#Edchat is a hashtag, a movement—it is a weekly organized Twitter discussion of educators and people interested in education that meet virtually from all over the world. #Edchat serves as a conversation thread on Twitter and is also used for organized weekly discussions.
Fall in love with this Oscar®-winning doc about Nadia DeFranco, a 9-year-old girl born with spina bifida who refuses to let her disability be an obstacle in her life: https://t.co/KnpNmjoFI1#edchat#elearning
One challenge in education is not allowing our political views to separate us in the classroom. We must be a unified force to serve children appropriately. What we believe politically shouldn’t change that. #EdChat
I do think that sadly these concepts have leaked into the classroom. However, as people we are very opinionated and it can be hard for us to always stay neutral. It seems we can't even have calm discussions about these matters without getting upset. #edchat
Interesting take. As a black teacher, I have a hard time reconciling how some of my colleagues can have their political beliefs AND serve children appropriately. #Edchat
Neutrality is hard but hard and fast sharing of our own political beliefs shouldn’t change the way we help children learn or help our colleagues grow #edchat
One challenge that many educators run into is dealing with different political views and opinions in the classroom. Most students rely on what they were raised to believe. This is where it is important as educators to teach respect from an early age #EdChat
We feel fortunate to be shielded somewhat, but students do bring in parental views. Our role is to clarify with facts, stick to facts, and not let falsehoods interfere with the facts. #edchat
Interesting take. As a black teacher, I have a hard time reconciling how some of my colleagues can have their political beliefs AND serve children appropriately. #Edchat
I have always felt that some people who don’t believe all children can learn shouldn’t be in the classroom with them #edchat we need to see all learners as capable and equal
That’s a very good point. The “real world” is always seen to be such a bad thing. I agree with you that we should also show the good sides to the real world; it could inspire some hope. #edchat
I think it can seep in to the classroom, if you let it. As educators, it is important for us to maintain an environment of a free flow of ideas without judgment. Students need to feel free to express their ideas in a safe environment. #edchat
That's my question. What are we going to do? I know what I can do in my classroom, with my S. I also work w/ Ts who are willing to listen. The others? I'm at a loss. #Edchat
I always have been. All children are children and it’s terrible that folks can’t see them as such. All marginalized groups are at a loss on this one, sadly. #edchat
That's my question. What are we going to do? I know what I can do in my classroom, with my S. I also work w/ Ts who are willing to listen. The others? I'm at a loss. #Edchat
I completely agree. With the views, children bring into our educational system its only natural that they will bring opinions but it's always important as educators to stay with the facts rather than just adding another opinion. #edchat
I agree with you. This is where as an educator we have to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. No matter our students views, we are still there to educate them to our best ability. I believe respect takes a big role in this, as both a student and teacher. #EdChat
Both of these have definitely found their way into classrooms. Walk into a high school government class and ask a question regarding a social justice issue and there’s bound to be one kid with an outburst who won’t listen to the fact and reasons of the opposing side. #edchat
It's not so much that certain kids "can't" learn as it is that certain kids "are not like MY kids" or "are not like *these certain* kids" (who are just like their kids, btw). #Edchat
That’s a great question. All students should have a voice but it is our job to ensure that all sides are represented. We must play devil’s advocate and shed light where there may be none #edchat
For us, it is important to steer conversations brought into school by creating an environment of trust to share, but also a place to bring the conversation back to the facts. #edchat
That is terrible. People are uncomfortable when they are called out but if you are going to live such a negative view, someone should call them out. I’m glad you do #edchat
I never really understood in high school why teacher's would play devil's advocate, but after completing my first semester of college I completely understand. #edchat
Students are free to express their ideas in my classroom as long as they are not offensive to others. I encourage students to avoid topics that they know are "hot" topics out of respect for others that don't hold their beliefs. #edchat
Neutrality is nearly impossible depending on the class you’re teaching, but it’s important that even if your students know your stance that you provide them with arguments from both sides and give them the resources to determine their own stance #edchat
In reply to
@mssackstein, @GracieBoorom, @tomwhitby
Thanks! Not sure some of my colleagues would agree with you....LOL Oh, well, I always let them know it's not about me--I'm grown. It's about our students. #Edchat
I was embarrassed and ashamed at first. The only white face in a room. I’ve been the only Jewish person in different situations with people how had never met “someone of my kind” and I was baffled #edchat I still have a lot to learn
@alicekeeler When you use Google Classroom, sometimes you conduct digital classes where students go on computers and sometimes you meet your students in person in class. Is this true? #edchat.
