#LearnLAP occurs on Mondays starting at 7pm Central Time. Guest moderators and participants discuss topics from author Paul Solarz's book Learn Like a PIRATE.
Brian from SoCal
Teaching #LEARNING through the 6C's in #Science Biology and Physiology at IHHS @PandasSb5
Ready to get my Pirate on and join #LearnLAP
I’m Paul Solarz, 4th grade teacher and author of #LearnLAP. Doing math homework with my niece while reading everyone’s comments tonight! Thanks to @bmiller_FSTS for moderating!!!
Phil from Northern Virginia. I teach 6/7 US History I&II and am the founder of #waledchat (Thurs @ 9pm) and #Edusations (Youtube). Happy to be here! #learnlap
Isaac "Mr. B" Batty: First year teacher in training from CSUDH, future LosAngelesUSD employee, student teacher at George Washington Prep HS. ready to #LearnLAP
I’m Karen from the Gold Coast, Queensland 🇦🇺 Grade 4 teacher, collegial coach & beginning teacher mentor. Currently on school holidays, so can participate in twitter chats 🙌🏼 #LearnLAP
A1: Active learning is engagement. Students are in tune and excited to learn. Active learning is when the Ss own their learning & participate readily in it. #LearnLAP
A1- Active learning is students interacting with me and each other. Discussing text we are reading as a class and ones they are reading on their own. #learnlap
A1 kids moving around to different learning stations, collaboration and sharing, individualized learning, students being hands on with the content, I want to see students asking lots of questions and searching for answers, shared reflection #LearnLAP
A1. Although I am not in a classroom this year, active learning comes down to personalized learning. The students are hooked into the lesson and feel empowered with their task. Everything has a purpose. #learnlap
Active learning in my class looks like Ss in groups for the first 15 min of class, asking and answering Qs about the homework together. Multiple conversations with relevance. Ss learning, growing their relationships, contributing by both asking AND answering. #learnlap
A1: Active learning in my classroom looks like students being engaged by exploring new concepts through technology and collaborative meaningful relevant activities. #LearnLAP
A1: It's not physical necessarily. It looks like students engaged in intense cognitive effort via reading, writing, speaking, listening, or arguing - preferably all of the above! #LearnLAP
A1: Engaging in dialogue about events of the past, developing empathy for those who we study, and using critical thinking skills to think about cause and effect of actions in the past and their role on the present. This all happens when Ss are given voice and choice. #learnlap
A1: my classroom has to have something exciting to kick off the learning. Then engagement and relevance..as a principal the classroom of teachers still looks the same #learnlap
Very nontraditional expectations of a classroom. Then again... finding greatness often times involves us to disrupt our routine! :) Right, @ERobbPrincipal? #learnlap
A1: Working on a lesson using an iPad, discussing ideas with classmates, creating something (either tangible or writing something out) to demonstrate mastery of concepts. Active learning = conversation/physical movement, maybe some laughter along the way, too. #learnlap
Q1: Active learning in the classroom looks like plenty of engagement for example a lot of hands on activities, student led discussions, collaborative work, and nothing too boring. #LearnLAP#diverselearners
A1 Engaged students, who want to be at school. Offering student voice & choice. Collaborative learning. Student discussions. Students doing more taking/work than me. Students having fun learning. #LearnLAP
A1: I would like to use this picture of a classroom today. This was a third grade classroom - this teacher had students to collect data from each other. The students were 100% engaged- Math Talk was being displayed- Teacher was right in the middle, facilitating! #LearnLAP
A1: #LearnLAP
Sorry I'm late everyone. I'm Ching Ern, first year student at Laidlaw, NZ. I think active learning is all about intrinsic motivation and getting the kids up from the mat or their desks and doing things, learning the way they want to learn.
Hey #LearnLAP! Louie from Philly here! 5th grade teacher!
Have a moment to breath tonight and join a twitter chat! Look forward to learning and growing with you!
