Welcome to #rethink_learning chat! Today’s topic is #TIMELESSLEARNING. Introduce Yourself- and tell us your name, role, location, and share a gif or photo about what timeless means to you.
Welcome to the #rethink_learning chat! Today’s topic is TIMELESS LEARNING with guest hosts @pammoran and @irasocol.
Introduce Yourself! Tell us your name, role, location, and share a gif or photo about what timeless means to you - @TimelessLrng
Hi Everyone! Welcome to #rethink_learning! I'm Barbara, one of the hosts of #rethink_learning, podcast host, writer, and dreamer. I'm in Oakland, CA and happy that it's been raining. So glad to be here with you!!
Welcome to the #rethink_learning chat! Today’s topic is TIMELESS LEARNING with guest hosts @pammoran and @irasocol.
Introduce Yourself! Tell us your name, role, location, and share a gif or photo about what timeless means to you - @TimelessLrng
Hi all. Linda, recently retired teacher / learning facilitator, currently enjoying a long-term sub gig teaching Spanish, joining #rethink_learning from IL.
A1- I would love to see a more flexible classroom but it make it difficult with IEP requirements, staff members availability, and lunch & GIT schedules. I think it would take a mind shift in staff and thinking outside the box when planning each day.
#rethink_learning
Welcome to the #rethink_learning chat! Today’s topic is TIMELESS LEARNING with guest hosts @pammoran and @irasocol.
Introduce Yourself! Tell us your name, role, location, and share a gif or photo about what timeless means to you - @TimelessLrng
Hi all. Linda, recently retired teacher / learning facilitator, currently enjoying a long-term sub gig teaching Spanish, joining #rethink_learning from IL.
Q1. What would happen if your students no longer had specific time periods dedicated to specific areas of content? Could that work? How would you need to prepare yourself? #rethink_learning@TimelessLrng
A1: Students would be able to learn at their own pace, without interruption, with the gift of depth in learning and understanding. Planning must be flexible, menu driven. #rethink_learning
A1- I know it can work..it just takes a major paradigm shift for the entire system. Switching from doing what is easiest for the institution to what is best for the Ss is not an overnight change. Sadly. #rethink_learning
A1: I had a flexible timetable with no subjects...learning needs to be flexible and open& that includes the curriculum, the environment, and how Ss work together. It took parents a while to get used to the way I taught. #rethink_learning
A1: Wouldn't it be great to have time to actually "uncover the learning" instead of "teaching to the test" or "covering the curriculum? #rethink_learning@TimelessLrng
A1 - It would completely upset Education in a great way. While students do need a variety of content areas, our goal is to develop passionate learners. Flexible schedules and times help students adjust and create a more positive environment. #rethink_learning
Hey everyone, I am Aaron Moniz, co-founder of Inspire Citizens (https://t.co/Gw0V3scY2j) and ex team lead at Integrated PBL center at the Intl Schl of Beijing - Futures Academy #rethink_learning
A1: learning needs to be integrated with big ideas, global issues, ope ended questions and a call to action...Ss should be able to move fluidly across areas and learn in a more personalized manner. #rethink_learning
A1 - It would completely upset Education in a great way. While students do need a variety of content areas, our goal is to develop passionate learners. Flexible schedules and times help students adjust and create a more positive environment. #rethink_learning
A1. The different areas would become far more integrated, and the overlapping themes would become more obvious. It would allow Ss to make helpful connections. To prepare, Ts would have to be knowledgeable in many areas outside of their preferred subjects. #rethink_learning
A1: If we could teach a truly integrated curriculum, we would have more opportunities to dive deeper into those subjects that provide relevancy for learning. Preparation would include flexibility, collaboration, and a willingness to say YES to shifting mindsets! #rethink_learning
Q1. What would happen if your students no longer had specific time periods dedicated to specific areas of content? Could that work? How would you need to prepare yourself? #rethink_learning@TimelessLrng
A1: I am lucky,I work in a school with block scheduling. The sched has some issues but nothing is perfect. We teach in blocks no less than 60 mins no more than 75 mins. #rethink_learning
Was it just you & your classroom? Or was it your full school/division/district? Curious about what this looks like in action because I really think we need to shift towards this in every school. #rethink_learning
A1: I think students could focus on much greater amounts of reading and writing about great texts as well as things that interest them about the world. This increase would have major positive benefits on literacy. #rethink_learning
