#aussieED Archive
#aussieED was founded on the belief that all teachers, and students, should have unlimited access to Professional Development, on their own terms, to improve their teaching, their schools and change the lives of the students they encounter. Since then, we have embarked on a mission to reach educators, not only in Australia but, all around the globe. We want to smash the barriers that prevent teachers from easily connecting and learning with each other. To that end, we have developed a regular Ed-chat each Sunday on twitter at #aussieED. The chat allows all teachers, leaders, administrators and all those connected with education to meet on an unbiased platform and discuss the real issues that effect what happens in classrooms everywhere. Our chats are authentic because we are real teachers walking the same walk that so many do everyday.
Sunday June 12, 2016
The chat starts in 5 mins.
Before starts tonight I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners and first teachers of our land https://t.co/ZWRAirpjaC
HI
Carl from Vic
With you until I get kicked off for dinner
Kia Ora all, Stuart from Auckland, NZ. Want to work on diversifying flipped classrooms methods.
Shot Carl, tweet of the night already! LOL.
I want PD on teaching students how to do multiple choice
Apologies, just finishing up at rugby, driving home soon. I'll miss s lot of tonight. Sorry friends π https://t.co/M9xyPxIdFL
Hi everyone! I would like to learn more about getting a 14 week old to stay asleep
Hi there from Porirua NZ! I'd like to learn more about Ss contracts & how it's rolled out successfully.
Anne-Marie from Brisbane. I'm keen on further PD in coaching. I've completed a 2day with but want to explore further
Hi Viv Zappacosta GC Aust / working on blogging and developing eprofessionalprofile need to consolidate https://t.co/JIAm2ECDZJ
Hi - Kelly from Sydney here :) HS Sci teacher... am looking at building my capacity in & the
Dave, I'd like to work out how to make the best use of flipped learning & how to do it effectively
Jena Ball, creator of Not Perfect Hat Club in NC/USA. PD goals=learning best way to share my work with adults as well as kids.
Amazing to see how many of us want to keep developing getting flipped!
Amazing to see how many of us want to keep developing getting flipped!
Tonight will consist of a range of sentence starters that will allow us to share and connect. https://t.co/39UOcFng07
Matt from Perth. Would like to learn more about design thinking and how to apply it in the classroom and with teachers
Hi Jena, nice aim. Often easier to teach kids than students IMO.
Hi friends, Spiri from the States, G&T, up & at 'em this morningπ
Bern from Melbourne - I would like to learn more about coaching
I'd also like PD on vocational training especially in maths
I don't like to finish my
Travis from Brisbane want to continue focussing on strengthening parent partnerships in education
Wow, share the energy, must be the summer holidays in the US! :)
Wow, share the energy, must be the summer holidays in the US! :)
Hi Jack from Geelong. I am working on content delivery and keeping my head above water as a graduate
Hi Heather from Wollongong here. I'd love to learn more about flipped learning with specifically with G&T students
Hoping to incorporate Minecraft into my units of study
Remember to use the hashtag in all tweets so we can see all conversations :)
Jen with the hashtag this time, Keen on personalised learning, student and teacher agency PL.
Hi . Leonie from Hastings NZ who wants to lrn more bt everything esp ICT tools & apps to support S lrng https://t.co/f1nkW7B00D
.....cater for individual needs in a flipped environment?
Waves! Adults have so many layers of mental stuff to get through :-) By and large if you are rea,l kids respond.
Evening all, Ange sunny Qld design thinking in my primary school classrooms is my pd atm
Hi Loreyse from Brisbane - I am keen to put connectivist theory into practice
Marie from Florida, US want to build capacity for flipped also
Hi, Lux from Sydney. I'd like to explore Growth Coaching and to revise Instructional Rounds in Education
How might we educate more people that social media and wider audiences are not that dangerous
Jim from Minneapolis, MN USA. Up early here in thought I would drop in.
A1 best give teachers the autonomy they deserve but remain consistent in school philosophy?
How might we have a time machine line Dr who as a teacher that would be awesome!
.... get other teachers to join our journey
keep paddling. It gets easier! Knowing you need it is the first step!
Jon from Perth Hills, PD on mentoring/ coaching & team building- for Ss and staff! Flipping a class or 2 would be nice
So true, kids go for it, adults often overthink and then don't IME.
