#innov8dmps Archive

Run by Des Moines Public School Instructional Technology Coordinators and moderated by them and educators from the district every Tuesday from 8-9pm CST during the school year. We take occasional breaks for the Holidays, but we are consistently trying to reach out to our 60 plus schools and programs to collaborate and tell their stories.

Tuesday January 24, 2017
9:00 PM EST

  • thekiteproject Jan 24 @ 9:00 PM EST
    Introductions first: who are you and what do you do? Is it time to get snow or bring on the sun? #innov8dmps
  • participatechat Jan 24 @ 9:00 PM EST
    Participate in the upcoming #innov8dmps by sharing resources and collaborating at https://t.co/5tcTlxR3fw
  • _MeganMiller Jan 24 @ 9:01 PM EST
    #innov8dmps Megan Miller - 1st grade @HanawaltHawks - Thanks for doing an early chat tonight! 😜 Ready for some ☀️ ☀️ ☀️!
    In reply to @HanawaltHawks
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:03 PM EST
    Melanie Gildharry, Instructional Tech Coordinator. Snow, snow, snow!!! #innov8dmps
  • thekiteproject Jan 24 @ 9:04 PM EST
    Q1 How did your first semester go? What went well, what could be improved? #innov8dmps (Reminder answers need A1)
  • arlaud72 Jan 24 @ 9:05 PM EST
    A1: Kathie Arlaud, 3rd grade South Union. Definitely sun! Just got back from FL and it unfortunately did not follow us back! #innov8dmps
  • _MeganMiller Jan 24 @ 9:05 PM EST
    A1 - My first semester was ... insightful! I learned a lot about myself & my group of kids. #innov8dmps
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:05 PM EST
    A1: Semester was good and productive but slow-moving! Ready to pick up the pace #innov8dmps
  • ScotSoups - Moderator Jan 24 @ 9:06 PM EST
    A1 Think the #innov8dmps chats went well, also thought on-boarding of new Trailblazers was good too, but need to get them started earlier!
  • BrendaColby Jan 24 @ 9:07 PM EST
    #innov8dmps Office of Academics, DMPS.
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:08 PM EST
    That's great! I feel like you never learn everything you should or could but everything helps!!! #innov8dmps
    In reply to @_MeganMiller
  • arlaud72 Jan 24 @ 9:08 PM EST
    A1: 1st sem was honestly difficult this year...took much longer to build relationships, but finally starting to see payoff. #innov8dmps
  • thekiteproject Jan 24 @ 9:09 PM EST
    Q2 What are some ways teachers, coaches, and/or leaders can reflect on their job performance? #innov8dmps (remember A2 in your answers)
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:09 PM EST
    Better late than never! #innov8dmps
    In reply to @arlaud72
  • BrendaColby Jan 24 @ 9:09 PM EST
    A1. 1st semester was crazy busy, but great! I get to work with amazing people every single day. #innov8dmps
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:10 PM EST
    So true, So true! #innov8dmps
    In reply to @_MeganMiller
  • ScotSoups - Moderator Jan 24 @ 9:11 PM EST
    A2 Some of the best ways I reflect are through Twitter chats and blogs, that way share w/ others and create dialogue #innov8dmps
  • BrendaColby Jan 24 @ 9:12 PM EST
    A2. Having a critical friend to reflect with works best for me. @MASDMPS is my partner in crime. #innov8dmps
    In reply to @MASDMPS
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:12 PM EST
    A2: Going back through what you'veaccomplished (or not) tells about your productivity. Also asking peers for feedback helps! #innov8dmps
  • _MeganMiller Jan 24 @ 9:12 PM EST
    A2 - we used video reflections in our BLUE classes a lot our first 2 years. A little intimidating but a great tool! #innov8dmps
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:12 PM EST
    I second that one! #innov8dmps
    In reply to @BrendaColby
  • arlaud72 Jan 24 @ 9:12 PM EST
    A2:reflecting on job performance can just be taking note of things that go well and noting or changing things that don't #innov8dmps
  • _MeganMiller Jan 24 @ 9:13 PM EST
    A2 - I'll also ask my students what's going well in the classroom. We use plus/delta to talk about positives & changes to make #innov8dmps
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:13 PM EST
    Video reflections where you record yourself? Or how does that work? #innov8dmps
    In reply to @_MeganMiller
  • _MeganMiller Jan 24 @ 9:14 PM EST
    #innov8dmps yep! Just set an iPad up & record yourself teaching a lesson then watch yourself! Should have clarified.