A1. In my classroom, active learning is seen when we use manipulatives for math, acting out important dates or important roles during social science, actively sharing with partners, groups and as a class throughout the day #LearnLAP#diverselearners
A2. Hyperdocs facilitate this active learning in my class. The students are often sifting through different media and using different platforms to guide and show their own learning. Much voice and choice! #LearnLAP
A2: I have found that a lot of my hyperdocs have led to students wanting to do and create more. I've got a stations activity I designed over the summer that I am pretty excited about tomorrow that will teach Ss about Native American cultures. :) #learnlap
A1. The Ss are working, exploring, a little bit of chaos, Ss excited to learn. Learning is hands on, everyone participating. Voice and choice. #learnlap
A2: Writing and performing skits. Creating podcasts and newspapers and writing a letter to the author of their summer reading book (I Tweeted them out, and some authors responded!) Students are motivated when they know they have a wider audience. #learnlap
Kristen here from PA!!! I teach 6th grade physical science!! Today I convinced some of my ss that I am walking peg legged because I’m going to be a pirate for Halloween so I’m practicing walking like a pirate. They shook their heads like, “yeah, that makes sense.” 😂😂#learnlap
A2 I think teachers need to share their passions and encourage students to do the same. Take note of this and parlay it into opportunities for them to seek answers and explore things that interest them. Often times we can find connections to he content to make this work #LearnLAP
I really want to implement this ACTIVE part of active learning. I get the ACTIVE THINKING, but want to get students' bodies moving during learning process. #LearnLAP
A2: I'm a big fan of having students talk about what we are reading without putting much of my own thoughts into the conversation. Putting the onus on the students. Read @arielsacks for more info on how to do this with #wholenovels. #learnlap
A2 In kindergarten we have active learning opportunities all day. We use a workshop model...short instructional times, opportunities for practice and collaboration, then sharing! In photo Ss sharing a story written in class. #LearnLAP
A2: scaffold, help the students to unlock their potential and get to the next level of their learning. So often, they say, I can't do this. But you've just to make them understand the ceiling above them is actually a door and they have the key to unlock it.
#learnLAP
A1. The student who is actively learning should not just look engage, but is actively engaged; that is to say their behavior should show their level of engagement. Actively engage learning leaves little to no room for disruptive behavior to transpire.
#learnLAP#diverselearners
A2: Through #Choice & #Voice! Students’ voices are so important- some are never heard. BUT if we give them choice of HOW they learn & help them with their WHY- all voices will be heard, and learning will be enjoyable! #LearnLAP
A2 My Students are learning how to Podcast, that’s been fun. They do a lot building with LEGO and @BloxelsBuilder and green screening with StikBots #LearnLAP
A2: i give them the opprotunity to jump into the lesson without giving them alot to do. THey might have to find certain things but as of late we are trying the wonder approach to learning. What about the lesson makes them wonder (still working on it) #LearnLAP
A1: Right now in STEM it looks like the 4Cs! I also try to include student voice & choice, kids learning how to learn in the ways that work best for them, & of course having fun! #LearnLAP
A1: All ss engaged, discovering answers on their own instead of being spoon fed, making decisions about what and how they learn and are assessed, reflecting, setting goals, and making a plan to get to their goals. #learnlap
A2: Keeping it engaging -- let Ss be creative, taking curriculum from core classes and presenting it a different way depending on need. Getting everyone involved. #learnlap
A2. You could provide opportunities by incorporating many hands on activities, keeping in mind the student’s interest when planning lessons, and give students a voice. #learnLAP#diverselearners
As Ss are working together reviewing hwk Qs, they are learning far more than math. They are learning that it is generous to ask a Q....and the WAY you answer is often more important than the answer you provide. Kindness and thanksgiving. #learnlap
A2: The other week, I taught the students about tableaux and they were able to get up and move around as they set up three tableaux that reflected a scene in Twelfth Night. We combined theater with literature, and the students were very engaged. #learnlap
A2 I try and get them out of their seats and interacting with each other or materials as much as possible. Today I had them do a Google Forms Check, Read an article, watch an edpuzzle and answer a set of questions. #LearnLAP
A2 As a 1:1 iPad school students have choice how they share/present their learning. I foster opportunities for collaborative learning. We are starting to use challenge based learning. I’ve also started to use #BreakoutEDU#LearnLAP
A3: I think inquiry is the heart and soul of active learning. If students are given something that makes the ask deep questions, peaks their interests, and leaves them wondering “what’s next” - that’s where the learning process becomes a passion instead of a checkbox. #learnlap
A3: We sit around in a circle and argue and debate trying to find the answers to interesting questions generated by the students. I can think of nothing more interesting and engaging! #LearnLAP
Some active learning opportunities that I provide my students to gain the skill of joy for learning is giving students choice, provide fun interactive activities for all subjects, SAMR technology integration #LearnLAP#diverselearners
A3 ask students to produce the questions the most want answered. What amazes them perplexes them it makes them say how in the world does that work. Then work with them to generate questions to find the answers. #LearnLAP
#LearnLAP
A3: IDK, lol. But I know that things like genius hour, visits by experts and intrinsic motivation all leads to promoting inquiry, critical thinking, asking questions and questioning their assumptions.