Agreed! As an early childhood teacher I focus so much of my daily routine on creating an environment full of trust and respect. These values will carry with children the rest of their life.. straight into classrooms where they may use them to discuss political views! #edchat
I struggle with the concept of neutrality when certain populations are explicitly marginalized and even attacked from high places. But I understand the school can have its own rules against intolerance. #EdChat
In reply to
@mssackstein, @GracieBoorom, @tomwhitby
Why it's so hard to fight misinformation and protect users' privacy on social media: Industry experts explore the hard truths about the business model. @MotherJoneshttps://t.co/IlSAKjG23o
Neutrality is nearly impossible depending on the class you’re teaching, but it’s important that even if your students know your stance that you provide them with arguments from both sides and give them the resources to determine their own stance #edchat
In reply to
@mssackstein, @GracieBoorom, @tomwhitby
We are all learning. As we say in PD on Instructional Conversations, "it doesn't matter where you are as long as you don't stay there". Keep striving to be better--that's more than a lot of people are doing. #Edchat
@Alyssa_Kremer and @tomwhitby teaching a high school government class...that seems almost impossible to remove the hot topics. I agree that opinions will be found readily and fully. #edchat
In reply to
@Alyssa_Kremer, @tomwhitby, @Alyssa_Kremer, @tomwhitby
Students should be given multiple opportunities to show they have mastered a skill. By provided adequate practice time the students will be able to show that they have reached a standard, but must be able to demonstrate the skill multiple times for mastery. #edchat
In reply to
@NoApp4Pedagogy, @lisa_westman, @leeannjung, @rickwormeli2, @KeithWestman, @KatieBudrow, @RoweRikW, @garnet_hillman, @WickedDecent, @mctownsley, @NAEmmanuele
I love this idea of hope :) I think schools and media today put a great deal of emphasis on the bad things and it’s great to see people searching for good in the world! #edchat
In reply to
@Lia_A_Tan, @wendyleewb, @BrianMendler
We need to raise our standards as a profession and push what we want for and from our teachers. I believe that will primarily be through personal/professional learning. #EdChat
Presenting all sides. Getting people to share their stories. Elevating marginalized voices. Gettin students to personalize the experience to go deeper. #edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @JeremyDBond, @GracieBoorom, @tomwhitby, @sgthomas1973, @HGWILSON
I agree with you!❤️ Teaching children how to respect others at a early age will ensure they develop positive relationships with their family, friends and teachers throughout their life. #edchat
This student engagement continuum would assist both teachers & teacher leaders in reflecting on the quality of learning that is happening in classrooms & make for great professional conversations @TeachThought#edchat#21cEdChat#pstchat#TLap#bekindEDU
But how long do we wait to stand in and stop the debate? When I was in high school our teacher gave both sides fact to support them and let the pieces fall. #edchat
I agree with your statement, @mrterborg. I'm trying to *not* become cynical and believe that maybe the cognitive dissonance will eventually be catalyst for change. #Edchat
The problem with tribalism is that facts matter very little. As educators, hopefully, we deal with facts. That becomes very difficult if the tribe doesn't agree with the facts we present. #Edchat
Exactly! Teaching children how to debate in healthy way includes providing them with the tools they need to share their ideas, but also includes teaching them how to be a respectful listener. #edchat
The purpose of this class is to teach students how to make virtual reality tours. I remember doing a virtual reality tour for my Integrating Technology In The Differentiated Classroom project. #edchat.