However, I have visited a school with flexible blocks, so if you need more time for an activity, you can borrow a block one day from on teacher and then they can borrow from your content area later if they want. #rethink_learning
A1: content is so readily available; Ss need to learn how to interact with the content and focus on developing skills such as critical thinking, analysis, judge, reflect, examine diff perspectives and ask good Qs #rethink_learning
A1b - While college isn’t for everyone, the time schedule and flexibility is vastly different than most high schools. I love that my school has some flex time for seniors. It’s a great first step. #rethink_learning
Before No Child Left Behind, I had time with teachers to be creative and do #PBL. We got to know the kids and how they learned best. It's time now to go deeper, build empathy, consider equity, and challenge learning. #rethink_learning. @TimelessLrng
A1: I am lucky,I work in a school with block scheduling. The sched has some issues but nothing is perfect. We teach in blocks no less than 60 mins no more than 75 mins. #rethink_learning
A1: We would need to have a baseline for the texts students are required to read. Lots of whole books, newspapers, etc. But then simultaneously let Ss do their own thing. Greater flexibility required. #rethink_learning
I like the flexibility of longer periods, there are so many things you can do, longer sustained periods of research and PBL or mini lessons . Just having time built in for relationship building. #rethink_learning
A1: If we could teach a truly integrated curriculum, we would have more opportunities to dive deeper into those subjects that provide relevancy for learning. Preparation would include flexibility, collaboration, and a willingness to say YES to shifting mindsets! #rethink_learning
Q1. What would happen if your students no longer had specific time periods dedicated to specific areas of content? Could that work? How would you need to prepare yourself? #rethink_learning@TimelessLrng
A1c - my students are working on a project now that is focused on research and their own great work. They are done when the project is great. #rethink_learning
Q2: What would happen if you no longer divided children up by age? Could that work? How would you need to prepare yourself?
#rethink_learning@TimelessLrng
A1: design tasks that students apply to their personal projects and explorations accordng to the phases of the design cycle. When ready to justify why they met the standard with sufficient evidence, then S and T would conference to move on to next phase. #rethink_learning
Yes, providing opportunities for building skills like those allow for Ss to own their content acquisition and make them better Ss, no matter the content area. ##rethink_learning
Time to learn for themselves is a big challenge for educators- what could be changed to gift more professional learning time to educators? #rethink_learning@TimelessLrng
My admin was totally on board and I had her support...my reports looked very different from the standard but I was lucky my admin gave me the freedom and flexibility to teach in this way. #rethink_learning
Joining late...
A2) It could work as long as the division weren’t simply for those who are “advanced.” Kids shouldn’t have to earn the opportunity to learn with and from different-age peers. #Rethink_Learning
Q2: What would happen if you no longer divided children up by age? Could that work? How would you need to prepare yourself?
#rethink_learning@TimelessLrng
A2: If students were no longer divided by grade, instead..ability and level of learning- students would reach their own potential without walls or limits. #rethink_learning
A2- I think it could work but the way we are currently moving toward this model is personalized learning where our teachers are differentiating for each student to meet their needs.
#rethink_learning
I am always pushing the walls in my classroom but never sacrificing the standardized test outcomes. My kids do well but it's taken years of small steps that now have larger compounded effects #rethink_learning
Time to learn for themselves is a big challenge for educators- what could be changed to gift more professional learning time to educators? #rethink_learning@TimelessLrng
A2 Students moving at their pace, when they are read and show mastery, would need a system to follow, planning and ongoing conversations #rethink_learning
A2- In short...learning will happen. Younger learn from older, older learn from younger. We hold back learning when we restrict access because of age. We also set up for struggle if we only promote to keep with an age group. Works both ways. #rethink_learning
Instead of teaching six classes each day for 45 minutes, I see each class every other day for 82 minutes allowing more time for depth.
