Good morning! Keri from NYC. I'm an ESL teacher/instructional coach. Founder of #ECSchat, the educational case study chat (Sundays at 7:00 PM ET). Just made baked ziti. #hacklearning
Ben here. Starting new classroom gig in the fall (after 3 years "out" or mostly out)... In the middle of other stuff, but half an eye on my Hacky pals. :) #hacklearning
Morning, #hacklearning. I'm Brian. I teach middle-school students English In Colorado. Full disclosure: While we don't rely on textbooks to chart our course, we do have 'em around as time-capsule anthologies for some readers to dip into sometimes.
Q1 I've heard @michaelfullan1 say that we have a crisis in education because our pedadgogy is not strong (his research shows we are overly dependent on "corporate lesson plans") - what's your reaction? #hacklearning#eduprotocols
Q1 I've heard @michaelfullan1 say that we have a crisis in education because our pedadgogy is not strong (his research shows we are overly dependent on "corporate lesson plans") - what's your reaction? #hacklearning#eduprotocols
A1 Wow. OK yes, many of us could improve our pedagogy. But the crisis in education is about corporate greed, corrupt politicians, and institutional racism. #HackLearning
It's fine to refer to textbooks - it's not fine to confine yourcareer to them. Although I must say, @Wikipedia is PRETTY HARD TO BEAT as a resource on darn near anything. #hacklearning#eduprotocols
A1. I would say this is generally and sadly true. Not sure how or why but it seems like many are happy to be handed a script or slide to "teach" from. Been guilty myself
#HackLearning
A1: It's a bit of a generalization, but we can't judge someone else's perspective if they are being honest about their experiences. He's not entirely wrong but I don't blame corporate LPs. I blame a lack of time and breathing room to develop our pedagogy. #HackLearning
Q1 I've heard @michaelfullan1 say that we have a crisis in education because our pedadgogy is not strong (his research shows we are overly dependent on "corporate lesson plans") - what's your reaction? #hacklearning#eduprotocols
When the goal is to get the kids to pass a standardized test, produced by textbook companies, we fall into the rut of textbook lesson plans because ... well they write the test. #hacklearning
A1: There may be truth to that as companies fight for EDU dollars...I feel like when I ask teachers about curriculum pacing, the answer usually revolves around a chapter in a textbook #HackLearning
A1 We can certainly do better, but today's educators are doing the best we've ever done. I think we should be careful about using words like "crisis" when what we're really saying is there is work left to be done. #hacklearning#MeasuredDiscourse
A1 Excellent standards-based instructional frameworks make lesson planning easier NOT complete ... planning is a critical part of our profession. I feel blessed to have #SpringBoard as my framework but I still have to purposefully plan so I donāt miss impt moments #HackLearning
Q1 I've heard @michaelfullan1 say that we have a crisis in education because our pedadgogy is not strong (his research shows we are overly dependent on "corporate lesson plans") - what's your reaction? #hacklearning#eduprotocols
A1: To quote my grandparents ātell the truth and shame the devil!ā This is a huge issue for me. There is more focus on lesson plan format and not content, which to me means the focus is on appearances and not instruction. š #hacklearning
One of the most compelling in the storied history of the live #HackLearning chat. @SylviaEllison will have plenty to work with at this week's slow chat.
In reply to
@jcorippo, @MichaelFullan1, @SylviaEllison
As a younger teacher, I've never used textbooks in class, but after growing up with them, they're a source of comfort for me when I learn. My Russian textbook is a lifeline but I wouldn't teach others with it - only myself. #HackLearning
We need to remember that and the teacher and the intentional learning design is the foundation and technology is the accelerator not the driver. #hacklearning
Q1 I've heard @michaelfullan1 say that we have a crisis in education because our pedadgogy is not strong (his research shows we are overly dependent on "corporate lesson plans") - what's your reaction? #hacklearning#eduprotocols
A1. We focus too often on the product of our teaching. What does the data say? This forces teachers to subscribe to lessons developed by ābest practicesā. What if we focused more on Ts exploring the art of teaching? Ts who refine their own pedagogy can be empowered #HackLearning
We got new textbooks last year with nice workbooks ... they have come a long way. Lots of things that I would create myself. One thing I do not like is how you have to sign into their account to use #hacklearning
A1: I agree to an extent. Iāve heard some people say they have scripted lessons and that makes me cringe. We should be willing and able to take risks! And we should WANT to. #HackLearning
I agree here. Providing time for professional creavitivity and autonomy will provide space for more to move away from textbook-dependency. #HackLearning
A1: Problem about using textbooks is that it focuses on "covering" content, not ensuring students learn it. Publishers can't predict how students will respond to their lessons. #HackLearning
I got yelled at for saying "I'm not using this because it takes more time to differentiate and modify it than to write my own curriculum. It's terrible." #HackLearning
In reply to
@DennisDill, @jcorippo, @MichaelFullan1
A1- With respect to MF, Thatās like saying I am not a good golfer BC my clubs are just OK. If I had a strong coach and I practice and get feedback I would improve. Lesson plans in an active learning environment creates engagement and retention #hacklearning
I agree ... pre-packaged lesson plans could be a good start for new teachers .... yet many donāt get beyond āturning the pageā ... purposeful, excellent planning does take time and coaching #HackLearning
A1: It's a bit of a generalization, but we can't judge someone else's perspective if they are being honest about their experiences. He's not entirely wrong but I don't blame corporate LPs. I blame a lack of time and breathing room to develop our pedagogy. #HackLearning
Q1 I've heard @michaelfullan1 say that we have a crisis in education because our pedadgogy is not strong (his research shows we are overly dependent on "corporate lesson plans") - what's your reaction? #hacklearning#eduprotocols
Imagine teaching 5 preps and being offered a fully written curriculum for one of them, saving you hours and hours each week. We know it's not good, but the temptation is real... #HackLearning
Agreed! Just like key using computers/iPads doesnāt make you a good teacher! #HackLearning Teaching isnāt defined by tools! More in process and How we questions students to think!
