Welcome to #Nt2t! Today’s topic is “Getting smart - an inspiring approach to learning”. Questions for today’s chat are here & on the photo cards. #nt2t
One of my fav quotes from the article about documentation "It provides a visible memory in order to serve as a jumping-off point for next steps in learning. The intent of documentation is to explain, not merely to display." https://t.co/OgdkuMNWcq#NT2t
Today's #NT2t questions come from an article that highlighted Reggio Emilia, a city in Italy that values early education. Check out the article: https://t.co/HSCz7Q1ht6
Good morning everyone and happy summer to those of you who wrapped up another school year! I'm Julie, co-founder of #NT2t from Missouri USA. Who do we having with us this morning?
One of my fav quotes from the article about documentation "It provides a visible memory in order to serve as a jumping-off point for next steps in learning. The intent of documentation is to explain, not merely to display." https://t.co/OgdkuMNWcq#NT2t
#NT2t Good morning, @shyj ! Gwena, Spanish Teacher from Angola, Indiana. Kids finished school yesterday. I only teared up once lol (not really... I think it was actually about 3 times..)
"Education is seen as a right for everyone and as the responsibility of the entire community.“ I like this quote - because it describes the importance of education. #nt2t
#NT2t PS. Our high school is amazing! Most of the kids are absolutely amazing. The staff is amazing. I have never been happier in another district. Sure, there are challenges occasionally, but nowhere near as much or as bad as I've been through elsewhere. 😊
Jeremy in Connecticut, parent, #nt2t team member. Older daughter will soon graduate from middle school; younger one ending her fifth year at the elementary school (including pre-K). Our family’s been with that school nine years.
A1: In my opinion, whenever you are building a community, it all begins with relationships. Trust and rapport is key and takes time to build. From there, kids (and adults) feel safe to start questioning and wondering. #NT2t
A1: We have to work on building relationships first so we can know our students and what they need, are passionate about, want to share! We need to shift the mindset from data as solely numbers to data being the WHOLE child. Maslow before Blooms! #nt2t
Most staff is supportive & encouraging of each other, hardly any gossipers. Most Ss are extremely respectful to teachers. And most Ps truly partner with Ts in the best interest of their students. Also Administration truly goes the extra mile for all of us - Ss, Ps, & Ts!
A1: It’s so important to give students time to explore and take charge of their own learning. I do this through collaborative inquiry-based projects, Genius Hour, and teaching about Growth Mindset and that mistakes are part of learning. #nt2t
#nt2t Agree with you Julie about trust. One of the problems is that when we do testing we build a barrier to trust. People are not vulnerable when they are judged. So it is important to create a safe environment for members of a community.
Good morning Cristina. Thanks for joining #NT2t I couldn't agree with you more. I think everything begins with building a relationship. When those are established, many other things become so much easier.
A1: We have to work on building relationships first so we can know our students and what they need, are passionate about, want to share! We need to shift the mindset from data as solely numbers to data being the WHOLE child. Maslow before Blooms! #nt2t
A1) Engage families and the community in the learning so many values are represented. Value all kids all the time and don’t focus energies on the testing days. #nt2t
#nt2t A1: Honestly I am still working on this. Test scores are important because they produce grades which colleges scrutinize. However one thing we did this year was a PBL. Most Ss were dreading the PBL, but the majority of them loved it and told me to do it again next year!
#nt2t A1 I am wondering if there are ways we can celebrate failures, celebrate coming up with questions we cannot answer. Let's value and change our metric to things we cannot measure.
Agree Marlon. I do think assessment is very important, but the way in which we assess is key. We must offer various ways for kids to show us what they understand, and don't understand. #NT2t
A1: My gut reaction is to say 'by asking questions'. I also have heard many say that it is important to start fostering that culture in the early grades so it carries on to high school, college, and beyond. #nt2t
#nt2t I guess it depends on perspective. For some, it might be their parents, or peers, or even themselves. And then some kids don't take any value to being tested.
A1) We have to model feeling unsettled and being excited to explore and wonder. We have to show that being uncomfortable/struggling is part of learning, that learning for learning's sake is more important than a grade or score. #nt2t
Essential part - community is more than only students-teachers-school. There are families and other community members you can involve to create purpose for all. #nt2t
#nt2t A1: I teach a subject that doesn't involve standardized testing. I try to create assignments that encourage them to state opinions and use their imagination, which isn't as common as it should be in high school.
