Welcome #G2great tonight. We are so honored to have #BowTieBoys and teacher Jason Augustowski back as our guest hosts. Ready to talk CHOICE from Students’ Eyes?
We're so honored #BowTieBoys are back in the #G2Great guest seat tonight. Each of them wrote their own Q & will take the talk stage for six minutes. It will be a very fast-paced knock-your socks off night of inspired learning through Sts’ eyes!!
A1: Always offer choices to students in regards to the environment. What's Working? What needs to be changed?
Not always majority rules. All Ss have voice: sometimes orally, sometimes in writing.
@MisterAMisterA#BowTieBoys#g2great
Hey #g2great fam! Any time I can support the voice of students by intently hearing their ideas and centering them in my work, I'm in! Cannot wait to learn from the voices of the #BowTieBoys
A1: Always offer choices to students in regards to the environment. What's Working? What needs to be changed?
Not always majority rules. All Ss have voice: sometimes orally, sometimes in writing.
@MisterAMisterA#BowTieBoys#g2great
Think that is really important, Fran - not to just give "majority rules" - then it can become a popularity contest. Important that all of our students are heard. #G2Great
I've always enjoyed teachers who allow us to customize their classroom. It leads to a heightened sense of community. Especially with review game "teams" or projects. #g2great
A1: For me, I like to choose not only my seat but how the room is set up. To have the option to change the classroom from the stereotypical rows or columns is fantastic. #g2great#BowTieBoys
A1: Choice in table names, shared class goals, what to read, what to write about, where to sit for independent reading/writing, sometimes partners or groups. Choice leads to engagement! #g2great#bowtieboys
I've always enjoyed teachers who allow us to customize their classroom. It leads to a heightened sense of community. Especially with review game "teams" or projects. #g2great
I love choice in the classroom environment, especially in regards to seating, i feel like free seating allows such a more comfortable environ and everyone seems to work better, also you can sit in the front if you need more help on a subject, thats what I do #G2Great#BowTieBoys
A1: For me, I like to choose not only my seat but how the room is set up. To have the option to change the classroom from the stereotypical rows or columns is fantastic. #g2great#BowTieBoys
Choice is so important and we couldn't stress this enough at #ncte17 . But I'd like to reiterate my point that is a students relationship with the content and the teacher will flourish if they are allowed to express their creativity. #BowTieBoys#g2great
Roman from Ontario, Canada. Jumping in late. HS Teacher/Student Success Leader/Agent of Transformation. Happy to be with #g2great tonight with the #bowtieboys
My 3rd grdrs designed the classrm to work for the way they navigated our shared space. In a democratic classrm, power is always shared. No T desk, no Ss desks, just banquet tables, they curated the library, round tables so no one held power over another... #G2great A1
A1 If we truly want kids to take ownership of the learning space, then we need to let them OWN it. Invite them in as co-creators & then step back. #G2Great
I like how you said "sometimes partners or groups". its important that while choice is present, the students need to learn to work with other people that they aren't close with. #g2great#BowTieBoys
Love that you allow Ss to move the furniture to assist in their learning. Whenever Ss are at the helm, I am sure the buy-in is SO much higher! #G2Great
A1: Having the choice of being able to sit with my friends and openly communicate with my peers always creates a positive environment in my favorite classrooms. #g2great#BowTieBoys
Roman from Ontario, Canada. Jumping in late. HS Teacher/Student Success Leader/Agent of Transformation. Happy to be with #g2great tonight with the #bowtieboys
A1 Students need to participate in the classroom environment choice. Whether it be by design, choosing new locations, choosing type of seating from available options. We need to honor student voice and choice to give them right conditions to learn. #g2great
How can students be engaged if they don't connect with the material? An easy way to generate that engagement is through choice like this. Love it! #G2Great#BowTieBoys
A1: Choice in table names, shared class goals, what to read, what to write about, where to sit for independent reading/writing, sometimes partners or groups. Choice leads to engagement! #g2great#bowtieboys
Roman from Ontario, Canada. Jumping in late. HS Teacher/Student Success Leader/Agent of Transformation. Happy to be with #g2great tonight with the #bowtieboys
A1: I did offer my students choice about what was displayed in the classroom, how we rearranged desks, where we made reading spots around the room, it's their classroom just as much as mine #g2great
A1b: some kids just need to move; ability to get up and move has been a game changer. choice in working w different kids each day, different view #g2great
I’d love to see that too Spencer. Have you ever see the images at #alternativeseating. Amazing to see what teachers and kids are making happen #G2great
A2 student choice is more than just picking what book to read. It’s choosing how you show evidence of learning, it’s where you choose to learn, and even who you learn with. #g2great#bowtieboys
Agency and autonomy are so important with Ss, Mary. So thankful to have you as such a powerful ally - someone who truly believes in the power of student choice and voice. #BowTieBoys#G2Great
A1-Students have many choices. Flexible seating, student created library, they help decide where we should put supplies. Start with blank walls and let student creations begin to build the classroom. #G2Great
A2: I like the saying about thinking of the classroom like a radio show, if students get to request the "songs", make choices, they are more likely to participate and be engaged #g2great
#G2Great Hi, I’m Beth, a h.s. social studies teacher. SometimesI offer choice with homework— art, song, or written answers. I’m alwAys surprised how many students stick with the traditional rather than creative assignments. In class, I could probably offer more choice.
