#mschat Archive
A chat that offers middle school teachers a chance to have a collaborative discussion about a different topic each week. Our topics change from week to week, ranging from Common Core State Standards to Character Education. During the chat, participants exchanges ideas and resources. The chat group ranges in size each week from 10 to 50+ participants. Discussion can be general talking about instructional style or process to specific. Recently members of the chat group help each other create lessons.
Thursday October 27, 2016
Pull up a chair, Grab a drink and nibble your fingers as Starts NOW!!
Hey hey, ! It's 8pmET & we're ready 2 kick off this tweet up ab awesome conferences & PD! Let's start w/ int… https://t.co/SlzUkqKMCZ
We are excited to join in as guest co-hosts from Austin TX
An MS educator for 15+ years. joining in from TX
Todd joining from Warren, MI 7th grade science teacher and chat organizer
Make those intros happen now ! This is Dru from , THE Assoc 4 Middle Level Education. 4ever MS/HS ELA/R/SS teacher & MS/ES admin
Peg, Instructional Coach/Reading Specialist from MKE! I'm all IN! !
Thx 4 working shoulder 2 shoulder w/ on this tweet up, ! https://t.co/8EXpPcJALZ
We are excited to join in as guest co-hosts from Austin TX
A MS educator for 16 years from St Charles, IL.
Oh Captain, my Captain! Thx for joining up & bringing the middle grades knowledge & leadership, https://t.co/EiVippwqMw
Todd joining from Warren, MI 7th grade science teacher and chat organizer
Been a LONG time, . Chris from New Orleans. Athletic Director and physical education teacher for 19 years.
Glad to have you join in Chris...
Thx for being here, Kathleen! Appreciate you sharing your time, energy & passion w/ 2nite! https://t.co/7L4aDUEzZl
A MS educator for 16 years from St Charles, IL.
I built the ship, you are driving tonight!
Welcome back, Chris! You picked a gr8 night
As AD I am sure you have a crazy busy schedule ... Chats are always here when you need them
The rules: answer w/ A1 for Q1, A2 for Q2, etc. & use (& since we're tweeting a bit ab the conf) for answers
The rules: answer w/ A1 for Q1, A2 for Q2, etc. & use (& since we're tweeting a bit ab the conf) for answers
Discussing "Being an Effective Leader in Education" on - NOW!
Here we go...
Thx for the intros, everyone. Shall we start with our 1st question?
games finished early and family is away. No better time than to work on my PLN.
Ahoy to that! That's why they call it leader-ship! Boom! https://t.co/j3Pwno1lwE
I built the ship, you are driving tonight!
Q1: What are the characteristics of an effective & amazing conference &/or professional learning event?
A1: Feel the PASSION from all that attend and present!
Go for it ! Launch away! https://t.co/j7itDJfDV0
Thx for the intros, everyone. Shall we start with our 1st question?
A1: Feeling of open doors, open conversations and true exchange of ideas
A1: Opportunities to network, celebrate, and learn from experts and practitioners
Good structure with amazing people, content & context!
A1 Give me time to actually "do" the learning of the PD. So often the PD is surface stuff; give me time to dive in & practice
Love conferences that build in opportunities for teachers to move, meet and have those powerful small conversations!
A1: Too much PD scratches teachers who don't have the itch. The best presenters figure out how to cultivate the "itch."
Yes! Structure and flow are important!
A1 variety of sessions that cover multiple interests. Sessions that aren't just power points. Relevant to content and answers ?'s
A1: Offer a variety of formats and structures to learn: Engage many times of audiences
A1: Grounded in theory & solid research
Some of the best are when we can apply and work together as we learn
Time to collaborate and learn revolutionary ideas. Time to process how to implement
A1: Where you can see TEACHERS present what works in the classroom, next to the authors talking about theory
Definitely! When audiences are engaged, they are more likely to connect and apply
A1. Gr8 conferences galvanize/synthesize the energy of folks who R there & (thru Twitter) those who Rn't there! Not just sit & get
Excellent point - motivation, drive & a sense of urgency are vital to instill https://t.co/cflpJm3sIN
A1: Too much PD scratches teachers who don't have the itch. The best presenters figure out how to cultivate the "itch."