A1: Starting that culture in the earliest grades is so important. Students won't be able to 'flip the switch' to be critical thinkers when they go to college if they've not been expected to before then. #nt2t
Oh goodness yes Marlon! I have seen instances when the goal was to come up with the "best, wrong answer" for the class to deconstruct and analyze the thinking and misconception behind the answer. #NT2t
#nt2t A1 I am wondering if there are ways we can celebrate failures, celebrate coming up with questions we cannot answer. Let's value and change our metric to things we cannot measure.
A2) I think a lot of that is driven by "accountability" and high stakes testing here in the U.S. If schools & Ts are being evaluated (wrongly) by test scores, then schools & Ts will focus on identifying S deficits & working to improve skills/knowledge. #nt2t
Cool! My kids have several food allergies so rice milk works for both of them. Summer vacation started this week & much milk was consumed. Eeek. LOL #nt2t
#nt2t A2 I think schools sort of treat Ss like at a doctor's office. Focusing more on diagnosing the symptoms rather than the preventive medicine part.
#nt2t A2: I don't know that most schools focus on what students can't do. I think standardized tests might do that? From my understanding assessments should be an accurate measure of what students have learned/gained as well as their growth.
A2) I think a lot of that is driven by "accountability" and high stakes testing here in the U.S. If schools & Ts are being evaluated (wrongly) by test scores, then schools & Ts will focus on identifying S deficits & working to improve skills/knowledge. #nt2t
A2: Powerful question! It seems like schools focus on what kids "can't do" because we are supposed to "teach them." Instead, why not focus on what they can do and build from there? #NT2t
They should be but it depends on what your state's accountability system weights more - growth or achievement of standards. It keeps changing in our state, along with the standards, assessments, etc. It's pretty maddening. I say that as a parent. #nt2t
#nt2t A2: I don't know that most schools focus on what students can't do. I think standardized tests might do that? From my understanding assessments should be an accurate measure of what students have learned/gained as well as their growth.
A2) This is a mindset good educators are trying to overcome, so I don’t believe this is true in all schools. Some may equate learning with working on weaknesses. Others may need to work on an equity mindset in general and move to truly believing that all kids can learn. #nt2t
A2: There has been so much emphasis on students meeting, or not meeting the standards. It’s definitely a mindshift, but it’s important to highlight students’ strengths and allow them to explore their passions. #nt2t
Right. Must be more formative assessment, away from summative forms. I would like to see that we move away from grading more towards collecting learning products in portfolios. #nt2t
#nt2t A2: I don't know that most schools focus on what students can't do. I think standardized tests might do that? From my understanding assessments should be an accurate measure of what students have learned/gained as well as their growth.
#nt2t A2: I think it's a symptom of trying to meet standards and obey the law. There's so much that schools are required to do for kids that it's easier to take a clinical approach to things.
My eighth grader stayed home a while when she wasn’t feeling well but raced out when she found out she’d miss her standardized test. Even the school said not to worry about it; it was for statistical data and not every kid needed to finish. ... #nt2t
Indeed they do. And it is very important to ask them & get them to ask each other why they believe something, how they know what they know, how to evaluate evidence, etc. Big part of my world history courses. #nt2t
Practical application question: How do you find student's strengths and be able to grow it? We have about 9 months to teach 18+ students, how do you quickly find strengths? Especially in the littlest ones? #nt2t
You're absolutely correct Gwena, it should be a measurement of growth. Seems like we still focus on what they don't know...like when questions get marked wrong. Wrong is okay, but kids need to understand why. #NT2t
#nt2t Lindsey, you are so right. Humans are not the sum of numbers. And I wonder how we can capture that. Especially when kids get into High School and get into GPA.
But it’s sad that in education we focus first on meeting standards and obey the law. Students should be in the focus, their learning is setting standards and we should support this learning work. #nt2t
#nt2t A2: I think it's a symptom of trying to meet standards and obey the law. There's so much that schools are required to do for kids that it's easier to take a clinical approach to things.
