Our mission for our 21st century chat is to create a positive 21st century learning environment for our students by sharing resources and ideas that has worked in our classrooms. Join us every Sunday from 8:00-9:00 PM (EST) on Twitter using the hashtag #21stedchat. All are welcome!
#21stedchat A1: No, although I daresay it is much better now than it was when we were HS students. Back then creativity was for art classes pretty much exclusively!
A1a. Depend on the school and the teacher as many are doing a great job of incorporating more play and genius hour but there are many that are not. #21stedchat
A1a- I do not think we provide enough opportunities to be creative. I think teachers often feel pressured to stick to the script and worry about timing. Creative takes time and exploration. #21stedchat
A1a: In general, I think no. Depends on the school, and I think so many teachers try, but it's difficult, esp. when you have so many "things to get through" #21stedchat
A1: Nope! APPR and accountability measures keep many teachers from initiating creative assignments and projects. More teachers trying #pbl and #geniushour though so heading in right direction #21stedchat
A1: We do not alow students with enough opportunities to be creative. I think there is such a focus on ensuring that students pass standardized tests that prevents schools from providing these opportunities. #21stedchat
A1a: I think it truly depends on the teacher and the support they receive from the school. This is why it's important for Ts to support other Ts in taking risks & making lessons to enhance Ss creativity #21stedchat
A1a .a lot of progressive schools do provide opportunities but by and large all schools cannot also provide due to the sheer numbers of Ss. At least indian schools do face those issues .#21stedchat
A1. tough one. Often depends on the teacher and whether they provide opportunities for the students to be creative. Sometimes you will have easy going teachers who leave room for individual creativity while other times you can have teachers who are very strict.
#21stedchat
A1 students need more opportunities to add parts of themselves to whatever they are doing. Not straight forward learning. More multi directions that have creative outcomes #21stedchat
#21stedchat TBF there are also many Ss who are so obsessed with achievement or are concrete sequential that they don't know how to truly be creative and don't want to take the risks of doing so.
I think there's a difference though between "strict" and not allowing for creativity. I think "strict" is more of a classroom management thing than a creativity thing. #21stedchat
No, because there is so much required testing. Teachers, like myself have to be creative in finding ways to allow students to be creative and still meet all of the other state requirements. #21stedchat#eda655
A1: I think it depends heavily on the school and teacher. Throughout my experience, I have seen various teachers that allow students to use creativity in projects; however, some schools and teachers restrict it in their classrooms. #21stedchat
A1b: Again, I think it depends on the school & teacher, but in general no. I do see a shift in more design thinking and "maker" mentality happening, but it's slow. #21stedchat
A1b: Most schools do not provide enough opportunities for students to design, invent, and imagine new ideas. Many are not willing to dedicate the time that it takes to allow for this to happen on a regular basis. #21stedchat
A1b: We do not provide enough time to design, invent and imagine. This year we have a Makerspace in our school but it is not used as often and by as many students as I would like. We should be able to design, invent, and imagine in every classroom. #21stedchat
A1: I think it really depends on the school. Some schools (that can afford it) value programs which foster creativity, but I can definitely tell from student teaching that many schools lack the capital to make this happen #21stedchat
A1b: I think schools can be somewhat limit Ss creativity due to common core, standardized testing, etc. We need more learning based around design thinking #21stedchat
Do you think teachers also have a hard time figuring out how to create maker culture? We have makerspace too, but it's hard to get it running when there isn't a pre-existing culture of making yet. #21stedchat
A1b: I think there needs to be more PD on how to teach students to design, invent and imagine. We are taught how to do test prep but not to allow students the opportunity to design, invent and imagine. #21stedchat
A1b this is a loaded question. The are design opportunities but they usually lead to one solution and you have to follow a certain path. We need to free up time for deeper learning through application #21stedchat
A1: I think my first tweet was blocked because I used an Aliens gif. Anyway. Schools/Admins/Ts want Ss to be creative, but too many are still too afraid of "The Test" #21stedchat
Yes! Some schools can afford these values programs which is great for their Ss, but we can't forget about those who aren't able to afford them. What can we do as educators to help close this gap? #21stedchat