A1 part two; also collaboration with colleagues that you meet up with where you can share. Especially through social media.
A1 As a nat'l presenter, I ask for feedback, read it and apply it. When I get criticism, it is meant as an opportunity to grow
A1: PD that is larger than the venue and connects to THE WORLD
the more connections, the greater the opportunity to grow professionally!
Gr8 point. Research & practice coming together is a wonder to experience
We have to have both, Get the big vision and see the nuts and bolts of how it works for the practitioners
Yes! Actually seeing effective researched practices in play by presenters and in theory move the mind
A1: We agree: Interactive, engaging, relevant, & practical are the best
As a college student going into teaching, I love it when everyone shares their insights and how they have grown.
What I love about the conference: HOW it adapts to needs of audience and Offers a variety of formats
Yes! This is like differentiation for the adult learner
Its on my calendar... NOW how do I get there??? WOULD be awesome!
Sessions that teach in the way the brain learns - just like we want Ts to do w/Ss
Right! How is the adult learner any different than the student? Many conferences miss this!
A1: It;s all about connection: People to people & people to knowledge & resources
We could run combined with during the conference!! .
Q2 for : How do u organize yourself & your team be4 attending a conference like (besides packing!) ?
unfortunately that is the case, so it is important for conferences to model the PD that educators want and need
A2: discuss upcoming conferences, district and T needs, follow-up w/ inquiry-led discussions and transformative practices
. And a great reason to visit beautiful Australia!!
A2: Previewing the conference program/app helps w/planning ahead (& what a gr8 app AMLE had, BTW)
A2: Goals and staff needs need to drive choices of PD, not always the other way around.
A2 divide and conquer. Very rarely do we attend the same sessions. Usually assign during breakfast and debrief over, um, sodas😉
A2: Make a game plan: WHAT do you want to learn? WHO do you need to SEE? Map it all out!
A2 When I present, handouts color-coded & I antcipte ?s ahead of time. I give participants time 2 think how they can modify materls
Let's cultivate that edu-soil & grow something gr8! https://t.co/Tc7kSo5bph
We could run combined with during the conference!! .
A2: Set up methods to record notes and collaborate while at conference
A2. Then condense our findings into a sheet to share with everyone back home and on our PLN
A2: Move if you are not getting needed information from session and change plans on the fly
A2: Make sure to personally connect with experts in areas of need for your team
I'm sure your participants appreciate your intentionality & consideration of their needs. Very important. https://t.co/LHifcmlEp4
A2 When I present, handouts color-coded & I antcipte ?s ahead of time. I give participants time 2 think how they can modify materls
Agreed! Have to have a solid plan of how to SHARE learning with those not fortunate enough to go
A2: Our team likes to divide & conquer among the selected & relevant sessions
For sure! And don't feel bad for doing so....it is for your learning not the presenter's
Yes! Tie conferences 2 identified goals & needs at district/school/teacher levels, so learning=focused Good… https://t.co/XKXhwNfnHC
A2: discuss upcoming conferences, district and T needs, follow-up w/ inquiry-led discussions and transformative practices
YES, Team needs to define WHY they are attending and WHAT they expect to get from conference
A2: At meals and in between sessions meet up and check to see if you are progressing on goals
A2: checking in late from beautiful DE to org b4 conf jot down questions as a staff/team &seek sessions &make contact 2 find answers
A2: Don't forget to connect with those around you: Hear their whys and stories ... Might connect with yours!
A2: Personally Conferences are all about the PEOPLE ... I focus on the connections and small conversations
Remember the ROOM is always smarter than any individual in the room: Connections matter, Build relationships with your peers
Great question! I know Ts who have pulled up the app later to promote/discuss what they attended
Depends on the attendee: Many use a shared doc format so many on team and back home can see & Collaborate
Okay our pals, go ahead & launch Q3 for ! We're ready 2 roar!
It's all about connecting people to people & people to resources/knowledge. Building that PLN & toolbox
The app is great because all the handouts are in it!! Notes are a bonus!!
