Our goals are to connect grads and current students, share ideas and advice, and be inspired. #ElonEd chat brings together experienced teachers and novice teachers to discuss best practices. We see our chat as a way to mentor future teachers who are students at Elon, and anyone who wants to join us in that effort is welcome.
Welcome to the #ElonEd chat! Our goals are to connect grads, current students, fac/staff, and other educators to share ideas and advice and to be inspired.
The #ElonEd moderators this evening are @EduSTEMinist and @erinhone712. We are looking forward to the conversation! Our topic: Reflecting on Our Teaching Practices.
This chat is inspired by my two-year research project at Elon on the relationship between math anxiety and elementary teachers’ abilities to accurately self-evaluate their math practices. #ElonEd
Hi everyone im Hannah Greenfader, Senior (19’) at Elon University. I am an Environmental Studies BS major with minors in Environmental Education and Geography #ElonEd
Hi! I'm Molly Cruse, I will graduate from Elon in 2019, and I am majoring in Environmental Studies with minors in Creative Writing & Environmental Education #ElonEd
Q1: I plan to keep a journal and fill it out at the end of each day. I hope to learn more throughout my years left at Elon about good reflective habits #eloned
A1: I am constantly encouraged by my @Elon_Ed professors to reflect on my work through writing down my successes and failures - hopefully so I can improve upon them next time! #ElonEd
A1: I am not a teacher, but I feel like it is important to reflect every week and make a list of things that went well and things not as well. Acknowledging this well help you have a better next week. #ElonEd
Q1: make sure you have time to reflection the day before you leave to go home. When you get home, you can isolate yourself from everyone else to make time for yourself #ElonEd
A1. I find myself often reflecting in the moment. (If I'm pausing during a conversation with you, this is what I'm doing.) But also, whenever I have a chance to stop and take a moment, I reflect in whatever I'm using as my journal/notebook at the time. #ElonEd
I would say I most often reflect right after working with my students. I write down notes about what was successful and what wasn’t in order to best help my students and prepare for the future. I can definitely improve how much I do this though. #ElonEd
A1: I commute to work so my drive can be a good time for this & my teammate & I eat lunch together everyday so we use that time to brainstorm/reflect on our department. #ElonEd
My main time and place for reflection is in the car while commuting. This is AFTER reading students’ Do Nows and Exit Tickets and recalling their comments in class. #ElonEd
This year @MonroeMS_NC is focusing on professional learning teams and we reflect weekly on what worked, what didn't, and what practices will help us meet goals for students in the future based on data collected. #ElonEd
A1: I usually make a list of highs and lows after I teach a lesson for myself. During a lesson I usually take notes on what I notice or give students feedback using post-its. Doing a KWL chart can also help see what students learned #ElonEd
A1: I like physically writing rather than typing notes… not really answering how to make time. I think that it is important to make sure to save time in schedule right on/near teaching is important. #ElonEd
Q1/A1 As an aspiring educator, in the future I plan to document things that do and do not work. I'm hoping this allows me to reflect on what does and does not go well. #ElonEd#ED463#teacherbytrine
Q1: I would say I most often reflect right after working with my students. I write down notes about what was successful and what wasn’t in order to best help my students and prepare for the future. I can definitely improve how much I do this though. #ElonEd
A1: Since I'm always very busy, I try to use reflection in action while working with students in order to adapt to lessons, while also reflecting after the day has ended, making notes in my planner of pros and cons of the day! #ElonEd
A1: Trying to take a few minutes at the end of each day to jot down things that went well/things to change.. using that to change my instruction the following day if it's needed. Talking with teammates about how lessons went #ElonEd
A1: I am actually doing my undergraduate research on reflective writing for pre-service teachers. Personally, I try to reflect after each observation/lesson in a school setting. I love to use charts of what I learned, what worked well (or didn't), and how I feel. #ElonEd
A1. I find myself often reflecting in the moment. (If I'm pausing during a conversation with you, this is what I'm doing.) But also, whenever I have a chance to stop and take a moment, I reflect in whatever I'm using as my journal/notebook at the time. #ElonEd
A1: I'm not teaching quite yet but I plan to reflect by keeping a teaching journal. Hoping to get that started soon as I go into classrooms so that I can improve on my reflections in the future. #ElonEd
I like to make notes in my planner/lesson notes about what went well and what didn’t. Although I’ve fallen off this past year, blogging really helps #ElonEd
#ElonEd A1: Preservice teacher here but have learned the importance of reflection from Elon professors. Whether it's writing things down, discussing with peers, or setting aside time to reflect on specific practices, all methods can be valuable
A1: I keep a notebook for teaching and use it to record notes at the end of each day. I plan to use this notebook consistently to improve my reflective practices! #ElonEd
Hey #ElonEd! Grace McDavid, 2016 elementary ed grad. Taught first grade for two years, and now I'm back in the classroom getting my Masters at Vandy in a program called Learning and Design!