A3 Giving Ss the opportunity to explore allows them to think and wonder...stop and listen to their wonders...investigate and see where it takes you! Science center...looking at insects...make them wonder! #LearnLAP
A3: Active learning and inquiry go hand-in-hand. When students are active participants in the process, they should be asking questions and digging deep. T's job to foster an environment where all questions valued. #learnlap
Definitely! It's bedtime for my littles on the East Coast, so I usually have to duck out of #LearnLAP a few min early so I can tuck them in bed before #tlap - I love both of these chats.
A3: Socratic Seminars and debates work well in promoting inquiry. In SSs, students ask one another questions and discuss topics together, while in debates, students ask questions among one another to further understand and develop their arguments. #learnlap
A3- Show students phenomena to observe and wonder about. Innate curiosity leads to questions which can be refined to extract meaningful practices and concepts. #learnLAP#diverselearners
I go back and forth on this one. There's a growing body of evidence that shows the need for knowledge building because by having more background knowledge one can more easily make connections between seemingly different things. See #researchED for more info! #learnlap
A3: Jumping in late... I love using PBL, Genius Hour, Student voice and Choice to encourage inquiry. What is your question and how are you going to find answers or solutions? #LearnLAP
A2: Why not utilize S's funds of knowledge to explore their ethnic roots within the classroom? I want my science students to engage personally with the content. Question for my students: "How did someone from your culture better the world with science?" #LearnLAP
A3: This is a great question, @bmiller_FSTS! Active learning is continual and follows S interest. This naturally promotes inquiry as Ss can ask questions and be encouraged to find answers. #LearnLAP
A3: Challenge and Project Based Learning where students have to answer a ‘big question’. This leads to more questions and inquiry. They then steer the ship. #LearnLAP
A3It is fun to watch them think of so many questions. You can see the lightbulb shine! When they leave wanting to learn more you know that it was successful! #Learnlap
A3: I love simple inquiry routines like See Think Wonder or Think Challenge Explore to scaffold the way to better student questions. In closing discussions we focus on the wonder mostly. #learnlap
A1 - Unpopular opinion = all learning is active learning...cognitively speaking. No cognition = no learning.
The myth of passive learning
https://t.co/VXCBHkUtSY#LearnLAP
A3(2): I love to follow up See Thnk Wonders with informal small Socratic seminar circles where the kids use the deep questions they create to drive conversation. #learnlap
A4: Technology allows Ss to learn at their own pace, and to learn that which is of interest to them. It's important to note that tech isn't a "Fix-All" and the T is still the single factor in S success. #LearnLAP
Students still need to know things that can be googled...If you don't know the 'googlable', you cannot build with that knowledge to more complex understanding of more complex concepts. #LearnLAP
A4: I love choice boards! Super excited to try this one out on a PD for teachers tomorrow at @WestridgeWRE.
When we give/are given choice, we are empowering the learning process. #learnlap
A4 so many great tools out there what is everyone using. I think there is so much to gain in using digital portfolios. I really hope to see more and more of this as the years go on #LearnLAP
A2 We are using Schoology this year as a district, and I love I can link and embed tech into one assignment to get them doing lots of things. #LearnLAP
Google Classroom is a great tool we use in our class to organize resources for students! For example, I will link different articles and videos so students can expand their learning. We can also do formative assesments by having students reply to questions. #LearnLAP
A4: My middle school does 1:1 with the iPads. They submit work via the Showbie app and I give feedback with voice notes. I can respond via comment or voice note instantaneously and tell them to try something again if they did not do it correctly the first time. #learnlap
A4: Technology makes it possible to hear from every single student in the class every single day!