Neutrality is nearly impossible depending on the class you’re teaching, but it’s important that even if your students know your stance that you provide them with arguments from both sides and give them the resources to determine their own stance #edchat
In reply to
@mssackstein, @GracieBoorom, @tomwhitby
This new education initiative from @AllSidesNow lets us connect with people across the country with different political backgrounds from ours. https://t.co/yzIK1ll8uv#edchat
Will do! I have a black son. It's not a choice for me--it's reality. All those black and brown and Muslim and, and, and kiddos need those of us who are willing to step in for them b/c they can't do it themselves at the ES level. #Edchat
Exactly! Teaching children how to debate in healthy way includes providing them with the tools they need to share their ideas, but also includes teaching them how to be a respectful listener. #edchat
I also think students’ views and opinions are largely influenced by what they see on social media platforms. I think helping students verify the “facts” they hear about is a great tool for them as most kids spend so much time on social media. #edchat
That sounds like a story that would be too good to be true. Even the young adults we see in high school still fail to empathize with the other side. #edchat
Will do! I have a black son. It's not a choice for me--it's reality. All those black and brown and Muslim and, and, and kiddos need those of us who are willing to step in for them b/c they can't do it themselves at the ES level. #Edchat
The Race Card Project https://t.co/ffIWGb5ZQ3 Awesome conversation starters for the classroom; thought-provoking exercise for students to engage in. From Michelle Norris, formerly of NPR #edchat
Reflecting on a semester in education classes I have learned that there is so much more to teaching then just spitting out information and I am looking forward to being an educator #edchat
Yes I don't think there's a yes or no answer for when Ts should share their views or not. This was helpful article to understand the nuances of "politics in the classroom" @npr#edchathttps://t.co/6Ac64vnPwe
In reply to
@plainy, @mssackstein, @tomwhitby, @NPR
Here's the fine line that black teachers have to walk: if we "blow things up", we can be seen as the "angry black lady" or as being a bully. Even worse for black male Ts. It can be tricky, so we have to say it in as unthreatening a manner as possible. #Edchat
In reply to
@JeremyDBond, @ShiftParadigm, @mssackstein, @GracieBoorom, @tomwhitby, @HGWILSON
Yes what students see and believe to be true in the world and home comes into the classroom. As educators we need to teach students respect for one another. This will help students see how to treat others in school and the world #Edchat
Yes, teachers should always carry the responsibility of making sure that no one person in their class feels like the minority just because the majority of the class has been taught half of the story. #edchat
Empathy is at the core of learning. If a range of views are not authentically expressed, they can't be understood and reconciled. We can adamantly disagree with one another, and to coexist we must seek to understand each other #edchat
I think many of us walk that fine line. I once worked in a district where I was told to not publicize I was Jewish. I was also called a tree-hugging hippie because I made a general political comment #edchat
In reply to
@sgthomas1973, @JeremyDBond, @ShiftParadigm, @GracieBoorom, @tomwhitby, @HGWILSON
When used consistently, @Catlin_Tucker says these routines can help teachers create a classroom environment where there is mutual respect between the teacher and the students so everyone can focus on learning https://t.co/mSRqtylMwP#edchat#edtech#blended
What should be a teacher's position if their students are mirroring their parents beliefs which are racist? Do tchrs have a right to counter the family beliefs. If so where is the line drawn? #Edchat
https://t.co/tGfsOEsX0N: When used consistently, Catlin_Tucker says these routines can help teachers create a classroom environment where there is mutual respect between the teacher and the students so everyone can focus on learning https://t.co/Whqn4X1gAr#edchat#edtech#blen…
I agree entirely! As teachers, we have immense power and influence over the future. We decide by our words, our actions and our silence what is okay. Anyone who doesn’t see that as their role needs to exit the schoolhouse asap. #edchat
Of course! As a teacher it isn't your job to preach your viewpoint, but to provide students with opposite views and support them in making their own choices and forming their own viewpoint, even when it includes healthy and supported debate! #edchat
I hope if we've learned anything from the current climate, that there isn't a valid "opposite" to everything. The Holocaust happened. Nazis are bad. Climate change was never a hoax. The question is how you navigate misconceptions in an environment intended for teaching. #EdChat
You are right. I have a MS. I don't see him challenging a T. So, in essence, all of us need to be willing to step up for our Ss when we see these situations. #Edchat
