#RuralEdChat Archive
#RuralEdChat is a chat that focuses on the needs of the rural educator. This chat has been revised by Tammy Neil (@MathNeil), John Martin (@edventures) and Natalee Stotz (@nataleestotz).
Tuesday February 9, 2016
Hello everyone. How are you tonight? Let's get the introductions started.
Hey and . Jumping in from Wisconsin. We've started our book fair in our library media center so it's a busy time.
I'm Tammy. I teach Intro to Tech & Game Design in rural North Florida.
. I'm glad you had a few moments to share with us.
Hey! I'm Teri Bauerly, I teach grades 6-8 STEM & EdTech in Spearfish, SD. Feeling tired but ready for a great chat!
Erin, 9th grade English (plus one class of rogue 12th graders) in Readfield, Maine! All-around geek and crazy person! :)
Kelly, teaching biology in the foothills of NC
. Teri, so glad you are here. Let's see if we can help you find some energy.
. Erin, rogue seniors are always fun. Glad you are here.
Hi Kelly! Thanks for joining in for
I’m here ! switching gears from lesson planning! Natalee from Maine.
. Kelly, glad you are with us tonight.
Love it, Erin! You're among friends and kindred spirits here!
. Natalee, can you see how happy I am that you are here?
Hey Natalee! Love your profile pic by the way. All lesson planning deserves a good break once and awhile! ;)
Deanna, 10th & 11th grade English. Nice to meet you all!
Definitely feeling the love!
Hi Deanna. Great that you could join us for
. Deanna, I am SUPER EXCITED you are here. Now I have to behave. ;-)
I’m still in survival mode. 3 more days until vacation.
you can do it! Vacation horizons are the very thing!
Oh! Another English-y person! Yay!
Looks like we have several ELA folks joining in tonight. Excellent!
I just caught this post today and it had me thinking about the library! Great stuff!
Ready to get started? When did you realize YOU were in control of YOUR learning? Describe the moment.
It was when my school was offering little in way of PD, & I couldn’t afford $$conferences or grad school (still can’t)
For those of you joining tonight, we try to encourage a conversation. Let's Chat.
Was told by a guidance counselor to take an easier science class b/c I wasn't "smart enough." I aced the harder class. Boom.
About 4-5 yrs ago, I suddenly realized that I didn't have to wait for "a class". Learning became my hobby.
. That's great. I often think we put our own limits on our students instead of talking to them.
was that HS or college? I love that your experience was at younger age! Trying to instill that in my Ss.
Hear you. Still paying off undergrad! Recert classes are looming now! Personal PD=so affordable!
My school allows self-selection for honors courses, thankfully. Kids can choose how much to challenge themselves.
Hi from Farmington MO. I knew I was in charge when I switched to gifted Ed and I was one of two who did my job in district
I realized I AM in charge of MY learning as a result of joining Twitter. I empowered myself & am a better educator for it
When I realized I wanted my life to be more than living. I wanted to evolve and broaden my mind.
crosses over into our focus tonight Check it out 2
2 moments: my viola teacher in high school saying that if I was going to master something, I'd have to decide to do so myself +
I'm disappointed it took me SO long to realize I was in charge of my own brain. It was literally like I just woke up.
In high school when a principal told me I couldn't take 2 English classes.. I don't think so!
I was a senior in high school. But the gc was a lunatic, and I knew I couldn't let her make my choices.
My parents modeled and instilled value of life-long learning, but I didn’t really latch on until about 10 years ago.
I was the same. Were you a first child? I think I was compliant and did what I was told
#2) Rec'd grant 4 classrm library & a condition was to read Things Fall Apart w/attention to selves as readers & nothing else.
But you’ve made the realization. That’s important. It’s never to late to start learning!
Hello from central Wisconsin
. Yes, I am a first born. Didn't want to "rock the boat". Not so worried about that now.
Hi Polly! Happy you are joining in. We were just talking about when we realized we had control over our lrning.
. That is very true. I am a happier teacher now than I have ever been. I want all Educators to know this feeling.
Interesting how many made realization when responding to challenge of someone saying “you can’t”
Same. It's more fun to rock the boat! I wish I'd realized this earlier...
The empowerment that comes from deciding what to learn and how to learn it shifts one's entire universe, right?
T-10 minutes until ! I do hope you'll join our topic tonight!
Saying no is the easiest way to get a teenager to do something, in my opinion.
I've always been an independent learner though since I feel I could go to school forever if I had the $$$$
. I have trouble understanding people who don’t want to or don’t make the time to learn and improve!
. I'm still a rule follower but, now I also ask How? and Why? or Why not? much more often.
. So true! Want to get a kid to read a book? Tell them it’s banned!
Want them to explore a website? Tell the it's being blocked.
Well, Twitter taught me that, of course. I learn exponentially from the people I meet here. https://t.co/5U37g66vNJ
Hi Polly! Happy you are joining in. We were just talking about when we realized we had control over our lrning.
Want them to explore a website? Tell them it's being blocked.
I follow rules...most of the time. But, now I'm more interested in pushing boundaries.
