#worldgeochat Archive
#worldgeochat is a weekly chat focused on teaching geography and global studies. Chats vary between geography specific topics as well as general teaching and education topics. ALL are welcome in worldgeochat!
Tuesday March 8, 2016
Welcome to tonight where we are talking about visible thinking. Introduce yourself & tell what subject and grade you teach
Chris from Illinois - 7th grade World Geography & secret political junkie.
Hi Everyone! Ed, 7th grade world geography T in Naperville Il. Looking forward to learning more about Making Thinking Visible.
High School Social Studies Austin, TX. Just had a crash course in making thinking visible. Thanks for the site.
Hey y'all, Shorty from California, college environmental & human geography. Ready to get visual.
How are things in Georgia
Hi
Penny from Va. Teach World Geo and AP Geo
- me too! Spent the last hour at my daughter's ballet trying to cram!
Greg from wet and soggy Dallas, Texas
Misty, Instructional Coach for 6-8 and ready to learn about visible thinking.
Marie Jane from Goshen NY
Welcome in Shorty! I have to say I'd like to take that college class!
Hi & I definitely hope to learn more from the group tonight!
- Welcome friends! Glad you're here!
Hi & So glad you could join us!
Joanne from Missouri. 7th world history and 11th modern global issues. Very interested in tonight's topic.
Ken from Western Oregon Univ. in teacher education
Jennifer from GA, 9th grade APHG I'm moderating tonight using some FANTASTIC Qs written by on visual thinking
Hi & So glad you could make it!
Always glad & are here for !
Laura here! Grade 8 geography, history, language arts, visual arts in Canada
Christine here from Milton, Ontario looking forward to chatting about visible thinking!
Hi & How are things going this week?
Thank you Laura! You were the inspiration for this chat! We love seeing what you do!
glad to hear so many interested in visible thinking!
Welcome Christine! So glad you're here. where is Milton?
Kristi from NoDak. Gonna get my 6 year old to bed then try to catch the end of
Some guidelines -
1. Use the Q1/A1 format
2. Use
3. Be professional
and most importantly
4. follow each other!
Hi So glad you could make it. Thanks so much for your help with the questions this week!
Hi! Going well. Wet & rainy outside. Busy inside. Just wrapped up our state geo ed conference this weekend
Hi So glad you could make it this week!
Matt from Endor. I'm looking forward to learning about thinking outside my mind.
Can't wait to hear about all your experiences with your classes Laura
not a problem for one of my favourite s
Q1 coming up in about 1 minutes
Lots of focus on US geo tonight w tonight
Welcome . It's always interesting when you're here!
Sounds good Kristi! Bed time for my kids always coincides with I know how that is! :)
. Ontario, Canada. I teach gr. 7 Lang/Hist/Geo/Drama/Dance !
Milton - closer to Toronto, Windsor, Thunder Bay (I'm out of Ontario cities after that. :) )
A1 Moving beyond memorization of info. Providing Ss strategies to generate their own ?s as well as a means to answer them.
I'm a big fan of co-op activities so SEEING kids move/action/engagement is a great visual in the room
A1 When students start asking each other why then all trying to figure it out together.
a1. Opportunities that allow ss to show their thinking in a variety of ways visually, in conversation and making it all valid
A1 I *think* its about getting more discussion going & jotting down some ideas to share. It helps to have a + class culture
A1 Ss being interactive w/ concepts in a manner that shows thinking process
yep -- engagement - key to visual thinking.
ooops I forgot the A. A1 I'm a big fan of co-op activities so SEEING kids move/action/engagement is a great visual in the room
It's an amazing sight when you can see that!
A1:Visible Thinking is Ss generating their own questions, learning from each other, & engaging n discussions to drive learning
thanks!! It was exhausting, but sounds like attendees left very happy!
A1: when the T and S can see evidence of their learning or fruits of their labor
yes and engagements gets to the ss deeper learning and interest in the world global thinkers created
A1 Ss sharing their thinking, ideas, opinions in a variety of ways, oral written, through art, drama
A1 It seems Ss reflecting on what they have learned as well as the process of how they learned it is also important
A1: When Ss begin to see how they and others got to an idea/answer/new question
Visible thinking is when I can tell how much someone fears me.
agreed, we talk a lot about global citizenship in our room
lucky for us the Ontario curriculum now lends itself to this type of thinking and learning
I hadn't really thought about the generating own Qs part. So important though!
peer conversation is so important when learning
A1 when Ss begin to realize what it actually means to think critically and really build off of someone else's idea
A1 Being able to "see" the thinking process. Follow it step by step.
a1 curating the learning of ss as well as how they can demonstrate their thinking and learning
Glad you could join us this week Stephan
. exactly, I like to call it a "living document"
- I have to ask.. is Visible Thinking a Canadian thing?