It also allows for teachers to differentiate instruction with ease. #learnlap
A4: sooo, my Smartboard just got fixed and the Chromebook cart is still out in the wilds of upper elementary testing so we rely on the online activities on our math & social studies textbook sites and links in our curriculum. Hoping for a techier October 😉 #LearnLAP
A4: I use Google Classroom to deliver the protocols that structure student conversations and learning. I also use the platform for journals and exit tickets. It would be great if we could be assured the kids were learning without having to collect anything though. 😉#learnlap
A4: Love how Google Classroom and GAFE allows for differentiated and collaborative environments for students to work on everything from content area to Genius hour. Also like Padlet and other collaborative sites. #LearnLAP
A4: Tech-enabled multisensory pedagogy! If there's a concept, "let's use our iPads to visualize it with a digital model!" "Let's engage kinesthetically by creating touch screen molecules!" "Let's go to the ocean floor by video and hear the sounds of this ecosystems!"
#Learnlap
A4: I teach the entire middle school every year (Catholic school), so I have my Ss for 3 years. We also use the Showbie app to submit work. I make them do a portfolio at the end of 8th gr in which they have to look back on work from all years. They see the growth. #learnlap
1:1 environment with chromebooks makes tech integral part of learning on day-to-day. We love anything that gets Ss collaborating and talking (some healthy competition never hurts, either). Would also love to hear folks' non-tech fan favs, too! #learnlap
A4: I've gone paperless in the past - but in English I've found that having books and paper are actually pretty valuable. I do use Google Docs/Slides for collaboration, and audiobooks for folks who prefer them (while also reading the book) #learnlap
A.4 Pecha Kucha, 20 slides, 20 seconds per slide, narrated, tell your story, constraint creates creativity, blend image and words to spread your ideas.
#LearnLAPhttps://t.co/cSFxVLE8L7
A5: Students get to choose their learning format, how they are going to find answers, what technology will they use etc. I model ideas and then they take charge. #LearnLAP
A4 Students share work with families using ClassDojo BUT seriously folks OneNote is my brain! Everything we need for the day is organized in OneNote #learnlap#OneNote
A5: Depends on the level of the students. It can range from giving choices for subjects and expression modes to less skilled Ss, all the way to open ended passion projects that are totally self directed. Meet them where they are at. #learnlap
A5 Active learning has to be all about choice. Provide a menu/game board. Have yet to introduce #hyperdocs to this year’s class, but those are always key to my year #LearnLAP
#LearnLAP
A5: I love choice boards. I'm a sucker for them, lol. I also love the idea of tumbles. It's mainly for English but I'd like to do this for maths. I also know that students have multiple and different intelligences, so it's tapping into that. How do they want to learn?
A5: It's interesting - I leave a lot of time to incorporate student choice. This is really important if you over-plan like me. You have to build in chunks for time for students to talk, think, and respond! #learnlap
A5: I learn the learning styles of my Ss and develop lessons around their needs and interests. Some years, we do more project-based learning; other years, we have a wider variety of discussions; other years, we learn more through writing and reflecting. #learnlap
A4: Amy from Texas jumping in late unfortunately - I use technology like @seesaw for many things, but I love the online portfolio aspect Bc it organizes Ss work and allows them to look back/reflect on growth as they look back at their work over time! #LearnLAP
A5: Have students be part of the lesson planning! Give them 10-15 minutes of lesson planning input! Reflect & give them the opportunity to design a lesson! #learnlap
A5. Finding Ss interests and incorporating them into problem solving materials. Asking Ss for ideas in learning for interests on topics to be covered. Surveying Ss on ranking activities. #learnlap
A5: Students questions can certainly guide extensions on content. We also use innovation and Genius Hour time to completely incorporate choice. Choice and voice provides meaning an motivation for learning. #LearnLAP
A5 Lots of choice can be given in many ways. Students can choose topics and questions for inquiry, choose books to read and share, choose tools that might be used for audience and purpose, etc. #LearnLAP
#LearnLAP
This is such a cool idea. I've thought of this before but never knew wit was something we could actually do. Get students involved in the planning and in how they're going to be taught and learn.