I think 4 many that shift hasn't been xperienced. If it has it's hard 2 accept compliance-based lrning
. I can understand that. Some of us were stuck in the mud and needed some traction to get moving.
and with a little humility "what to learn" can become "learn whatever is in front of you"
What are some ways we can help students discover this concept? https://t.co/zWCjuYldeT
The empowerment that comes from deciding what to learn and how to learn it shifts one's entire universe, right?
Do you think enough emphasis and space is placed on our own (and by own I mean OWN) learning as edus?
. Manan! Now I know we've hit on a great topic.
Great Question... What's your answer? https://t.co/A0CuuaFLA9
What are some ways we can help students discover this concept? https://t.co/zWCjuYldeT
The empowerment that comes from deciding what to learn and how to learn it shifts one's entire universe, right?
I was just thinking the SAME thing! https://t.co/ngoeYOJdmz
and with a little humility "what to learn" can become "learn whatever is in front of you"
I like to give students basic guidelines and let them choose something their passionate about as focus
. But there are also the ones who don’t want to learn, or say, I don’t need to learn anything new.
Tammy! Ha! Well I have a free moment for a change! :)
We've had some books challenged in the past. The Giver twice now as well as Catching Fire and Harry Potter
I don't think enough emphasis is placed on edus learning, not enough opportunity or support & many who won't/refuse
He's taking a break from the slopes tonight!
Nope. Never enough PD, never enough spontaneous, independent learning. Ts get stuck in ruts and routines easily.
Personally, I don't think we offer enough choices to our students. Many Rural schools are limited in what they can offer.
And PD is still largely "done to" vs. open
I've seen Ts pick on other Ts for reading a book, taking a class, learning something new. Called brown-noser, over-achiever
Blows my mind that people are still banning books. Never heard of it happening in real life around here.
That is the worst. I always internally (or externally) eye roll because we are in EDUCATION, PEOPLE!
Sounds like something a teenager would say. 😉What is a good come back? https://t.co/a3ijfI7WVO
. But there are also the ones who don’t want to learn, or say, I don’t need to learn anything new.
We need to model it for them. They need to see us learning & hear us talking about our learning.
At our school they are choosing not to order books they think would be controversial.
mountain sides :) but the linear equation ones are also on hold for the night
That's terrible. We encourage the kids to become lifelong learners. Why wouldn't we model that?
I was really shocked the first time it happened to me! I LOVE reading & learning, why is it bad to share that??
. That's so sad. We welcome all, even those that like to read and learn for themselves.
I have to be careful what I teach & offer. Always defer to parents. But wish they wouldn’t freak.
Really? That's not nice. I haven't seen much of that. https://t.co/ikVBf5Yhxb
I've seen Ts pick on other Ts for reading a book, taking a class, learning something new. Called brown-noser, over-achiever
exactly. It's exhausting to defend learning or passion for learning in institutions of learning.
to tell them they sound like the students they complain about !
Never enough time to delve into something. https://t.co/CBgBxghENm
Nope. Never enough PD, never enough spontaneous, independent learning. Ts get stuck in ruts and routines easily.
I will say the more I learn, the less I encounter people that don't want to learn. There's something about the company I keep.
That makes me sad. The controversial books are the interesting ones!
I’ve had similar experience. sad, but, their loss. I enjoy learning. Won’t let others shame me.
Unfortunately it's the nature of the beast. Some people never left middle school.
Only ever had that happen once, "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven." TOTALLY worth it.
I kinda felt that way sometimes. Honestly Twitter has been the most refreshing and enlivening PD ever. It just rejuvenates
This is another reason why I love Her encouragement to change the conversation has been gr8. https://t.co/rqxImZ5C4n
I will say the more I learn, the less I encounter people that don't want to learn. There's something about the company I keep.
I'd engage in a defensive battle for that one any day.
good point!!!! Yes!!!! This is a large part of why Twitter is such healthy PD
Rer had kids read about things & sort through, than try things out for themselves!
I've changed the way I'm teaching this term. Ss are making goals so they OWN their assignments. It's been interesting.
Oooooo....that's controversial. Who was it said your library should make you feel a little nervous? https://t.co/Q2NpSJstYK
At our school they are choosing not to order books they think would be controversial.
if it's at ALL sexual or abortion then there is great resistance. Brutal violence is ok tho 😳
Open invite! We have hills and snow (that I haven't shoveled today). (Live and in person)
I keep talking about my learning, sharing my learning…the excitement catches on!
Excited to be working w/ Ss to develop their personal learning plans. Help take ownership of their learning.
Do you find Ss struggle with this? Those used to compliance & checking off lists do not go easily into independence.
. I love that term, "personal learning plan". I may use that next week instead of weekly goals.
Our school is looking at personalized learning & the more I learn the more excited I get!! https://t.co/smwmmNpoh6
Excited to be working w/ Ss to develop their personal learning plans. Help take ownership of their learning.
That's true. Compliance... https://t.co/equl1Fz0xG
Do you find Ss struggle with this? Those used to compliance & checking off lists do not go easily into independence.
. We're in week 4. Some are starting to "get it". Some are almost ready for their Industry Certs.
