#TMchat Archive
Current and relevant education discussions are held every Tuesday in #TMchat. A weekly guest moderator, considered an expert on the the week's topic, joins @conniehamilton to guide the one hour chat and actively engage with participants. Founder and moderator @conniehamilton supplies her responses to the week's questions visually in Thinking Maps.
Tuesday January 19, 2016 9:00 PM EST
Will be looking for to join right now with to talk about Locus of Control.
I'm Connie Hamilton. Dan McCabe and I are your moderators tonight. Let the introductions begin. https://t.co/GtmaMJo0MB
That's the question, Greg.
Tim Christensen, Superintendent Greene County Schools, Iowa
Welcome to tonight, Mary.
Our format will include 7 questions. Use A1 to respond to Q1 & remember to include hashtag in all tweets. https://t.co/9dlGoKGmsR
Arina Bokas from Clarkston, MI College instructor and editor
Hi Tim. Glad to see you can join tonight.
Good evening ! Paola from Florida.
Jessy from Michigan. Hello
Good evening and I am Terry, 2nd gr T in Fl
Hi Arina. I'm in GR just a couple hours from you.
YIPPIE!! It is time for What a great topic - on edge of my seat ... evening Connie. Meredith, from IL, principal
Maranda principal & SpEd director from Iowa. Photo I snagged this weekend! Iowa can be so breathtaking! https://t.co/Fk85KSyH5S
Did it mention it is SO SO cold in Illinois???
Everybody watch Jessy. He's sure to have some great contributions tonight.
Chris Garcia, & I teach 6th grade at
Welcome. Looking forward to your tweets tonight, Paola.
Jack Griffith signing in from Florida.
it is getting warmer in Minnesota❤️
I grew up in Minneapolis and have family there. Which area are you from?
Howdy, Meredith. (Picked up that greetinng from my
TX friends last week)
WOW! Beautiful. Welcome to
Tell us... what's the wind chill?
A1 Locus of control is students' belief in their agency to affect their own learning.
A1 For educators - a locus of control is in the extent to which they believe that they can help their students succeed.
A1 Those things which we can impact combined with those things out of our control that will have an impact on us.
Thanks for the invite but what is ?
A1 Isn't it always a continuum, and you might have more or less agency given the situation?
Good evening all! Nardi here, fourth-grade teacher from Florida! Will be in and out tonight. Trying to catch up the school work
Everybody follow my sister's husband. Help him build his PLN. https://t.co/KDjELpPzUO
Jack Griffith signing in from Florida.
A1: Your outlook on your classroom. Do you feel you have to do everything as told: curriculum, maps? Is it yours? Where is control?
A1: Locust Control, the factors a Ts has influence and other factors a Ts doesn’t.
define - what I control vs thinking that others control me
is Thinking Maps Chat. Tonight we're talking Locus of Control. My responses will be presented in
A1: Understanding how to recognize and take ownership over what we can control while responding the right way to that which we can't
So nice to see you in . Always appreciate your input.
A1: How as learners we understand our internal & external forces have an effect on our environments in which we learn.
A1 the extent to which individuals believe they can control events affecting them.
A1. Typically refers to how Ss perceive the causes of their academic success or failure. However it applies to anyone's believes
Very cool… And I was just trying to conquer sketch notes.
Where should it be ideally?
A1 the balance between what you believe you can control/power over and what you can't
Temp is 15 feels like 4 - ah yes, but Minneapolis temp is 7 and feels like -5 https://t.co/h78T4D3L7X
Tell us... what's the wind chill?
Brandon, science coordinator in Kansas. Struggling with this very topic right now! Can be very frustrating, for sure.
There has to be a bit of balance, we all need accountability. But mostly it is MINE. https://t.co/iGTt126G5C
Where should it be ideally?
A1 Internal. You only have the power to control how you will react to your environment
So do I answer or create maps?