Q1: Professor Freebird asks us to reflect before, during, and after each visit to our CT's classroom. Setting goals and staying intentional during my placements in nearby schools is teaching me how I can use reflection as a teacher #ElonEd
Q1/A1 For me, the easiest way to reflect is to write all my thoughts on paper. I'm a huge list-maker, and constantly have random bits of paper or sticky notes scattered around my room reminding me of things I need to accomplish or work on #ElonEd
Q1: I think it is important to reflect on the impact and effectiveness of each of your teaching moments. I would like to implement a reflection journal into my teaching practices in the future! #ElonEd
A1: I plan to set weekly & mothly goals so that I can check in to see if my students and I are meeting them. Also making time for genuine journaling for reflection everyday is good practice! #ElonEd
Reflecting in the moment is so important! I feel like I forget a lot after the fact, so taking a second to pause and think about what is happening is a great reflective strategy. #ElonEd
A1: I tend to reflect right after my observations. I look back at my notes and think critically about the lesson and what went well/what could be improved for next time. #ElonEd
A1 I have free creation going on most of the time? I have students capture their learning through project logs which allows me to see my practice #ElonEd
A1: I plan to reflect each day on what worked and didn't, taking notes on the things that can be changed for the future, as well as noting the feelings of my students on the lessons! #ElonEd
A1: My favorite way to reflect is through conversation with my teaching peers! Not only do I get to think back about how my own practices went, but I have an opportunity to learn from them and their experiences as well. #ElonEd
A1: I like writing quick notes on post its after each lesson. It helps a lot. I like reflecting on lessons themselves as well as the class day in general. #ElonEd
A1: Make time in your lesson for students to reflect on your teaching. It is their learning experience and they know best what does and doesn't work. Let reflection be apart of their experience too. #ElonEd
A1: My favorite way to reflect is through conversation with my teaching peers! Not only do I get to think back about how my own practices went, but I have an opportunity to learn from them and their experiences as well. #ElonEd
A1: as a teacher a reflected at various points throughout a lesson. i.e. if multiple students asked the same question I knew I missed my mark. I also reflected at the end of lessons and then end of units...often in the car or with my PLC #ElonEd
I do this as well! I find lists and charts to be a really effective method of reflection! I also really like your post-it idea to give students feedback. #ElonEd
A1: I like to use think time as a great way of reflecting during class - looking back on what I have done to improve and modify my lesson plans for later. This also gives me time to provide direct feedback to my students #ElonEd
A1: The best thing I could have done this past year was to work closely with our Instructional Lead Teacher. Pretty early on in the year I was unhappy with my math block and she was an incredible resource to aid in my reflection process... #ElonEd
A1. I find myself often reflecting in the moment. (If I'm pausing during a conversation with you, this is what I'm doing.) But also, whenever I have a chance to stop and take a moment, I reflect in whatever I'm using as my journal/notebook at the time. #ElonEd
A1: and definitely talking with my teammates during our data team meetings. Everyone puts their own spin on our lessons, so it's helpful to see what worked well for each of us, and things we could take from each other to use in our own rooms. #ElonEd
A1 I think a lot of reflection can be done during or right after a lesson. I’ve found if I truly listen to Ss comments during the task & how engaged they are in the work I can assess success.I can make quick fixes for the next class or next day. I just have to be present. #ElonEd
A1 pt. 2: Working with her I was able to really hone in (no pun intended hehe) on what I valued in my math block and teaching practices. Having someone help me reflect was amazing. #ElonEd@KFinneganMES miss you boo
A1: I'm not teaching quite yet but I plan to reflect by keeping a teaching journal. Hoping to get that started soon as I go into classrooms so that I can improve on my reflections in the future. #ElonEd
A1 in my current role, I reflect throughout the day after interactions with Ts and Ss and on big picture things with colleagues, friends and on the way home. #ElonEd
For sure! Taking pics of what is happening in the classroom and then making notes is helpful in the moment. I also find it less intimidating then doing classroom visits with a notebook or larger device. #eloned
Thank you! I will be sharing my findings at SURF in the Spring. I am really excited to observe reflective writing habits in pre-service teachers. I think a lot of people want to, but don't take the time to do so. #ElonEd
A1: I am actually doing my undergraduate research on reflective writing for pre-service teachers. Personally, I try to reflect after each observation/lesson in a school setting. I love to use charts of what I learned, what worked well (or didn't), and how I feel. #ElonEd
A1: Journing in itself seems like a "Small Worlds" type of discourse (serves as an escape from reality/one's own private hub for reflection) which is incredibly beneficial for students to learn, process, and comprehend #ElonED
A1: I love reflecting while I walk. I used to listen to podcasts, but I've discovered that if I'm far away from tech (gasp!) it helps me decompress and focus. #ElonEd
A1 pt. 3: This is something that was a struggle though before working with somebody, because it is so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of expectations. When I return to the classroom next year I want to make this more of a priority #ElonEd
OF COURSE! reflection is so important to me as a pre-service teacher in learning what I can improve upon. Oh and @eduSTEMinist and @erinhone712 are pretty awesome too!