Today we started our call and response chants. One student, "So, wait. We can just call these out in the middle of class?" Yes! That's it! #KidsDeserveIt#TLAP#LearnLAP
A5: ALWAYS choice in product. I come up with at least two (and sometimes six!) options, and always include the option “any other (insert assessment here) you can think of- just get the green light from Mrs. Manly!” #learnLAP
A5 Sometimes...accept variety of ways to reach a goal OTHER times free choice of activities...I love watching how they naturally incorporate learning into stations and play! #learnlap
#LearnLAP
This is such a cool idea. I've thought of this before but never knew wit was something we could actually do. Get students involved in the planning and in how they're going to be taught and learn.
We focus on mini work stations where students explore the concept of the lesson by creating, reviewing, play doughing, moving, and leading various aspects of the lesson’s subject area. #learnlap
Lots of training & coaching. Patience is key. Students were sort of 🧐🤔 at first, then it turned into an 🤓🤗😱 moment as they saw their IDEAS come to life! #LearnLAP
A5: In my classroom we have designated W.I.N. Time (i.e. "What I need"), which Ss can use any way they woud like, as long as it's productive. Gives them a say! #learnlap
Q6: The more I can allow students to connect what is happening in the classroom to their own interests, voice and choice the more they own what happens in our classroom. Turn the learning over to the children, and it frees you up to do mini-lessons. #LearnLAP
A5: Science & HASS CBL/PBL provide many ops for student choice. Built into assessment tasks-students can choose how they complete eg.handwrite,type,record their thinking,etc. Collections of work over time & students choose what they add. I still think can offer more. #LearnLAP
A6: When you allow Ss to be in charge of the questions, they own the learning as a byproduct. Let them ask the questions, guiding them in developing better questions. #LearnLAP
A6: By shutting up. Silence, wait time, or whatever you call it, is an amazing tool. Once Ss realize I will NOT save them, over time, they realize they have to take ownership of their own thoughts/learning. #learnlap
A6: This is something that comes with modeling and time. If you want students to take ownership of their work- give them opportunities to share it and shout it out. #learnlap
#LearnLAP
A6: It all comes down to intrinsic motivation. They need to understand that not everything they do will get a reward from the teacher, but they do it because it's the right thing to do and it helps them to grow. I had an idea of giving inspiring speeches.
A6: Students take ownership when the work is authentic and they’re accountable to others. Truly collaborative projects and work for public view (school exhibitions, web portfolios, blogging, etc) are great ways to empower. #learnlap
I never thought about it this way, but making something and then presenting it to the class, whether it's a powerpoint or a speech, that's empowering, because your sharing your ideas and knowledge with others and to empower others, helping them to grow too. #LearnLAP
A6 Stopping on a regular basis to have them reflect on where they are and where they need to be. This requires a lot of front loading about goal setting and how we create a path to reach our goals. Students do not usually know how to do this very well without guidance. #LearnLAP
Q6: Ss take ownership of learning when they are given a choice of how to go about learning a lesson. Middle school Ss long to be treated as adults and not as children. Give them a little responsibility, and most will blossom (even those we may not expect.) #learnlap
Yes! I need you to also join these Twitter chats. Let’s talk tomorrow. Until then, follow the hashtags and view the tweets from each; #KidsDeserveIt#LearnLAP & #tLAP
A6 When My Students get lots of choices in response types they are far more invested in their learning. They will create props and write at home to get to the animation or video game building etc. #LearnLAP
A6: Students take ownership when the work is authentic and they’re accountable to others. Truly collaborative projects and work for public view (school exhibitions, web portfolios, blogging, etc) are great ways to empower. #learnlap
A6: Here’s one neat tool! Each day as part of their warm-up, kids rate their mastery of the previous day’s obj and do a one sentence reflection/question. Research shows student ownership = retained learning. We have to give kids those tools! #learnlap
And external rewards actually stifle creativity (see: @DanielPink Drive), so making creative work intrinsically motivating (ie- Work that matters TO THEM not just you) is crucial. #learnLAP
#LearnLAP
A6: It all comes down to intrinsic motivation. They need to understand that not everything they do will get a reward from the teacher, but they do it because it's the right thing to do and it helps them to grow. I had an idea of giving inspiring speeches.