A1: A comprehension tool - visible thinking is the interpretation we make of what we are learning, studying or planning.
Very powerful to have Ss ask questions instead of having every question come from the T.
. Making the learning and inquiry process visible for Ss through documentation, where have we gone?
I just scrolled up & saw this. Apparently it is a Canadian thing :)
- hmmm. I think more many Ts are open to student voice and focusing on the process vs. the outcome sometimes.
Yes...big fan of process over product
Allison here from Ottawa popping in and out :) I think out loud a lot - need reminders of an internal editor sometimes!
Yes!! First Q I often ask daughter when pick her up from school is what Qs did she ask today
A1 collaboration is key to making thinking visible, Ss need to feel safe also to share and take risks, strong community
A1 when students keep learning; taking global issues in the hall, with families, sending resources
. 1 of the best things I learned from my grad classes was having Ss led discussions. Awesome stuff
I love that. Ss should take a part in their learning.
- can you share the site with me? Missed it in the flurry and am ridiculously multi-tasking right now.
That is the best question to ask!
Need to start to shift this, the product is so entrenched in traditional practice
Such a good conversation starter! Love this
I heard so much of that at conferences - that Ss are going home & talking about global issues!
Ss need to learn the art of questioning. 1st step in making it relevant to them
A1: Culture of sharing the process from the get go. Leads 2 collaborative awesomeness through tech, f2f convos and more!
1 of the best things you can hear!
A2: Must create a safe place for a community of learners first in order to have them share and collaborate freely.
A2 So important to take a lot of time building community at beginning of year, time put into this is well worth it
Agreed, a product is very short term...the process is life long.
a2 building a culture of trust and risk taking helps ss collaborate and share...some of the VT routines can really help
A2 - There has to be trust to get groups to work togethers.
Its the same for PLCs, right ?
A2: model inquiry, celebrate "failure" , ask ?s that push Ss to try difft Ans, examine issues & artifacts requiring diff views
A2: using accountable talk strategies, Socratic seminars, speed dating, and having Ss teach me days
A2 This year it's been tough. But I keep at it. Ss Q's are always more important than Ts answers.
Q2; build trust b/w T and Ss as well as between Ss is crucial to the success of Vis. Thinking
Around the country we follow ideas like those of ...follows the ideology of tonight's chat. https://t.co/uCGzKKZPiV
A2 Changing set up of room. Went to quads of 4 a couple years ago! I will never go back! Also modeling your own thinking.
I think the risk taking is so important. Ss need to know that its ok to take a positive risk.
A2 Need to create a culture of respect, trust, and empathy in order to have Ss feel safe to fail, question and take risks
Tell me more about celebrate failure. I'm intrigued!
and having to start with at least good modelling of provocations before groups
A2 model questioning and teach perspective in books, articles. Validate their thinking- push them further
. Love when I can learn from Ss Definitely showing that u are still learning & that you want to learn more is impt
That's a great list of ideas to get communication going!
A2 my school has embedded 9 Habits of Heart & Mind that we hope will be a culture that leads to trust & empathy
for sure and starting with safe steps, posting ideas in a journal, move to posting to a wall, willing to share
A2: use lots of mini discussions, think pair share & buzz lists. Ss need help learning to ask Qs. Spend lots of focus here.
And not answering the Q, but encouraging them to look for answers & report back!
How do you build community in your classroom? Always looking for more ideas
A2 Compelling Qs that require supporting Qs (SQ),analyzing sources, & formulating tasks. Allow Ss to develop the SQs over time
On my syllabus I always tell them I can learn as much from them as they do from me
That is my goal for next year. Posting on a wall & having other Ss add and comment.
. New learning should mean new questions. Cycle never stops!
I want to do that too. Some sort of a graffiti wall where Ss can interact.