A1 #G2Great last research project in @TurcottesGr34s we worked in different spaces, library, carpet/floor, empty classrooms, hallways, allowing for more focus and space to think and make #makered#edchat#literacy
A2 I have learned to trust students and give them ownership and leadership over their learning from the beginning. We need to listen more, respond to student needs and bring back the awe in learning. owe it to kids to bring back passion & fun.. #g2great@E_Sheninger
A1 Students need to participate in the classroom environment choice. Whether it be by design, choosing new locations, choosing type of seating from available options. We need to honor student voice and choice to give them right conditions to learn. #g2great
A2: I have learned in my experience as a student that being able to take notes and study your own way helps students learn material much better. #g2great#bowtieboys
A2: Students love choice and learn more efficiently from it. Choice, especially in material, is a key component of learning for lots of s. Standards r important but allowing the students to choose where to dive deeper really is a great example of productive s choice. #G2Great
A2: I like the saying about thinking of the classroom like a radio show, if students get to request the "songs", make choices, they are more likely to participate and be engaged #g2great
Answer 1 I am in the second year of a loop, I always have second grade, loop them to third, and then back to second for another loop. In year two, the community is like a family and so much more flexibility. #g2great
A2 Some of my favorite styles of student choice is through assesment and how it can be tailored for student need, because every student tests differently, through writing, drawing, etc. #BowTieBoys#G2Great
A2: Students love choice and learn more efficiently from it. Choice, especially in material, is a key component of learning for lots of s. Standards r important but allowing the students to choose where to dive deeper really is a great example of productive s choice. #G2Great
So many students complain about being told to sit down and shut up all the time. It is absolutely imperative that we are offering them those moments to get up and explore, collaborate, etc. #BowTieBoys#G2Great
A2 Rather than withholding books due to certain topics, allowing students to choose based on interests gives students the opportunity to have real world discussions. #G2Great#BowTieBoys
A2: I find that modeling how to make choices that match your interests and passions, learning style, individual goals, and adjusting choices when they're not working supports students in making decisions when given opportunities for choice. #g2great#bowtieboys
During our last writing equations project, Ss decided the scenario that would model a one or two step equation and then decided the manner in which they would share their solution with others (video, slides, flipgrid, poster, etc.) #G2great
A2: Student choice leads to a much more powerful, face-to-face method of teaching. As a teacher, you should be there to help them make their choices, not make them for your students. #g2great
A2 student choice is more than just picking what book to read. It’s choosing how you show evidence of learning, it’s where you choose to learn, and even who you learn with. #g2great#bowtieboys
A3: Choice engages Ss. Ss are active, excited, & empowered. Many get so caught up in the learning that they go "above and beyond the basics" because of choice!
@RyanHur09#BowTieBoys#g2great
I love that point Doug. Effective assessment is going to help us to open new doors of thinking - how kids learn and not how we expect them to learn #G2great
A2 Some of my favorite styles of student choice is through assesment and how it can be tailored for student need, because every student tests differently, through writing, drawing, etc. #BowTieBoys#G2Great
A2: It is important to deconstruct the power in our classrooms, open our ears & eyes to listen and see...shut our mouths...and let go of control! #G2Great
A2: I have way more to learn on this one. Most of the time Ss get choice on how they show what they learned. Still have a lot to learn about personized learning and how to implement. Any suggestions are appreciated.
#g2great
This is probably what I love most in a classroom. The ability to choose what to dive into based on interests is the best way to engage. #g2great#BowTieBoys
A3: Choice creates opportunities for authentic learning...they are exploring their interests, collaborating w peers- this creates motivation and purpose #G2Great
A2: I have learnt that even though you still have choice it doesn't mean there are no rules. There should always be guidelines in classroom but they don't have to be so tightly wound #g2great#bowtieboys
Great point Stacey. We can’t assume that our students even know how to translate those interest, passions & curiosity into choice. Modeling will make our thinking public from OUR perspective only #G2great
A2: I find that modeling how to make choices that match your interests and passions, learning style, individual goals, and adjusting choices when they're not working supports students in making decisions when given opportunities for choice. #g2great#bowtieboys
A3 They become engaged, passionate, happy. When students feel important/valued, they care about their learning and want to be better people. When you have choice and leadership, you push each other more and work collectively to succeed. #g2great
A3 If it’s true choice and simply choice for the sake of choice, the change is HUGE. I’ve seen an enormous increase in both trust AND engagement. #G2Great
A 3 They are so excited in choice for what books they pick. In fact they are greedy and I love that they are so greedy about books, it's my dream for them. #g2great
A2: Choice needs to be deliberate and student driven. It shouldn't be just a new hot topic where Ss are put in centers or something along those lines. #g2great
A3: From the reaction I have, I usually become more passionate. When I have to think about what I'm going to do, or turn it around in my head at all, my final product is better. #g2great#BowTieBoys
A2: I like the saying about thinking of the classroom like a radio show, if students get to request the "songs", make choices, they are more likely to participate and be engaged #g2great
A3 They become engaged, passionate, happy. When students feel important/valued, they care about their learning and want to be better people. When you have choice and leadership, you push each other more and work collectively to succeed. #g2great
Choice in life is essential in supporting one's autonomy: if one has the ability to choose their path, to follow their interests & forge their own way, it's really everything. This can be true in school spaces, too. If we hold this belief, our actions must follow. #G2great A2
#g2great
A2 personalized learning opportunities are a game changer - engagement is diametrically different from traditional compliant classrooms which often where lecture based or dominated by direct instruction @DrMaryHoward@MrPStrunk@KGT_Educator
I think they may be looking for the easier path. Creative is hard. Important to provide all that necessary scaffolding and encouragement to get them to explore. #bowtieboys#g2great
A3 In classes without choice, I tend to feel straightjacketed. I see opportunities to explore a topic/project in a different way (more suitable to me) but can't pursue it due to constraints. Conversely, I am a ton more engaged in classes I can work my way. #G2Great#BowTieBoys
A3: I have noticed that Ss want to work more and put more effort into things when offered choice. The more choice, the more positive the classroom will be. #g2great#BowTieBoys
A3: When students are offered choice, some of mine were shocked and silent in the beginning and then they realized how exciting it was and that they were owning the learning and LOVED it, changes the classroom to an exciting place rather than a place to follow rules #g2great
A3: Even though choice is a great thing to have in the classroom, it can still have a negative effect on students if not executed properly. For example, having more choice can mean more work for students
#g2great#bowtieboys
A2: It is important to deconstruct the power in our classrooms, open our ears & eyes to listen and see...shut our mouths...and let go of control! #G2Great
A3 immediately there is ownership and buy in. The Student wants to do well because they are completely invested in whatever the work may be. #g2great#bowtieboys Empowerment. Engagement.