#ElonEd
In reply to
@erinhone712, @AllisonBryan225, @eduSTEMinist, @erinhone712
I completely agree! Being able to talk through what happened in the classroom - the good and what needs to be improved - with someone else can be a great way of gaining a second perspective! #ElonEd
You need to be in a habit of taking pics to capture the story of your classroom. You need to be able to share it with admins who need to be able to brag #ElonEd
and this way I can go back throughout my day. Visiting many classrooms, things can sometimes run together, but using #googlekeep helps, and then it shows up on my other devices. #ElonEd
A1: My PLT! Meeting with my teammates to debrief lessons, activities, assessments lends itself to immediate reflection...and feedback...and collaboration! #ElonEd
learning logs where the top half is a warmup ¬es & the second half is reflection on the lesson-rating how interesting it was, how well they understand the material, and ?'s they still have. This definitely helps plan future lessons and changes to make the next time #ElonEd
A2: not necessarily a teaching practices but relationships. My perception of a relationship with a S or T could be very different than that of the S or T. #ElonEd
As a pre-service teacher that's been to many PD conferences I've heard so much about journaling to keep track and am excited to implement this into my future classroom. #ElonEd#ED463#teacherbytrine
A2: wait time! I have had to work hard at actually counting out my wait time. I thought I was waiting, but I realized I was giving 1-3 seconds at best after asking questions. #ElonEd
Q2: I think that a lot of the more abstract findings are the hardest to self-evaluate. This includes relationships with my students and how confident they feel in the material that is being taught. #ElonEd
A2: I agree with wait time! I also have to really think about opening up my questions. I teach my students to do this, but you really do have to be cognizant and pre-plan these! #ElonEd
I couldn’t agree more! I think it’s hardest to not know what is going on with my students outside the classroom and on topics other than academics. I think this should be one of the things I focus on though because their mental health & well being is most important. #ElonEd
absolutely! And just knowing myself, I'm not one to reflect in a journal or anything like that, so most of my reflection time comes with conversations with others! #ElonEd
A2: wait time! I have had to work hard at actually counting out my wait time. I thought I was waiting, but I realized I was giving 1-3 seconds at best after asking questions. #ElonEd
Q2 part 2: I also find it hard to self-evaluate how efficiently I am using wait time (shout out to @KatieAGPhelps and our Methods class!) I often fear that I didn't wait long enough or I waited too long and made things awkward. I hope to improve throughout the semester. #ElonEd
A2: being able to reach every student effectively and ensure there is enough differentiation in the classroom. Also making sure that you take time to check in with the students individually #ElonEd
I agree with the national survey. I think math is one of the hardest subjects to teach and self evaluate. Every student learns a different way and some may not grasp the information from a certain teaching style. I always went to 1 on 1 office hours for extra help #ElonEd
A1: Ask for input from your students as well. You’re only as effective as their engagement and takeaways from your lessons, so reflect on what works for your kids and help that drive your instruction! #eloned
A:2 I have a hard time self-evaluating when the lesson does not include a numerical assessment. This also includes the relationships I will be trying to have with my students and the support I will give them! #ElonEd
I agree with the most of what has been said. Never having a classroom of my own I feel like relationships would be difficult to self evaluate on especially in a math course. #ElonEd#ED463#teacherbytrine
A2: Pacing-Many of my students tend to need more repetition to master a concept-it can be a hard call to balance what needs more practice vs. what needs a new approach. #ElonEd
A1: My favorite way to reflect is through conversation with my teaching peers! Not only do I get to think back about how my own practices went, but I have an opportunity to learn from them and their experiences as well. #ElonEd
A2: Student motivation/connection to the material - teaching 6-8 science enrichment, I see it varies greatly accross grade level and home factors are hard to account for #ElonEd
Q2. I have never had experience teaching in a classroom setting, but I know that I am my own biggest critic. Sometimes I let my perfectionism get in the way of seeing the bigger picture #ElonEd
Totally agree! Through being an S myself and following my Ss in placements seeing how they interact/learn differently in different environments based on the T, I fear not being able to see this when I only see Ss in my classroom #ElonEd
A2: For me, it's standards based grading practices. We are in our 3rd year and it's been a learning experience for all of us.. we use lots of data, but sometimes I still question how we're measuring mastery, making it a fluid process, etc. #ElonEd
A2: I struggle with the expert blindspot. If I see Ss nodding their heads and getting the right answer, I move on way too fast. Need to work on that. #ElonEd
Definitely talk about any content you teach! Our survey was focused on math, but there are practices across content areas that are complex to accurately self-evaluate. #ElonEd
Q2: The hardest teaching practice to self-evaluate is whether students are able to focus during a lecture. Students may be able to space out and still perform to show some level of understanding. #ElonEd
A2. Not a practice, but something that may be hard to identify, self-evaluate and then actively work towards making sure it doesn't affect all other practices are our own biases. #ElonEd
I think it starts as a pre-service teacher - and then just like lesson planning, it becomes more innate. You don't necessarily need a journal at that point. It's just something you do automatically because you want to be better for your students! #ElonEd
Where is the data coming from? I think that data from standardized testing can sometimes be difficult to analyze in a way that also recognizes the individual. #ElonEd
A2: It it is particularly difficult to gauge the social-emotional aspects of your own teaching methods, how do you know for sure if you are making an impact? Does every student feel supported? I always make sure to reflect on this #ElonEd
A2. Not a practice, but something that may be hard to identify, self-evaluate and then actively work towards making sure it doesn't affect all other practices are our own biases. #ElonEd