Truth https://t.co/3KCS1fsary
A1: How as learners we understand our internal & external forces have an effect on our environments in which we learn.
very much so, it works in unison with growth mindset
A1.2: It's either a great day or an awful day when you realize that everything you've accomplished is 100% because of you
You certainly may, but don't have to. Many people use plain text. I have luxury of knowing Qs in advance. https://t.co/WGErvokWuZ
So do I answer or create maps?
A2: Ts control how they teach requirements
Tell us how you're struggling.
Good call. ... even lurking is difficult on TweetDeck tonight.
A2 Systemic vision is out of most Ts control, yet that can be a very important piece of daily interactions.
A2 YOU are always either pulling the strings OR allowing the strings to be pulled. The locus of control is what you allow?
A2: In: plans, procedures, relationships In our influence: we have a little influence when the leave us if we make a difference.
this weekend the temp felt like -24F locus of control was weather😜
A2: Outside: the weather Inside: My willingness to play in the snow
A2 My thoughts and actions are in my control; thoughts and reactions of others are out.
A2: Completely out of my control is God's plans.
Lack of systemic vision, so stakeholders are throwing darts to create change. Tweaking.
A2: What’s in my control is parent communication, what’s out is the followthrough that happens at home.
A2 Inside-what we do in our buildings on a daily basis. Outside-to what extent the legislature will fund schools
A2 Does it matter who is pulling the strings? I feel it would be better to question is who is resisting the string pulling.
So external control is having negative impact on you?
A2) We have total control of ourselves, and how we deliver the content given to us and the relationships we encourage.
A2 Daily is in our control. Regardless of external control, we have a choice each day!
A2 In my control, planning, designing engaging lessons, influence via building relationships with S.
Or what happens indedepdent of our control - that's the part that we are supposed to accept.
A2. All of this pushing and pulling - would rather concentrate on collaborative team work.
A2: My reaction to, or action in, any given situation is in my locus of control-sometimes only after a minute of reflection
That's the + and - of internal control. https://t.co/YD1Aq4iz0Y
A1.2: It's either a great day or an awful day when you realize that everything you've accomplished is 100% because of you
A2. Great pict. We should start to spend time from inner circle (allways) to outher (rarely).
https://t.co/KkR1hKD24p
Most days, but again, the choice of response is mine. Can be a challenge some days.
Is there any happy medium?
A2: Immediate decisions and strategic planning (around and despite external effects) are in our locus. Influence is more important
That would be external locus of control example. https://t.co/kqJScWayyQ
this weekend the temp felt like -24F locus of control was weather😜
A2.1 It's not the pitch that strikes a batter out, but rather how the batter responds to the pitch!
A2 can be influenced by much if we let it. Must play goalie. I strive 4 my inner "why" 2drive my locus of control.
A3 School culture w the internal locus of control will focus on what is possible; with external locus - on what is impossible.
A3 School Morale -Internal locus of control promotes collaboration and trust in self and others; external - rumors & blame
If there is - it is your happy medium!
Agree. Professional learning, relationship building, recognizing new opportunities, how we spend our time each day.
A3 If you believe you have no control and negative things happen it can be very demoralizing
Hello Walt. I think we've met. Welcome to
A2. our behavior, attitudes, etc. How we promote a mindset that helps Ts/Ss understand their own locus of control to have + effect
A3: Impacts everything we do - do Ts have a say in the school or only admin
A3: An internal focus of control cultivates a growth mindset! Schools need to take ownership and emphasize growth
Agree-Positive is a choice-whether actively made or denied. https://t.co/d1wfOOXGql
A2 Daily is in our control. Regardless of external control, we have a choice each day!
Love the analogy! https://t.co/CikofYDefY
A2.1 It's not the pitch that strikes a batter out, but rather how the batter responds to the pitch!
A3 Believing you have ultimate control over a situation can be empowering and uplifting.
True. If you're a perfectionist and take it all to heart like . https://t.co/acOtoH3Rh5
not sure I agree with the "less prone to stress"
a3 the more perception of internal control I believe the better moral.