A3 Student choice makes students attitudes better in the long run, it may not seem it right away, because some may be scared of the idea or may could be overly happy, but eventually you will notice a happier better classroom #G2Great#BowTieBoys
#g2great
A2 personalized learning opportunities are a game changer - engagement is diametrically different from traditional compliant classrooms which often where lecture based or dominated by direct instruction @DrMaryHoward@MrPStrunk@KGT_Educator
A3: you know Ss are engaged and excited about a project, when they want to come in during lunch or before/after school to continue working! #G2great#bowtieboys
A1: I always notice more engagement when students are offered choice. If we have a choice to work on something in a way that is more tailored to the student they are always more interested. #g2great#bowtieboys
A2: It is important to deconstruct the power in our classrooms, open our ears & eyes to listen and see...shut our mouths...and let go of control! #G2Great
LOVE that point. Sometimes we love to get on the bandwagon just because it’s there and not because we know where our own understandings will lead us with kids pointing the way #G2Great
A2: Choice needs to be deliberate and student driven. It shouldn't be just a new hot topic where Ss are put in centers or something along those lines. #g2great
A3 We need to bring back a sense of autonomy that only happens if we leave room for kids to follow their passions and unique ways of learning. #G2Great
Opening eyes is crucial, but the opening ears part seems sometimes forgotten. Good point! Listening and acting upon what was heard is the most important. #G2Great#BowTieBoys
A2 I have learned to trust students and give them ownership and leadership over their learning from the beginning. We need to listen more, respond to student needs and bring back the awe in learning. owe it to kids to bring back passion & fun.. #g2great@E_Sheninger
Sad that teachers say that! It’s time to create a student centered environment! Negotiate curriculum, negotiate time. Collaborate, not control! #g2great#bowtieboys
In reply to
@MisterAMisterA, @franmcveigh, @nimesys
#G2great I agree so much. I think it's hard for T's (including myself) to relinquish control, but when I'm able to do that, I feel a deep peace inside and the S's love it.
And best of all, we learn from them and will be surprised to find how much better our teaching becomes because we opened our minds to their thinking (rather than shut it off) #G2Great
A3 immediately there is ownership and buy in. The Student wants to do well because they are completely invested in whatever the work may be. #g2great#bowtieboys Empowerment. Engagement.
A3: When a student is given choice they are always more engaged. If the choice is to work in a way that is more tailored to them they will always be more interested. #g2great#bowtieboys
A4: Choices (depending on activity)
Where to sit,
Who to work with,
Format for response,
Text to read,
What to write,
Resources to use, &
Where & When to Present
Best Audience
@CSporre#BowTieBoys#g2great
I remember many blank stares the first few times I started offering more choices. Students were unfortunately used to have the answer seem black and white and I was giving them a world of colors! A little overwhelming at first but then beautiful! #G2great
They are 100% more engaged when they have choice. But if you don't show that you truly care about them, even choice won't help. Build that classroom family first! #g2great#BowTieBoys
During our last writing equations project, Ss decided the scenario that would model a one or two step equation and then decided the manner in which they would share their solution with others (video, slides, flipgrid, poster, etc.) #G2great
A2: It is important to deconstruct the power in our classrooms, open our ears & eyes to listen and see...shut our mouths...and let go of control! #G2Great
A3: At its fundamental root, choice builds the strong foundation for engagement and empowerment. In our #wwprsd tech class, Ss are going to be running an #edcamp style unconference to decide what their coding unit will look like #g2great
#G2great I agree so much. I think it's hard for T's (including myself) to relinquish control, but when I'm able to do that, I feel a deep peace inside and the S's love it.
A4 #1 is book choice. For too long we’ve tethered children to a reading level & shut them off from what real readers do (read what they love). We start there! #G2Great
A4: I tried to offer some kind of choice daily whether it was working independently, with a partner, group, or how to show learning paper, speech, song, poster, movie trailer, poem, picture or having text read aloud, read by a computer, read silently, aloud w a partner #g2great
A3: Choice can lead students feeling excited, engaged, and enthusiastic and can often to lead to a greater willingness for academic risk taking within the class. #G2Great#bowtieboys
A3 They become engaged, passionate, happy. When students feel important/valued, they care about their learning and want to be better people. When you have choice and leadership, you push each other more and work collectively to succeed. #g2great
And that is critical - when they take ownership. Then they add their own lives to our instruction and make it more relevant (both for themselves and their PEERs). #bowtieboys#G2Great
A4 Choice can include all aspects of learning: What, where, when, how, and with whom. It’s not about all the time all ways but leaving a door open #G2Great
A4 #1 is book choice. For too long we’ve tethered children to a reading level & shut them off from what real readers do (read what they love). We start there! #G2Great
A4 In the past, only choice was during independent unit and sometimes a novel study unit choice (between 3 books). From now on? Everything can be turned into a choice. Sharing the leadership. Giving more ownership. Will watch magic be created. #g2great#BowTieBoys
A4: daily choice in soft start activities, seating, reading, writing; weekly choice on seesaw reflection posts starting this quarter- had to learn @seesaw first #g2great
A4: Reading and writing should be full of choice. I also allow students chances to work with partners they prefer, seek out friends for book chats, and choose topics about which they want to write. #G2Great
Authenticity should be what we are always striving for - so many Ss complain that school has nothing to do with their real lives. We can't afford that. #bowtieboys#G2Great
#G2Great A2 it’s a good idea to explore coding alternatives with students, getting them even involved in the process to see what we are doing behind the scenes. Real #action research design. #literacy#edchat
I remember many blank stares the first few times I started offering more choices. Students were unfortunately used to have the answer seem black and white and I was giving them a world of colors! A little overwhelming at first but then beautiful! #G2great
A5 Choice not always possible for assessments so not EVERY day. MOST days, YES!
