Hey #mtedchat friends! Ann, Tech Integration Specialist from Billings, checking in after a loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong Twitter chat break! It's been so long, they upped my character line of credit! 😂
A1 In my classroom student choice meant they got to choose the way they learned, where they sat, sometimes who they got to work with on projects. #mtedchat
#mtedchat Depends on what is being covered. I follow the IB curriculum so there are several ways to allow kids to come to different conclusions but the overall mastery required is still the same.
A1: Student Choice includes assignments, assessment, seating, group work vs independent, product, and other options, based on learner’s choice #mtedchat
I remember reading a Tweet recently that stuck with me: if we collect an assignment in which every specimen looks the same (or is supposed to look the same), then we're not doing our jobs. Zero choice→zero creativity→zero real learning. #MTedchat
That's the nice part. Every student has their point of readiness with various learning opportunities... Some can podcast, some can video...then support those needing to move out of comfort zone. #mtedchat
In reply to
@HoffmannClass, @NVradenburg, @TriSciCurious
A1 #MTedchat it’s funny how simply offering the choice of which media to use (ie colored pencils, crayons, or markers) empowers kiddos!! Allowing student choice and voice is so important!!
A2: I feel like "testing season" eliminates a lot of choice time for Ss... but then again, it could really add to it if we used the time when students are not being tortured, er, assessed, to provide and encourage choices. #MTedchat
A1 #MTedchat it’s funny how simply offering the choice of which media to use (ie colored pencils, crayons, or markers) empowers kiddos!! Allowing student choice and voice is so important!!
@AnnBruckerTIS what is the magic trick to help teachers see this? I try to help Ts get there by scaffolding the strategies we use on a path towards students making the learning choices and decisions on the product. It's a tough journey for some. #MTedchat
I remember reading a Tweet recently that stuck with me: if we collect an assignment in which every specimen looks the same (or is supposed to look the same), then we're not doing our jobs. Zero choice→zero creativity→zero real learning. #MTedchat
#mtedchat a2: Exam review for IB. Almost impossible. Different papers require all kids prepared for the same type of questions. Exploring computing and other CS concepts offer choice variations but their answers to theoretical/technical knowledge should be specific.
A2: When supporting teachers, it seems the beginning of year is hardest, when getting to know students and their skills. Hmm... gives me ideas for starting next year... #mtedchat
A2: From a coaching perspective, teachers seem less willing to give students choice when there are times of stress. For instance, October into November is a stressful time when teachers need a little more support to make these steps in their classrooms. #MTedchat
Funny, I was going to say that I feel that is a time I see more choices happening. Ts allow themselves to step outside canned curriculum...pacing guides. #mtedchat
Wow, if that isn't the question of the year! We @BPSTIS have been having a lot of conversations about that lately, especially with the emphasis on mastery and districts moving away from traditional grading. It's a hard habit for people to break! #MTedchat
@AnnBruckerTIS what is the magic trick to help teachers see this? I try to help Ts get there by scaffolding the strategies we use on a path towards students making the learning choices and decisions on the product. It's a tough journey for some. #MTedchat
I remember reading a Tweet recently that stuck with me: if we collect an assignment in which every specimen looks the same (or is supposed to look the same), then we're not doing our jobs. Zero choice→zero creativity→zero real learning. #MTedchat
A2: Building in quality, meaningful choice for students isn’t always easy; it takes extra time, intentionality, effort, and thought. During already busy times, those things can be difficult for teachers, even when they want to give choice. #Mtedchat
@AnnBruckerTIS has done an amazing job helping Ts use @Flipgrid to interact in her online class about Google Classroom. I'm really enjoying it! #MTedchat
In reply to
@TriSciCurious, @kinsey80, @Flipgrid, @AnnBruckerTIS, @Flipgrid
When I made the transition from using traditional grades to a standards/mastery-based approach, I was constantly having battles in my head about what was appropriate grading. It is a really hard habit to break, even for those wanting to make the shift. #MTedchat
In New Zealand, students reflect on their work. They write Learning goals and have choice about where to begin their work, based on their self-reflection. #MTedchat
Q1: student choice means empowering them with basics + challenges to allow them to choose to extend learning and address the spectrum of learners #MTedchat
A2: Building in quality, meaningful choice for students isn’t always easy; it takes extra time, intentionality, effort, and thought. During already busy times, those things can be difficult for teachers, even when they want to give choice. #Mtedchat
A2: In response to all the testing season observations...If we offer opps for choice throughout year, kids better prepared for end of year testing. Better prepared = goes faster = less time testing. (my opinion) #mtedchat
In New Zealand, students reflect on their work. They write Learning goals and have choice about where to begin their work, based on their self-reflection. #MTedchat
A2.2 Allowing for choice requires a whole paradigm shift for Ts, especially when we ourselves were "trained" that there is a right way to do things. It's not that there's a harder TIME as much as that there's a tougher culture/engrained pattern to #MTedchat