A2 A teaching practice I find challenging to self assess is how effective have I been in building my students’ intrinsic ❤️ of literacy. Not how they perform on a standardized test, but the value they place in getting lost in 📚 & being able to speak and write well. #ElonEd
A2: I struggle with the expert blindspot. If I see Ss nodding their heads and getting the right answer, I move on way too fast. Need to work on that. #ElonEd
A2. Not a practice, but something that may be hard to identify, self-evaluate and then actively work towards making sure it doesn't affect all other practices are our own biases. #ElonEd
A1: I try to keep a daybook and journal regularly at the end of teach week, it really helps me remember critical moments and return to them in class if needed #ElonEd#isuenged
What have been some of the benefits and obstacles you have had to overcome using standard based grading practices? And if you could make any modifications to it, what would it be? #ElonEd
A2: I definitely can relate to struggling with wait time too! I also often worry about how I can best help a student who is struggling and if my strategies to helping them are beneficial and successful. #ElonEd
In my current second grade placement, the students are very honest about their understanding checks. If a thumb is down my CT will check-in with that student in time where students work independently. #ElonEd
@brogers_20 I tell my students to beware of the "head bobbers." And then I have to do the same in my own classes. How are we holding them accountable for making sense of what we're teaching, and in turn, seeing that they are learning? #ElonEd
For me, knowing how much English is too much English in a Spanish classroom is difficult to gauge. Opinions vary a lot, but finding the right ratio between target lang and native lang is important in foreign language education #eloned
Not a pre-service teacher anymore, but the journal I kept for my methods courses with @erinhone712 instilled a self-reflective element in my teaching that I am thankful for daily! #eloned
A2: Being able to self-evaluate on making sure every student understands your lesson can be tough. Sometimes you might run out of time or not be able to always check for understanding at the end of a lesson. #ElonEd
Best way to learn how to be an effective teacher is to teach. Everything before is essentially preparatory work. Self-direction and knowledge of one's position are difficult to self-evaluate, but all teachers must know they're never done learning either #ForeverStudents#ElonED
A2:Best way to learn how to be an effective teacher is to teach. Everything before is essentially preparatory work. Self-direction and knowledge of one's position are difficult to self-evaluate, but all teachers must know they're never done learning either#ForeverStudents #ElonED
SBG makes so much more sense to me because it isn't a "one and done" thing.. we reteach & reassess as needed with mastery by the end of the year as our end goal. Organization has been a challenge when you have so many different standards going on! #ElonEd
A2: Making sure that all of the Ss are on the same page and are learning the material. And wait time so that the students can get there! (thanks @KatieAGPhelps !)
#ElonEd
A2: differentiation practices, I think, are hardest for me to self-evaluate. Finding the balance for what is rigorous for each student is really difficult. Sometimes I think I'm doing a great job differentiating, but not always #ElonEd
Q3: I have never gotten feedback from an administrator because I have not been in a school for long enough yet, but I think it is important to take into account your own assessment of your work and theirs? #eloned
@brogers_20 I tell my students to beware of the "head bobbers." And then I have to do the same in my own classes. How are we holding them accountable for making sense of what we're teaching, and in turn, seeing that they are learning? #ElonEd
A3: I personally like feedback that includes real, applicable examples of how to improve my practice. Suggestions and direct feedback are welcomed, as I only strive to improve my methods! #ElonEd
It would be great to have more of a clear cut definition of what mastery is across the district so it's consistent. I think we're moving towards that though! #ElonEd
A3: I am guilty of being my own worst critic. I think that it is nice to have administrators/professors /cooperating teachers remind me that trying my best is all that I can do. Their encouragement and constructive criticism is very helpful for my learning process. #ElonEd
A3: I find that I am usually super critical of myself, but then getting feedback from my peers helps me see from a different perspective on where I'm at. #ElonEd
A3: The feedback I give myself almost always mirrors the feedback I get from others! I think if you’re willing to critique yourself to be the best version of you, you’re so much more open to it when it comes from others. #ElonEd
A3: Administrators focus on the positives of our teaching. Similarly I try to note what worked in a lesson but I note what DIDN’T work more often. #ElonEd
A2: Being able to self-evaluate on making sure every student understands your lesson can be tough. Sometimes you might run out of time or not be able to always check for understanding at the end of a lesson. #ElonEd
That makes so much sense - focusing on students mastering the concepts themselves. Going into my first year of teaching next year, the amounts of standards in math is very daunting to me. #ElonEd
A3. It is very helpful to get feedback from others on our teaching. It can be hard to be vulnerable, but it so valuable. We can be blind to our weaknesses or areas for improvement (and some of our strengths too!). #ElonEd
A3 I think there are a couple things important.1)Agreeing in advance what is important to have feedback on and 2) peers understand the challenges we face and should be included in the feedback. #ElonEd
A3 - It is easy to teach in a way that mimics the way you have been taught in the past! But teaching should be a dynamic skill! Although not always easy, I think that taking constructive criticism and feeling vulnerable with new approaches is worth it in the long run. #ElonEd
A3: For me, constructive feedback always helps me be more receptive to whatever my professor is telling me and then I am more willing to actively try to implement and improve! I love some important/necessary feedback sandwiched around what I'm doing well #ElonEd
A3: I am not in classroom yet, but I think concrete feedback from multiple perspectives can be critical because sometimes others see things better from a outside point of view! Feedback and attitudes from students will also help assess practices! #ElonEd
that's a great idea. I've been teaching the little ones, so teaching them to self-evaluate is a feat in and of itself! It's all about balance though...so maybe one of these days I'll get it! #ElonEd