Explicit boundaries - more traditional R & W tasks w/ standard rubrics.
@Spencerhill99#BowTieBoys#G2Great
A4 As long as you give students space (not completely hands off, but more freedom), our ability to find our place in the classroom is stronger. #BowTieBoys#G2Great
Yes that support is essential, but then sometimes the creative process begins in the mess so we don’t want to take those challenges out of the picture - just illuminate the DIP (Seth Godin) #G2great
A4: I love to chose how I work on my assignments. Different options on how to give a presentation are great. I think students should should have choice constantly #g2great#bowtieboys
A5 Choice isn’t an either/or proposition so is not an always altho I do think we can always include an element of choice (ie: seating, collaboration, tool etc) #G2Great
A4: Students choose how the Show What They Know (SWYK), where they want to sit, at times how they want to learn: small group, teacher led or individual
#g2great
Yes! Sometimes it's really hard for me to switch right into that independent, creative gear. It helps to establish a choice-friendly environment before you get into anything complex. #g2great
A4 We’ve just started working on this. We’ve started by creating final projects with an open enough rubric to where the product could be a research paper, poster, 3D model, or digital product. It’s been a slow start but amazing stuff from Ss so far! #G2Great
Have someone come to your class and record amount teacher talk and student talk! It’s a great thing to do and fosters reflection and change! #g2great#bowtieboys
In reply to
@jdolci, @franmcveigh, @SusanTotaro, @DrMaryHoward
I love that you not only addressed the element of choice but the element of where we put our energy for that choice according to students Sean. #G2Great
A5 Yes!!! Talk to students, find out what they need, tailor the assesments to them, create their rubrics with them and just talk so you know their needs, and how to challenge them #G2Great#BowTieBoys
A5: Choice is necessary in my opinion, life is all about choices but I always knew the kids that were hesitant to make choices and tried to work through it with them after the class got started. It was a special time to try to get to know them even better. #g2great
A4:seat choice, writing choice, paper choice, book choice, app choice, partner choice... the only non-negotiable choice I have is Choose Kind - always. #g2great
A5 Get to know each student, you personalize your approach with every single one. Use one-on-one conferencing. Give the support that each student needs, there is no one magic answer for all. Work with my students to set their goals, support to achieve them. #g2great#BowTieBoys
I could not agree more. I remember teachers to this day, who I had a great relationship with and remember how engaged I was with learning, even on days when direct instruction occurred. I knew they wanted what was best for me! #G2great
A5: Choice is not always necessary but the boundaries should not be super constrictive. I like when I have freedom with boundaries at the extremes. #BowTieBoys#G2Great
A5: Choice is necessary in my opinion, life is all about choices but I always knew the kids that were hesitant to make choices and tried to work through it with them after the class got started. It was a special time to try to get to know them even better. #g2great
If we would open these conversations in every school, we’d see how many inroads there are to choice Patty (so happy you’re here tonight friend) #G2Great
A4: Show your thinking however it takes shape. It may be a list, sketchnotes, a collage. I like to see individual creativity in my students’ work. Choice allows us to see that. #G2Great
A 5 I have quite a few special needs S's in my class and I learn so much from them and they constantly impress me. I see the world in the eyes of one student with Downs and learn more from her choices and abilities than I could ever teach her. #g2great
A4: Some level of choice in each content area across the day whether it is what to read, what to write about, the structure or format of your writing, a topic to research, a note-taking format, how to show your thinking. #G2Great
A5: Some students might not like an extreme amount of choice in the classroom. However, once the change is made, students will adapt and grow to prefer a higher amount of choice. #g2great#bowtieboys
#G2Great A4 good question. Teachers are effective and humane when they guide student choices (ask open questions, prompt reflections as opposed to dictate or influence choice) #edchat#literacy
Getting just a little bit of choice introduced in the classroom can really lead to more choice in not just seating, reading, and writing #BowTieBoys#g2great
A4: daily choice in soft start activities, seating, reading, writing; weekly choice on seesaw reflection posts starting this quarter- had to learn @seesaw first #g2great
And it allows us to develop the natural talents that are in EVERY student. It’s not about the “school” thing but the LIFE thing we want to develop #G2Great
A4: Show your thinking however it takes shape. It may be a list, sketchnotes, a collage. I like to see individual creativity in my students’ work. Choice allows us to see that. #G2Great
I agree! Trust is much easier to build when students are made fully aware teachers want what's best for them. Shrouding intentions doesn't serve a purpose, unless they're bad intentions (in which case, there's another issue). #G2Great#BowTieBoys
A5: I love @spencerrhill99 questions because for people like @DrMaryHoward, me and many Ss with ADHD, too much choice might be considered a bad thing. However, we just might need a few parameters...#G2Great
A6: Can you offer too much choice? YES
Fear is paralyzing.
