiration time. Students in my Seeking Social Justice group organized a powerful #EnoughWalkout against gun violence, and also testified at our state capitol in support of gun control legislature that was passed by our Republican Governor. Powerful indeed! #edutopiachat
A5 Our @NCSD students constructed/led 75 minutes of capacity building for each of our 450 teachers/admin around the view of the school experience from the student perspective - Absolutely Stunning #Edutopiachat@mwehaegahtan
A2. Always tinkering with balance. MSchoolers have wide range of abilities to self-regulate. We assign teacher-advisors to interdisciplinary proj’s—has worked best to have 1 POC for Ss. #edutopiachat
#Lets12Better: Always! Parents are their child's first teacher and we have a responsibility to support the civic learning while kids are at home (or start it if it isn't required in school)...
#edutopiachat
A5: I had student advocates work on advocating universal design in their classroom, school and community. As a disability advocate, it made my heart swell. #edutopiachat
That's a great point. Honestly, I might have-- I'm super into Cardi B-- but it had a coherent structure because I did it for class. I think I've accidentally come back around to Q2? #EdutopiaChat
RT edutopia "RT CriticalSkills1: ann_kaminski Which is why every school should have a debate program and all kids should participate. speechanddebate #Edutopiachat"
RT edutopia "Please note that July 4 is a holiday in the U.S. so the next #EdutopiaChat will take place on Wednesday, July 11 at 4 pm PT. See you then!"
A5 - So proud of the work our kids did this year digging into bridges and barriers in their community and what urban renewal looks like in our city. Link to their project👇🏻
https://t.co/cCJ8qMtSGZ#edutopiachat
Good reminder for me tonight. I tell kids the purpose of education is to be happy adults. I need to add that happy adults help others, not just themselves. #EdutopiaChat
In reply to
@CriticalSkills1, @DulceFlecha, @edutopia
A5 Inspiration (part 2). On MONDAY, students at U-32 High School raised the #BlackLivesMatter flag, not just as a symbol for racial justice, but the school board is adopting a belief statement to hold us accountable for equity and inclusion. #edutopiachat