Q3: One of the most important things in teaching is feedback. The only way to know what you’re doing is beneficial is through feedback and the only way to improve is acknowledge what needs to change. Always being accepting of peers and administrators advice is key. #ElonEd
I definitely agree! Especially since EOG’s scores in NC define proficiency differently depending on grade and subject. We are currently defining mastery as 60%, but is that rigorous enough for our students? #ElonEd
A2: Being able to self-evaluate on making sure every student understands your lesson can be tough. Sometimes you might run out of time or not be able to always check for understanding at the end of a lesson. #ElonEd
A3: When I was evaluated during my abroad teaching practicum, the feedback was surprisingly positive and helped me gain confidence teaching in a very unfamiliar environment. Most useful feedback is constructive but also encouraging #ElonEd
SBG makes so much more sense to me because it isn't a "one and done" thing.. we reteach & reassess as needed with mastery by the end of the year as our end goal. Organization has been a challenge when you have so many different standards going on! #ElonEd
A3: The most helpful feedback is about some of those blind spots we may struggle to reflect on ourselves! Where am I showing my preconceived biases? How am I doing on my social-emotional relationships with students? #ElonEd
A3: Sometimes we are our own worst critics. When I receive positive feedback from peers/admin regarding my strengths, I find myself leaning into those traits/skills more confidently and improving even more #ElonEd
A3: I think that Ss feedback is most useful since they see you everyday and are the learners themselves. Though Ts and admin can typically assess well too, the Ss are more effective #ElonEd
A3: As a student, I LOVE feedback especially if its a few days after. I like to be a better student and learn from what I did right and wrong. I think that written feedback is effective because you can keep it in a record and look back on it to know what to improve on. #ElonEd
Sometimes it's good to ask beforehand for specific feedback on an area you want to grow in so that the admin can feel free to offer that kind of feedback. Otherwise, they may be worried about coming off as too negative. #ElonEd
Q3. I appreciate feedback that is straight to the point and doesn't 'dodge the bullet' so to speak. Concrete, positive feedback is the easiest for me to grow & improve from! #ElonEd
Like most other people, I'm my worst critic but I find that my professors and CTs have been extremely helpful in reshaping that habit. By getting positive feedback and suggestions, I'm improving #ElonEd
Pro-tip: Don't wait for admin to set up time from learning with each other. Create your PLCs, visit each others classrooms, visit classrooms together, grow each other. #bettertogether#ElonEd
A3: it is very helpful to get feedback from your cooperating teacher! My teacher will actively be giving me advice and suggestions throughout the the lessons I teach/show her. #ElonEd
A3: Often I'm more critical of myself than my observers-the best feedback is when I get 1-2 ideas to try (ideally with a resource to reference!). More than a few suggestions at a time can be overwhelming #ElonEd
A3: as a university teacher, I've been sending out feedback surveys every 2-3 weeks and reporting the results in class. I can talk through what feedback is helpful to me and how I can respond to their suggestions (and how I can't and why) #eloned#isuenged
A3: One of my favorite STEM activites is tracking the weather each day and recording it on a calendar. This is a great visual tool for students to learn about weather patterns in different places. I look forward to incorporating the weather into my future classroom. #1stchat
A3 (pt 2) Direct feedback from my CT is also crucial as I am still a volunteer in the classroom. Her tips and advice help me better grasp and understand the culture of the class so I am as successful as possible! #ElonEd
A3: feedback is so important. It's most beneficial for me when feedback from admin is a conversation, and not one-sided. Feedback should be affirming and constructive. #ElonEd
A3: I think all feedback is beneficial and useful. Administrators and professors could potentially give you more objective feedback than your own assessment of teaching. #ElonEd#ElonEdchat
A3 Part 2 It's nice to have a different perspective on what I can do to be better rather than trying to figure it out on my own. #ElonEd#ED463#teacherbytrine
Feedback from students also important! Loved how my students at Carrboro High School helped me learn to be less heteronormative in my language choices & was glad they felt brave enough to give me feedback on the matter #eloned
A3 Part 1: I find the most effective feedback when professors tell me generally what I can do to improve rather than telling me improvement is needed without any guidance. #ElonEd#ED463#TeacherByTrine
A3: I think feedback that provides both strengths AND things to improve upon is important. Just saying it all looks good isn’t helpful because then you have the false idea that there’s nothing you can do to improve yourself #ElonEd
I completely agree, often times I forget to ask my Ss how they felt about the lesson and what can I/we as a class improve upon. What are some ways of improving and increasing Ss in the classroom? #ElonEd@jeffpcarpenter
A3 I like feedback full of specifics (scripting of what my Ss or I say in a lesson, seconds of wait time) b/c I don’t have the head-space to remember all that data in the moment. I too try to give specifics, via sticky notes when I’m providing feedback to peers. #ElonEd
A3: the feedback I was receiving wasn't as critical as I needed to improve my instruction. Yes it's great to hear you're doing a great job in some things (classroom management), but what I needed was constructive criticism on my actual instructional practices #ElonEd
the key is implementing your students feedback. Don't wait until the end of the year to give out a survey or even the end of the unit. Actively ask for feedback from students and then prioritize to make those changes. Otherwise, why? #ElonEd
A3: When I was evaluated during my abroad teaching practicum, the feedback was surprisingly positive and helped me gain confidence teaching in a very unfamiliar environment. Most useful feedback is constructive but also encouraging #ElonEd
Pro-tip: Don't wait for admin to set up time from learning with each other. Create your PLCs, visit each others classrooms, visit classrooms together, grow each other. #bettertogether#ElonEd
Q4: It is hard to think objectively about teaching because of how passionately you are about it. It is hard to be criticized on something you feel so strongly about. #ElonEd
Sometimes it's good to ask beforehand for specific feedback on an area you want to grow in so that the admin can feel free to offer that kind of feedback. Otherwise, they may be worried about coming off as too negative. #ElonEd