At the beginning of the year, fewer choices as build relationships & trust. It's about learning
@Joe_OSuch#BowTieBoys#g2great
A5: As a professional I am offered choice daily...even at #ncte17 I chose to take notes through tweeting, I didn't have to take notes on paper but the person next to me could, that's the beauty of life #choices#g2great
A5 an element of choice can always be obtained. Even if it’s seating choice or utensil choice you can start small for Ss that need some more boundaries. #g2great#bowtieboys
A5: I think choice is necessary in the classroom it makes for a more relaxing environment. If a student needs more explicit boundaries you might want to try dialing back the choice then slowly working your way to more broad choices #g2great#bowtieboys
Don’t forget to follow our #BowTieBoys on Twitter. I’ve included all of their Twitter names on the questions. Let’s show our students how much we value their voices friends #G2Great
I think it is extremely important to know your students, if you understand your students you can set up the perfect environment for your students #BowTieBoys#g2great
Yes-I love this! Always teaching toward choice and independence (whether that is individual or collaborative independence). They will see the power of choice in their work! #g2great
A6 Yes definitely it CAN. Austin Kleon says too much choice can be overwhelming, especially for Sts who haven’t had much choice. We may need to start small. #G2Great
#g2great Thank you Fran. When I look at this little girl with Downs, I see pure love and all the theory and research, goes away because it's the heart that matters most in teaching.
#G2Great
When given the topic (some thing are still mandated by our district), students can choose to learn the standard independently which is yes more individual investigation or teacher led with me or in a small group with other. Teach 7th/8th gr SS & LA
What a nice way to start the class! We never know where the students are coming from - so important to reframe them into the student choice/voice mindset. #bowtieboys#g2great
A6: I think there's a point where it becomes too many activities and not enough learning if it's choice after choice. There are some things that are just musts and I truly believe in a balance. #g2great
A6: It depends on the people in the class. I personally love having no boundaries but some kids need boundaries. There is no right way to learn so it should be personalized to the students needs. #BowTieBoys#g2great
#g2great Thank you Fran. When I look at this little girl with Downs, I see pure love and all the theory and research, goes away because it's the heart that matters most in teaching.
You’re so right Justin. Austin Kleon said the other day that TOO much choice can result in no choice. There’s nothing wrong with those parameters - in fact it can avoid us from running in circles unable to make the choice, right friend #G2great
A5: I love @spencerrhill99 questions because for people like @DrMaryHoward, me and many Ss with ADHD, too much choice might be considered a bad thing. However, we just might need a few parameters...#G2Great
A5: Controlled choice is a good place to start when boundaries are needed - also providing explicit steps for decision making can help provide structure for students who need it. #G2Great#bowtieboys
A6: Yes.. just yes. Not only do you need responsible students for choice-based learning, but responsible teachers. It's not effective to tell your kids to learn English and say, "GO!" #g2great
A6 If students are never exposed to choice, they will not know how to start or go about things. There is never too much choice BUT there can be a lack of support/guidance. If you give choice, be there to help guide them. Don't let them feel alone. #g2great#BowTieBoys
A5: Some students might not like an extreme amount of choice in the classroom. However, once the change is made, students will adapt and grow to prefer a higher amount of choice. #g2great#bowtieboys
I call this "Food Court" Overload. There are so many choices, it almost paralyzes you to choose anything. There is no general direction or sense of purpose. Ss need to know the end goal and then Ts can help scaffold choices appropriately by student. #G2great
A6 too much choice can be a bad thing. It’s like DSW... I can never find shoes because there’s too many! It’s overwhelming sometimes for some Ss when too much is ambiguous and open. #g2great#bowtieboys
I call this "Food Court" Overload. There are so many choices, it almost paralyzes you to choose anything. There is no general direction or sense of purpose. Ss need to know the end goal and then Ts can help scaffold choices appropriately by student. #G2great
A6: Sometimes Ss are so used to being told what to learn, how to learn, how to show what they've learned that when given choices they freeze up. Have to ease them into it.
#g2great
A6: Yes.. just yes. Not only do you need responsible students for choice-based learning, but responsible teachers. It's not effective to tell your kids to learn English and say, "GO!" #g2great
A6: Yes you can give too much choice. It can take away the structure of the class and every class need structure. The point where there is to much choice is when students can chose not to do work. #g2great#bowtieboys
A6: Sometimes Ss are so used to being told what to learn, how to learn, how to show what they've learned that when given choices they freeze up. Have to ease them into it.
#g2great
A 7 Yes, it is possible to have too much choice. Not to be shallow but it reminds me of the first time I tried to shop in the original Macy's in NY, and couldn't buy one thing as I was too overwhelmed- it was huge! #g2great
A6 too much choice can be a bad thing. It’s like DSW... I can never find shoes because there’s too many! It’s overwhelming sometimes for some Ss when too much is ambiguous and open. #g2great#bowtieboys
A6: I think there's a point where it becomes too many activities and not enough learning if it's choice after choice. There are some things that are just musts and I truly believe in a balance. #g2great
A7: Moments/elements where student choice is necessary = time to "show learning". Can use formatives along the way (exit slips, etc) but NOT cookie cutter final work!