    In reply to @chemelnalic
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:14 PM EST
    I had a reflection box at bottom of every lesson plan that I'd write in every day so I could change the next year! #innov8dmps
    In reply to @arlaud72
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:16 PM EST
    Very nice! It can be intimidating to record yourself but man, it shows you things you didn't know you were doing! #innov8dmps
    In reply to @_MeganMiller
  • ScotSoups - Moderator Jan 24 @ 9:17 PM EST
    A3 Dewey I think said we don't learn from experience, learn by reflecting on experience, which betters problem solving/Ss agency #innov8dmps
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:17 PM EST
    I think that serves the same purpose!!! Just different ways of doing it! #innov8dmps
    In reply to @arlaud72
  • thekiteproject Jan 24 @ 9:19 PM EST
    Q4 What are some of your best tips for Ss reflection? #innov8dmps
  • _MeganMiller Jan 24 @ 9:20 PM EST
    A3 - self-reflection is a student's "check in". A way for them to remind themselves of what they're learning & progress made. #innov8dmps
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:20 PM EST
    A4: Make sure you are providing Ss with things to reflect on, not just telling them to reflect. They need some guidance! #innov8dmps
  • _MeganMiller Jan 24 @ 9:21 PM EST
    A3 - trying to build a growth mindset in our classroom "Mistakes are a chance for our brain to grow!" #innov8dmps
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:21 PM EST
    So important for them to see what they are learning not just through teacher feedback! #innov8dmps
    In reply to @_MeganMiller
  • ScotSoups - Moderator Jan 24 @ 9:22 PM EST
    A4 just read a blog that suggested reflecting w/ Ss shout outs, sharing positives from others at end of day #innov8dmps
  • _MeganMiller Jan 24 @ 9:22 PM EST
    definitely! Especially our littlest learners... we use lots of sentence starters #innov8dmps
    In reply to @chemelnalic
  • arlaud72 Jan 24 @ 9:22 PM EST
    A3: Students can be very insightful and honest when they are reassured that there isn't a right or wrong answer when reflecting! #innov8dmps
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:22 PM EST
    A4: I also think it is important to read their reflections every once in a while so they know you care what they have to say. #innov8dmps
  • _MeganMiller Jan 24 @ 9:23 PM EST
    A4 - Make sure you're modeling reflection. We started with whole group reflecting at BOY before moving to individual #innov8dmps
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:23 PM EST
    That's awesome! Those even help adults sometimes!! #innov8dmps
    In reply to @_MeganMiller
  • _MeganMiller Jan 24 @ 9:24 PM EST
    A4 - I also give sentence frames for reflection, to guide conversation & get wheels turning! #innov8dmps
  • arlaud72 Jan 24 @ 9:25 PM EST
    A4: give students choice and variety for reflections..some like to reflect orally, others journal or private reflection is best #innov8dmps
  • thekiteproject Jan 24 @ 9:26 PM EST
    Q5 In what ways are your Ss communicating/reflecting on their learning? #innov8dmps (don't forget to add A5 for your answer to this one)!