A4: As a teacher your natural instinct is to help!!!! It is so hard to let them struggle! I’ve start using cups (https://t.co/hAn2B3N7RM.yellow) for groups to indicate if they need help! Sometimes I set a timer where I won’t answer any Q #ElonEd
A4: I have a hard time determining the difference between when my Ss are struggling because of difficult material and when they're struggling because I've been unclear in verbal or written directions #ElonEd#isuenged
the key is implementing your students feedback. Don't wait until the end of the year to give out a survey or even the end of the unit. Actively ask for feedback from students and then prioritize to make those changes. Otherwise, why? #ElonEd
A4: It can be beneficial to let students learn through mistakes by trying out new problems/tasks themselves, but it can be hard to determine what level of material is the right amount of "struggle" for learning #ElonEd
A4: I find that productive struggle is particularly hard to self-evaluate. It is sometimes hard to find the line between productive struggle and having them unhappy, anxious, and upset about their confusion. #ElonEd
Q4: It is hard to think objectively about teaching because of how passionately you are about it. It is hard to be criticized on something you feel so strongly about. #ElonEd
A4: For example in Elem Science, generating investigable questions is hard… students gain from that struggle. I struggle to be objective because I don’t want them to think they aren’t science thinkers. #ElonEd
A4: To truly encourage productive struggle, you have to have a culture of error in place in your classroom. You also have to ask the right questions to scaffold and focus them, rather than funneling to the "right" answer. It really means being intentional. #ElonEd
A4: It can be difficult to let them struggle sometimes! When we are using new technology or doing STEAM challenges, I tell them they can't ask me any questions for the first 5 minutes. It allows them to think independently and use each other as resources. #ElonEd
A4: As a teacher, I want to ensure that I'm doing my best to help my students grasp the material. If my students are struggling, I can easily mistake productive struggle for lack of clarity or success on my own part. #ElonEd
A4: To truly encourage productive struggle, you have to have a culture of error in place in your classroom. You also have to ask the right questions to scaffold and focus them, rather than funneling to the "right" answer. It really means being intentional. #ElonEd
A3: I always like getting feedback that's honest and critical. In both my teaching and learning, being open to any kind of feedback is important for personal growth. #ElonEd
A4: While I am getting better about asking thoughtful questions and supporting students struggling, it is challenging to move away from the *solving math problems* grind of many math classrooms.
#ElonEd
A4: This question reminds me how important it is to know your students! We have to know what their productive struggle looks like for them and make powerful questions relatable and applicable to their lives. #ElonEd
A4 (part 2): Helping them see the value in having a growth mindset helps with this... allowing failure and letting them see me fail too shows them that mistakes aren't a bad thing! #ElonEd
Q4: It is hard to think objectively about teaching because of how passionately you are about it. It is hard to be criticized on something you feel so strongly about. #ElonEd
A4: Supporting productive struggling is challenging for a multitude of reasons. There’s also an element of subjectivity at hand. How far I’m “willing” to let the struggle go may be too far (or not enough) in another’s eyes, + the struggle for each student will vary #ElonEd
@MrDpasion speaks truth here. I sought feedback too infrequently & too late for much of my time teaching high school, despite the often very sophisticated feedback high school students are capable of giving #eloned
A4: Teaching science enrichment classes, we have time to truly learn by scientific inquiry - involving a lot of productive struggle - hard to evaluate b/c struggle can come with frustration and frustration turns into that moment that “just click” diff times for diff ss #ElonEd
Yes, we have to train them to persevere! TBH, most of us like to get it done quickly and easily. We have to train their brains on how to power through. #ElonEd
A4: It can be difficult to let them struggle sometimes! When we are using new technology or doing STEAM challenges, I tell them they can't ask me any questions for the first 5 minutes. It allows them to think independently and use each other as resources. #ElonEd
A1: I love journaling, but on my own terms and how I want to do it. I plan to take this practice into student teaching and beyond! It allows me to understand what’s going on around me and get perspective. However, it may have to become more regular to be most affective #ElonEd
I like that you mentioned having students believe they are “science thinkers.” I worry about the productive struggle being too difficult and not productive and having students believe they are not STEM thinkers. I often felt this way as a student. #ElonEd
I think it can be difficult to stay objective when you see students struggling. When watching what could be productive struggle for my students, my gut instinct is to jump in and re-explain myself, assuming that they are just flat-out struggling. #eloned
One of the things I've noticed about classrooms I've observed is that so much of it is about designing tasks with the room and opportunity for productive struggle #ElonEd
A4: I think it's hard to self-evaluate bc we're subconsciously worried that we're failing these Ss. We chose to be Ts to have a positive impact on Ss and teach them about our subject area and about life. Being honest with ourselves can be one of our hardest struggles #ElonEd
A4: I struggle to view teaching objectively b/c when I am passionate about what I am teaching it’s hard to view how someone COULDN’T be interested in the material. #ElonEd
I give my math/science methods students a mindset assessment at the beginning of the semester. ALWAYS, the conclusion is that they want to encourage risk taking and productive struggle among their students, but they don't want to do that themselves. #ElonEd
A4 Sometimes I feel like I have made my lessons just the right amount of challenging that students will be able to understand but still be able to correctly answer when in reality it is way to difficult for students to comprehend. #ElonEd#ED463#teacherbytrine
#ElonEd#ElonEdchat Being self-aware is difficult as a teacher. We think that we're doing the right thing and the best that we can do every day and we don't like to think that we're making mistakes.