@seanpettit9#BowTieBoys#g2great
A6 too much choice can be a bad thing. It’s like DSW... I can never find shoes because there’s too many! It’s overwhelming sometimes for some Ss when too much is ambiguous and open. #g2great#bowtieboys
A6-For some students that could be a potential problem. Teachers need to be reflective,aware and make changes based off individual student needs. #G2Great
A6: Taking students to the library and asking them to choose a book to read is often overwhelming. Giving them titles to think about through book talks or conferences can help narrow their selection and let them know the books available. #G2Great
A6 too much choice can be a bad thing. It’s like DSW... I can never find shoes because there’s too many! It’s overwhelming sometimes for some Ss when too much is ambiguous and open. #g2great#bowtieboys
#G2Great
A6 yes - it’s incumbent on the teacher to offer choices that make instructional sense- ex- choosing a cookie from three options is great- choosing from 20... well that’s stressful @DrMaryHoward@LRobbTeacher
I think the where and the how. Allowing choice and freedom to move around the room and show me your learning how you want to. It’s your learning more than mine. #g2great#bowtieboys
A6: If the level of choice leads to decision paralysis then it has become too much! Choice should complement and lead to learning not impede it. #G2Great#bowtieboys
A7 I feel it is necessary whenever possible, but even more so when students ask for choice. If a student approaches me with an idea for choice, answer should be YES, find a way to make it happen. Support kids in THEIR learning. Guide them. #g2great#BowTieBoys
A6: Taking students to the library and asking them to choose a book to read is often overwhelming. Giving them titles to think about through book talks or conferences can help narrow their selection and let them know the books available. #G2Great
A7 If a student asks to use a different approach when tasked with something, they should be given that opportunity, in my opinion. Even if it ends up not working as well as originally thought, they should have the freedom to learn/try in new ways #BowTieBoys#G2Great
A7: Choice is necessary for books...I want kids to read what they enjoy but then as I get to know them, I will definitely share ideas w them but I want them to read things that interest them, after all, that's what we do as adults, I still LOVE reading young adult novels #g2great
Honestly? Always. Students are the center of all we do. Robbing others of their choice robs them of their agency. Why would we ever center that? So, always. Choice always matters a great deal. #G2Great A7
Q7: In reality, if we really want to decentralize the power structure of schools and society, choice (deliberately thought out) should be absolutely necessary all the time...still working towards that of course. #G2Great
A7: I think that choice should be necessary in unit tests. Nearly all knowledge can be tested in ways other than multiple choice tests. #g2great#BowTieBoys
A7: I realize this sounds pretty obvious to our group here, but students should ALWAYS have the choice to do whatever needed to take care of themselves personally. Not something that always respected in schools. #blunttalk#g2great
Q7: In reality, if we really want to decentralize the power structure of schools and society, choice (deliberately thought out) should be absolutely necessary all the time...still working towards that of course. #G2Great
A6:as with all classroom routines, how to make a good fit choice is taught early and often. Esp w/ our youngest learners it's so impt to teach Ss about choice and engagement. Choice menu grows thru the year. #g2great
A7: Showing what they know/learned. I have a student wanting to perhaps write a rap to discuss the characters of Refugee. I wouldn't have thought of that. #g2great
A7: Choice should always be present while taking notes. Taking your own notes must be present in every classroom; guided notes do nothing for any student. #g2great#bowtieboys
A7 Learning TOOLS assume helpful. Online vs pencil/paper, book vs ebook, notetaking style. It’s an assignment vs tool unless it’s meaningful/productive #G2Great
A7: I think that student choice should always be present on creative projects. I absolutely need to choose how to use my creativity in the best way to help me progress my learning. #g2great#BowTieBoys
A7 Learning TOOLS assume helpful. Online vs pencil/paper, book vs ebook, notetaking style. It’s an assignment vs tool unless it’s meaningful/productive #G2Great
A7: Showing what they know/learned. I have a student wanting to perhaps write a rap to discuss the characters of Refugee. I wouldn't have thought of that. #g2great
A8. NO Choice - If there is a common formative for all students. Could still be choice in where sit. But content & format are set. Whatever assessments req'd by state/fed. laws = No choice!
@RBeaver05#BowTieBoys#G2Great
Yes - love the idea of controlled choice. Not only for what you said, but also to make sure the choices being offered don't become contrived. #bowtieboys#G2Great
A7: Choice is absolutely necessary when choosing a book for independent reading or choosing a topic within a genre for writing. S's (& T's!) will learn to read and write well when they get read books and write about topics they love. #G2Great#bowtieboys
A7: I think when you have the option on how to work on assignments in class. All students work in different ways and students should be able to chose how to work. #g2great#bowtieboys
Those kinds of tests make grading easy for teachers & reflect pointless state tests. Go to assessment through electronic portfolios and you’ll learn about your students! #g2great#bowtieboys
In reply to
@jdolci, @TheSammer88, @dawsonunger, @EduCourts
Can connect others that aren't there...I felt like I was just sprinkling my learning w many people that weren't able to attend. Kids putting notes on twitter during class would be awesome because they always have phones (could study anytime from their twitter feed) #G2great
Thinking of Peters Johnston's Choice Words...wondering if using the term ALLOW choice is actually deconstructing the power...doesn't it denote us giving it to Ss rather than it being something they already possess? Just my wonderings...#G2Great
Those kinds of tests make grading easy for teachers & reflect pointless state tests. Go to assessment through electronic portfolios and you’ll learn about your students! #g2great#bowtieboys
In reply to
@jdolci, @TheSammer88, @dawsonunger, @EduCourts
A7: Showing what they know/learned. I have a student wanting to perhaps write a rap to discuss the characters of Refugee. I wouldn't have thought of that. #g2great
#g2great A7: student-led projects, writing fan letters, making podcasts on topics of interest, group-making at times (guided), maker ed projects #literacy#edchat
A8 Mini lesson or model. We may have need to demonstrate a specific way of learning. Flexibility as is key so exposure them to many ways of knowing #G2Great
A8: In some cases, group should be chosen for Ss. It is a life skill to be able to work with people that they are not familiar with. #BowTieBoys#g2great
Absolutely - just like when we talk technology. If it is just technology for technology sake then it isn't worth it. If it is just choice for the sake of choice, it has no purpose. #BowTieBoys#g2great
A8 only thing I can think of would be mandated assessments. The state/feds would frown upon that. Common assessments also shouldn’t be altered/changed. No choice there. #g2great#bowtieboys
A8: There are just some things that aren't choices in life...the driver's license test, registering to vote, so there will be some things that just need to be standard but I always hoped they would see those as the easy parts #g2great
A8 Although choice should somehow always be present, it's important to teach students to adapt & follow parameters. Ex. once class rules are decided, no individual choice. We all have to follow rules at times. But try to integrate choice as much as possible. #g2great#BowTieBoys
I was just watching this amazing Twitter conversation taking place between students and teachers. Can you imagine if we opened our mind to learn this way in every school across the country? In the words of Dr. Seuss "Oh the places we could go” #G2Great
Honestly? Always. Students are the center of all we do. Robbing others of their choice robs them of their agency. Why would we ever center that? So, always. Choice always matters a great deal. #G2Great A7
A8: I think the only situation that choice shouldn't be offered is when you just need quick memorization. Perhaps for vocab. Sometimes there just isn't time to assign students a creative, independent research project. #g2great#BowTieBoys
A8: Choice should not be given when no work is getting done. Students should always be working but they should have a choice on how they want to work on it. Maybe even with a limit, how much work they want to do. #g2great#bowtieboys
Also, the notion of choice also means being open to student suggestions, considering and thinking before saying no, working around ideas and finding alternatives #literacy#edchat
A8: Even though choice is necessary, it shouldn't be present if nothing is getting done. It's up to the teacher to read their students and manage choice in their classroom. #g2great#bowtieboys
A9. Diverse Needs:
"You can't always get what you want, but you will get what you need..."
