#engsschat Archive
Last Monday of every month, #engchat joins #sschat to form #engsschat. Stephanie Sukow leads this effort and her help is greatly appreciated.
Monday June 27, 2016
7:00 PM EDT
-
Please take a moment to introduce yourselves (what you teach, grade, where you're from, etc.). Remember to use the combined
-
Hello and welcome to tonight's combined . Thanks for guest moderating tonight's chat, !
-
Just put my babies down! Can't wait until you join us. Enjoy the snuggles.
-
Chris from Bloomington, IN. I teach world history for a private online HS affiliated w/ Indiana University.
-
Hi, my name is Steph, and I teach HS English and Speech in the NW Suburbs of Chicago. What a great summer topic!
-
Tonight's questions can be found here: https://t.co/2U73UTVyem. Tonight we'll be following the Q1/A1, A2, A3... format.
-
Happy end of the month, Chris. Thanks for joining us
-
Hi -high school social studies teacher using comics and graphic novels to create engaged critical readers https://t.co/KlIqjZWTyO
-
Hi everyone! Amanda here! HS English teacher and curriculum coach - pumped to moderate tonight!
-
Andrew from Maryland, 8th U.S. History
-
Hi it's a bit too late here in the UK to join in live but scheduled a few tweets on creativity :-) hope chat goes well! Natalie
-
Thanks for joining us tonight, Tim! Can't wait to hear your creative connections.
-
Thanks for joining us tonight, Andrew!
-
Brittany from NJ, 6th grade ancient civ & starting next year, also 7th American history.
-
Hi Chris! Good to see you tonight!
-
I am Nico from Indiana and I am still in college learning how to become a teacher. thought this would help :)
-
Glad to have you joining us from across the pond! Thanks for contributing. Archives will be up later tonight, too!
-
Glad to have you with us tonight, Brittany.
-
Hey there, ! Nice to see you tonight!
-
-
RI teacher - Andrea https://t.co/HKzZdpZN36
-
-
I am Nico from Indiana and I am still in college learning how to become a teacher. thought this would help :)
-
Hi Misperception of creativity is that it is unorganized chaos. That's just my teacher desk.
-
Nico, glad to have you here! So awesome to have your perspective. Welcome to .
-
Before we start, I have an unscheduled question for you: what are some MISperceptions of creativity in schools?
-
Welcome to tonight's chat!
-
-
A1 So tired of hearing people say we all teach in rows with worksheets every day! Get into a classroom and see the magic!
-
UQ: Agree w/ Scott. Especially for HS Ss, creativity sometimes seen as an "extra" and not a "must do," esp in certain subjects.
-
Dan from Des Plaines, IL. Taught American studies. Now teach philosophy and government
-
Thanks for joining us tonight!
-
That it must mean writing a unicorn story or drawing like Jackson Pollak
-
I love when people walk by my room and are startled by the creative noise going on -hip hop, heated discussions, etc
-
Thanks for joining us tonight, Dan! Always great to have another Chicago suburbanite here at
-
Mike from NJ. 3rd grade teacher.
-
Indeed. Who gets energized about memorizing a bunch of stuff - that's not "doing history" besides.
-
A1: People wrongly assume that tech=creativity. Ive seen some pretty non-creative uses for tech
-
Did I share my Vietnam Hist photos w/you? Not as cool as your cartoon project, but almost
-
Thanks for joining us tonight, Mike! Welcome to
-
That students are not all capable of being creative, when in fact we all have some level of creativity
-
-
Amen! Preach it, Nico! https://t.co/UqPiWfnmOZ
-
-
That students are not all capable of being creative, when in fact we all have some level of creativity
-
Yes! Last chat. Thank you so much. Visuals are such a great way to get dialogue and discussion going.
-
Alright guys, let's gear up for the REAL Q1 in 1 minute - everyone ready?