A4: it’s often hard to self evaluate because there are so many aspects of teaching and learning you could focus on. Also because being honest with ourselves about our growth areas is difficult. #ElonEd
A4: Evaluating productive struggle involves really knowing your Ss as learners and people. If you can't "read" them, it will be hard to differentiate productive struggle from actual struggle (unless you are a very seasoned educator in that grade level, I suppose)
#ElonEd
I think midterm and final is great. Brookfield does one every week (and that seems like too much?), and I've been spacing it out every 3 weeks, between major units, so that I can tweak/adjust #isuenged#eloned
I think a way to do this is by not being afraid to try new practices in your classroom. It's okay if something doesn't work the first time. The most important thing is to reflect and modify for the future...just as you encourage your students to do as well! #ElonEd
A4: Not all failure is beneficial for a student. A student may fail due to trying their best or due to laziness. It is important to be able to understand why a student makes mistakes or fails in order to help them grow. #ElonEd
A5: #ElonEd#ElonEdchat Being self-aware is difficult as a teacher. We think that we're doing the right thing and the best that we can do every day and we don't like to think that we're making mistakes.
Careful when we talk about grit and perseverance. They may have these skills already and you're just not aware. Sometimes are students persevere just to get to school each morning. #eloned
Designing tasks that provide Ss time to struggle is essential. Even for my HW Ss don’t solve the same problem over and over. Setting guidelines with your Ss about what you expect with productive struggle is also helpful #ElonEd
A4: How do you determine what's a productive struggle or a purposeful question? We all might answer a bit differently-if you're not sure what it means-you can't self-evaluate it! #ElonEd
too often people get the wrong idea! I had a practicing teacher in a master’s class look at me and say, ‘I never knew I was good at science!’ We all have to help everyone understand it isn’t about ability it is about learning another way to think and interpret the world. #ElonEd
I like that you mentioned having students believe they are “science thinkers.” I worry about the productive struggle being too difficult and not productive and having students believe they are not STEM thinkers. I often felt this way as a student. #ElonEd
I agree! My ability to hold back was tested during our CGI Interviews for Methods. I found it difficult to not help them, but I learned so much from simply watching the way they chose to continue / solved the problem. #ElonEd
the key is implementing your students feedback. Don't wait until the end of the year to give out a survey or even the end of the unit. Actively ask for feedback from students and then prioritize to make those changes. Otherwise, why? #ElonEd
I agree. And would add that teaching class feels like an emotional "blur" -- it's like I've been running a race and have difficulty focusing on any one thing after class is over. any tips would be appreciated! #eloned#isuenged
A5: Getting feedback from students can be useful. This allows for an outside viewpoint on how your teaching elicits or doesn't elicit effective learning. #ElonEd
This is SO important! Yes, it's about knowing your students and pushing them just enough, based on what's best for each individual. We can't just say "just try hard and you will do it." #ElonEd
Careful when we talk about grit and perseverance. They may have these skills already and you're just not aware. Sometimes are students persevere just to get to school each morning. #eloned
A4: For 7th grade science teachers check out @exploratorium . They have loads of engineering activities that encourage productive struggle. My favorite: reengineering the circulatory system. #ElonEd
Careful when we talk about grit and perseverance. They may have these skills already and you're just not aware. Sometimes are students persevere just to get to school each morning. #eloned
A5: We can't improve in all areas at once. I find that focusing on one/two places I can work on at a time helps, by reaching out to my PLN for suggestions, ideas. #ElonEd
A5: I think we can actively improve based on assessments by taking what the observers say to heart and implement it into your next lesson. Even though we're the Ts, we still learn more and more everyday and can also improve our lesson plans #ElonEd
too often people get the wrong idea! I had a practicing teacher in a master’s class look at me and say, ‘I never knew I was good at science!’ We all have to help everyone understand it isn’t about ability it is about learning another way to think and interpret the world. #ElonEd
I like that you mentioned having students believe they are “science thinkers.” I worry about the productive struggle being too difficult and not productive and having students believe they are not STEM thinkers. I often felt this way as a student. #ElonEd
A1: As I can formally reflect only upon occasion due to present time crunches, I analyze live student reactions to estimate how I'm doing, if students are engaged and learning. Then I compare my impressions to student feedback/assessments and reconcile things. #ElonEd#isuenged
A4: For 7th grade science teachers check out @exploratorium . They have loads of engineering activities that encourage productive struggle. My favorite: reengineering the circulatory system. #ElonEd
Q4: It is hard to think objectively about teaching because of how passionately you are about it. It is hard to be criticized on something you feel so strongly about. #ElonEd
A5: I always ask my professors and cooperating teachers for their comments and advice. Listening to their thoughts and taking their advice is my way of working on improving. #ElonEd
#ElonEd I have been looking for ways to "fail" at something every day. I feel like as adults we don't do that as much and don't know what it feels like to be lost or unsure what to do. For example, acro-yoga has been my latest challenge
A4: To truly encourage productive struggle, you have to have a culture of error in place in your classroom. You also have to ask the right questions to scaffold and focus them, rather than funneling to the "right" answer. It really means being intentional. #ElonEd