Something I have realized ... we are trying to function in a facts matter manner, but we are living in a facts are irrelevant era. Even when presented with facts you will have a hard time convincing many of the error of their thinking. #edchat
I feel that you're completely right. Empathy is the missing key t many of these arguments because many young people have no concept of how others have lived and their views. #edchat
Superintendent McNeil stopped by for a business meeting with https://t.co/vTxPyj2z1J teams to talk about the policy changes they inspired! We’re lucky to have such supportive, hands on admins in Fair Haven! #FHLeads#edtech#education#edchat
MindShiftKQED: When used consistently, Catlin_Tucker says these routines can help teachers create a classroom environment where there is mutual respect between the teacher and the students so everyone can focus on learning https://t.co/jqgeyPnyrg#edchat#edtech#blended
Alyssa, I like your comment about providing resources for students to determine their own stance. It’s so important to let kids research with legitimate sources and make decisions for themselves, especially as they prepare for college. #edchat
In reply to
@Alyssa_Kremer, @mssackstein, @GracieBoorom, @tomwhitby
If children are taught / permitted / etc. how / to challenge authority from a young age (Think of it as an extension of my body ... my choice) they'd likely be able to handle speaking up. #edchat
Sad this would be a challenge. Students should be able to understand that there are and will always be different politics views. If students are educated from an early age to respect different opinions this should help when they become more invested in politics. #edchat
The issue is drawing a line between correcting misconceptions or falsehoods and understanding point of view. Confront climate change denial, make space for understanding why someone feels disenfranchised. #edchat
So interesting you tweeted this. I have a similar quote up in my room, but I needed this reminder. Thank you, for reminding me to keep spreading light!!! #Edchat
AND isn't our overall goal student success? If one size does not fit all, why would one chance be enough for everyone? Let students practice until they are able to demonstrate mastery! #edchat
In reply to
@jke94, @NoApp4Pedagogy, @lisa_westman, @leeannjung, @rickwormeli2, @KeithWestman, @KatieBudrow, @RoweRikW, @garnet_hillman, @WickedDecent, @mctownsley, @NAEmmanuele
A3 Talking about the bravery of the Maccabees in standing up for their beliefs can be a great tool to talk about resilience, and to talk about being dedicated to students' path.
#2PencilChat
I just enjoyed an amazing Literacy PLC with my @BuenaVistaUniv colleagues! We discussed "Soft Skills" we want our university students to develop as they get ready to enter the workplace. What soft skills do you feel are most important in today's workforce?? #plaea#edchat
You said it amazingly. How boring the world would be if we all agreed. Having different views and opinions is what moves the conversation forward. Coexisting is being able to be civil with others not always agreeing. #edchat
Classroom/school environment also play a role. I think about it in terms of climate/expectations in specific Ts rooms. Ts who behave in such a way--what would likely outcome be for S who spoke out? #Edchat
As I chat with climate change deniers I have found that it not so much denying the change in climate as it is denying the cause (man vs natural causes) ... some do not like the initial messenger there fore they dont believe. #edchat
Social media enhances teaching and provides students unique learning opportunities. Students communicate, research, collaborate, create, and publish online on their own. these students use social media to promote, discuss, and share their thoughts worldwide. #edchat.
In reply to
@Jenna14160998, @joestarr82, @theASIDEblog
A lot of what these twitter chats are for me, are reaffirming what we know and validating us but also opening us to new perspectives resulting in collective growth! #edchat
100%, not only for mastering the goal but for their determination. If a student fails and chooses to keep going that says a lot about their character. Grading the mastering of a skill is different than grading the process. And the process does not always have to be graded.#edchat
In reply to
@NoApp4Pedagogy, @lisa_westman, @leeannjung, @rickwormeli2, @KeithWestman, @KatieBudrow, @RoweRikW, @garnet_hillman, @WickedDecent, @mctownsley, @NAEmmanuele
I completely agree. The conversations would become monotonous, leaving little room for new ideas and perspectives. We have to have disagreements, because that at least shows we are thinking for ourselves and can bring forth different, valuable ideas. #Edchat
You said it amazingly. How boring the world would be if we all agreed. Having different views and opinions is what moves the conversation forward. Coexisting is being able to be civil with others not always agreeing. #edchat
I agree. It is difficult to maintain a neutral stance when we know that such blatant inequality exists. To combat this, we could present both the positive and negative of an argument and let the students form their own educated opinions.