#rethink_learning
A2 - There are serious issues with this idea. Especially at secondary level. Maturity levels vary immensely among teens. Yes, some kids may make that adjustment, but deciding who is scheduled with who could be challenging. #rethink_learning
A2: age need not govern who works on which activities and when, as long as formative benchmarks are set, conferencing and feedback is regular and assessment is student lead/ directed, then age need not confine learning and timing of activities and T's faciltate #rethink_learning
A2: Multi-age grouping would allow for students to master curriculum based on level, not age. It would be a major mindshift for many; it would be interesting to see how this would work for elementary school and how this would disrupt standardized testing models. #rethink_learning
Q2: What would happen if you no longer divided children up by age? Could that work? How would you need to prepare yourself?
#rethink_learning@TimelessLrng
I have no idea how it would work! But I love seeing people think outside the box and realizing that education could use a revamping. Tough to break traditions...but sometimes tradition get in the way of innovation. #rethink_learning
A2- I think it could work but the way we are currently moving toward this model is personalized learning where our teachers are differentiating for each student to meet their needs.
#rethink_learning
A1 The potential for learning without time constraints was revealed just today during our snow day! @MrMarkHeintz captured in this post how students took advantage of unstructured time! ihttp://www.egcollablab.org/2018/11/the-power-of-snow-day.html #rethink_learning
A2: OMG! Yes, please! I have been saying for a long time that we need more cross age/grade learning...why not divide up by age group and let Ss work together, mentor each other, develop leadership skills, habits of mind, etc.. #rethink_learning
yes I agree! Kids already do take different level of classes as they do advance as needed, but with no limitations maturity may get in the way. #rethink_learning
A2 - There are serious issues with this idea. Especially at secondary level. Maturity levels vary immensely among teens. Yes, some kids may make that adjustment, but deciding who is scheduled with who could be challenging. #rethink_learning
A2: Start with a question. Encourage inquiry around real-world problems like the UN #SDGs and have mixed age groups work together around those ideas/challenges that interest them. Multi-age is the real world. #rethink_learning@TimelessLrng
Thanks for that- shifts need to happen with purpose but being open to trying new work is critical to creating a sense of agency in self and others #rethink_learning@timelesslrning
A1) Teachers wouldn’t have to find ways to demonstrate relevance of a particular discipline; students would integrate the disciplines themselves. Teachers could focus on how to learn and serve as a guide on the side rather than primarily a deliverer of content. #Rethink_Learning
Q1. What would happen if your students no longer had specific time periods dedicated to specific areas of content? Could that work? How would you need to prepare yourself? #rethink_learning@TimelessLrng
A2: you need to know developmental stages of kids as well as brain development and how Ss learn. This is crucial information to know in order to meet Ss needs and ensure learning is targeted to their needs. #rethink_learning
A2: There is a point where age doesn't matter, it's about the skills, maturity etc. My favorite class was an Earth Science class I taught years ago that had students from all four grades 9-12. I enjoyed it the most. I hope they did too. #rethink_learning
A2b - As a follow up to my last answer. The key is why would age changes help or hurt. Yes, some students are well adjusted and very intelligent. But much more is involved. Emotional intelligence plays a key role in child development. #rethink_learning
A2: I’ve been exploring Genius Hour explorations between my kindergarten Ss and @paigeconley6th’s 6th graders - it’s been going very well so far and the Ss are so excited about the work they’re doing together! #rethink_learning
A2: Start with a question. Encourage inquiry around real-world problems like the UN #SDGs and have mixed age groups work together around those ideas/challenges that interest them. Multi-age is the real world. #rethink_learning@TimelessLrng
Only in my brain and in what little I have read. Currently reading a great book about it by Peter Gray, Free To Learn. It really has my brain going wild. I recommend it if you have not read it already. #rethink_learning