Joel from bisbane here. ready for although I've got one eye on my marking.
hi again from Scotland. I want to learn more about learning and how we keep this the main thing against competing agendas
Yes! Gorgeous sunny day...and a 6 yr old who likes to snuggle & play
We make the video, website, interactive web poster and let them learn at their own pace.
The word is spreading about how amazing flipping is!
Oh leave off! LOL. Good on you.
We build an energy effecient house. Going to let some students do it in minecraft this year
How might we get past our fear & judgment of differences 2 creatively collaborate & find each person's unique gifts?
Hi friends! I'd like to learn more about classroom management in a blended learning space
I agree but for it to be effective and sustainable may take more work than people realise.
engage and motivate the 'problem finders'.
the ongoing challenge T: where did you find out about that? Me: Twitter!
primary tech integration and observing it's implementation.
and many don't respect twitter
How might we get happening in Aus? Very keen to get #@EdcampLdr started in Brisbane!
Gorgeous day? Where are you? It's already in the 80s with 100% humidity in NOrth Carolina - LOL
Good, responsible teacher....like me ; )
. Yes Ss esp young ones are open to all new lrng ideas & embrace them fear
Great point George, Ts need to keep pushing back against the increasing admin expectations and paperwork.
How might we build a school culture of autonomy with responsibility
Hi Dane from Tassie here -working on Maker Space Education and also looking at getting an up and running on the apple isle
always keeping us on track George! π
Steve from Coonabarabran helping teachers get the most out of tech & fixing all the messy stuff myself :)
I actually think people overestimate the amount of work. It takes a lot to get started, but not as bad as it seems
A1: How might we ... close the gap between Education and the social / workplace need ?
I agree and the challenge is to them fearless into HS.
A1 How might we support teachers not get bogged down in things that don't directly contribute to increasing student outcomes?
Proposal was Social Studies Communities unit, would like for it to be across disciplines, that's an awesome idea
I've found flipped Stage 6 has helped me to do this to some extent...
Yes. Doing a talk called, "How to Adult-proof your life and reclaim your super powers." Kids are born w/open hearts
hahaha I've got one eye proof reading semester one reports!
Andrew from Cairns here. It's been a while! The boy is finally going to sleep
how might we centralise or document in one place innovative teaching and learning so all can access?
How might we get more teachers involved in innovative practices when they like what they've been doing for 20 or more years?
Agreed. There's not a lot of work in flipping once you have your process in place.
Fair point. I found that once I got my systems in place and we co-constructed guidelines & expectations, we were cool.
How might we encourage leadership to see the benefits of monotasking over multitasking
. Even as far as the end of primary yr 6
Many schools struggle with what is loose and what is tight. Dialogue, building collective commitments.
How might intrinsically motivate every Ss every day?
That's the heart of flipped! Ss access material in a way that's best for them at a pace that works
Let them loose on Twitter. Sure to be something here to get them thinking!
the social media boogie man. Digital citizenship is the answer? Digital Nutrition have ideas on this?
That's the key isn't it? Without robust policy and processes can be very ineffective.
I love how you have worded this. It _is_ a culture that is required, so how do we encourage these things? https://t.co/WEz66bCS98
How might we build a school culture of autonomy with responsibility
do you use thinglink? It's awesome!
I wonder why, when the T effort: P care ratio is so low, reports are still the way they are
How might we help teachers get the most out of tech without burdening them with the messy side of it?
A1. How might we create PD opportunities that are as engaging as our classrooms are!?
A1 How might we...bring back fun and wonder into the classroom?
What about the pressure of assesment?
.And open inquiring minds that absorb and keep trying to learn
I wonder why we are still trying to convince teachers on the benefits of tech integration
Poconos, PA currently 69, nice breeze, high of 75, Love NC will be there in July
step away. Don't make eye contact. Joiiiiiin usssss.
Love this question because it acknowledges that each child is unique and learns in a unique way. Make it so!
How might we...get more teachers to take a risk, step out of comfort zones, be a change agent
Ys and not just consume but produce and create over regurgitate.
important is it really? Work life balance is vital. I try to work at school and be at home
Passion Projects - allow Ss to explore their interests in a way that they can tie it in with their subjects
I always stick with "keep doing what you're doing, do it well, and other people will come around"
"I wonder why"β¦is the spark for learning. It makes us stop and think. Forces us to be critical thinkers and not just followers.