In reply to
@JeremyDBond, @mssackstein, @GracieBoorom, @tomwhitby
Social media is a powerful tool. Of course, it's been used to great effect bringing together collaborations. However, social media has become very famous for breeding and spreading very controversial topics that enter the classroom. #edchat
In reply to
@JustinJagodzin2, @Jenna14160998, @theASIDEblog
For Ts interested in ways to explicitly teach the speaking and listening standards, visit @CLASE_UGA site to learn about Instructional Conversations. #Edchat
Public question: do you give final exams? How valid is the assessment for what we are trying to measure? What do they look like? #edchat#tlap#tg2chat#masterylearning
The more we encourage students to reach across the aisle to compromise when they disagree, the greater the opportunity for empathy and tolerance. #edchat
If the information is factual and pertains to the lesson, I would say yes. We have to show compassion and care for the topics/facts to show it is not from a mind of ill feelings. I think of it as the example regarding Christopher Columbus. #Edchat
Regarding Vygotsky's theory, I would recommend Mrs. Sackstein to let her students speak in her class, especially in prompted responses. That way, her students will appropriate and internalize language and way of thinking, being, and doing. #edchat.
I agree entirely! As teachers, we have immense power and influence over the future. We decide by our words, our actions and our silence what is okay. Anyone who doesn’t see that as their role needs to exit the schoolhouse asap. #edchat
I also think students’ views and opinions are largely influenced by what they see on social media platforms. I think helping students verify the “facts” they hear about is a great tool for them as most kids spend so much time on social media. #edchat
Have you seen @MakeMathMoments Holiday Contest? 🎉🎁 They're giving away 4 prizes worth over $800 each! They've packaged up a few of their favourite [MATH] things & would love to get them in the hands of educators! Enter here 👉https://t.co/Of3Y0qpykj#mtbos#iTeachmath#edchat
Will do! I have a black son. It's not a choice for me--it's reality. All those black and brown and Muslim and, and, and kiddos need those of us who are willing to step in for them b/c they can't do it themselves at the ES level. #Edchat
Racism should not be tolerated, celebrated, or let go unchallenged. In my opinion, you have the right to stand up for what is right, especially if those racist remarks are about you/your culture. #EdChat
What should be a teacher's position if their students are mirroring their parents beliefs which are racist? Do tchrs have a right to counter the family beliefs. If so where is the line drawn? #Edchat
Students need to internalize multiple viewpoints so they can come to a deeper understanding. We need to expose those marginalized voices so that we can empathize and rethink prejudices #edchat
I never hid my biases or opinions from students, but I also never bullied others into accepting either of those. I followed the same rules I had for students - we could express opinions or beliefs, but when asked to do so, had to support them with verifiable evidence. #edchat
Foster a safe space for all who pass through it; we all may speak, you may disagree, please do not seek to alienate, and when you do, listen to understand and amend, own your voice. You are entitled to your experience & views to the extent you listen to others #edchat
I also think students’ views and opinions are largely influenced by what they see on social media platforms. I think helping students verify the “facts” they hear about is a great tool for them as most kids spend so much time on social media. #edchat
“Hot” topics seem to be where many issues lie and the biggest debates arise. How could we foster an environment where students can talk about these topics? The only way to work through them is to talk. I guess it depends on what your “hot” topics are. #edchat
I think the line is drawn when you let the actions/remarks get to you and you act unprofessional when addressing the situation. We still are adults and have to show how to handle situations that affect us directly/indirectly. #Edchat
Here's the fine line that black teachers have to walk: if we "blow things up", we can be seen as the "angry black lady" or as being a bully. Even worse for black male Ts. It can be tricky, so we have to say it in as unthreatening a manner as possible. #Edchat
In reply to
@JeremyDBond, @ShiftParadigm, @mssackstein, @GracieBoorom, @tomwhitby, @HGWILSON