-
A: That being creative take too much $$ the school doesn't have
-
A1 S creativity is a must. Would rather have Ss do poor orig work than cheat. Unfort. too many grew up copying
-
-
as a student I was definitely scared of creative writing because of that misconception
-
although, I do often find myself spending lots of my money when I get inspired...
-
I think people sometimes see creativity as taking away from content, but using creativity utilizes critical thinking/application!
-
-
I feel all good teachers have a strong desire to bring out creativity of each student but the curric. restricts time
-
A1: If you're creative you're not following the curriculum.....
-
I agree - can we change the curriculum then? What can we to do make sure it's valued?
-
Yes! I felt this way, too. I wanted to "get it right," but so much is learned from expression & mistakes.
-
Q creativity can only breath if teachers are given power
-
A1: 9 or 10. I teach online w/ Ss working at different paces so it's bit chlnging. Try to give them lots of options for format.
-
Isn't that a sad but true statement. Why does curriculum = standard (inside the box)?
-
Creativity is not about the subject itself, but about the presentation of that material
-
A1 8-depends on the activity or assignment. In history,creativity is often just having open mind and listening to student opinion
-
10! Students are more likely to comprehend concepts when they are being creative while learning.
-
There are so many ways for Ss to learn & work w/ content & develop skills. One size fits all is unstandard.
-
Life is not a cookie cutter, nor should our classrooms be...... https://t.co/QFNNGMQQax
-
-
Isn't that a sad but true statement. Why does curriculum = standard (inside the box)?
-
Q1: On a scale of 1-10, how important is student creativity in your classroom?
-
A1. I would give creativity an 8. Did rhmying couplets on the Death of Socrates. Only 1 could do 10 in 30 min
-
-
-
because too often, teachers think that the textbook/curriculum are all you can do. Nope! Just beginning...
-
-
During lessons a 5, projects 10
-
A1: We are preparing students for jobs that haven't even been invented yet. Creativity is a big part of that preparation
-
A1: Creativity is a part of the planning process on my end, and it is a part of the critical thinking process on Ss' end. 8.
-
A1: IMC, creativity is at a 8 or 9. SS lends itself to being a naturally creative subject with lost of critical thinking
-
A1 8.5 It is indispensable, but classrooms don't work without some disciplined thinking
-
Good question. Maybe if your homework can be easily copied during homeroom.
-
-
-
Amen brother! https://t.co/TXJWlyUnmt
-
-
because too often, teachers think that the textbook/curriculum are all you can do. Nope! Just beginning...
-
Being an innovative thinker is exactly what creativity is. Couldn't agree more https://t.co/g2KPHkkeTr
-
-
A1: We are preparing students for jobs that haven't even been invented yet. Creativity is a big part of that preparation
-
a1 work that asseses if they "got it" tends to be less creative than the big activity
-
I love playing music and having the students rotate stations to look at each other's work
-
Applying content knowledge requires immense creativity. Demonstrating/applying knowledge is challenging!
-
We ready for Q2 ? This is just getting started!
-
9 or 10. Creativity is what drives us and allows for higher level thinking. It shows what are students are really capable of.
-
I think that Ss sharing their work w/ each other is so powerful. Helps them see diff views.
-
Absolutely! A teacher has to keep it fresh and real. https://t.co/NGUnzA6h5X
-
-
Applying content knowledge requires immense creativity. Demonstrating/applying knowledge is challenging!
-
Yes! Let's keep the creative juices flowing.
-
me too - often takes me awhile to create a playlist of songs that go with lesson -Ss try 2figure out connection
-
Yes, differentiation means thinking, reflecting for Ts & Ss. Creativity is part of this process
-
-
-
So many great connections to make to music and content knowledge, too.
-
peer review helps so much with writing! Ss are audience - not the teacher gives me time to meet
-
Phil from Sarasota. I teach 6-8 AH. Lurking tonight for a bit before dinner.
-
Q2: Is creativity valued appropriately in the way it appears (or is absent) from standards, major assessments, etc?