We have to work on what teachers actually believe in and not what we want them to carry out in the classroom. Their beliefs will govern their choices and actions above everything else. This has to be done on a one to one basis. #NT2t
Exactly! Opinions are great, but I think it's really important that we understand why we hold these opinions int he first place. Exposes our biases, lack of accurate information, etc. #NT2t
Do their strengths have to be found quickly? I think asking them what they are good at & what they want to be able to do better would be a good starting point. Teacher observation & asking Ss what they feel others are good at could also be a method. #nt2t
Practical application question: How do you find student's strengths and be able to grow it? We have about 9 months to teach 18+ students, how do you quickly find strengths? Especially in the littlest ones? #nt2t
As parents we’ve always downplayed the tests, saying it was to measure the school, not the kids. But our daughter didn’t want to have started something she couldn’t finish. I’d prefer that drive went to more valuable things, but I suppose that’s worth something in itself. #nt2t
A2: At least in the youngest grades, there is a lot of pressure to get down reading and basic math (foundation skills). It's hard to 'think outside to box' when teaching those cornerstone skills. #nt2t
#nt2t A1 I am wondering if there are ways we can celebrate failures, celebrate coming up with questions we cannot answer. Let's value and change our metric to things we cannot measure.
#Nt2t I am curious, do you think everyone (and I mean Ts) can change their beliefs. Been thinking about Dweck's mindsets and wondering about how fixed mindset might be overcome.
You watch...be quiet; watch, listen, take notes, reflect. Afterwards, start asking kids REAL questions that probe for their understanding about what they are doing. #NT2t
#NT2t A3: I don't display rough drafts because students don't want me to. I try to respect their wishes. However, I do not only display the best work. All my students' work is important to me.
Definitely, but the people who are most in charge of rules and standards (administrators and politicians) aren't in the classroom actually educating kids. Their jobs depend on those laws and structures. #nt2t
A3) I think some of it is due to the focus on polished finished products in our culture. How many selfies do people take but only post the best one(s)? I love reading about how writers go through the writing process & sharing that w/ my kids. #nt2t
Been trying to use tools like Plickers & Class Dojo 2 document what students can do/want 2 learn, 2 have an idea of how I can help them get the best out of the experience. They evaluate the syllabus we have to cover and decide how that can help them in real life. #NT2t
We take a similar position with our kids regarding standardized tests. Tell them important to do their best but their learning cannot be reduced to a score for tests taken over only a few days. #nt2t
A3: I absolutely LOVE this - display rough drafts and final work. This way everyone can see the growth and progress made. It's silly that we keep displays for the "As" or near perfect work. Learning is a process, it can be messy, show it all! #NT2t
#nt2t So totally agree with you Jeremy. These tests were designed for one type of measurement. Wouldn't it be better energy if kids were rushing to finish a project that they were making an impact to their school or community.
With our 8th grader, the last year I knew what was going on in the classrooms was in 6th, when the team sent an extensive weekly email describing what they were doing in each class, repeating old news at the end for what we missed. A community newsletter could do the same. #nt2t
I'm wrong ALL THE TIME and have learned to accept that. However, I want to/need to know why. If I can't figure that out, I get frustrated. Learning is about understanding your thinking processes. #NT2t
Love this! I ask Ss this at the start of each lesson in my online world history courses. It's fun to see how their questions evolve over each course as they get more comfortable asking questions & thinking about what they actually want to learn/know. #nt2t
That's it! And if we do this continually, we show them that learning is an ongoing process. We don't ever actually learn something the first time around. #NT2t
Writing, for me, is a wonderful process to make clear that’s never finished - you always can change something, rearrange. That’s important to recognize for students that their work, their performance is in progress. #nt2t
And wherever they are online, probably Facebook... invite everyone who lives in that community to join a FB group that shares from the school and classrooms. Invite responses on particular lessons for anyone to lend expertise. And have individual classroom Twitter accounts. #nt2t
What if you switched it up a bit? Get the list of what they would like to learn, then show them the list of what needs to be covered. Have them figure out what could go where. #NT2t
A3: Due to the demands of students meeting standards, I think we often just look at the finished product. We should celebrate the learning process, which include drafts/ revisions. Just as we do in math when we want to see all of the Ss work. #nt2t
A3: One way I have done this is when Ss turn in their final work with their rough drafts stapled to the final paper. The whole packet gets hung on our writing wall. #NT2t
Gwena, that’s so awesome. And Julie, that’s an interesting approach in order to still meet curriculum requirements. I like the idea of student input and also want to make sure educators are able to make those connections themselves between desired and required learning. #nt2t
A4) Fewer worksheets/busy work and more projects where Ss learn content & develop skills while doing meaningful activities. Still working on this for my online world history course. Encourage Ss to keep work in folder & then select work to show growth as portfolio. #nt2t
A2: Not that I agree with it, there’s so much pressure from the state>district>school>admin>Ts>Ss. So much time is spent on being reactive based on numerical data. Why not be proactive so we can avoid the need for so much remediation? Focus on strengths & work from there. #nt2t
Thanks; how do you process data from particularly, collaborative inquiry-based project - any example, how much data collected, what themes normally emerge ? @seni_bl how about asynchronous alternatives #nt2t
#nt2t A4: I actually think my school does a good job at this already, from the top down. Kids are really involved in the community and encouraged to keep it up.