Always some creative choices, always some traditional choices & negotiate anything in between
@dawsonunger#BowTieBoys#g2great
Honestly? Always. Students are the center of all we do. Robbing others of their choice robs them of their agency. Why would we ever center that? So, always. Choice always matters a great deal. #G2Great A7
Yep - sometimes as responsible PLC/CLT data-collectors, we need to make sure we have proper assessments from which to compile this data. Can't have choice there. #bowtieboys#G2Great
Safety; when a person's life or personhood is at risk of harm. The critical work we're engaged in is serious. Mindfulness and safety is essential. #G2Great A8
A9. Diverse Needs:
"You can't always get what you want, but you will get what you need..."
Always some creative choices, always some traditional choices & negotiate anything in between
@dawsonunger#BowTieBoys#g2great
A8:how we treat each other, interact with each other, how we help each other, how we care for our classmates and community. And then I have to add all the state/fed mandated stuff we have to muddle thru during the year...#g2great
A9 It is not easy, but get to know each student. Invest that time. Help build knowledge and learning around their passions, interests. Help them grow and go further than ever possible. It is the most important work we will ever do. Learning is about kids. #g2great#BowTieBoys
A9: To me this is why getting to know your students is SOOOOO important, some may like music, some art, some sports, some speaking, some writing...now how can I give them requirements about the assignment but leave the mode up to their many talents #g2great
So important Sean. I’m not sure that it’s possible to teach without a foundation of trust - and that requires us to know kids as learners and humans! #G2Great
A9: The Ts need to personalize the class to each Ss. For example, when dealing with exceptional Ss, use diverse parameters at the extremes and only give strict boundaries to the Ss that require them. #BowTieBoys#G2Great
I find that I become disengaged when a teacher lectures in front of the class for a long time, I find I learn more when I find the notes #BowTieBoys#g2great
A8:how we treat each other, interact with each other, how we help each other, how we care for our classmates and community. And then I have to add all the state/fed mandated stuff we have to muddle thru during the year...#g2great
A9: Before implementing choice into the classroom, I would highly recommend building a positive environment for your students before that. That way, you'll have a better sense for the room and what they want. Ss will also feel more comfortable #g2great#BowTieBoys
A9: Before implementing choice into the classroom, I would highly recommend building a positive environment for your students before that. That way, you'll have a better sense for the room and what they want. Ss will also feel more comfortable #g2great#BowTieBoys
A9: Choice is a wonderful differentiating factor, but it doesn’t fix everything. I use preview stacks for students who need more focused help finding a good book. #G2Great
The caveat is that classes need large class libraries and other materials. Also need a rich media center so students have materials to choose from for collaborative studies! #g2great#bowtieboys
yes! Students have to feel comfortable before they are willing to take risks, that environment doesn't just happen, it's created by the teacher and the students! #g2great
A9:one has to know the students in the classroom - interests, passions, wonders, etc and build from these to match learning styles, abilities, library titles, etc. #g2great
A10. Tailor assessments by offering choices bc framework is the standards that have to be met. Ss have the standards from Day 1 and begin to develop portfolio that showcases learning.
Banding standards R, W, S & L - so "show me"!