We ask our kids to have open minds and growth mindsets...sometimes it is hard to walk the walk as educators. Change is hard...but if we want change then something has to happen. #rethink_learning
A2: Start with a question. Encourage inquiry around real-world problems like the UN #SDGs and have mixed age groups work together around those ideas/challenges that interest them. Multi-age is the real world. #rethink_learning@TimelessLrng
Q3. What would happen if you no longer told students where, how, or if to sit? Where, how, or if to work? Could that work? How would you need to prepare yourself? #rethink_learning@TimelessLrng
Sounds interesting, I wonder more about the PD there and how Ss who are used to structure before adapt or are supported appropriately. #rethink_learning
In reply to
@DisruptCreate, @HaeataCampus, @andykaifong, @karyngraynz
So sorry to be missing this amazing chat! I have a chicken with Bumble Foot, and we need to do some surgery. Definitely hope to join in next week.... #rethink_learning
A2: I worked on cross-age cross-curriculum projects with teachers in Pinellas County Schools, Tampa, FL. So much fun. Kids were so engaged. That was 2006-09. Why can't we do this? Let go. Let Learning Happen. #rethink_learning@TimelessLrng
you definitely have some freedom and choice...I see you are Secondary English..so many other areas you can integrate starting with #socialjustice#equity and issues related to science, history, and geography! I'm excited about what you can do in your classroom! #rethink_learning
A3- We have flexible seating in a lot of our classrooms. Ts and ss love it. There are expectations but majority of the ss follow the rules. I think a huge barrier is the cost to get the correct material & furniture. So we have learned to reuse what we have.
#rethink_learning
If we are looking to move towards open schools without walls, then it makes sense to open the classroom to abilities, interest, and needs towards mastery. NO LIMITS... #rethink_learning
A3. You mean like at their home, and it seems to work well there. Consider easing them into it with guidelines, then suggestions, then permission, then ask them! #rethink_learning
A3 I do that kind of, use stations, mix them up randomly, more flexible spaces for working, I just went with it and crossed fingers, it worked well for them and I love being able to work with every student every day #rethink_learning
A3: yes it can work! I've worked with Ts and staff around flexible seating (and learning)...Ss should be able to go where they need to...library, office, another classroom, etc. But imp to teach Ss how to self-regulate first! #rethink_learning
A3 - I allow kids to sit where they like. We want kids to feel comfortable in class and have the ability to interact with others. Building a class culture is sculpted around empowering students. #rethink_learning
The only thing is, lots of other structures have to change. Our schedules, our course designs, curricula are not in line with the "wall-less" classrooms. #rethink_learning As you said...
There’s still the content knowledge piece, and thus the need for more collaboration by those who don’t have the background. I think kids would have a broader perspective on their learning and their future, better understanding relationships between issues. #Rethink_Learning
A3: We love flexible seating in our Innovation Lab! When students can choose where, how, and if they sit, they already have ownership of the learning process. They also have more opportunities for collaboration and creativity. #rethink_learning
A3 Real learning happens anywhere, anytime. #whatif we opened walls and doors and encouraged flexible seating anywhere in the school - outside/inside? #rethink_learning@TimelessLrng
A3-1/2 I am pushing that boundary currently. I allow my Ss to sit where they choose. I have a sofa in my room that is always available. When we are working, I encourage my Ss to go outside and work. I don't follow behind them to see if they did their work. #rethink_learning
A3: definitely need to think about how much $ would be needed for standing desks, and other flexible seating but if we are going to personalize learning, we need to let Ss have the freedom and independence to lead their own learning #rethink_learning
The only thing is, lots of other structures have to change. Our schedules, our course designs, curricula are not in line with the "wall-less" classrooms. #rethink_learning As you said...
