The #2PencilChat is a weekly conversation about educational technology. As we enter a more student-centered age, let's talk about using all the tools in our toolboxes to be innovative and dynamic teachers.
Looks like a great topic on a chat that has intrigued me, but never been on. Jim Smith, assessment and data, Forest Lake, MN but sitting in Detroit airport waiting...waiting. #2PencilChat
A1
I love seeing students grow, and you will, but I have to say, when I can let go of responsibilities that THEY can handle, my job gets so much better!
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A1: The wonderful thing about handing over the reins to Ss is we get to truly see what they know and what they can do and what they need to work on still. #2pencilchat
A1 students get o take the learning where they want it to go. It truly personalized their learning and forces them to add their own beliefs to the content #2pencilchat
A1. students have ownership of their own work and feel like their voice matters. When these two things come to surface, students are empowered. I’m always blown away at how the Ss always go above my expectations! #2pencilchat
A1: When students are permitted to take the lead in their classes, they are able to show what they have learned and will start to see how they can apply it to their lives which, will = growth in their learning. #2PencilChat
Q2
I've always heard that you should give up slightly more control than you're comfortable doing. That's great, but let's talk about common mistakes so we can make this a successful venture!
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Many students I have worked with in ElemEd are concerned about doing things right or getting through an assignment. Having them create and be independent learners helps them grow thru mistakes #2PencilChat
This is huge and it starts in the earliest grades. Leadership/ownership in learning is a taught skill and one of our primary tasks as educators. #2PencilChat
A2. You need to give your students guidance so that they do not get out of control and distracted. Showing respect to your students will help them to reciprocate it back to you. #2PencilChat
A2: When you allow your students to take the lead, you MUST make sure that they are actually pursuing learning! Don't let them get out of hand and disrupt the classroom flow. #2PencilChat
A2: Make sure you have SOP's created (co-created w/S's) before letting go. Model expectations and release control gradually depending on your S's. It's different every year. #2PencilChat Also, make sure you are transparently reflecting, checking & adjusting often.
Q2
I've always heard that you should give up slightly more control than you're comfortable doing. That's great, but let's talk about common mistakes so we can make this a successful venture!
#2PencilChat
A2 Important to model expectations with students as they take lead roles. They must also understand their end goal & that it's okay to make mistakes. #2PencilChat
A2 My biggest caveat is to let the line out slowly. If you give up everything too quickly, it can be hard to get back. It's like toothpaste - you should put a good amount of it on your brush, but you shouldn't put ALL the toothpaste on your brush.
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Q2
I've always heard that you should give up slightly more control than you're comfortable doing. That's great, but let's talk about common mistakes so we can make this a successful venture!
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We have been working on Genius Hour projects and at first, it was difficult for students. They were just trying to get finished. They didn't know how to build on to their project. #2PencilChat
A2: Although you want to give them control, never let things get out of control. Help them learn how to be responsible while controlling their own learning. #2pencilchat
A2: Starting with a big project instead of a small project would be one pitfall. If the T starts small, then there is time to foucs on buiding helpful strategies that will carryover to a bigger project. #2pencilchat
A2: Agree - age appropriate, realistic goals ties to visible and clear learning - with feedback developing a supportive relationship supporting learning. #2PencilChat
A2: Take today for example; I had four students in a group and they all wanted to be the leader and there were arguments. But the beautiful thing that came from that is that each student worked it out internally. So they were able to solve before I intervened! #2PencilChat
A2: Another pitfall is jumping in to solve a problem too soon. Let the students productively struggle through their mistakes and find their errors. #2pencilchat
A1: You get to see the students take the lead in ways you can't even imagine. You see them in a different light. I urge anyone to give the students an opportunity to lead...take the burden off of YOU! They can do it! #2PencilChat
A3: Let me tell you, the magic really happens when you let go of a seating chart and let your students feel at home. Flexible seating and student choice when possible have really changed the atmosphere in my classroom. #2pencilchat
It's awesome! I can't count how many times I've gone now. I don't live in FL anymore, but I still go. I'll do a Skill Builder this year. :) #2PencilChat
In reply to
@iteachsprouts, @DrJacieMaslyk, @MagicPantsJones
A1 Kiddos take ownership of their learning. By letting kiddos establish their class mission and norms there is more buy-in. Creates a classroom culture & climate that is safe to take risks. Ss learn the value of reflecting on strengths & opportunities for improvement #2PencilChat
A3 go from my class to our class when they create norms for what will work for the group. They adjust as necessary. It’s our room— what works for us? Rather than a list of rules Day 1 from T posted on wall. #2PencilChat
A3: Students can help create and then enforce classroom expectations. It’s OUR classroom, what do we need to do so we can all be successful here? #2PencilChat
A3
Include them in decisions about your day to days - lighting, seating, music, procedures, rules, celebrations...My class made up special days to have fun with through the year so nobody was left out because they didn't celebrate a certain holiday.