-
A2 Creativity is not in the standards because it cannot be standardized. It's a way AND and an end, I think.
-
Yes! And they take more care w/ work when they know others will see it - not just T.
-
Thanks for joining in tonight! Archives will be up later tonight, too.
-
A2: It always feels admin wants students to produce following all the same rules, esp in writing
-
Don't give up. It takes a few sequences before Ss get good at it.
-
Ahh! Sorry I'm late. Desi from California đŸŒ´đŸŒµ
-
I find that most assessments I see are very direct and literal w/ little to no creativity.There is def. room for it.
-
Me too. It's frustrating but necessary to keep fighting for!
-
A2 I'm not sure there's a way to measure creativity, it's not a skill in the same way that other things are
-
A2 it's more there than we often think - end result is there, but not dictated how we get there. IMO - too much complaining
-
Q2: It is valued by some admins, others not so much. Only had (1) support that in my career. Sad really. https://t.co/bfnj0k7DQK
-
-
Q2: Is creativity valued appropriately in the way it appears (or is absent) from standards, major assessments, etc?
-
A2: W/ the push for student-centered learning, creativity is innately built into learning but not always recognized or identified
-
Hi Desi! Glad you made it!
-
A2) It's sometimes referenced in scope & sequence but not really in assessments unless you count essay writing. 1/2
-
-
A2: If creativity could be standardized then it would not be unique, being creative is supposed to be original thoughts and ideas
-
A2: No creativity in standards. I try to always incorporate creative expression in my assessments.
-
A2 True creativity is subversive and resists standards. It is hard to measure scientifically
-
Definitely! I think PBL brings creativity into education big time!
-
Creativity is not valued like it should be, & has gotten worse. In NY, many schools make Ts follow NY modules w/ scripted lessons
-
A1: 8-10. It is extremely important, but also should be coupled with evidence of proficiency, skill, and application of knowledge
-
Well said!
https://t.co/1qun8B9NpT
-
-
A2: If creativity could be standardized then it would not be unique, being creative is supposed to be original thoughts and ideas
-
I agree. We put too much stock in what's black and white in the standards. The path to them is fairly open.
-
A2) If essays on asmts, Ss can use some kind of choice but not real creativity unless taking chance w/ score. :(
-
Yes, you raise a very valid point. Creativity is a component of learning/applying knowledge. It's harder to evaluate.
-
Yikes!! "Scripted" is one of the scariest words in education right now
-
A2 I try to force creativity in projects (draw it by hand, you need your own examples, design/draw your idea, no samples etc.)
-
A2 Creativity as defined as developing original ideas can't be measured accurately by standards or testing
-
ugh! I have heard that from other schools. That would be the day I retire. Love my school district
-
Absolutely! I hope teacher teams embrace that path and don't feel they need to be b&W
-
A2: I would say my admin prefers creativity but the standards do not.
-
There's so much pressure on scores & standards but creativity helps prepare Ss to achieve so much (including standards)
-
I'd like a standard that says "Students can produce an original product that creates an argument"
-
When teachers feel suffocated, students feel suffocated as well. Creative teachers inspire creative students
-
I'm currently working a summer program that uses a Shark Tank curriculum that the kids love.Just like the show.
-
A6: When creativity fades, sameness grows, in product and thinking. Dangerous really. We must preserve American ingenuity.
-
Yes, it is subjective, which is harder to evaluate. It does provide great reflection and metacognitive thinking, though.
-
And creativity is often what makes them actually care about what they're learning.
-
A1 We try to squeeze it in during other times, during lunch/recess any kid can come build stuff in the Makerspace
-
Tech integration aids in creativity if students are equipped w/ various Web 2.0 tools and strategies. https://t.co/1kwsykiDbu
-
-
There's so much pressure on scores & standards but creativity helps prepare Ss to achieve so much (including standards)
-
Share resources please! These seems like so much fun!