A3: I go back and forth on these sorts of things. I'm sure it could work for some students. I do think routine procedures and consistency work well as well. It's hard to find balance sometimes. #rethink_learning
A3: I really need to do a better job of having students honestly reflect on their productivity when given freedom in work environment. Would love a quick reflection form/questions #rethink_learning
A3: flexible seating is much more than just buying fancy/cool furniture - how does the learning change? How does it change the way Ss work together and independently. Fancy furniture doesn't mean anything if teaching & learning doesn't change. #rethink_learning
A3. First thing we did in elementaries was to raise the legs on some standard tables and pull the leg bottoms out of others, ending up with three heights... #rethink_learning
A3: definitely need to think about how much $ would be needed for standing desks, and other flexible seating but if we are going to personalize learning, we need to let Ss have the freedom and independence to lead their own learning #rethink_learning
A3: I go back and forth on these sorts of things. I'm sure it could work for some students. I do think routine procedures and consistency work well as well. It's hard to find balance sometimes. #rethink_learning
That is a great reminder - my children never sit in the same place at home. On the floor, in a chair, leaning over the sofa. If they have choice at home, why not at school? #rethink_learning
A3: Seating charts make no sense. except when you first want to learn names. When you let Ss work where and how they want, gives them voice and choice. In some of our PBL work, Ss work in the hallways, sit on floors. #rethink_learning
A3: I think it depends on the task at hand. There are certain situations where assigned seating is useful (even necessary). But if achieving the goal isn't tied to where kids are located, then I could see how it might help. #rethink_learning
A3: Seating charts make no sense. except when you first want to learn names. When you let Ss work where and how they want, gives them voice and choice. In some of our PBL work, Ss work in the hallways, sit on floors. #rethink_learning
A2: I think it would provide great opportunities for Ss to learn from other Ss. To prepare, a T would have to understand their different learning needs and stages. I think it would be best to limit the range of ages somewhat to make it manageable and balanced. #rethink_learning
A3: Empowering agency means providing opportunities for learning in the way that works best for each learner. Some kids like to sit or lie down on the floor. Others need to stand and pace. Some work alone where others work better together. #rethink_learning@TimelessLrng
A3: definitely need to think about how much $ would be needed for standing desks, and other flexible seating but if we are going to personalize learning, we need to let Ss have the freedom and independence to lead their own learning #rethink_learning
When Ss know that the walls are merely there to keep the cold out, It's liberating. ;) Ss are willing to do this if you show that you trust them to be mature and again, build those relationships. #rethink_learning
Definitely, just had a great chat last night about #divergentEDU and making changes, working on uNconventional, part of the #weteachuN series books :) #rethink_learning
A3- I love living in a world of organized chaos in my room. It is hard to let go of control and put the learning in the hands of kids...but it really is rewarding. Just have to establish some procedures/etiquette in the class and you are good to go! #rethink_learning
I remember the impact in my own children in first grade having 6th grade reading buddies the met with each week - and how they looked forward to and finally enjoyed being 6th grade reading buddies themselves. There are many possibilities to make it work #rethink_learning
Excellent point. I do believe you have to understand the culture of your classroom and the dynamics your students bring to the room. Helping students discover what type of seating works best for them is a life lesson, too! #rethink_learning
For sure. It's tough. That's why teaching is one of the most complex jobs out there. You have to make so many decisions. And those decisions really matter. #rethink_learning
A3. #rethink_learning We have tried to put kitchens at the center of every new or rebuilt elementary learning space (5-8 classroom equivalent). One school added an outdoor kitchen.