In New Zealand, students reflect on their work. They write Learning goals and have choice about where to begin their work, based on their self-reflection. #MTedchat
Nope, I mean it! I wasn't sure I wanted to record myself and I kind of felt silly doing it but I really enjoy the interaction with the other Ts. #MTedchat
In reply to
@AnnBruckerTIS, @TriSciCurious, @kinsey80, @Flipgrid
There seems to be more push for this in classrooms now. One of the outcomes I focus on with Ts I coach is supporting Ss to reflect on and set personalized goals. This is one of the first places I go w/a teacher transitioning into a personalized or blended environment. #MTedchat
I feel like our teachers are mostly on board in terms of learning philosophy, they just aren't sure how to have students demonstrate it, or more specifically, how to report it. #MTedchat
A2.2 Allowing for choice requires a whole paradigm shift for LEADERSHIP too ;) Most of us still experience traditional models in our own professional development (NEEDS TO CHANGE!). ;) #mtedchat
A2.2 Allowing for choice requires a whole paradigm shift for Ts, especially when we ourselves were "trained" that there is a right way to do things. It's not that there's a harder TIME as much as that there's a tougher culture/engrained pattern to #MTedchat
That's the struggle, especially when it seemed so cut and dry with points and a letter grade before. This is where evidence of mastery become really important. #mtedchat
#MTedchat A3: most successful time challenging Ss for me is when they will be able to share what they have done externally with others like possible employers or colleges to carry them further. For a purpose beyond school..
Excellent point! EVERY stakeholder, from parents to the students themselves are being asked to get behind the shift in thinking. It's so out of everyone's comfort zones that it's going to take some time. Glad there are leaders like you paving the way! #MTedchat
A3: When I switched from whole class novels/basal series to literature circles. The shift was transformative for me as a teacher and our class atmosphere improved immediately. Fifth graders feeling independent is VERY empowering. #mtedchat
A3 #MTedchat I find that especially with my special education kiddos they are often shocked to be given the opportunity to choose for themselves as they are used to others making decisions for them. Again it goes back to the idea that student choice and voice empowers students!
A3: When students have the opportunity to create and use higher order thinking skills, there is almost always choice involved by nature of the assignment. #Mtedchat
A3: Reading Choice and it is just time. Time for students to find themselves as readers and time for them to strengthen themselves without demands, levels, rules and expectations other than read #MTEdChat
A3: Genius hour projects where Ss built research skills. The choice was given through a scaffolded process, since it was one of the first times Ss had been given choice to this extent. #mtedchat
A3: Reading Choice and it is just time. Time for students to find themselves as readers and time for them to strengthen themselves without demands, levels, rules and expectations other than read #MTEdChat
A3: #mtedchat I have used tiered assessment a lot. Kids work in their comfort zones and in pairs. This has given them much confidence and purpose. Over time they have gone on to choose more complex challenges as they would while playing a game.
A3: Choice works very well with the social/emotional side of our Ss. It can prevent outbursts, reduce anxiety, and promote joy and excitement in a given situation #MTedchat
A2.2 Allowing for choice requires a whole paradigm shift for LEADERSHIP too ;) Most of us still experience traditional models in our own professional development (NEEDS TO CHANGE!). ;) #mtedchat
A2.2 Allowing for choice requires a whole paradigm shift for Ts, especially when we ourselves were "trained" that there is a right way to do things. It's not that there's a harder TIME as much as that there's a tougher culture/engrained pattern to #MTedchat
A3: Genius hour projects where Ss built research skills. The choice was given through a scaffolded process, since it was one of the first times Ss had been given choice to this extent. #mtedchat
I have a hard time being a parent in a school with traditional grades. I'm sorry, but an S or a V in math doesn't tell me what my child does or does not understand. Show me the standards, the evidence. #mtedchat
A3: I think it can be successful at any time, but you as teacher need to be prepared to offer support to a lot of different topics or projects. #MTedchat
I have a hard time being a parent in a school with traditional grades. I'm sorry, but an S or a V in math doesn't tell me what my child does or does not understand. Show me the standards, the evidence. #mtedchat
I think about that ALL the time. So many new opportunities... genius hour, makerspaces, etc. Love supporting, but one-on-one with Ss is SO powerful #mtedchat
In reply to
@AnnBruckerTIS, @NVradenburg, @MTTeacherCoach
A3: Have used Solution Focused Brief Counseling approach with Ss. Empowering them by focusing on future choices instead of past poor choices. #MTedchat
A3: Have used Solution Focused Brief Counseling approach with Ss. Empowering them by focusing on future choices instead of past poor choices. #MTedchat
Choice worked really, really well for me when I was shopping online yesterday.... (I jest, but seriously, as a real-life grown up, I thrive on choices)! #mtedchat
A4: #mtedchat By going through hell. 😊 It's not easy. Takes lot of practice and if not done well then can fall apart horribly. Ts have a tough time not back seat drive student work. If they can work that out then lessons can be more creative and diverse.