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:26 PM EST
    Great point! Mix things up! #innov8dmps
    In reply to @arlaud72
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:27 PM EST
    A5: Having blogs that others can read could be an option or maybe reading it aloud. #innov8dmps
  • ScotSoups - Moderator Jan 24 @ 9:29 PM EST
    A5 used have Ss reflect on quizzes/assessments by choosing problems they got wrong and explain why, and include new solution #innov8dmps
  • arlaud72 Jan 24 @ 9:29 PM EST
    A5: our 3rd graders are weekly rating themselves on rdg and math scales and adding evidence to portfolios to prove their ratings #innov8dmps
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:29 PM EST
    A5: Have them make videos or even start a podcast! #innov8dmps
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:30 PM EST
    I love portfolios! Such great evidence of student learning and growth! #innov8dmps
    In reply to @arlaud72
  • _MeganMiller Jan 24 @ 9:30 PM EST
    A5 - we have closing reflection at the end of the day. We partner share, and share out loud what we're comfortable with. #innov8dmps
  • thekiteproject Jan 24 @ 9:31 PM EST
    Q6 How or what are some ways we can provide Ss opportunities to tell their stories? #innov8dmps
  • _MeganMiller Jan 24 @ 9:31 PM EST
    A5 - we also do LOTS of "thumbs up/thumbs down" on the spot reflecting for understanding, preference, or anything! #innov8dmps
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:32 PM EST
    A6: Oops, might have jumped the gun on this one! Podcasts, videos, blogs, websites, portfolios, journals #innov8dmps
  • ScotSoups - Moderator Jan 24 @ 9:33 PM EST
    A6 I think getting their peers involved, create an environment where this is 2nd nature, set goals so they see successes #innov8dmps
  • arlaud72 Jan 24 @ 9:33 PM EST
    A6: Morning meeting provides lots of opportunities for sharing with and listening to one another! #innov8dmps
  • _MeganMiller Jan 24 @ 9:35 PM EST
    agree! All about creating that environment! #innov8dmps
    In reply to @ScotSoups
  • NKleinmeyer Jan 24 @ 9:35 PM EST
    A5: Whatever way their doing it, its not enough. Reflections using a portfolio on Slides. Meant to communicate with parents. #innov8dmps
  • thekiteproject Jan 24 @ 9:37 PM EST
    Q7 How can we foster S goal setting and how might reflection be used to establish goals? #innov8dmps
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:38 PM EST
    A7: Students should include actionable items in reflections and see what was negative or opportunity for growth and set a goal. #innov8dmps
  • NKleinmeyer Jan 24 @ 9:39 PM EST
    A6: Working up to a class blog that each class section has a turn taking over for a week. #Innov8dmps
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:40 PM EST
    That's a great idea. Then students could reflect on their peers reflections and offer suggestions! #innov8dmps
    In reply to @NKleinmeyer
  • NKleinmeyer Jan 24 @ 9:40 PM EST
    A6: Have done an "8th Grade Update" Kids are in charge, we share on classroom so they can show parents. https://t.co/YtwHhRNZc6 #innov8dmps
  • ScotSoups - Moderator Jan 24 @ 9:40 PM EST
    definitely something we forget to do at times, include parents #innov8dmps
    In reply to @NKleinmeyer
  • ScotSoups - Moderator Jan 24 @ 9:41 PM EST
    A7 Need some sort of progress monitoring journal or ways of keeping track! #tracker self-reflect where they are #innov8dmps
  • arlaud72 Jan 24 @ 9:41 PM EST
    A7: by fostering a classroom where lots of celebrating occurs when goals are met!! #innov8dmps
  • _MeganMiller Jan 24 @ 9:41 PM EST
    A7 - we use @TheLeaderinMe at our school which focuses on setting goals. It's been great to align with SRG! #innov8dmps
    In reply to @TheLeaderinMe
  • _MeganMiller Jan 24 @ 9:42 PM EST
    A7 - goals need to be meaningful to students #innov8dmps
  • NKleinmeyer Jan 24 @ 9:42 PM EST
    A7: Open conversations with them about where we are, where we want to be, and how do we get there. Talk them thru how you do it. #innov8dmps
  • ScotSoups - Moderator Jan 24 @ 9:43 PM EST
    I love classroom celebrations! #innov8dmps
    In reply to @arlaud72
  • thekiteproject Jan 24 @ 9:44 PM EST
    Q8 In what ways are Ts sharing learning goals w/ Ss and how are they checking for understanding? #innov8dmps
  • KirkmanDMPS Jan 24 @ 9:44 PM EST
    A1 1st semester was a whirlwind- love 6th, amazing kids, robots, learning, STEM, all awesomeness #innov8dmps
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:45 PM EST
    A8: Student friendly objectives/goals and then have them use the same words in their reflections. #innov8dmps
  • ScotSoups - Moderator Jan 24 @ 9:46 PM EST
    A8 Sharing goals w/ Ss and reflecting the understanding of these goals applying/analyzing these goals, showing understanding #innov8dmps
  • ScotSoups - Moderator Jan 24 @ 9:46 PM EST
    almost feel that if Ss don't have a say in the goal it means little to them #innov8dmps
    In reply to @_MeganMiller
  • ScotSoups - Moderator Jan 24 @ 9:47 PM EST
    I have to tag this for later to keep track of it common language important #innov8dmps
    • _MeganMiller Jan 24 @ 9:46 PM EST
      it's the language we use school-wide, and what our school culture is based off of. We celebrate one habit per month.