A1: I think it really depends on the school. Some schools (that can afford it) value programs which foster creativity, but I can definitely tell from student teaching that many schools lack the capital to make this happen #21stedchat
Absolutely. Sorry I ran out of words to explain what I was meaning in depth. I mean the kind of strict where every detail of work is done in the way that the teacher wants it and there is no room for individuality and creativity. #21stedchat
A1b this will only happen when admins allow for restructuring of time during the school day. Let’s merge content areas to allow for longer activities #21stedchat
Q1b: I think that standardized testing has restricted a lot of opportunity for students to design, invent and imagine new ideas. Many teachers are focused on raising their students scores than helping them create new ideas. #21stedchat
A1b: After a certain age rooms are only full of writing materials, books, and computers. When I think of design I think of putting things together. Sure we can design things through computer languages but we also need tangible design. We need hands building #21stedchat
Which is sad! Can't I teach my students the skills they'll need on the test while ALSO fostering their creativity? But I guess that limit also comes from teachers not being encouraged in creativity either. #21stedchat
A1b Here in New Zealand a large part of the high school grades are based on the level of thinking and original ideas. Not sure about primary schools these days. #21stedchat
I agree! At my university we have a Maker Hub filled with resources that allow students to take on their own projects that they'e intrinsically motivated to do. Maker hubs promote design thinking which involves problem solving #21stedchat
A1b: After a certain age rooms are only full of writing materials, books, and computers. When I think of design I think of putting things together. Sure we can design things through computer languages but we also need tangible design. We need hands building #21stedchat
A1b. There are many restrictions on school systems in a country like India,so while many schools are trying most lack infrastructure, know how and general awareness of providing platform for different ways of teaching and learning to both Ts & Ss #21stedchat
Absolutely. That takes a great deal of creative planning. That’s the quandary. Creativity and projects can yield greater learning than traditional lessons. #21stedchat
A2- My students have ownership of their learning by keeping up with their own data trackers. They know exactly what standards are their strengths and which are their weaknesses. They use this info to make decisions about their rotations. #21stedchat
A2: Start small and give Ts and Ss develop to develop and stretch their design and creativity. Another reason creative initiatives fail is because we push too farr too fast without enough training and support. #21stedchat
A2. Inquiry based learning and students blogging, peer teaching , showcasing their learning , projects do lend oppotunities for student driven activities...which not only engage the Ss but also enable them. #21stedchat
A2: I do 20 Time with my students, and try to incorporate choice when possible but I know I could be doing better (I mean, we could all do better, but y'know). #21stedchat
A2: Implement things into your classroom that give Ss agency. Genius hour is a great example. Ss have an ongoing project that they work on in their free time in class. They get to pick the topic so there is a lot of personal ownership involved #21stedchat
#21stedchat By giving them as much voice and choice in what and how they learn as I can, and giving them time to do excellent work rather than just working to finish.
A2: I just did a presentation on a site called "StoryBird". This site is great for young students to write their own stories and have them published, which is a great way for them to take ownership of their learning! #21stedchat
A2 Ownership comes through meaning. Provide your Ss with a multitude of meaning-making opportunities and you awaken interest, investment, and innovation! #21stedchat
A2 also students need to be shown that there can be multiple correct answers to a problem. Too many times it is said so it this way or you are wrong #21stedchat
A2: Create a space where students have voice and choice. Make them accountable for setting goals and charting their progress towards meeting them. Help students understand how they learn #21stedchat
A2. Allowing students to goal set and reflect upon their needs and areas of growth based on their data while also allowing students to have voice and choice in tasks to show mastery. #21stedchat
Q2 Personalized learning gives Ss voice and choice. Write a paper, create a video, collaboration or alone...all are valid ways to answer the same questions. #21stedchat
I like having my students set SMART goals - specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, timely...they can articulate how they'll know when they've met their goal. #21stedchat
