#cgi3 is a chat for Center Grove (CG) connected educators use to share edtech ideas. The i3 stands for inform, instruct, and innovate. It occurs on the last Wednesday of every month at
Hello to my favorite Tweechers! (Shoutout to @tweecher100.) Jenna Cooper here, Coordinator of some fun things at Center Grove. I took a couple days off over break and enjoyed doing some work around the house and celebrating an anniversary! #cgi3
A1: When I hear student-centered learning, I think about some of the great learning experiences I've had as a student and the awesome teachers and professors that have designed them. SCL = meaningful and relevant to ME. #cgi3
Allison Smiley, Kindergarten Teacher @ Maple Grove. We visited Madeira Beach as a family. Got to enjoy some sun and time with family even if it wasn’t super warm! #cgi3
Q2: Student-directed and owned learning often allows students to decide what they want to learn, how they are going to learn it, how to track their progress, and what determines success. How have you incorporated any of these in your classroom? #cgi3
A2: I have had Ss select their own research topics and use self-reflection reports at the end of each day to monitor what they accomplished. I’ve seen Ts do this electronically as well so Ss can ask questions, etc. if the T isn’t available. #cgi3
Q2: I control how they track it& what success looks like. We have classroom goals, but they set personal goals. They choose the "how they learn". What they want to learn -- I have a hard time balancing curiosity and standards. Any ideas? #cgi3
A2: I'm always trying to get better at modeling this in the PD and support I give teachers. Teachers want to be treated like professionals and given choice of what, when, and how they prefer to learn. We have to honor that! #cgi3
R2: Ss decided in my biology class what genetic disease they wanted to research. They then created a PSA on @WeVideo that they designed and edited. #cgi3
A2: the #PBL process allows for teachers to get regular input from students in the form of need to knows and small group or individual meetings. Game changer. #cgi3
We agree! Thanks @GingerLewman for sharing your ideas about best practices in not only PBL but student-centered learning in general! #cgi3@ehresman79@bardackmn
R2: I also do a project called a 9-page spread. Got this from @caahayes when I Student taught at CGHS many moons ago. Give the topic; Ss add their own unique content to the project. #cgi3
Q2: I control how they track it& what success looks like. We have classroom goals, but they set personal goals. They choose the "how they learn". What they want to learn -- I have a hard time balancing curiosity and standards. Any ideas? #cgi3
A2: In the past, I have given a lot of choice on how to complete an assignment and even what to include. I think getting student input from day 1 can help. #cgi3
A3: An environment like this means Ss will be self-motivated and authentically engaged in the learning. It sounds a little unbelievable but fantastic at the same time! #cgi3
A3: We've hit on a lot of benefits of student-centered learning so far. Relevant, deeper learning, high levels of engagement, purpose. It creates a love for learning! #cgi3
A4: Ss are critical thinkers & active communicators. They are supportive of each other as well. Ts motivate & encourage while still providing instruction on thinking, solving problems, evaluating, & analyzing. #cgi3
I love this! I like to say that I tried to have “controlled chaos” in my classes. Noise does not equal no learning. I know our IC peeps understand! #cgi3
A4: I would give blank calendars to students to set their own deadlines. I had them create contracts for small groups to help hold each other accountable for the work. But I think it all starts with finding that perfect meaningful topic that fans their interests. #cgi3
A4: Ss are asking questions and finding answers - and it might not be from the teacher! T is facilitator, coach, cheerleader - biggest supporter in the room. #cgi3
A5: take the risk and try student choice assessments. Give them standards or skills to demonstrate mastery of then let them show you they have it. #cgi3
A5: Room set up. It was amazing the collaboration that naturally occurred by getting comfortable furniture and strategically arranging it. I was surprised by what happened! #cgi3
R5: I have two 3D printers in my room, I have #PBL activities established. I talk in several #PLNs to get ideas. Use @Flipgrid, @wevideo, have curriculum on @CanvasLMS. 1:1 with Chromebooks #cgi3
A5: Intentional planning and thinking ahead - utilizing our resources, such as instructional coaches when they bring student-centered ideas...willing to take risks. #cgi3
Yes! Rubrics and standard assessments can box students in. Let their creativity shine through and you might be surprised what you will learn about them! #cgi3
Yes! Rubrics and standard assessments can box students in. Let their creativity shine through and you might be surprised what you will learn about them! #cgi3
It’s great for all Ss. I’ve found that ENL and SpEd Ss blossom in a classroom where interest drives. We should focus on all our Ss strengths instead of focusing on their weaknesses. #CGI3
Closing: How would you define student-centered learning now? Has your thinking changed as a result of others' responses tonight? What do you want to try? #cgi3
Oh so many things I would love to try, especially to have learning really driven by Ss. At the end of the day, I want my Ss (and now Ts) to know it is "our" learning and it is okay to take risks. We will even fail, but we will learn! #cgi3