      In reply to @arlaud72
  • KirkmanDMPS Jan 24 @ 9:47 PM EST
    A2 I need 2 keep digital log of lessons 4 each strand w pictures & feedback & how 2 tweak it. Like @Seesaw for teacher #innov8dmps
    In reply to @Seesaw
  • KirkmanDMPS Jan 24 @ 9:49 PM EST
    A3 if Ss can pick out what they did well, what they need to learn, and what they change, they r masters their learning. Love! #innov8dmps
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:49 PM EST
    I like that! Might be a great suggestion to @Seesaw #innov8dmps
    In reply to @KirkmanDMPS, @Seesaw
  • thekiteproject Jan 24 @ 9:50 PM EST
    Q9 How can Ts monitor that Ss are learning intended targets? #innov8dmps
  • KirkmanDMPS Jan 24 @ 9:52 PM EST
    a4 have them identify what is right 1st- as many steps/parts. Build on that. Then find only 1 to improve. Makes it manageable #innov8dmps
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:52 PM EST
    A9: Looking at student artifacts and encouraging self-reflection and revision. #innov8dmps
  • ScotSoups - Moderator Jan 24 @ 9:53 PM EST
    A9 Listing some: quizzes, exit tickets, think-pair-share, journal, peer instruction, use variety, let them self-assess #innov8dmps
  • mrevansclass Jan 24 @ 9:53 PM EST
    3rd grade bball practice ran long. Sorry to have missed tonight's chat. I'll be sure to fave @ScotSoups & @BrendaColby tweets #innov8dmps
    In reply to @ScotSoups, @BrendaColby
  • arlaud72 Jan 24 @ 9:53 PM EST
    A9: monitoring targets can be a quick check, small group discussion, or exit slip. I like to keep it quick and simple #innov8dmps
  • KirkmanDMPS Jan 24 @ 9:54 PM EST
    A5 better 2 ask how they aren't. Movies, drawings, pictures, models, robotics, verbal, plays, acting, presentations, & 1 song #innov8dmps
  • mrevansclass Jan 24 @ 9:54 PM EST
    A9: constantly checking for understanding. We do scales of 1-4 and thumbs up or down. Exit slips, vigilant effort to stay on top #innov8dmps
  • ScotSoups - Moderator Jan 24 @ 9:55 PM EST
    keeping it easy to monitor is the key! especially if you can involve the Ss! #innov8dmps
    • arlaud72 Jan 24 @ 9:53 PM EST
      A9: monitoring targets can be a quick check, small group discussion, or exit slip. I like to keep it quick and simple #innov8dmps
  • thekiteproject Jan 24 @ 9:56 PM EST
    Q10 Final thought: what are the benefits of having reflective learners? #innov8dmps
  • KirkmanDMPS Jan 24 @ 9:56 PM EST
    A6 authentic opportunities &collaboration... but most importantly- listen, sometime it isn't in words but how they say it. #innov8dmps
  • mrevansclass Jan 24 @ 9:57 PM EST
    A7: we have goals on our student tracking/reflection sheets. Ss set a goal for how they want to do on standard & track progress #innov8dmps
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:57 PM EST
    A10: It encourages life-long, responsible learning, which will breed innovation and give a positive light to our future! #innov8dmps
  • ScotSoups - Moderator Jan 24 @ 9:58 PM EST
    A10 putting aside time to reflect on learning affects how you learn not only in school but life by organizing your thinking #innov8dmps
  • chemelnalic Jan 24 @ 9:58 PM EST
    Great point! Read between the lines too! #innov8dmps
    In reply to @KirkmanDMPS
  • arlaud72 Jan 24 @ 9:58 PM EST
    Q10: reflection gives validation for what was accomplished and purpose for moving forward #innov8dmps
  • KirkmanDMPS Jan 24 @ 9:59 PM EST
    A7 trust has 2 b built before true goal setting happens. They need 2 know u will help them set attainable 1s and teach them #innov8dmps