A6: Always encouraging self-advocacy and for Ss to speak up for their needs. Also, making myself available and always being willing to listen #learnlap
A6: Feedback & goal setting. I think I could incorporate more student voice & choice which would lead to buy-in & ownership. Authentic learning experiences where they can see the ‘why’ & relevance to their lives. Also, make it fun! #LearnLAP
NATIVE AMERICANS - Day 1
(1) We walked around the school, only to return to the classroom where we explored a "new land." We settled in comfortable, but not familiar spots.
(2) Identified why we chose our homes.
(3) Decided how to make home more comfortable.
#LearnLAP#WGLeads
NATIVE AMERICANS - Day 1
(1) Why can today's geologists find fossilized ocean life underground in Kansas?
(2) What did the Americas look like during prehistoric times? How is it different from today?
(3) Explore these maps to find the answer...
#LearnLAP#WGLeads#4thchat
NATIVE AMERICANS - Day 1
(1) Were Native Americans "native" to the Americas or did they migrate from somewhere else? Provide evidence to support your answer.
(2) Where did they migrate from? Where did they end up?
(3) Used these maps to find answer:
#LearnLAP#WGLeads#4thchat
NATIVE AMERICANS - Day 1
(1) What were some of the names of the tribes that settled throughout the Americas?
(2) Which ones settled in the Arctic? Which ones settled in Central America?
(3) Used these maps to find answer:
#LearnLAP#WGLeads#4thchat
NATIVE AMERICANS - Day 1
(1) READ ALOUD: "The Discovery of the Americas" by Betsy & Giulio Maestro.
(2) Some scientists believe that approx. 12,000 years ago, nomads followed mammoths across the temporary land bridge between Asia & North America...
#LearnLAP#WGLeads#4thchat
A7. We have a circle discussion where everyone is free to contribute to whatever they care to share! Address problems, concerns, likes, stories, etc. #learnlap
A7 This is a simple one but one I use often-Popsicle sticks. Everyone gets a chance to be heard and they never know when I will pick their name. #LearnLAP
#LearnLAP
A7: My fav strategy would be to ask questions, talk one on one with students or in small groups, and be there to listen and support. You're not going to know if they understand or feel like they've participated, until you ask.
A7: I keep track of all student participation as well as how many students participate at any given time. I set goals like “I want to hear every voice today” and I Communicate those goals to the kids. I share my measures and we celebrate when the goals are met.#LearnLAP
A7: Not a strategy - but creating a culture where students feel like their voice and thoughts have meaning and are valuable. I do this by giving them time to speak and listening to what they have to say. #learnlap
A7: Post Its and stickers! Ss get to share one reflection or brainstorm idea per post it, and then categorize similar ideas as a team. Ss get 3-5 stickers to “vote” on ideas/thoughts they see as most important. They can use all their stickers on one or spread them out! #learnLAP
A7: Paddle pop sticks during class discussions, rather than hands up. Collaborative sharing apps like @padlet where everyone can contribute at once. Giving & receiving peer feedback. Circle time where all have opportunity to be heard. #LearnLAP
A7. Ask questions, talk 1:1 with each S and find out what is taking place. Any problems, concerns, etc. Keeping track, where everyone's at, who needs help, etc. #learnlap
A7: Relationships are at the core of active learning: relationships between the students, relationships between each student and the teacher. Relationships make students feel comfortable in the classroom, whether they are naturally talkative or shy. #learnlap
A6: Experiences like genius hour definitely encourage Ss to take ownership of their learning. They create their questions, pick their research tools, & how to share the learning. #LearnLAP
A8: Tonight has given me the extra boost to promote student choice, which will lead to active learning. Very beneficial tonight!! Thank you!! #LearnLAP
Thanks for leading us in a great chat @bmiller_FSTS! Always leave #LearnLAP inspired and excited to empower Ss! Join me tomorrow for #champforkids as we ask ourselves "are they compliant or are they engaged"
A7: Class meetings, Circle Time, Student Conferences, Group work, conversations on the playground, during lunch and in the classroom. Listening to students and guiding what happens in your classroom based on Ss voices. #LearnLAP