I have really come 2 rely on the app to support me by having everything I need in one place https://t.co/mhWwUFsDCc
When conferences have apps w/ Notes features, how often does that function get used? The app had that, so… https://t.co/BVCvWlBK4s
Q3: What have been some of the most impactful sessions/new knowledge you have gained at or at another conference?
Yes the app does a nice job of consolidation! My tweets are my notes
A3: Being around like-minded educators is always a plus at
A3: Hearing what others have to say about their experiences and methods so people connections
A3: Made many connections to knowledge at Learned about SBG and how to implement
A3: Keeping the learner as a focus within a conference is critical.
A3: A few years ago my team learned about a vocabulary tool that we implemented school-wide - very impactful.
A3: Met so many wonderful people over the years at MY peeps too
A3. Experienced and in Columbus two years ago at I immediately purchased the book and finished in 3 days.
A3: This year I came back with how important the job of a MS teacher is, which is helping me in dealing with HS teachers
A3: My annual met up with and is at missed it this year
A3: Very true, sometimes being around others w/shared experience can be a morale booster mid-year. https://t.co/98kH5CPwPd
A3: Being around like-minded educators is always a plus at
That's why you've got 2 be part of in Philly in November! It's all ab those connections! https://t.co/ZEGJRr6E0E
A3: My annual met up with and is at missed it this year
You are a kindred spirit! This is precisely our mission!
On my calendar! Working on session ideas too
this is what I thrive on! Ts taking risks to benefit Ss.
You sold me! How do I get involved?
Very true! https://t.co/KPfWaAPNGY
A3: Hearing what others have to say about their experiences and methods so people connections
I was sad to miss this year - but met my idol at AIE the week before Still feeling inspired
Lucas was part of 4-part keynote: powerful ex ab making learning relevant/meaningful/motivating! … https://t.co/3YdLoLCalL
You all R individually & collectively bringing the awesome sauce 2 2nite! Get ready for Q4!
Trade offs, can't make every conference.... and TWITTER allows you to be there when not
Here's Q4 for 2nite: What’s the best way to share passion/knowledge fr a conference when U get back to scho… https://t.co/iw4dOc56Tk
A4: DON"T wait till back at school have school follow your journey on TWITTER, FB live etc
A4: This is one of the biggest challenges. Often come back to lots of new work awaiting, especially on a campus.
A4: Have a share out upon return with highlights, use resources like the videos from conference to share
A4 part 2: However, heard some excellent ideas tonight!
YES there is always that pile of stuff to do upon return and teaching: SO Plan ahead how to share
A4 besides dancing, we are fortunate to have department, team or division meetings where we always have time to share with other Ts
A4: Put new found information onto a personal website or into a presentation and share the link w/ staff.
This is where the planned follow up helps - built in sharing out & technology to facilitate
Sorry I was late to the party. Prepping snacks and pumpkins for my son's Halloween party tomorrow. Ryan in MI, 6th/7th Soc. Studies.
A4: modeling strategies, organizing book studies, diving into further research
A4: Condensing it to the main points, keep it fresh, and expand on the main points
Excellent point & gr8 circle back to earlier discussion! We must be intentional w/ long term thin… https://t.co/pdcQjTN19r
YES there is always that pile of stuff to do upon return and teaching: SO Plan ahead how to share
A4:Love when new PD is presented in mini PD session during PLC time. Great attendance- great conversations-heads back into PLC
A4 pt 2. Of course on , and (as long as you ask permission)
Welcome - great segue to to Q5
A4: it is important 2 organize what u want 2 share around existing plans/initiatives "summer camp reports" r not usually r'cevd well
We'll close out soon with a fun Q
Great resources! puts on a great show because it never ends! ALWAYS supporting us in the middle!
Q5: If professional learning was a food for middle level education, what food would it be and why?
Hey, , will there be wireless connection at this year at Swartz Creek? I'm working out a plan for a session.
A5: Conferences = Tapas & Energy Bars
A5: Professional learning in general = SUSTENANCE
Final ?, ! Q5 is here: If professional learning was a food 4 middle level education, what food would it be & why?