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Once they get the hang of working through their problems, they gain the problem solving abilities to work through it. Sometimes you need to jump In and redirect misconceptions! #2pencilchat
A3: One way to do that is by doing what happened in the question- change the classroom language (my to our) to start bringing about a change in the culture. #2pencilchat
A3 We use #responsiveclassroom. Ss help create classroom rules. They share classroom jobs. Important to make time for social emotional learning. #2pencilchat
A3: I teach guidance lessons where "we" teach..meaning the students teach. It's about kindness and valuing each other in ways that can impact them immediately. Its like a counseling session but its so rewarding to see them share and teach empathy #2PencilChat
Model model model. Model transparency & vulnerability yourself. Allow Ss to give feedback on learning activities, delivery of instruction, etc. Value Ss voice. Make changes. Ss willing to reflect then too. Intentionally facilitate the use of quality tools to reflect. #2PencilChat
A3) Nothing says "our classroom" more than having students design the environment. Check out @MrsShadish@MsBabish@nankr1120 classrooms. Ss created flexible seating arrangements. #2pencilchat
A3: Also, I have a student who greets other students (or who promotes it), achievement helpers/"encouragers", lunch buddies (so EVERYONE has someone to sit with at lunch).... #2PencilChat
Indeed yes. Many adults have this "ability" as well, and we have the opportunity to teach civil discourse skills and solve these problems before they become adults....like my neighbor.#2PencilChat
A3. School spirit is huge. When teachers take interest in school activities/goals, the students are more likely to invest their energy to positively influencing the school. #2PencilChat
Seems fair...everything should fall into place from those two...
Mine was always: Do your best. We'd talk about how that covers everything.
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A3: Besides starting with what S's what they want the class to look like, sound like and feel like, then creating a vision from there... read & do #learnlap and #tlap@PaulSolarz and @burgessdave have the perfect plan for you! #2PencilChat
A3: Sounds silly maybe, but I think Ss should learn to make the physical room their room (keep it clean, create art for the walls and take care of each other) #2PencilChat
A3 Ss create collective mission. Who we are, why we are here, & how we will achieve our goals. Develop class norms➡️affinity diagram & light voting. Consensogram & plus delta let Ss share perceptions & help us reflect on data. What is driving us to succeed or not.. #2PencilChat
Q4
What are some ways that you can put your students in charge of their own learning in a classroom? What about having them help work on lesson planning, is that a thing?
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I’ve heard so many examples of students following “rules” more closely when they write them. They should be part of drafting school mission, values etc too #2PencilChat
A3 go from my class to our class when they create norms for what will work for the group. They adjust as necessary. It’s our room— what works for us? Rather than a list of rules Day 1 from T posted on wall. #2PencilChat
A4: The place to begin is by asking them for their opinions. Show them the standards that you have for a unit, allow them to analyze them. They ask questions, they do research, they have choice in how they learn it. #2pencilchat
A4b. If you teach littles and that’s a little too complicated for them, show them the unit’s vocabulary list. Let them research the words and ask questions based off of that. #2pencilchat
A4: Really, our standards are our lesson plans. If S's can pitch (and prove) how they can demonstrate mastery of them, that should be sufficient, right? #2PencilChat
Q4
What are some ways that you can put your students in charge of their own learning in a classroom? What about having them help work on lesson planning, is that a thing?
#2PencilChat
A4: One way to put Ss in charge of their own learning is to let them get and use the resources that they find they need to complete a project. #2pencilchat
For the past few years, I guide kids with #geniushour and passion projects. Getting ready to start again this year. Ss will choose what they want to learn more about and then will share what they learn with each other. #2pencilchat
Q4
What are some ways that you can put your students in charge of their own learning in a classroom? What about having them help work on lesson planning, is that a thing?