Oops... missed the start of - just putting together a little 30 minute PD session for my dept on music in RE!
How might we focus our energy on not only raising issues but collaborating to come up with solutions
bc we often don't have the resources to manage and run that tech properly. Makes it an obstacle to learning instead
just stumbled on it. Looking forward to really getting into it
Great point Jack. That's the big challenge in the digital age to leave work at work!
Probably sitting at the bottom of samr model and too comfortable maybe.
how might we keep pace with changing social / technology expectations on teachers and maintain our curriculum standards!
Oh wow! Thank you!! Will definitely look into this π
....remember to see the whole child in all our professional actions and decisions?
I wonder why...more teachers aren't on Twitter
I wonder why it is so hard to move from re-imagining education to implementation
Remember to use the hashtag in all tweets so we can see all conversations :)
Waving gidday from Central Qld. I want to learn how I can better serve fellow educators.
Demo a tech tool. If they like it, send them away with a couple of tutorial videos on how to use it. self-paced PD.
Is it the benefits of tech or just convincing them it won't be a burden? Fear, but also practical problems.
In the digital age, we're getting there. Edtech allows diversity of approach and outcome IMO.
I'm working on this atm. Newly flexible learning space SS seem to think casual space=casual learning. It's a process
Hi Christina fro Melbourne, how to build a positive school culture - staff, parents, community & Ss on the same page
I LOVE being w/them in that energy. Makes me sad when Ss shut selves down & say their work is ugly
A2. I wonder why the media constantly whinges about our education system going downhill. Maybe they should join ?!
Maybe just get rid of exams and commonly timed assessments.
Hi. Dounya Syd NSW working on developing leadership style as a newly appointed HT
Yes less wires & cables to carry around please ... get the classroom to catch up with 21st century needs.
. Ts wk so hard esp new c/rms. Beg T at in ILE opens c/rm 8am for wk .At sch till 5pm & marking at night and 1 day wkend
Have you guys heard of Classroom Profiling?
Interseted in your perspective on this.What does assessment mean? Required? formative?
I mainly want to learn processes that make the most of Ts and Ss time and resources & encourage the best learning.
Todd from NY joining the chat late- good morning/evening!
I wonder why we are soooo hyper focused on outer appearances & performance? We miss SO much hidden beauty.
agree. So much time is spent on things that take away from creating deep learning exp &differentiation
https://t.co/suwbKNpFLL
A1. How might we create PD opportunities that are as engaging as our classrooms are!?
Great closer! In reality the teaching week starts on a Sunday doesn't it?
Hi, Jack from Melb here. I'm interested in scaling collaboration and making space for new ideas to come from the outside in.
should be given an account as a part of the training process and reflection.
is it even called a meeting if there's only one person speaking out the front?
is it because we have no choice? Or little choice? To question is to challenge and challenge scares people?
sometimes forgotten we are teaching whole children. Grades are such a small part of who they are
Annemarie Rotorua NZ - my big question too. ILE needs self regulated learning so how are folk doing this? https://t.co/xDx5ftihe4
I love how you have worded this. It _is_ a culture that is required, so how do we encourage these things? https://t.co/WEz66bCS98
How might we build a school culture of autonomy with responsibility
entirely agree. Work hard and smart, apply same principles out of school to play family and friends
is now trending in New Zealand, ranking 26
technology must embedded within the pedagogical framework it should be the tool we need to get the learning done
that's awesome! I'd love to be involved!
A1 How might we better support Ts in order to improve S learning?
No, I haven't heard of it. What's that?
We have TS who are unwilling to take responsibility for their own learning
Maybe in the junior years, but with seniors there's always the HSC exams looming
totally agree - initial work output is increased, but decreased after it's set up!
I wonder why it is difficult for people to put into effect what they believe is good for kids.
Start with your team. We work from 7.30 in the morning and try to be gone by 4.30
So want to do this https://t.co/suwbKNpFLL
A1. How might we create PD opportunities that are as engaging as our classrooms are!?
I wonder why...we aren't tearing down more walls...faster!