A2 check for understanding we do Manic Mondays Entrance Slips, Exit Slips, Visual Literacy, Test Strategies encourages attend
I'll have to check the stream later, have to run! My biggest challenge creating inquiry culture when assmnts test breadth
A2 Creating a culture of curiousity in the classroom, I do "news of the day" , mini inquiries
love quads! I always used in classroom. Felt more spacious. Feels like have no front or back. Easier for Ts to move
Sadly, these skills are being squashed here in the states. But apparently that is being politically correct. :(
buzz lists? I'd love to hear more about these
A2 drama activities and trust exercises are great for building community
A2 Geography is a great subject that connects the Ss
to the just and unjust of the here and now. Use this to get them to why
The push is so important. Probably the best way to differentiate!
A2: I don't answer questions, I ask more. My Ss are learning that I am a guide, not a source. Frustrates them a bit :)
Began "Lingering ?s" on board (& a google doc) for any action we do in class or for their homework has been very effective
Wonderopolis is fantastic! Great resource for this!
A2 I use knowledge building circles where we are all sitting on same level, equal in circle, all ideas are equal and valued
I know nothing of this. Do tell me more!
I have used Padlet. The Ss really enjoy it and then I can share it globally.
- me too. Sounds quite interesting and relevant to today's society!
I like this idea https://t.co/GkhD08uHKO
Began "Lingering ?s" on board (& a google doc) for any action we do in class or for their homework has been very effective
It's always a good chat when I discover I'm 4-5 minutes behind the chat!
A2 Allowing Ss to share in small groups before whole class discussions always brings in more voices. Back channel tools help 2
at first Ss HATE it when I answer their Q with more Qs. Then they anticipate the next Q and have an answer
I did the same thing to an S today & she wanted to kill me. Glad to know I'm in good company!
A3: Colonization, population, NAFTA, Geo of Terror, Migration, Pop vs. Folk Culture
A3 floor maps!!! jigsaws!!! spatial info with mental mapping
buzz lists like think pair share. Groups come up with lists then share w/class. Explore perceptions & knowledge
me too...this is why I feel I can't moderate and validate all voices too many great ideas rocks
AWesome strategy to continue learning -- Visible learning Rock Star here!
Good night, - Gotta an early day ahead tomorrow.
A3 I use "Chalk Talk" a lot. Often when looking at images during provocations.
I know that & and I did a lot of See/Think/Wonder (Photos) &
Zoom in (Photos) for our Asia unit
I need to work on more back channeling
A3 spatial skills - mental maps, push & pull, culture, mapping skills
A3: One of the slickest ways I got Ss thinking was 🖊 a compelling Q on board as bell rang for Spring Break
But honestly, it could work anywhere - it's about picking the right artifact/picture!
love this chat!! so many fab ideas!!! https://t.co/OKjgnZyTgK
me too...this is why I feel I can't moderate and validate all voices too many great ideas rocks
I use turn and talk a lot, 4 corners, see think wonder, and post it everything!
this a favorite of my Ss. probably use it more than I should, but it works for my Ss this year.
A3 a lot of see think wonder" for me too, great for getting any inquiry going
Thanks for checking in Stephan!
A3 Concept: What is geography? Brock Brown's ph,d. definition to next tweet.
You Google Doc is locked. :(
A3 Geography provides a broadly applicable interdisciplinary method of observing and analyzing anything across Earth’s space.
I use more post-it notes than I could ever have imagined since using visible thinking routines.
A3 Used Simile/Metaphor routine b4 beginning inq on climate change, revised our simile/metaphor at end -see growth in thinking
ahh let me see how to fix that...new to Google doc and sharing sorry 😔
I don't remember what it was called, but the Compass one with Needs, worries, & excitement? Love that idea!
A3 Maps and other images. We use VTS to analyze.
same here, I use it a lot. It works and can be powerful, I have extended it and turned ideas into found poetry
A3 Using definition. How do you decide, as a high school freshman, where to sit in the cafeteria? Observe, Analyze, Predict.
Compass Point is a great routine to start with. Familiar terms for Ss.
The 3 words, 2 question, & a metaphor seemed like a great simple assessment too!
A3: daily inquisitive writings; pair share; discussion centered, teachable moments; googling when approp
Gallery walks (silent or active) are also great strategies as well - gets Ss moving too!
Love using Gallery Walks. Use it with music. When music stops they Ss know to move.
I'm so caught up reading all your great ideas/thoughts -- Q4 is coming up VERY soon.