#2PencilChat
I have asked Ss during student teaching what they think about my lessons. They were brutally honest haha!! (Boring, lame, etc.) I took that and redesigned every lesson after that. #2pencilchat
A4. Let them help with the layout of the room. Sometimes they can spot potential problem before we can. Let them help set up centers. Let them help keep stuff organized. #2PencilChat
A4
I'm a big fan of Genius Hour to help students take control of their learning. As far as lesson planning, you'd have to find a way to do it within the framework of your curriculum and school's standards, but I'd be game to see more on this!
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A4 Ss share feedback on learning activities, delivery of instruction, & design of classroom environment through use of @BaldrigeProgram@BaldrigeQuest quality tools. Anonymous feedback to improve. Address Ss perceptions & see if there are correlations w/data or not. #2PencilChat
A4. We can listen to what our students are interested in, and then we can plan our lessons accordingly-- this way the students are more engaged. #2PencilChat
A4: A great exit ticket: what was the most boring part of today’s lesson? What could I do to make it better? What was best part of lesson? Why was is so good? #2PencilChat#StudentVoice
A4: The place to begin is by asking them for their opinions. Show them the standards that you have for a unit, allow them to analyze them. They ask questions, they do research, they have choice in how they learn it. #2pencilchat
A4 We have a wonder can. Anytime Ss (or I) wonder about something, we write it on a piece of paper and put it in the can. We check it from time to time and then talk about how to find the answers. Then we try to find those answers! #2pencilchat
Yes! I like to give them a choice of paper or Google Drawings.
Show me your thinking! 7th graders like to use the term “brain dump” for this. #2PencilChat
A4: When students have questions that are off topic, we have a parking lot wall that they can post their questions to. (Post it notes) We’ve also done this with a padlet. #2PencilChat
Q5 Have you ever been to - or helped put together a #StudentEdCamp? How could giving the kids their own EdCamp day have a positive impact on student learning and class culture?
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Q5 Have you ever been to - or helped put together a #StudentEdCamp? How could giving the kids their own EdCamp day have a positive impact on student learning and class culture?
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OOO I have not! But this is so interesting. I would love to know more. This would be so helpful for our students because we are 1:1 and they usually have a lot of questions about the devices. #2PencilChat
A5: I have for the first time last year and it was incredible seeing the kids in charge! #2PencilChat They left feeling great. They wanted another one the next day.
A5. I have never participated in one, but I know others that have. They are highly recommended, and promote leadership and investment in learning. #2PencilChat
Q5 Have you ever been to - or helped put together a #StudentEdCamp? How could giving the kids their own EdCamp day have a positive impact on student learning and class culture?
#2PencilChat
Q5 Have you ever been to - or helped put together a #StudentEdCamp? How could giving the kids their own EdCamp day have a positive impact on student learning and class culture?
#2PencilChat
A4) You betcha. I start out casual, finding a fork in the instructional road choice, by the end of the year they are running things and I fade into the background #2PencilChat
A5 I tried a simple version of a student EdCamp last year in math. Each student wrote a topic, then got into groups to practice a skill they wanted to work more with. Am hoping to expand this and do more along these lines later this year! #2pencilchat
A5
I found that my kids really enjoyed the edcamp that we did with @mtnsatheart and two other teachers. One of the things that I felt they gained was a feeling that they, and their interests were important, and a real part of their education.
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Every year at EdCamp St. Augustine, my favorite part is having the students answer questions about student thought for the teachers who've come!
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Our students are leading demonstrations at conferences, planning County-wide events for teens and teaching our teachers #edtech during PD days. #2pencilchat
Our students are leading demonstrations at conferences, planning County-wide events for teens and teaching our teachers #edtech during PD days. #2pencilchat
A6
For my part, it's modeling the mindset that it's okay to mess up, even when you're in the lead. I believe that students know that honesty, humility, and diligence are great tools to moving past mistakes and on to greater success.
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We have a new chat tonight at 9 if anyone is interested in joining and adding your amazing personalities! @mrdearybury1 is hosting! #teachsc#2PencilChat
Our students are leading demonstrations at conferences, planning County-wide events for teens and teaching our teachers #edtech during PD days. #2pencilchat
A5: I have for the first time last year and it was incredible seeing the kids in charge! #2PencilChat They left feeling great. They wanted another one the next day.
A6 Providing multiple ways for them to organize work flow and let them explore roles. Keeping track of more or different cogs require strategy, and Ss will rock it with their personal style if you coach #2PencilChat