A4: Hmmm... I always need a recording system...roster checklist, folder system, SOMETHING to record phases of learning. I take a LOT of pictures, and create a kind of instructional timeline throughout the year. #mtedchat
I love putting together menus/ choice boards. I find it a great way to provide choice within some structured content delivery/exploration. And #hyperdocs would need my go-to! #mtedchat
A4: can be difficult as a school administrator when issuing consequences for poor choices. Must always redirect back towards future positive choices. #MTedchat
I love putting together menus/ choice boards. I find it a great way to provide choice within some structured content delivery/exploration. And #hyperdocs would need my go-to! #mtedchat
A4: The level of structure comes in the culture, community, & vision of the classroom; if choices is a seamless part of this structure, then it's not a matter of balance. It's a matter of being intentional w/design based on the outcomes you're looking for Ss to achieve #mtedchat
A4 I agree w/@KamRenae that choices come in all sizes. Some days writing w/pens and having a snack during math was the most choice I could offer but it was good. #MTedchat
A4 I like to offer sort of a "menu" of options, and I find that assigning and collecting them in a portfolio like Google Classroom gives me the structure I need to feel successful (and organized)! #mtedchat
A4: I also tend to digitize choices. Through hyperdocs, @livebinders, Google Classroom, @flipgrid etc, you can manage different learning paths effectively. #mtedchat
Love menus, as well. I think if I went "forward" to the classroom, I'd design much of the learning in #hyperdocs. So much opportunity for choice as Ss show what they've learned. #mtedchat
A5 Having or designing a rubric with Ss (not based on pts for neatness & stuff, but with "I can" statements around standards) prior to the launch of the project/assignment sets the expectations and levels the field. #mtedchat
My favorite peer editing strategy is like speed dating. Each person gets a look, but they are looking through their own lens (usually based on a rubric row). #MTedchat
A5: #mtedchat Rubric needs to be well aligned with learning outcomes. A video should be graded at the same complexity as a poster or a podcast. Common elements need to exist which justify effort, skill and knowledge.
A5: Know what standards you are assessing when you open up the project/activity. What is the intended learning outcome? Did student master it? Do they need a redo? #mtedchat
A5 Adding onto Ann's: So critical to engage Ss in the conversation to make clear the learning targets. From there, Ss can help create a standards-based rubric. #mtedchat
A5 Having or designing a rubric with Ss (not based on pts for neatness & stuff, but with "I can" statements around standards) prior to the launch of the project/assignment sets the expectations and levels the field. #mtedchat
Rubrics are great but Ts must be willing to assess individual learning outside of one size fits all rubric. Goes back to what is standard and do Ss show mastery even if it doesn’t fit outline of rubric. #mtedchat
@BillingsSchools has shifted to critical concepts by developing proficiency scales. I think this has helped Ts AND Ss focus in on what's important. Most Ss actually WANT to show us that they can do it if we give them the opportunity! #mtedchat
A5 Adding onto Ann's: So critical to engage Ss in the conversation to make clear the learning targets. From there, Ss can help create a standards-based rubric. #mtedchat
A5 Having or designing a rubric with Ss (not based on pts for neatness & stuff, but with "I can" statements around standards) prior to the launch of the project/assignment sets the expectations and levels the field. #mtedchat
A6: My capstone research project at @montanastate had a lot of choice. Some very creative people. I wrote a paper, because that's in my wheelhouse. #MTedchat
Again Q6: Research indicates the adults prefer to have more choice in how they learn as well. Describe a time in your own learning where having more choices was powerful. #MTedchat
We're right on your heels, sister! We've created middle school critical concepts for math + soon ELA. In K-5, priority standards for math/ela. Both have proficiency descrips that really help. #mtedchat
A6 #mtedchat the power of using social media for PD with ease on your own time and convenience with so many opportunities to individual what you want based on your needs
A6 I took the #hyperdoc boot camp a couple yrs back. One assignment was to create use *any* tool to define what a hyperdoc is. I created this in @canva#mtedchat
A6 Luckily for me, every day of my life! In my current TIS job, I get to make a LOT of choices, more so than a classroom T, I believe. Most days, I LOVE this... but some days I really miss the structure of having some decisions made for me. I'm wishy-washy like that 😉 #mtedchat