Social media is a powerful tool. Of course, it's been used to great effect bringing together collaborations. However, social media has become very famous for breeding and spreading very controversial topics that enter the classroom. #edchat
In reply to
@JustinJagodzin2, @Jenna14160998, @theASIDEblog
I think everyone has a side ... we may not agree or think their point of view is invalid, but understanding where they are coming from is key to understanding them. #edchat
I would extend to teachers of privileged positions don’t know how others have lived and we need to continue to seek to understand. The key being -seek- going out and unlearning the things we were taught and learning the full history/version. It starts with us. #edchat
“We want students to direct their own learning. We want to be facilitators of this learning, not the beholders of all information.” https://t.co/XKMcoz5YZV#education#edchat
We’ve seen some of the incredible assignments our Writable teachers have been creating by personalizing their readings, rubrics, and more. So we’ve made it easy for you to share your custom assignments with others! https://t.co/4ed0ebSAJj#WritableWin#EdChat#TeacherPD
It takes away from a class when you can blantantly tell what political views your teacher has. From my own experiences I have gained more from a teacher who fosters understanding as opposed to one who writes off people with different views. #edchat
Yes. Students want to belong to groups, or surround themselves with those who think, dress, or act like them, or at least hold the same values bestowed upon them. I see the tribalism aspect a lot in predominately Black schools myself. #EdChat
We talk to our students a lot about activism vs. slacktivism. We want them to do something, not blindly pass off a tweet, snap, or instagram post. #edchat
Instead of artificial intelligence, I prefer using my eyes and ears, trained over years of teaching, to see what kids are doing and feeling. It also is a good life skill. #edchat#mtbos
Artificial intelligence in the classroom offers educators the ability to track real-time student engagement, so they can shift their attention where it’s needed most. Learn more about Intel’s #edtech at https://t.co/hkwOXI9iU3.
This is an important statement. Perhaps valid for students to realize their peers are the minorities talked about in the news? Perhaps it would humanize the political polarity? What do you think?
This would be a great topic for a faculty meeting: Has the tribalism and political separation found throughout the country in general seeped into the classroom? #Edchat
There nothing wrong with making a child feel special. Children will remember your kindness, and empathy. Your care and concern, that you took the time to listen. That you stopped to ask them how they were. The personal stories you told about your home, pets, and kids. #edchat
I agree. It is difficult to maintain a neutral stance when we know that such blatant inequality exists. To combat this, we could present both the positive and negative of an argument and let the students form their own educated opinions.
In reply to
@JeremyDBond, @mssackstein, @GracieBoorom, @tomwhitby
This would be a very uncomfortable topic in many faculty meetings, but an important one. Perhaps it would help with the cognitive dissonance I tweeted about earlier.... #Edchat
Interrupting patterns of behaviour is an important thing for all people, but Ts for this convo, to do to students and other adult. If we ground our conversations/lessons in facts and history and allow for time to process we’ve started the process #Edchat
I'm going back to the original question asked...tribalism views in my classroom...I have students 45 minutes and need to teach them science, not debate topics unrelated to content taught. Teen leadership classes offered @ my school is a great place for these discussions. #edchat
We use social media in our curricula, but we talk about echo chambers, verifying facts before you share. These are #medialiteracy skills, but at Web 3.0 - #newmedialiteracy Check out DigitalBytes @CommonSenseEd#edchat
“Short stretches of boredom are actually vital to the creative process." Use these tips to strategically incorporate boredom in your classroom. @spencerideas#edchathttps://t.co/dkidXUaFMU
Coping with stress was the top issue of concern in this survey, with over four in 10 (43%) respondents indicating that they were either extremely concerned (19%) or very concerned (24%) about this issue. https://t.co/owHbET1Rkc#edchat