Q5: I’ve found myself going slower throughout my instruction! With the reflection fresh in my mind, I’m cognizant in my (personal) goals for the lesson and deliver a more well-thought out and executed lesson! #ElonEd
Take feedback into account and evaluate the aspects of your teaching/lessons that need improvement. After this, collaborate with mentors and peers and implement new & improved practices/methods into your teaching #ElonEd
A5: Always stay inspired!! I think it’s so important to surround yourself with new ideas, concepts, and opinions on how and what to teach. I believe the more passionate you are about a lesson, the more passionate your students will be! #ElonEd
A5 I feel like self reflection is key when trying to improve on yourself in any way. Trial and error is a way to improve assessments, it may not be the most ideal but you don't have to put it in the gradebook if the majority didn't do well. #ElonEd#ED463#teacherbytrine
A5: Don’t be afraid to alter a lesson between periods! New @SMART_Tech software has great ways to do quick checks for student learning. And @GetKahoot is a fan favorite! #ElonEd
A4: Gosh I feel like I could write a whole thesis on this question. Such a good one..still trying to get my thoughts together around it in limited characters #ElonEd
completely agree. it's like we are too obsessed with packing in as much content as possible we don't factor in that thinking takes time. I need to get better at this #eloned#isuenged
A5: Only applying a few improvements/corrections at a time. Too much at once can make it seem like this huge ball of change! If you take it piece by piece it’s more manageable #ElonEd
Highly recommend NCTM's Principles to Action text (and a little manuscript @erinhone712 and I are working on) for this reason! Just like we emphasize unpacking standards, we should be unpacking teaching practices! #ElonEd
A4: I find that productive struggle is particularly hard to self-evaluate. It is sometimes hard to find the line between productive struggle and having them unhappy, anxious, and upset about their confusion. #ElonEd
My Methods class had a visitor and he recommended this strategy! If you focus on your repertoire for one unit for a year, the next year you will have a lot of content you feel confident. After a few years, each unit will be full and you’ll feel good about it. #ElonEd
A5: I dreaded doing this, but it was a game changer - record yourself teaching…. Watch student body language. Evaluate your ability to give clear concise directions and their engagement based on how quickly they get started on each task. #ElonEd
A5: Only applying a few improvements/corrections at a time. Too much at once can make it seem like this huge ball of change! If you take it piece by piece it’s more manageable #ElonEd
A5: I enjoy observing teachers outside my discipline. Typically in classes where my Ss are. I learn SO much. Look up “instructional rounds” if you haven’t heard of them! #EloNEd
A5: I remember really liking the idea of exit tickets when I took #EDU211 with @scomorrison. I think that is a great to get consecutive feedback from students to improve where you need. #ElonEd
Q5. Receiving feedback sometimes isn't always easy. But knowing and understanding that other people only want to help you to become a better teacher & improve is definitely encouraging! #ElonEd
A5: One step at a time. I think it is important to try to build a relationship with those evaluating you as well in order to have a dialogue about all aspects of your classroom culture and pedagogy. Relationships are key! #ElonEd
A3:Look unbiasedly at the word "Feed•Back." The word "Feed" relates to concepts of nourishment, caregiving, or an ongoing list of news updates i.e. Twitter. The word "Back" represents the action of return (profit). ALL feedback is helpful for ~growth~! 💪🏾 #FeedForward#ElonED
looking back now I appreciate having to create detailed lesson and unit plans. I don't understand plans by planner or sticky notes. So thank your teacher prep professors, folks. #ElonEd
In reply to
@scomorrison, @samcollins999, @roth_allie, @Virginiaelittle, @Charlottem33
A6: I speak too fast when I am teaching and tend to skip (important) words. I hope to slow down my teaching and not get worked up over what I am saying and ensure it makes sense and I say everything I am thinking #ElonEd
A6: I consistently notice I run out of time in my teaching. I wonder if I can scale back and hover over the most important points, instead of zooming through with no time to grapple. #ElonEd
A5: Be deliberate with what you want to improve. It is important set up baby-steps with what you can improve, knowing that it might not all happen in one year but progress is progress #ElonEd
A5: By continually adjusting your practices! While you can't make every change all at once, it is more beneficial to make changes throughout the year as needed, rather than waiting until the end of the year. Be active and receptive to adjustments! #ElonEd
A6: I consistently notice that I design lessons that cater to one type of learning style. I wonder if I can try and diversify my lessons and ensure optimal understanding for all students. #ElonEd
A6 (pt 2): I also notice that I am too "chill" as a T and don't tell Ss to be quiet when appropriate. I hope to gain confidence in my teaching (and my young age) in order to be firm with my Ss to make sure they are doing what I expect and want out of them #ElonEd
I consistently notice feeling stressed out in my learning. I wonder if I can take deeper breaths and remember its going to be all right and continue my best to improve my state of mind. #ElonEd#sorryiadjustedthequestion#student
A6 reflects my big problem… saving the biggest, hardest question for the last. Can I put those questions earlier or even use QFT more effectively to drive instruction. #ElonEd
A6: I consistently notice that many of my students suffer from math anxiety. I wonder if I can provide them with the confidence they need to improve that. #ElonEd
Thank you for participating in tonight’s #ElonEd chat! For anyone hoping to learn more about my research, catch us at #NCCTM18. The next chat is on 10/14/18.
A6: I consistently notice a lack of productive technology use that encourages critical thinking in my teaching. I wonder if I'll be able to improve that after taking #EDU305#ElonEd or just talking @AllisonBryan225 more??