@KellenPluntke#BowTieBoys#g2great
Knowing our students - regardless of the population - is paramount. Cannot offer appropriate choice (in appropriate realms) without first knowing every single student. #bowtieboys#G2Great
I have recorded my workshops from time to time...just trying to find my way with that balance and facilitation in my new position as tech teacher. Pedagogy is the same but working through only getting to see Ss once a week and getting to know them #g2great
In reply to
@LRobbTeacher, @franmcveigh, @SusanTotaro, @DrMaryHoward
@DrMaryHoward#g2great A9 thoughtful question. When thinking about choice and diverse learners, a widely used idea is that of #differentiation or differentiated learning. While useful in most cases, it can also alienate some students. Inclusivity should be the aim. #edchat
A10 We can have limited choice that fits the purpose. All options may not be a match for what we need to know so it depends on our assessment WHY. #G2Great
A10: I think that boundaries at the extremes allow for the perfect project. It allows for creativity to blossom while keeping the learning moving. #BowTieBoys#G2Great
I think that rubrics can be very helpful if the aren't too restraining. I believe that rubrics should be like the bumpers in a bowling alley. They help you to not fall into the gutters but don't lead you straight to a strike #BowTieBoys#g2great
A10 It all comes to knowing your students. Take the framework and sit with students; let them design the way they can show their learning. All assessments can be different. Remove limits, see what creations can happen! MAGIC! #g2great#BowTieBoys
I think that rubrics can be very helpful if the aren't too restraining. I believe that rubrics should be like the bumpers in a bowling alley. They help you to not fall into the gutters but don't lead you straight to a strike #BowTieBoys#g2great
A10: I used to make rubrics to ensure that all of the learning was covered but they could choose how to show their learning, I think it's so important for students to know what they need to show long before they try to show the learning...#g2great
A10 Setting the expectations prior to the beginning of projects/activities may seem obvious, but it is amazing how often it's forgotten #G2Great#BowTieBoys
And this shows that you have walked the same path that you’re asking them to walk. (and helps you to understand that journey from BOTH sides!)( #G2Great
A11. Assess = to sit beside. Assessment = "show me what you have learned". Ss can choose from menu of formats.As "real life as possible! (May still be a short MC, TF, short answer over some facts-but small portion of classwork 2 know on track)
@TheSammer88#BowTieBoys#G2Great
I whole heartedly agree! It starts with the learning environment you create. #G2Great Check our this video I created about how adult behaviors impact students. Please give that tweet a “like” bc we are trying to win a contest! https://t.co/UHzxIMoFAN
I love that idea but I think it is important to have more than one rubric, preferably one per S to allow for exception learners to flourish. #G2Great#BowTieBoys
Yep - let's always make sure we are properly framing from day one. So important to establish the environment so all of the fun of the year can ensue. #bowtieboys#G2Great
#g2great Q10 all about balance, Keleen. You want to offer motivating topics all the while emphasizing individual#literacy practices improvement. So if you are analyzing a video game narrative, you want to focus on logic, character development, design, paroxysm and so on #edchat
A10: Provide options within the assessment. Ex: In SS craft an essay from the perspective of King George or George Washington to show tensions rising that led to the Revolution. In math - draw or write about how you arrived at your answer #G2Great#bowtieboys
A10: You can allow students to tailor assessments while still having framework by setting boundaries before the students make their choices so they know the guidelines. If they want to go further than the boundaries they can talk to the teacher about their options. #g2great
A11 We need to talk with students and see how we can build assessments with them. Have them see what impact it can have, how it speaks to them. We can help reframe it if necessary to guide them in their learning. To prepare, it needs to speak to kids. #g2great#BowTieBoys
A9 Teacher needs to continually keep in touch with students and ask and discuss choices. No sitting in desk. Circulate, listen, chat, and learn .#g2great#bowtieboys
I did a couple rubrics usually but I would like to think that I would have eventually gotten to multiple rubrics...maybe I left the classroom too soon...AHHHH!!! Now you've really made me think @MisterAMisterA#g2great
In reply to
@MisterAMisterA, @franmcveigh, @KellenPluntke, @MisterAMisterA
A11: Creativity is often overlooked but it is a very important skill all throughout live. Incorporating creativity into all assessments automatically ensure real life skills are in the assessments. #BowTieBoys#G2Great
A11: Have S's generate ideas on how they can share their learning. Come up with a class list of options that you can come back to throughout the year. #G2Great
A9 Teacher needs to continually keep in touch with students and ask and discuss choices. No sitting in desk. Circulate, listen, chat, and learn .#g2great#bowtieboys
A11 For too long we’ve made assessment about DOING vs THINKING. We need to shift our lens so it’s more reflective of the learning process AND learner #G2Great
A11 Use quick writes and lots of creative writings, and allow students to turn twist the information into what they want so they can really learn off it, and challenge themselves in a way that will help them later on #G2Great#BowTieBoys
A11: @TheSammer88 brilliant question...simple answer...work with Ss to clearly explain what needs to be shown and then back out of the freaking way...Ss embody authenticity! #G2Great
Creating an open dialogue between teacher and student is so important. If that's not open, how can we ever know what is working for sure? To add onto that, finding out what doesn't work and fixing that is equally as important #G2Great#BowTieBoys
A11: Make assessments more about problem solving and how you would actually talk in real life, not just how you would respond to a bland essay topic or a multiple choice test...allow real life conversation and thoughts in an assessment, shows they really understand #g2great
A11: I think a simple rule to follow for real-world assessment would be focus on making the assignment authentic and then add a method of grading. #g2great#BowTieBoys
A11 We need to talk with students and see how we can build assessments with them. Have them see what impact it can have, how it speaks to them. We can help reframe it if necessary to guide them in their learning. To prepare, it needs to speak to kids. #g2great#BowTieBoys
#G2Great is excited to celebrate the new edition of Strategies that Work w/guest hosts Stephanie Harvey and Anne Goudvis Please join us friend! https://t.co/AfuK1z1I7G
Creating an open dialogue between teacher and student is so important. If that's not open, how can we ever know what is working for sure? To add onto that, finding out what doesn't work and fixing that is equally as important #G2Great#BowTieBoys
A11 maybe just offer a problem and walk away allowing the Ss to use their knowledge to solve in an authentic way. Could encompass a variety of topics and content. #g2great#bowtieboys
Sad that teachers say that! It’s time to create a student centered environment! Negotiate curriculum, negotiate time. Collaborate, not control! #g2great#bowtieboys
In reply to
@MisterAMisterA, @franmcveigh, @nimesys
A11: Student perspective is often overlooked with assessment. At the end of the year, it is always important to reflect on the year to see how improvements can be made. #g2great#bowtieboys
Well, totally missed the #g2great#BowTieBoys
Our smoke alarms went crazy right at 7:15 our house filled with smoke. Our local firefighters just left. Something fell from the fireplace flue and created all the excitement. #oy