A3: Internal locus is creating environments for others to be comfortable working from their internal. https://t.co/AnSt0iNfyF
A3: If your staff locus of control is external, the morale is low. Ts don't get creative, accept status quo. Not good.
Hmmm... you say school morale is internal? Tell me more.
A3.reminds me of Ron Clark's work with "Move Your Bus" - focus on the runners (IF) for those with their feet up like free ride (OOC)
A3: While people with external control view can be team players, internal control have more growth mindset. https://t.co/4TAcvfSYeD
A3: ILC vs ELC sets the tone for the school culture. Learning that setting consistent control at my site, brings stability to my Ss
is that an example of internal or external control?
Hello all! Have a free moment to check in tonight. Greg- 2nd grade, MD. Hope all are well.
WOW. Did you try any questioning strategies? (Was that you in the mystery pic?)
A3 Schools institutionalise a lack of agency. They control what, how, when, who with, how well.
school morale can be influenced by the extent to which adm. and tt exhibit internal or external locus of control.
A3 Like students, Ts also need control of their learning & learning environment to maximize potential (even when learning is messy)
A3.Even though locus of control is a continuum it works like intrinsic&extrinsic motivation - we have 2 foster a balanced culture
a3 sometimes it is healthy and a relief to know that some of the control is external
I see. I put morale in the external category from admin perspective. Thinking I don't control other people's feelings.
A3: External pressures can feel dehumanizing to previously autonomous Ts and Ss result = negative impact. https://t.co/uzAEAILp1i
A3 Schools mostly model and teach external LoC. They rarely give students opportunities to learn and practise internal LoC (agency)
I've experienced that. Have flexibility, autonomy, internal control, then ripped away. Feel helpless.
A3 learning looks different for everyone. Building capacity in others if we want to meet the needs of all is a must.
A4 To switch a locus of control, one needs to focus on what one can rather than cannot. What is it right now that I CAN do?
Seeing good convo here. Lack of control becomes an issue when Ts not feeling validated for work IMO
A4: Take a little self-reflection tour. Be honest. Try steps to move from it.
Fair point. How do we increase these opportunities in a meaningful and authentic way for Ss? https://t.co/mokZKFF0Gk
A3 Schools mostly model and teach external LoC. They rarely give students opportunities to learn and practise internal LoC (agency)
q4 open yourself up to feedback and objective data
so you're saying control is connected to validation/praise? Looking for clarity.
A4 Hard work, learning, planning, etc linked with results will lead to a shift in locus of control.
A4: What can I change? How can I teach this? Ask Qs
A4: It stars with deciding to "win" the things you can control and responding to what you can't the right way
Exactly! https://t.co/JniOu6x9op
A4 To switch a locus of control, one needs to focus on what one can rather than cannot. What is it right now that I CAN do?
A4: Just like mindset, locus of control can be shift with intentional thinking and reflection. https://t.co/KEUXK34G0b
A4 Focus on the child in front of you.
No not praise but autonomy to do what looks best 4sts
You are the best moderator! I love how you listen and dig for more.
Q4 Reflection is a powerful tool for all learners. Est. a critical friend. What can we stop, continue, and start doing?
Music to my ears you know... right ? Always asking questions. https://t.co/xyyFaKTVYS
A4: What can I change? How can I teach this? Ask Qs
Turkish thinker uses circles and says (1940s) that;
"Necessary works are in inner circle, attractives are in outher"
A4 Ask not what your students can do for you, but what you can do for your students.
A4.This is where growth mindset comes into play, every person & situation is different.building resilience helps with balancing LoC
a4 And sometimes you step aside and go to next step of your learning & engagement
A4: Giving up control was the hardest for me. Now Ss choose how they learn in my class. I don't get in the way. They have autonomy
Ok, I give up on TweetDeck tonight. I'm using for the rest of
A4 - Shameless advertising here. Get agency over your own professional learning - use mme moe Take a look https://t.co/1y7aCluGWk
A4. Internal involves choice. explained real life application of this.