-
-
Yes, and creativity cultivates great skills for their post-education endeavors.
-
Gearing up in a few to move into Q3...
-
Yes! I love giving Ss choices to demonstrate knowledge and present their ideas. Tech provides so many options.
-
Joining late after dinner. HS English in Florida.
-
-
A2:most Ts/admin value/appreciate creativity, but Ss need it built in to the curriculum of all classrooms for a real commitment
-
So glad you could join us! We just started Q3
-
was what finally gave me "permission" to be completely creative - got over my "A" type self. Never looked back
-
A3) IMC, creativity is encouraged even though everyone is working at their own pace and I never get to meet them.
-
A3: IMC, creativity thrives even though admin devalues its importance.
-
-
IMC Creativity thrives even though it is not measured.
-
I did mock Celebrity Apprentice with mine. They did sun safety campaigns and one team got hired instead of fired.
-
A2: I mean, don't we all hate grading the SAME essay 100+ times? Give Ss options to show skills. We just need to ensure quality
-
A3: In my classroom, creativity is stressed, even though it cannot be directly assessed.
-
A3 Creativity is expected even though it can be hard
-
Yes! Seriously. My Ss get to select an essential Q to use as their lens to study the past. Variety for me!
-
Ts can use their creativity to teach content (standards) & Ss can apply this information using creativity https://t.co/Yeab2i9Si8
-
-
A2 Creativity as defined as developing original ideas can't be measured accurately by standards or testing
-
YES! I think creativity belongs in the APPROACH to writing - the introduction, the organization, etc https://t.co/0Xv23Op5eg
-
-
A2: I mean, don't we all hate grading the SAME essay 100+ times? Give Ss options to show skills. We just need to ensure quality
-
A3: Creativity is expected even though it's not always directed.
-
A3 IMC creativity thrives even though it is not measured.
-
Love this! Great way to encourage speaking skills and challenge Ss to solve problems/persuade. How do you use it?
-
-
You better believe we do!
-
Q3: Fill in the blank: In my classroom (IMC), creativity _________ even though ___________.
-
-
A3: IMC, creativity is welcomed and nurtured, even though there is a push for uniformity; even Ss struggle with that freedom
-
IMC, creativity is taught in how we approach writing even though students are used to "formulas"
-
letting them choose research question is important!Who wants 2read 100 papers on ww2 causes?I like 2learn
-
I'm hoping to do the same thing. There are so many lenses you can view the past through
-
Yes-Teach Like A Pirate is such a great book. It definitely promotes creativity in the classroom in a powerful way
-
A3 Creativity is promoted even though kids are are being taught to follow rules
-
Oh, my gosh! That is SOOOO true. Mine all do same assignments but each have diff EQ so diff takes.
-
I made that mistake and almost keeled over from a Hammurabi overdose, lesson learned
-
Q3: IMC, creativity is strongly encourgaged even though time is against us.
-
Ding ding ding! What a great place to start. Creating/crafting their own direction! https://t.co/e1fMOOtsAe
-
-
letting them choose research question is important!Who wants 2read 100 papers on ww2 causes?I like 2learn
-
creativity is encouraged even though S's hate thinking 4 themselves. I strive to develop my S's critical thinking skills!
-
Yes, & since they share work w/ each other, they get benefit of seeing those diff interpretations.
-
they also get to create there own history superhero - choose anyone who inspires - love hearing why choice
-
same. I implore Ss to invest in their own creative vision, but I say I am not "grading" it. It's pretty liberating
-
Yes! That struggle with that freedom happens so much for our Ss. It's a tough challenge but an important one.
-
I love that lesson/learning experience. So very cool. Need to see if I can steal that. ;)
-
I think comics & vid games are great places to "hide" formative assessment. Key to engaging Ss
-
Creativity blossoms even though I have high expectations! Creativity does NOT equal "play" time
-
Here comes Q4 in just a few seconds...