A2: I think it’s easier for students to take ownership when they are given the big picture. When they have a purpose for their thinking then they can focus with more precision. #21stedchat
A2 have students write a tutorial for others to learn how to do what they did. Seeing other try is a great way for increased buy-in #sharingiscaring#21stedchat
A2: I think providing opportunities for students to become the teachers is an important part of letting them take ownership of their learning. This can be done through projects or Socratic seminars where there is little intervention by the teacher in the classroom. #21stedchat
I love this! It's a great way to give Ss freedom and choice in the classroom, which can make such a difference in their attitude towards learning. You go!! #21stedchat
But TBF a lot of students will choose writing a paper b/c it is the easiest for them. A lot of resistance to being brought out of comfort zones! #21stedchat
My students use data folders to help keep track of their learning. They also allowed to provide feedback and defend their answers which allow them instead feedback on their thoughts. I think the use of interactive notebooks gives ownership of learning. #21stedchat#eda655
I have also seen when the Ts are willing learners the students love to lead and own their learning...its so important to have the sense of belonging for both Ts & Ss #21stedchat
A2a: I cannot wait until we get to a time where Ss can demonstrate their mastery of topics in a format they choose. We have to trust them more. They will rise to the level of our expectations. #21stedchat
Yes indeed, but making time to teach them those delivery methods isn't easy when there are so many other things you are expected to teach well in your own subject matter. Not impossible, just more difficult. #21stedchat
Q3: As an student teacher, I've adapted lesson plans for Ss who learn differently .. for example I had one student draw out a summary of a story he read and present it to the class instead of writing a summary like they do every week #21stedchat
A3- I LOVE using the Inquiry Based Projects from @FrontRow . They are student driven questions based on information provided in the project. I have used for enrichment but plan to use for test prep as well. #21stedchat#inwiththepig
A3: As an student teacher, I've adapted lesson plans for Ss who learn differently .. for example I had one student draw out a summary of a story he read and present it to the class instead of writing a summary like they do every week #21stedchat
I often allow students 5-10 minutes of journaling in class. It’s a great way to allow them to reflect creatively on their lives and their learning experiences! #21stedchat
Talk with your librarian (should you be fortunate enough to have one). We may be able to help with some of them (video, audio, green screen, etc.) #21stedchat
A3: It's not a revolutionary thing, but I do 20 Time with my students and this year tried a project similar to @ajjuliani Project Global Inform. Small scale I also have my students journal and have incorporated social media more this year. #21stedchat
Q3. A unit planned around the driving question of "Is Whole Foods good fro Portland". Topics such as property values, displacement and gentrification intertwined SS and Math. #21stedchat
A3: Several teachers in my building have tried #geniushour this year. Students choose their topic, their project format, presentation method. Students were so engaged and excited to demonstrate their learning #21stedchat
A3: I often give students 5-10 minutes of journaling in class. It allows them to reflect creatively on their lives and their learning experiences! #21stedchat
A3: I once had students make Civil Rights iMovies and the most challenging part was the voice recordings. They must have taken 20 takes to get the perfect narration each time. #21stedchat
Our media specialist has been invaluable in helping teach design thinking and bring more creative tasks to our classrooms (I'm not just saying that because we're married @GCS_Library ) #21stedchat
In reply to
@mrterborg, @teachermike72, @kylelaurie, @GCS_Library
A3: I'm still SO proud of our Ss for their #GiveBacktoBeeville Projects. It started with the question "How can you find ways to give back to your community?" and it is blossoming into a movement. #21stedchat
Bringing @NGSS into my BL literacy as a 4C area. Ss working on hands w/ science, while collaborating, communicating, creating, and using critical thinking. Tied to literacy standards to appease admin. #21stedchat
A3 Been combining @Flipgrid with @Newsela for oral practice and reading improvement. Ss choose articles and then reflect on them through video. #21stedchat
We have to do way more to inspire and nurture creativity. What are the biggest hitters to do that? 1. Sacred flexible time 2. Sacred space that wakes up senses and emotions 3. Opportunities to connect and calibrate with other successful creatives who are pushing the edge.