A5 Ss can't b authors of their life story if they believe it's already been written for them. Self-Defeating behavior can result
A5 Locus of control's vital in formation of self, especially agency; in taking charge of thier learning & lives.
A4: Approach external locus as problem if internal push back. When ur problem to solve, becomes internal. https://t.co/k7M1lCxB8e
A4b. A culture of cultivating courage is essential, and at times it seems to be forgotten .
A5: Choice drives authentic learning. Choice is internal LOC. Find a way to let each Ss experience this at some point.
A5:Students should be in control of their learning. If you are talking more than they are during a class period, there is a problem.
Word sorts & 2 digit sub, & Twitter chatting! Love supporting my kids in their learning, & learning myself! https://t.co/Fe034pOV1Z
May I ask how long it took to make this important shift? https://t.co/rWHc80vqQ5
A5:Students should be in control of their learning. If you are talking more than they are during a class period, there is a problem.
A5 Ss need to understand that both internal and external exist. Actions can impact internal, need to learn how to react to external
You sound like I just heard him say something like this yesterday. https://t.co/aREfgiWje8
A5: Choice drives authentic learning. Choice is internal LOC. Find a way to let each Ss experience this at some point.
A5 Student choice empowers learners with a voice and purpose. They learn from Ts relationships w/them as important members of class
A5. Ss with internal LoC tend to have more motivation & be more successful as they're in control of their learning/have ownership
Q5 - Student choice inspires intrinsic desire to learn. Students own their learning
A5 Ss should be moving to an internal LoC as they move through their secondary years. This will help in higher edu.
A5: Control gives students choice.
giving control in my classroom...My ss started designing their "ideal" playground today to focus on area and perimeter!
green w/ envy that you had the recent opportunity to learn from Marzano
but aren't you still in control of your learning? You choose the Radio Lab, right?
This idea is the focus of my Deliberate Practice Plan this year.
A5: Same as Ts, Ss need to be empowered to work and learn on own terms for continued growth. https://t.co/QXJGuAbzj1
Why wait until secondary years? Can a 2nd grader have internal LoC too? https://t.co/qrVoh8kwZ6
A5 Ss should be moving to an internal LoC as they move through their secondary years. This will help in higher edu.
True but in the classroom, the students should do more talking overall to give feedback, explanations, etc. https://t.co/zg3GtXyhqN
To an extent and most of the time. However I still learn a lot from the Radio Lab podcast and they do all the talking :)
A5b. However ext LoC is also relevant and so balance is key. Understanding LoC is essential to failure management & hence learning
A5 Ss must be brought into the process. Who really owns the learning? Ts or Ss? Must get out of the way & let learning happen.
Shook his hand. He said, "Hi, I'm Bob." IDK why I find that so funny. https://t.co/bItJ2CrFHl
green w/ envy that you had the recent opportunity to learn from Marzano
A6 Internal locus of control puts a ss in a driver's seat; where he gets is a result of his decisions, perseverance = growth mindset
A6 Absolutely. Growth mindset's built on one's belief in personal power to affect change; only internal locus of c. can lead to this
Three years and I am still changing. I started flipping my classroom 3 years ago. https://t.co/VyWqGDIuZm
May I ask how long it took to make this important shift? https://t.co/rWHc80vqQ5
A5:Students should be in control of their learning. If you are talking more than they are during a class period, there is a problem.
IDK "Deliberate Practice Plan" Tell me more. https://t.co/M2DhupuEOI
This idea is the focus of my Deliberate Practice Plan this year.
Very true, the quicker they move the more intrinsic a student I will encounter later
A6 locus of control IS mindset
A6 Locus of control and growth mindset are very similar. You have the opportunity to impact results through your actions
This! https://t.co/jADJU2bmpW
A6 Absolutely. Growth mindset's built on one's belief in personal power to affect change; only internal locus of c. can lead to this
A6 If Sts believe they can then that growth mindset sets the stage for their control in what matters to them https://t.co/VfNLXkR34x
A resounding YES! It's amazing what kids can do when you let them take charge. https://t.co/oPDxXX2wR2
A5 Ss must be brought into the process. Who really owns the learning? Ts or Ss? Must get out of the way & let learning happen.