.Mind u I'm pretty much the same. However she sd statistics say in 5 yrs only 35% of her year will still be tchng. Wonder why?lol
I wonder why sweeping statements about the state of Ed get thrown around without scrutiny
I wonder why all teachers are not on Twitter!
LOL i am wondering if i should have brought home my marking ; ) Every Tr's weekend dilemma.
That's a really interesting thing to be happening. I guess we can often think Ss will respond the way we expect them to!
I'm a huge fan of portfolios, summative once formative at appropriate level.
We are on summer break here and I ask myself this question every day. Its because we care deeply about what we do.
Ahhhh that's where my mom's family is from. LUV NC. It's gorgeous. Just summers feel like you're breathing underwater.
A2 I wonder why, after everything we know about how people learn, we still teach subjects in isolation w/out context?
I wonder why... learning isn't seen as a celebration
Is this what we want to teach our students?
I wndr why Ts get little say in the political/policy arena & have to teach under it regardless how much sense it sometimes makes.
How inconvenient that they don't XD
A1: how might we...get admin to see the importance of modeling good instruction during PD and meetings
Exactly, I wonder that too! Our kids deserve that we demand better.
A1) I wonder why districts promote themselves as S centered, but really aren't, focus is on testing/scores. Why promote?
I wonder why more hasn't been done to disrupt the reporting culture in education
My school has explicit structure around PLT mtings. Planning, Data, Welfare, Wellbeing
ha - I think we're about to be banned from taking student work home... (some gone astray...) :)
Hi, Tam from Nth QLD. I would like to develop skills to coach tech integration within classrooms.
But don't end up using it just for the sake of using it
.I always find the gd & praise build self esteem. Have experts. 1 S expert at fixing pencil sharpener!
I wonder why teachers don't spend more time in each others classrooms.
absolutely not. I challenge my Ss to challenge me. And they do! Canβt be annoyed when I ask them to.
exactly! Ours consist of one ppt after the other π©
I wonder why Ts routinely have to prioritise tasks that don't require professional knowledge?
I sat through a PD on Friday watching a lovely ppt by a well known fruit company. Thought of you and the whole time
struggling with this myself... all for statistics that are a waste of time... :(
I think we get too caught up in data and metrics and lose sight of individuals too often
In NZ, NZQA are looking at exams gone by 2020, awesome for IEPs!
context and purpose is so important. Gone are the days of when we would buy 51 watermelons only in maths
haha cos they feel it gets in the way of their marking over the weekend sigh ; ) ;p
We all have talents, just need to find them! LOL
I like kids who know a lot of answers. It drives more questions from them.
. He's also expert at Art and being kind to others. Cant all be academic
One win at a time. We are building. Pretty soon ours will be on just to shut me and up!
Must have some standard issues, seeing as we all know that students learn teachers?
If I had my way I'd ban all powerpoints at staff meetings. What a difference it would make.
interested to know what the messy side is?
I wonder why schools & curriculum are still created for the adults and not the children.
I wonder why other Ts don't have the opportunity to mentor each other
A2: I wonder why there's such a large gap between those who will take risks and those who won't.
Good Morningπ Maybe because they're too self centered, too much work to think of others
Standards-based learning big here. Are standards part of portfolios? Ss work SO important.
I wonder why... teaching isn't a more celebrated or respected profession
Instead of writing reports we could teach!!!!
So true. I work in a challenging behaviour environment. It's always child first. Data is secondary
Eager 2 read. Trouble is Ps & Ts=byproducts of current industrial model. Need 2 follow kids' lead
A2: I wonder why... We perpetuate practices that are in no ones best interest?
agree! Fear of feedback or even seeking guidance for fear of judgement
The distraction of the shiny? Or being bogged down with administrative tasks? Both can be destructive to ts energy levels
Our local intermediate kicks Ts out by 4.30pm, wants them back energetic the day.
Instead of Naplan could we compare schools on something else. Do we need to compare schools??
A3: instead of fearing change, we could embrace it. (if it's what's best for Ss)
I wonder why all the great ideas I see on Twitter chats don't come out in the real world more...
because everyone has been to school so everyone is an 'expert'
It's a huge issue here in USA. Kids are terrified of making mistakes & become perfectionists.
instead of teaching to NAPLAN we could play!!!!