-
Sharing allows Ss to enjoyothers' perspective & have fun w/ their learning experience
-
choir - let us sing together!!!!!
-
The Student's struggle with freedom also helps their creative thinking process
-
Love this idea! https://t.co/N0QOHw26Jt
-
-
they also get to create there own history superhero - choose anyone who inspires - love hearing why choice
-
-
Q4: On a scale of 1-10, how important is creativity in your personal teaching practice?
-
A4 - I MUST have space to create and develop unique materials for my students. I cannot make copies from a text book!
-
A4 10+, you have to be creative to reach the kids who find ancient history to be boring or pointless
-
-
A4 At least an 8. No lesson ever looks exactly the same twice even though the content does. Have to keep it fresh for me & them
-
A4: Creativity is a must. I need to be creative & to share my passions through teaching/learning. Creativity enhances engagement
-
A4 10. I would quit my job if I had to sprint along the coverage treadmill and use a curriculum map again.
-
Q4: If I couldn't be creative in my practice, I would be out looking for other work!!!
-
Do you feel like you have enough time/space to do this? I'm always struggling!
-
A4: I love working with creative teachers and bouncing ideas off of each other. I'd give it an 10.
-
A4) If I had to follow script or had no freedom to create lessons/experiences for Ss, I wouldn't teach. Have to adapt to/for Ss.
-
Great topic to continue the talk on creativity and an awesome https://t.co/afxZmh09WC
-
-
Please join in 15 minutes for .
Tonight's topic is "How to ensure that ALL Ss contribute."
-
-
I agree So much teaching creativity is inspired by my colleagues.
-
-
As the world evolves, we must, too. That certainly takes creativity in how we present, share, & empower Ss w/ content
-
Interesting point :) I happen to work part time, which gives me the afternoon to be creative (at home with space)
-
true.The magic of creativity IS in the struggle. It takes trial & error, it takes revision. As Ts, we must model that
-
A4: Creativity 4me well over a 10. I have to be creative before a lesson, during, and after! My mind never stops w/ideas!
-
Yes, and model the failure that comes alongside it. Failure and creativity are BFFs and that's ok!
-
Creativity is energizing in a way, too. It can be passion-driven, which makes work fun (& worth the time)
-
-
My niece quit her teaching job for that reason. She now has a job she enjoys, but at 1/2 the pay and no benefits.
-
Exactly! Get S feedback about lessons - show them you're taking chances to help them!
-
Yes, having a partner or group to collaborate with enhances the creativity of all and enhances the process.
-
A4 so important! Current events and student interest change every year (as does mine). I even change according to classes in day
-
-
A4: My personal teaching creatvity is a 9. I'm very creative & flexible w/ lessons & assignments, but not w/ common assessments
-
-
100%. I've taught inclusion before.my co-teacher and I both brought different experiences 2 the table + clicked well
-
One thing I miss most teaching online - not having colleagues to chat w/. Thank goodness for PLN.
-
A4 Creativity is the heart of teaching but without obedience to procedures, nothing meaningful gets done. Difficult to have both!
-
-
Yes! I don't think my lessons were ever exactly the same from first period to last period of day.
-
A5: for teaching research and challenging Ss to make a viral video definitely encourage creativity
-
A5 I liked to pose questions like the following as writing topics: Which is noisier, a worm digging or a tree growing?
-
A5) Probably creating simulations & other more experiential lessons, integrating music, art, etc.
-
A5 not to be THAT guy, but here are my fave creative lessons using hip hop, comics, pop culture, etc https://t.co/fkUXOJNuS9
-
-
A5: I like to surprise students, dramatize timed challenges, and feed off each period’s live, unique ideas/perspectives.
-
Yes, I've co-taught, too. Truly enjoyed working with and learning from my co-teacher.
-
A5 Using the graphic novel format to help students learn to develop a plot in their own writing.
-
Dramatize timed challenges? What on earth is that?