It would also be interesting to challenge them to form a PLN.
. We’re looking at the long term. Who are they, where do they want to go, what is it going to take to get there.
That's so backwards! BUT I'm in a high school, so my kids are older. I feel like I have more leeway
We’ve only just started. It is very exciting! Think it will be a game changer!
. That's great. I love that. I should start them thinking about LONG term. That would be interesting.
I think that will come with doing a PLP- not everything they need can come from the school.
They’ve got to identify where besides school they can get what they need & who will provide that.
vital to remember that. focusing on small steps to personal lrning is impactful.
As educators, where (besides twitter) do you find yourself turning to learn? What are some of your favorite resources?
. Makes it more real for them & helps connect to what they’re learning.
Books, books, books. Colleagues. Searching for lesson plans or research on topics
I turn to my colleagues, and to Ts at other schools. (The hubs teaches 10th gr, so I pepper him with qs.)
I really value learning from systems outside of traditional education. Art, politics, business, etc. Diverse voices in my PLN.
Where do I turn for PD? Our tech facilitator. She is great at bring up on good PD.
I feel like most Ts I know have T friends at other schools. Interesting to see how things are done in other districts.
I follow & get a lot of good articles from them.
I find Edcamps provide me an opportunity to look into other classrooms through the eyes of other educators.
I also turn to the lessons I do with the kids and what is no longer engaging them to determine what kinds of PD/learning I need
The kids before us are amazing teachers.
What parts of your learning are most difficult to own?
. Yes! Session last weekend intro me to ’s research. Learned so much this week!
If we are willing to listen to them, we will learn amazing things. https://t.co/k3XcX0hCQs
The kids before us are amazing teachers.
When I travel, I first ask 2 visit schools or partner up w/ a teacher. Learning from Bosnian Ts 4 ex: opens my eyes & planner!
Staying focused, keeping a manageable timeline, not taking on too much at once. I love to learn, don't always implement
The part where I hate reading dry informational texts, but I expect my Ss to do it.
. Come visit me any time you wish. My door is ALWAYS open.
Sometimes feel I’ve gone far as I can on own & need a mentor/Tr. in certain area. https://t.co/xRYwd2yguA
What parts of your learning are most difficult to own?
I follow a similar list and thank you for a few extra suggestions 😀. https://t.co/FpsQ8KoPVP
I follow & get a lot of good articles from them.
Blogs Blogs Blogs. Pinterest. Books in my Ed.D program & conference kawfee tawk w/ attendees to fill me in if I didn't go! :-)
Oh yes! I learn so much from my students and the teachers who ask me questions. https://t.co/JWYWUwDItw
If we are willing to listen to them, we will learn amazing things. https://t.co/k3XcX0hCQs
The kids before us are amazing teachers.
I still get stuck in the mud sometimes. I'm thankful for educators that ask questions.
https://t.co/YUdwdfdIrg
What parts of your learning are most difficult to own?
I find it difficult to retain my love for learning when something is being shoved down my throat.
I often think about how Ts won't read dry passages (also chocolate at meetings would kids do better w/snacks &more breaks?)
I’m learning to not rush into implementing when learn something new or latch onto an idea. Get excited & want to try too soon.
Yes. There's only so much of that an empowered learner can take.
Me too, Natalee. !abutterfly
To add to the follow list I like
biting off the right amount of change and seeing it through challenges me. I often need to give things more time.
I am the same way, I get too excited and rush into things.
Hmmm...I want to know more. What do you mean "too soon"? https://t.co/rda6kWxdwA
I’m learning to not rush into implementing when learn something new or latch onto an idea. Get excited & want to try too soon.
Too easy to jump on bandwagon & stumble before fully understanding why it’s good.
When I give up too soon...on myself because I shut down not understanding something. https://t.co/EMsP24nT0f
What parts of your learning are most difficult to own?
As we come near the end of our hour, what are your take aways? What have YOU learned tonight?
Trying to implement something before I fully understand it. Or not laying enough foundation for others.
by the way…you ask really good questions!
Love how real you are, Polly. So true!!! https://t.co/e3RhjmZLGl
I find it difficult to retain my love for learning when something is being shoved down my throat.
Great tonight. Very sharp participants!
I don't know what parts of my learning are difficult to own.
My take aways from : I’m not alone! There are others like me who love to learn!
I'm so grateful to learn that learners gravitate towards learners.
I agree This has been a fantastic learning opportunity. https://t.co/Mo5tZ8cZoy
Great tonight. Very sharp participants!
Sometimes I cringe at how I’ve damaged my success with something by my impatience.
Probably not shutting up and listening and trying to hog all the learning for myself
this made me giggle. I love staff meetings too!
Natalee, you are channeling my viola teacher right about now.
. I almost didn't write it. It is a painful reminder of how selfish I can be. I'm so grateful for my students.
Contemplating...are we ever as ready as we'd like to be? https://t.co/Ew0k60hGUE
Sometimes I cringe at how I’ve damaged my success with something by my impatience.
It's beautiful.We can all remember our purpose a little more each&every day. They r right before us hoping to be seen.