How might we ensure every T meets understands Ss, their temperaments & social emotional needs?
Absolutely, teachers have to let go and trust the individuals most at stake.
I wonder why more teachers aren't using Google Drive to upload & share examples of good practice / student work online
Instead of worrying about statistics could we focus on ensuring students do the best they can
Show them how much fun you are having but be respectful of the knowledge they bring to future learning https://t.co/r58fXYvcLa
How might we get more teachers involved in innovative practices when they like what they've been doing for 20 or more years?
Loving the range of conversation and connections that are being made. Some good ideas for future chats will come from this
Instead of tests we could have assessment that measures the important stuff
Some even go as far as saying personalized learning, when they're holding on to textbook for dear life
.Couldn't believe beg T I mentioned has to test Ss every 2 wks for progress.What about OTJs
Massive big schools we could we go back to small community based schools that focus on community issues? https://t.co/U4iLopDM4i
Interesting, I know they also have very short working weeks. work/life balance
I wonder why we're teaching a curriculum for yesterday's jobs instead of preparing Ss to be tomorrow's entrepreneurs
I'll definitely check it out! Thanks Andrew!
in the room and what strategies are being employed by the Ts 2/2
Instead of SUSPENSIONS could we TIME-IN STUDENTS? That is - connect them to a purpose and people?
YES & no 1 else has your piece of our collective puzzle. Need each person 2B best he/she can be
I know - I said my classroom door is open to staff yet have had no visitors in the last year!
Instead of written reports. Could we use digital portfolios. Current, contextualised, ongoing assessment.
Very true, but things from funding to training need to improve...
Great point, that's why literacy and numeracy essential in non-digital and digital age.
Instead of multitasking can we integrate monotasking.Will increase focus, productivity& quality of output https://t.co/wzkccN059s
We donβt, the government likes to, though!
. Great question! You can't be everywhere at once. Let kids be independent, make choices, stop repeating yourself
no ppoints more staff interaction conversations & collective problem solving on what impacts learning
Hey just back from catching up with friends.
LEARNING IS FUN! Own it, you made that lesson plan. If it's not fun it's because you designed it that way. https://t.co/gXchPNSm4h
A1 How might we...bring back fun and wonder into the classroom?
What happened in Australia for this to be the case? In other countries, teachers and education is highly esteemed.
Isn't it interesting how suspicious many Ts are of fun? When did we decide edu had 2B difficult, boring and stressful?
Instead of inhouse PD could we set up mentors for teachers outside the school to develop 21st Century skills to share with Ss
Our voice matters, we should be heard and opinions valued
Sorry, that's a joke. Only real test is real life, let the students play, learn.
Thanks Andrew. Sounds interesting. I'll add it to my LOOOOONG list of professional reading I'm planning.
Instead of us teachers modelling what we are learning, could ss model their thoughts &begin a professional discussion & guide them
My kids school went to standards based (yay) but it's totally unintelligible to a parent and I'm an expert in data
I wonder why subjects are so separate from each other in my school
Dont even get me started! It is dangerous, when engaged in without a digital safety belt on! More edu needed!
have you spoken to about design thinking in education before?
Instead of...being told it's not relevant/ it's too hard to roll out could we... Think about how to make it happen/be a success
Instead of sitting whilst politicians damage our schools, could we band together and make a difference on a national level?
I wonder why we talk passionately about our teaching goals and dreams but are fearful to take steps towards realizing them.
Might that ":best" be measured in ways having nothing 2 do w/numbers, tests or comparisons w/peers?
Now thats ban I will fully support. Tr's timetables should factor in marking,lesson preparation & reflection.
. Exactly, almost everything should incorporate at least 2 subject areas, helps to bring context and answer "why"
Instead of report cards could we just host P's in our classrooms throughout the year?
Instead of having reports we could have transcripts of ongoing review and response coaching sessions with students
Instead of politicians making education decisions we could get teachers to do it
Bymaking it connected to the communities they and their families live in!
Yes focus, productivity and quality are so important
I wonder why many policy makers still fail to understand the complexity of learning & think they know better than the profession?
Instead of blocking half a dozen tech tools allow teachers from professional judgement
IS it because every spare second is spent trying to dig your way out of a mountain of work?