A3 2/2-Try to let my Ss prioritize their needs. Work on my assignments in my class but if you have a more pressing deadline & need to use my class to meet it, then use it. But the responsibility of filling in the gaps is put on them. #rethink_learning
A3: I’ve used flex seat for past 3.5 years. It allows Ss to be more engaged + comfortable while creating. I have an art room/furniture that allows for this to happen. This is not how I was trained as a teacher in grad school, but works better for my Ss. #rethink_learning
Q3. What would happen if you no longer told students where, how, or if to sit? Where, how, or if to work? Could that work? How would you need to prepare yourself? #rethink_learning@TimelessLrng
A3) I think we adults would get over it. 😉 Butts in seats and relatively upright bodies are unnatural ways for kids to learn. Even readers position themselves in a variety of ways. #Rethink_Learning
Q3. What would happen if you no longer told students where, how, or if to sit? Where, how, or if to work? Could that work? How would you need to prepare yourself? #rethink_learning@TimelessLrng
Edu-Friends...if anyone is interested in getting this book and starting a Twitter Book Study, please let me know...
#rethink_learning#TeachPos#waledchat
I think a good deal of questions in education could be answered by what you said. Understanding the culture of your classroom and dynamics of your students. So powerful. #rethink_learning
A3 2/2-Try to let my Ss prioritize their needs. Work on my assignments in my class but if you have a more pressing deadline & need to use my class to meet it, then use it. But the responsibility of filling in the gaps is put on them. #rethink_learning
Agreed. Looking back over the lessons I offered last year, many would not have been possible without flexible seating/furniture. I can see a direct impact on how seating choice/logistics has provided opportunities for unique, transformative learning experiences. #rethink_learning
A3. As long as expectations and a respectful classroom environment were established and maintained from the beginning, students could be given that freedom. I love the idea of flexible seating. I was using @floorplanner to think about classroom layout. #rethink_learning
Thank you to everyone for joining #rethink_learning tonight and thanks to @pammoran and @irasocol for guest hosting...be sure to follow the great ppl you met tonight!
We always love the chance to engage with educators on topics of @TimelessLrng - value the questions, the challenges, the resources and ideas shared tonight- thank you for joining us and thx to our ret@bbray27 and @raspberryberet3 for hosting everyone in the chat #rethink_learning
I created a GoFundMe campaign to turn 1/4 of our computer lab into a Tiny Tech Cafe (complete with sofa, standing tables, bookshelf, fridge/keurig) then wrote an education grant to transform the other 3/4 of the room. Great ideas! #rethink_learning
I really like the idea of reading buddies. I wonder if it would work as well for 7th and 8th grade matched with older high school Ss since I'm planning on Secondary Ed. #rethink_learning
In reply to
@Ashida_Linda, @amynicolebettis, @paigeconley6th
I think sometimes you just have to give it a go, explaining to students the purpose and expectations. When Ss understand the why and discover the power of choice, it’s incredible to see how those small changes create huge gains! #rethink_learning
I have not been able to fully participate in tonight's #rethink_learning ~ but am so grateful I can savor the tweets later on! Thanks to all participants especially @irasocol@pammoran
I am fortunate to teach in a program that is part of the New Tech Network and focuses on PBL. I have a hybrid English and History class of up to 50 students that allows me to create that environment. #rethink_learning
Thank you for a great chat! I hadn't thought about these questions before. It is so easy to take things for granted and to forget that the conventional way may not be the best way. #rethink_learning
Indeed! And you always have tomorrow or next week or next semester to climb back up that mountain to try again if you fall too fast! But don’t just stand on the ledge too long... make the jump and soar! #rethink_learning
A special thanks to @pammoran and @irasocol for guest moderating #rethink_learning chat tonight. Lots of thought-provoking questions to ponder as we create timeless learning opportunities for our students and ourselves!
My student teaching experience in 1994 was a multi-age 2/3 class. Students easily shifted from different groups and learning based on skills. Granted, this was before standardized testing became the norm. I have great memories of my early years in education! #rethink_learning
Really appreciate the questions that our guest hosts @pammoran and @irasocol shared in our chat #rethink_learning. Lots of new friends joined us and the conversations were amazing around @TimelessLrng
Thank you to everyone for joining #rethink_learning tonight and thanks to @pammoran and @irasocol for guest hosting...be sure to follow the great ppl you met tonight!
A2: Yes it can work. And all schools need to start planning for these opportunities. The bold schools can and should go further and lead the way for the rest. #rethink_learning