I haven't found a way to apply it in my online courses as Ss work asynchronously & at their own pace, but the Question Formulation Technique for @RightQuestion is an awesome way to help students develop questioning skills. #nt2t
It works really well. I did this with my 3rd graders. Sometimes we had to justify the connections, but it really got us thinking and sparked our curiosity and creativity. #NT2t
A4: We would have students reaching instead of just settling. I truly believe students will rise or fall to your expectations, and so if we expect great things from them they will discover that they are capable of greatness. #nt2t
I love that at my daughter's elementary school (that she just finished), all the Ss did math at the same time so Ss could go to the math class that was right for them. Not sure why it's only elem school in our district that does this. #nt2t
Personally I’d prefer your approach. I’m on here all the time. And many communities may be connected enough. It could be that the weekly email/newsletter was more useful for me as a parent than to worry about translating that to the larger community. #nt2t
A4: I think we should be preparing students to be positive contributors to society. That means teaching and modeling a classroom community of kindness, problem solving, empathy, collaboration, and critical thinking. Ss should feel valued always. #nt2t
Wish for more openness in structure questions. Think that’s more what learning in the 21st century should look like, more what students need to prepare them for life! #nt2t
#nt2t Excellent goals to strive for. I really like the idea of positive contributions to society. What sorts of ways can we encourage that in our classrooms and schools?
Yes! A school that I had fields in when I was in college had this same idea, all students did math at the same time and different rooms were on different levels. I really loved that, and I never got the feeling the kids knew the 'smart' math from not. #nt2t
Yes, see my last tweet. Despite what I said before I’m starting to rethink the traditional “newsletter” thing. Honestly I’m more likely to flip through an online account than read an entire newsletter! (Speaking from experience.) #nt2t
Totally agree. Aside from "how?" and "why?" Qs, I tell Ss that my 2 fave Qs are "So what?" and "Who cares?" Why is this important? What can I do with this info? Why do I need to know this? How can it help me in my life? I think about those ?s when designing lessons. #nt2t
Wish for more openness in structure questions. Think that’s more what learning in the 21st century should look like, more what students need to prepare them for life! #nt2t
A3: I like the idea of posting a “works in progress” “under construction” or “Look at what we’re working on.” My work BFF @khoggardGRT is a proponent of emphasizing the process NOT the product! #nt2t
A4: The crazy thing is kids DO want to make a difference. The key is building those relationships with your community. Explore your community to identify needs and decide how you can help. #NT2t
Yes! A school that I had fields in when I was in college had this same idea, all students did math at the same time and different rooms were on different levels. I really loved that, and I never got the feeling the kids knew the 'smart' math from not. #nt2t
#nt2t You know, Julie, I was so inspired by the American Ss at Parkland that started the March for Lives. It was big enough that we did it here in Hong Kong. I feel sometimes Ss more passionate than the adults. But definitely optimistic that educators can change too.
It was also great opportunity for Ss to get to know Ss from other grades/classes. I know math & other instruction is differentiated in other schools but this just seems to make so much sense. #nt2t
I keep asking myself if students are ready for that kind of paradigm shift. From personal experience, some teens of mine vetoed the idea of them analysing and redesigning the syllabus. #NT2t
A4: The crazy thing is kids DO want to make a difference. The key is building those relationships with your community. Explore your community to identify needs and decide how you can help. #NT2t
Build relationships outside of the school walls. There is a whole world out there (community means more than your town; community is global) that is just waiting for you to take part. #NT2t
So easy now with digital tools for Ss to save earlier versions of their work and then reflect on their process with others (other Ss, Ps, Ts, etc.). #nt2t
In reply to
@CristinaDajero, @seni_bl, @khoggardGRT
And it is so hard, although part of the job, to differentiate for 4 different ability levels in one lesson. Easier for everyone for 4 different teachers to teach 1 ability level, and then differentiate to specific students within that. #nt2t
Interesting! My son goes to Harvard and their first week of "class" is what is called Shopping Period. You can go to any class you want and find the best fit for you. #NT2t
That's one of the questions I ask Ss in my world history courses: Why are young people often at the forefront of movements for change? Usually generates some interesting conversations. #nt2t
#nt2t You know, Julie, I was so inspired by the American Ss at Parkland that started the March for Lives. It was big enough that we did it here in Hong Kong. I feel sometimes Ss more passionate than the adults. But definitely optimistic that educators can change too.