-
a5 Any time furniture or clothing were rearranged resulting in puzzled confusd students
-
YES! It's always great to learn from people in my online, Chris :)
-
All this talk of creativity makes me think we need to think of differentiation for teachers as well
-
A5 Here is another: If high rise windows were made of cake glazing, how would window washers do their jobs?
-
very good point. That balance is important.
-
A5: Anyone in here try ? I would love to try that as part of a lesson!
-
Creativity begins in first lesson. Ss ask for answer and I respond w - what do YOU think? Really puts them on heels at first
-
Oooh! Can you share more about that Lisa?
-
-
I definitely had parameters set up for my project with Ss. It wasn't full freedom, but the concept did work well w/ Ss.
-
A5 leaving a lesson that wasn't working and pursing one kid's idea-- then (most importantly) coming back to the point at the end
-
I once had the kids write a poem about a novel but told them we were going to write a rap song because nobody wanted to do a poem
-
I started small with them! The end results were strong & Ss loved choosing their own projects. It can be time consuming
-
And then my follow up to their answers: What do you need to do to find support for that thought?
-
A5: On day one, I give the students toothpicks and a bag of marshmallows and a task/question. As a group, they create!1/2
-
Preach! So true. Why is PD one size fits all (at school, at least)?
-
A4: 10....definitely higher than in Q1. T willingness/ability to experiment for the betterment of Ss requires creativity
-
A5: What is happiness? (Answer - create using marshmallows and toothpicks) It's messy, but such a great way to set tone for yr
-
Great questions, Bill. Great way to challenge thinking and get Ss talking, too.
-
A5 The time I had in mind was when Ss took off shoes,sweatshirts, belts w/o any other info as the intro to my 9/11 lesson
-
Agree. One of the things I'm trying to get Ss to do is ask ?s rather than just trying to answer ?s.
-
And battery just about out! Thanks everyone!!! being on Twitter is a testament to your creativity and willing to learn!
-
YES! Ss need to be challenged to think, reflect, and respond. This is the heart of creativity https://t.co/XQLQNy54C2
-
-
Creativity begins in first lesson. Ss ask for answer and I respond w - what do YOU think? Really puts them on heels at first
-
Let me know when you figure out the magical lesson to make that happen ;-)
-
Sounds like 's Why Don't You Just Tell Us the Answer?
-
We're just about done here, everyone. Second to last question coming up...
-
A5. I love seeing Ss create a product for others to appreciate (video, sculpture, skit) that demonstrates mastery/application
-
Try to impress on them that historians have to come up w/ ?s to try to find answers to.
-
-
A6 A dangerous and counterproductive lack of engagement with each other and the content.
-
Oh man, Mike. I've faced that battle! We should talk about poetry more - that's my JAM!
-
Aw, thanks. Try to encourage ? asking as much as possible. Model w/ lots of "I wonder" statements.
-
a6 Without creativity nothing new can be discovered or invented.
-
A6: Lack of creativity=lack of critical thinking skills, problem solving skill, and just ability to think on our own
-
allowing teachers the freedom to be creative in a way that is genuine to them...
-
A6: When creativity fades, sameness grows, in product and thinking. Dangerous really. We must preserve American ingenuity.
-
A6: Creativity is defined as the use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production! It's in all Ss do.
-
A6: The utter and complete destruction of our society and values...j/k...not really....well sort of...
-
I know a lot of teachers who dress up, and act out the content. That's awesome, but not something I would do
-
The students and teachers will BOTH become bored, it is fun and exciting to have new ideas and thoughts for both parties!
-
A6) Soul crushing monotony & lack of interest in what they're supposed to be learning. Conformity over thinking.
-
Yes! Such an important point. Creativity is essential to critical thinking and is therefore, incredibly valuable.
-
A7 Less relevance for their content area in our knowledge/creative economy. Curating & repurposing innovates
-
Um...I think you're right. It looks like some twisted dystopian future to me...