A6: If we see ourselves in control of our learning, we are more apt to seek excellence and be okay with the mistakes of growth.
A6 Heck Yes! Growth mindset is the vehicle for us to get where we want to be, and encourage others too! https://t.co/gMDQnATQP5
OK going to push you the other way. What about research on movement, etc.?
Just dropped by to say HI! Love and I'm sure there's lots of learning going on tonight. :)
A6: Ss w/internal locus of control believe they're capable of influencing/growing. Definite connection. https://t.co/MHvejLdGzP
A goal from the Danielson Framework we have to choose and implement in the classroom. Does you district do that?
Hugs to you Gen. Wishing you well.
Need better judge Tuesday evenings so I can join & stay longer. Hope you don't mind I jumped in so late. Faige retired K Tchr in LA
A6. Growth mindset requires an internal LoC, you will work harder and develop yourself if you believe you're in control of outcome
Of course not. It's early for you on the west coast. Welcome to
It goes by even faster when you try to do 2 chats at once!
I'm doing well! Just need to prepare a few items for tomorrow. Have a great week!
my district uses 5D+, but I'm familiar with Danielson.
A6: Fixed mindset assumes external locus of control-internal locus and growth mindset overlap https://t.co/AHW3wd6qjL
As a school we strive for collaborative mindset where we work closely together to build the desired outcome. https://t.co/QIIOxPmXEb
A6. Growth mindset requires an internal LoC, you will work harder and develop yourself if you believe you're in control of outcome
It's funny you mention this. Giving up control/compliance of this was so hard for me-to let them go wherever https://t.co/1ODFx3o7Hl
OK going to push you the other way. What about research on movement, etc.?
A7 I thought I had no control over a toxic work situation until I realized that I had power to leave. I resigned & gained control.
There are always options, right? https://t.co/InAP9L0hv7
A7 I thought I had no control over a toxic work situation until I realized that I had power to leave. I resigned & gained control.
A6 If we learn to focus on what we can control, then we can really grow. Our own clarity provides the fuel for growth.
Thank you and for the inspiration! Have a great evening!
A7 Concerned about all of the "I"s included with Internal LOC - we growth when working closely w/ others
And you live your life in peace. Much easier to sleep when you don't worry about what you can't control.
A7: I used to work harder than the students. Now I will tell them to prove to me mastery and they take charge. They now work harder
A7 By deciding that I will present a positive attitude to my coworkers and Ss
A7: Just said to T. You only have control over yourself, don't let others' behaviors influence you. https://t.co/lzP6biuxS0
A7: I made decisions to do things in my school day with Ss in mind. It is okay it looks different from everyone around me.
whenever I can take a big problem and break it down into smaller steps I feel more control
Does it still work with first person plural? ("we") Just not second person?
Sometimes easier said than done. My Mor-Mor used to say "kill 'em with kindness, Connie." https://t.co/YRo17axeWs
A7 By deciding that I will present a positive attitude to my coworkers and Ss
I think that focusing on the now rather than what's next really puts us in control.
Tell me that's not recess!
A7 Control over work life balance. Yr 3 of being an admin and starting to finally figure things out. Mexico here I come!
A7 I've learned not to compound the problem when a student comes to class without homework. That's external.
Q7 family construction business had to close 2010. Used last weeks to become a certified teacher. Made the best of a bad situation
I remember her telling that to Nicole too. Your Mor-Mor was a wise woman!
A7: Taking control over what I should be modeling to students . . . Reading on a daily basis
Ha. No. They are explaining how they found the distance from bases using Pyth. Thm. https://t.co/pFTLEYEI9P
Tell me that's not recess!
Thanks for a great chat! Glad to see on Tuesdays!