Time for me to head out, baby needs breakfast and nap. Awesome chat this morning, thanks to @stephwurking and @seni_bl for moderating and to everyone for great thoughts! #nt2t
A4: We need to believe that our students are capable of achieving the impossible! Ss have so much to share with the world if only adults got out of their way sometimes. We have to stop putting children into boxes and allowing them to shine! #nt2t
I think in this case lots of students will be missing the f2f communication, collaboration #irl.
Think to trust completely in virtual schools won’t be the future. People are social, contact means learning. #nt2t
If we just tap into students passions more we could make a huge impact. Kids want to help, take action, and promote change for good. We need to allow this to happen more.#NT2t
#nt2t A5: When you have a country of 300 million people, it's easier to standardize and regulate than it is to experiment and try new things. Other countries with similar or greater populations have the same problems.
A5) People fall back to what they have experienced/what they are comfortable with. How many of us had authentic or PBL when we were in school? How many of us have received training in these techniques/methodologies? W/ pressure Ts under, easy to revert to what is known. #nt2t
Building capacity in cultural competence, self-awareness, recognizing and confronting bias, etc. And leadership from the top, not just assigning workshops. #nt2t
I think it can seem scary to Ss especially if they haven't had these kind of opportunities in the past to take active role in own learning. It's more work for them than someone just telling them what they need to know/learn. #nt2t
A5: We all fall back on what we know. We like to be in our comfort zones. It takes strong leadership, and environment where curiosity and bravery are valued for change to happen. #NT2t
#nt2t You know, Julie, I was so inspired by the American Ss at Parkland that started the March for Lives. It was big enough that we did it here in Hong Kong. I feel sometimes Ss more passionate than the adults. But definitely optimistic that educators can change too.
Thinks that’s why is essential for Teachers to have a growth mindset. They must be ready and open to see that they can’t teach like in the past. Students are our future and we have to be sure that they are best prepared for future challenges. #nt2t
A5) People fall back to what they have experienced/what they are comfortable with. How many of us had authentic or PBL when we were in school? How many of us have received training in these techniques/methodologies? W/ pressure Ts under, easy to revert to what is known. #nt2t
We would do that occasionally, when there was time within a lesson to meet with small groups. I started to get the hang of it at the end of the year, wish I'd been able to do it sooner. #NT2T
#nt2t A5: Some are still learning and have stepped out of comfort zones a lot, and might even be some of first at their school or district to do so. I think it's important to give Ts time to grow as well. Baby steps. We should not do too many new things at once.
Interesting! My son goes to Harvard and their first week of "class" is what is called Shopping Period. You can go to any class you want and find the best fit for you. #NT2t
A5: I’d hope that it’s NOT by choice. Ts need PD opportunities, a supportive #teachertribe, access to resources and specialists, commitment by admin to support risk taking. . . Just because that’s the way it’s always been done, doesn’t mean it’s right for our kids today! #nt2t
Yes, agree there. Some of them were definitely scared of the idea. It shows that the process is gradual and it involves a lot of stocktaking and reflection. #NT2t
When politics-political acts aim at silencing the voice of others, something and what is wrong should concern educators; conscientious freedom advocators be supported
#nt2t#EDUC5203 how many questions are asked and answered in a classroom indicates open/closed learning spaces
#nt2t I think we should re-imagine school . Right now we emphasis stuff we can do virtually (ie. rote memory). What if schools purpose are things we cannot do virtually... in other words require social interactions like performance, sports...academic debate, relationships.
True- but what does the future of business entail? Virtual spaces- as a society we are generating a force for virtual aptitude as part of this segment the assignments should entail community involvement outside the realm of the virtual space giving that sense of community. #NT2t
#nt2t Challenge: How can I make my classroom even better and even more student-oriented than it already is? I'm already working on several ideas from both students and Twitter chats. :-)
For me this has been a great chat of continuing conversation. I fell way behind in answering the questions. You may continue hearing from me for a while. 😉 #nt2t
So funny you said that. One of the reasons I wanted to be a teacher is because, in the mid 70's, I had an elementary teacher who let me follow my own interest, plan my own project, and follow it through until the end. 40+ years later I still remember how that felt. #NT2t