I also like Barometer activities & Take a Stand to get students using evidence, defending & even changing their minds
A3 also love having Ss represent ideas as colours/images - opens up new ways for them to express
. Headlines and I used to think/now I think would be so easy to implement. Need to use them more
A4 we like to get down & dirty :)
awesome Ts/Educators/& learners alike - must quick chat and exeunt. MInd is thinking on overdrive! You all rock!
awesome Ts/Educators/& learners alike - must quick chat and exeunt. MInd is thinking on overdrive! You all rock!
A4 some Ss more comfortable with oral expression, others with written or artistic
A4 it can show Ss thinking process, how they learn, & what they understand. Can be a great pre-assessment on many levels
Awesome! Done gallery walks, yet never thought to include music. Always looking for new ways to use music
A4 It shows that every S has a voice, & needs the chance to share it!
A4: It shows Ss their best way to learn. Powerful knowledge for all skills and cores.
Q4: maybe might help id open vs. closed mindsets?
Explanations/Directions for 7 thinking routines including Compass Points, See Think Wonder and Think Pair Share
Eep! Brain is too sidetracked looking at awesome S work. Must politely exeunt. You are all awesome rockstars.
A4 you get to know where they are in an inquiry or new concept, who might need some more support, inform groupings
Q4 it allows all Ss to participate in a way that might best suit the way they learn best can also be loud, messy & fun!
Thanks for popping in Allison!
A4 It reveals their thought process and gives the T opportunity to coach it.
A change to use all the music from I've collected
I apologize - there is an idiot on my TV who is distracting me.
We learn best when things are messy & fun!
A4 gives all Ss a voice, not all participate in oral discussion
Kevin from MA jumping in ... A4: VTSs reveal fundamental concept formation and language development for all levels
So true. For quieter kiddos, a post-it note isn't threatening.
yes! Have Ss find a proxy image of a concept & post on Padlet to collaborate. Create content & share thinking
So true - selfishly, I've been thinking about it only from a jr. high perspective, but everyone can do this!
Today there is so much info out there. Ss need to be able to take in this info, ? it, & figure out where & how to fill in gaps
Which ties in to Media Literacy too! Right ?
another reason media literacy is so critical for Ss & all of us!!
A4 VTS might help inform you and Ss as to where you need to go next with an inquiry/PBL
A4: Ss can take ownership of their learning
Q5 - interesting maps and photo of the day are good places to start
Signing off for tonight, awesome chat, great ideas..thanks for making your thinking VISIBLE and for sharing :) Thanks
A5 I think you have to know your content & your Ss. Pick a song, an image, or a headline to applies to them.
A5 Thankfully there are so many awesome reliable archives on-line I almost never run out of visuals / artifacts
A5 select materials/sources that will provide diverse perspectives on topic, allowing critical thinking
A5 geography/culture lessons lend themselves to artifacts, learning totes, and suitcases of show & tell
I know this yr I've almost entirely eliminated mc ?s Everything is more open ended. Much harder 4 Ss yet so much more learning
A5 Funny thing. Often hear it on NPR on the way to school. Play the podcast and away we go.
A6 - After our chat last week, AFRICA!
A5 Lots of artifacts for world history.
podcasts are my new favorite. Listen on the way to work, then share with Ss.
As we wind down...
3/15 - You've got them for 40 Minutes
3/22 - PBL Round 2
3/29 - Maps beyond Memorization
A huge TY to for being such a GREAT host tonight & TY to all the awesome Ts good rich discussion!
ummm....EVERYTHING ties into media literacy!!!
A6 I definitely will try some of the POV strategies as we wrap up the Israeli/Palestinian conflict
Thanks !! I have to run. Great topic (as always) tonight!
at some point this week there will be a think pair share! And possibly compass points. I will continue to take pics and share
A6 - natural resources in SW Asia is up next in my World Geo classes
A6: health benefits of green space
Curious...Ever had Ss create their own podcasts to share with each other? I may try this!
A6 We are starting development this week. Plenty to think about here.
Which ones do you listen to Jen? I'm addicted & always looking for more :)
Thanks for helping with the Qs!
Thanks for moderating tonight!
transcripts are on Participate now.
A6 We're getting ready to start Europe this week.... i think we'll do the floor map activity it'll be fun!!!
a6 populations: pyramids, scatter graphs, analysis sharing questions from the data