I'm guessing it's because it's been seen as a woman's job and we tend to denigrate the roles of women in society
Yes! Play is the most intense and satisfying learning you will ever do. Embrace it!
. .Hve 2 class mottos."Be the best you can be." "Doesnt matter if you cant do it as long as you try."
Ts feel threatened by new ways of learning when sharing and collaborating is the key to everyones success https://t.co/GVLL9e02u5
EXACTLY. Uh.... we teach kids. And when you're having fun and are engaged you learn more!
I agree, mode should be fit-for-purpose.
Yes we allow non-educators to set and shape educational policy hence the disconnect.
I wonder why we keep doing what weβve always done. We could do anything, couldnβt we! Imagine the possibilities.
double dipping. Instead of death by power point, could we treat ts as well as we treat our ss and engage them more professionally
I'd come and visit... seeing in action is so powerful!
That's because we're focusing on the ones that matter- the students.
Why do you think that is?
This is where good admins can make HUGE difference. Feedback must be helpful, & not threaten jobs.
A3: Instead of ... Retrospectively assessing could we... feed forward?
Well said. Maybe the lack of standardisation in quality control?
I hear you! we are contextual and connected learners. Separate learning areas are so limiting!
What if... teachers spent more time showcasing what they're doing in their classrooms, rather than doing admin when they meet?
OMG love this. We live & work in a 21st Century world, let's bring student reports into the 21st Century https://t.co/RbeyCNnEmz
Instead of written reports. Could we use digital portfolios. Current, contextualised, ongoing assessment.
A3 Instead of working in silos that make sense to Ts could we find ways to present cohesive instruction that makes sense to Ss
Nice Jen! How about Ts actually led ED development world-wide?
A4: what if...we assessed for mastery throughout the year, giving Ss credit for growth rather than just by the day of the test
What if we cared about education enough to make no class bigger than 15????
What if we didn't group students based on age
we needstep 1 identify https://t.co/g3BMrVDqW6
I wonder why we talk passionately about our teaching goals and dreams but are fearful to take steps towards realizing them.
There nds to be a better way of doing it. I don't know what that wld look like? ePortfolios" Student led conferences?
... of more stand. testing and calling it assessment, ...test formatively w/authentic asmnt. FOR learning https://t.co/Q7o3uBKtdH
I agree that this is something that school leaders should be working harder to remedy. more time
This is the great gift of children & the thing we "school" out of them. It is a crime IMHO. To play=human
A1. How might we support educators who are keen to learn and improve? Provide personalised PD
More that Ts shouldn't just focus on certain students or groups to make more progress due to data
not sure... could be many reasons - under pressure to do own prep/marking/reporting etc or disinterest
Great q, Hattie has done so much harm suggesting class size doesn't matter. Of course it does!
A friend was asked to take reduced salary when she got married Hubby to take care of her?!
What if we didn't have a standardised test at the end of 13 yrs of school that was just a syllabus dot point lottery?
I do portfolios and students present their work and defend their grade against rubric. NO POINTS
Dan- Do you think it is fear within that they may not feel they are doing the right thing if they see someone else
In most schools. Except food. We take bits from every subject, mix it together and make it taste good!
A2) Instead of rinse & repeat lessons, we should try something new, let Ss be curious & lead their learning
love genius hour! One of our yr 1 classes has brought it in with loads of success
Said it before. I want 2B in your class :-) Love the concept of YET....opens door 2 possibility.
Instead of bureaucrats could we be creators and makers?
What if every kid came to school ready to learn???
Boom! Great post Kelly, imagine the students presenting a learning portfolio instead!
What if ss had a choice of whether they had to come... Would they still come to your class?
Yes haven't mastered that yet but would love to https://t.co/CRT0yB5aAU
Great point Jack. That's the big challenge in the digital age to leave work at work!
What if good teachers were not given even more work but allowed more time instead mentoring others...
What if we accentuated the positives of our students and their abilities to provide hope and possibility?
What if schools didn't have weekly staff meetings...
What if Australian edutwitter wasn't so segregated?
A3.1: Instead of ... Following the plan could we... Create it together?
that could be the case. But we have curriculum at one end and standardised testing at different levels at the other
Only marking if it will improve progress not just to prove you mark
One day Jena, we'll make it happen or me in yours! LOL