Giving students choice in their learning makes it all the more interesting! For teachers and Ss, seeing different types of projects is always entertaining and allows Ss to share their ideas & take pride in their work #21stedchat
Q4 Our school does a Goods and Services fair. 2nd grade researches, designs product, creates advertisements, and then sells their goods. Always a hit! #21stedchat
A3. I particularly find Ss very engaged when I let them believe in a cause ,in the search & quest .each one will have their take in the topic being discussed and each ones point has to be relevant in their minds,so instead of brush off ideas let them chat up with me #21stedchat
A4: To learn about community, our 2nd graders walk into town and tour several locations. Also, many of our classes have done virtual field trips via @SkypeClassroom to learn about other cultures and geographic locations #21stedchat
A4 much of experiential learning lives in service work and field trips. I'd love to see the model flip so that real world experiences happen everyday and we occasionally pause for content delivery #21stedchat
A4: I see so many of my colleagues making an effort for their class experiences to be as real-world as possible. The stats class calculated statistics for local non-profits, for example. #21stedchat
Some of the schools I’ve worked in provide real world experiences, but I don’t come across it often. I wish more teachers would adopt it, especially considering NC is a P21 Framework state #21stedchat
A4: Some of the schools I’ve worked in provide real world experiences, but I don’t come across it often. I wish more teachers would adopt it, especially considering NC is a P21 Framework state #21stedchat
A4: A teacher I know conducted a huge project with his students: setting up solar panels onto the roof of their classroom! With this they had to research solar panels, calculate the expenses, take measurements, and contact people dealing with the project #21stedchat
A4: We always encourage teachers to get experts when researching topics. Last year a class Skyped with a marine biologist in Australia when investigating sea life. #21stedchat
A4: When I was in middle school, we had something called "Make A Difference Day" where we went out into the community and got to experience real world workplaces. I am hoping that after graduating, I teach at a school that provides opportunities such as this. #21stedchat
A5: Set up opportunities for students to share their work with others in the school, parents/family members, and the outside community! This really empowers students and lets them take pride in their work #21stedchat
A4: It is interesting to plan real world experiences. For example, we are going to a community garden to learn math, science, etc. Although nothing is better than seeing it in person, tech provides some cost-effective alternatives. #21stedchat
A4 Real world-experiences include Virtual Field Trips and Mystery Skypes in @SkypeClassroom, global connections on @Flipgrid to name a few. #21stedchat
A5: Any time I can create an opportunity for a community showcase, that's ideal. But sharing on social, school newsletter, blogs, etc is also great. Even better when THEY lead it, not me. #21stedchat
A3: In my K-1 class growing up, we took the topic we were focusing on that school year, such as sea animal life, and made a class-wide quilt! Everyone was able to participate and create a quilt square that represented what ocean life meant to them #21stedchat
A5 we talk about how we need to create portfolios of work outside of LMS for college or career. Post online learning reports for others to see #21stedchat
A5: Student blogs are a great way to allow your Ss to share their work with students around the world. It can also be fun for students to design and personalize their blogs #21stedchat
A4. Teaching Christian Education the pre prepared lesson plans provided the volunteer teachers with life application portions of the lesson. I hope to find ways of relating the curriculum to real life. In math I could use worded questions such as sale was 50% #21stedchat
We build digital portfolios that students can share these with family and friends. @Seesaw and @SmorePages are great tools for sharing with families #21stedchat
A5: We have had several events where we invite the community into our school. Ss LOVE showing their work, and we strive to provide examples they can be proud of. #21stedchat
A4: In high school, we had to conduct a senior project where we would explore a career interest and learn more about it- that is how I discovered my passion for teaching ! #ElonEd#21stedchat
A5 last year we brought students with us to our PD workshops to share their work. It was better than listening to me talk about the student work and the students loved the experience #21stedchat
A5. it is my experience that most schools display students work in classrooms and there are often events where students work is sold or viewed by the welcomed wider community. #21stedchat
A6: There are a variety of ways teachers can provide students opportunity for creativity and ownership. I should always be reflecting- how am I doing that today? This week? Great ideas here. #21stedchat
A6: We need to add relevance into what our students are doing each day. Adding the real world connection will make a big difference for our students. #21stedchat
#21stedchat A4 We have taken our Ss this year to Russia, Canada, France, Sweden, Israel and Denmark. Skype, Hangouts and FaceTime have provided us the opportunity to learn geography skills and share our/learn culture.
We love our themed-weeks, and share our experiences with the community and social media as well. One of my favs is when Ss learned green screen during our Star Wars week. #21stedchat
#21stedchat A4 We have also brought in primary source speakers to engage with our students. We started this program in our 1980s class and now have expanded it to all SS classes. Some of our speakers.
A6: There are many ways to allow students to demonstrate their creativity while meeting standards. It is important to not only allow students to be creative, but allow them to demonstrate it to a larger audience. #21stedchat