16 years ... never married to the textbook ... unless I have a Sub, but that was done more out of necessity that anything ... the textbook sucked or was that old ... now I can see myself pulling from textbook more. #hacklearning
In reply to
@kerisavoca, @jcorippo, @MichaelFullan1
A1-Using quality texts/products as part of instruction is not a bad thing. Relying solely on them seems to be terribly boring and corporate centered. #hacklearning#ElonEd
Q1 I've heard @michaelfullan1 say that we have a crisis in education because our pedadgogy is not strong (his research shows we are overly dependent on "corporate lesson plans") - what's your reaction? #hacklearning#eduprotocols
A1: Relying too heavily on one thing or one way of doing something might be more concerning. Using the textbook & materials might be exactly what the students needed that day. #hacklearning
Sure, I don't argue there is still an over-reliance on books. My question is more about the directionality of the arrow. What was the percentage 10 years ago? 30 years ago? Have you shared/published those stats (do you mean research)? I'd love to see them. #hacklearning
A1- With respect to MF, Thatās like saying I am not a good golfer BC my clubs are just OK. If I had a strong coach and I practice and get feedback I would improve. Lesson plans in an active learning environment creates engagement and retention #hacklearning
That's fair: Whether we're talking textbooks or canned lesson plans, presuming those tools are the best resources for all learners in all situations isn't just confining, it's a McGuffin -- standardized & unsatisfying. #hacklearning
I agree in that āworkbooksā have come a long way .. and while I donāt mind logging in to their system, what I do like is having the ability to use what we need without having to recreate and/or doing my copy machine exercises š #HackLearning
We got new textbooks last year with nice workbooks ... they have come a long way. Lots of things that I would create myself. One thing I do not like is how you have to sign into their account to use #hacklearning
Morning. Debbi, HS technology teacher from NJ.
A text is just a tool, just like tablets, the internet and you know paper and pen. It's what you do with the materials that count. IMO
#hacklearning
16 years ... never married to the textbook ... unless I have a Sub, but that was done more out of necessity that anything ... the textbook sucked or was that old ... now I can see myself pulling from textbook more. #hacklearning
In reply to
@kerisavoca, @jcorippo, @MichaelFullan1
Textbooks, like any other tool, should never be the sole source of teaching or content...especially in a world where information is so readily available via myriad resources #HackLearning
Crazy - and it's sad because some of these books have the potential to be great resources. RESOURCES, not the whole curriculum. They do it in college too - one chapter a week and that's the whole syllabus. Lame. I could just stay home and read it. #HackLearning
I teach US History ... with 122 standards ... 40 question test ... passing that test is more about luck than how much a student knows. What types of questions will be asked from which time periods. #hacklearning
A2- We need to focus on the student. Meet each ss where they are at. That can be difficult to do with a textbook. We also need to allow students to be producers. I love what @jmattmiller says:
#hacklearning
The crisis in education comes from external factors. Poverty, abuse, and neglect are huge barriers to education on a daily basis. We have a systemic problem in our society. A textbook does not fix that. #hacklearning
Potentially yes. But it depends on the experience/training/culture the teachers are in. More time can also equal more time just to pretty up the text by putting it on a smartboard digitally. #hacklearning
Yes!!! Whether I start from scratch or use my framework, the end result should be a standards-based, purposely planned lesson based on the needs of my students. #HackLearning
A1- With respect to MF, Thatās like saying I am not a good golfer BC my clubs are just OK. If I had a strong coach and I practice and get feedback I would improve. Lesson plans in an active learning environment creates engagement and retention #hacklearning
I agree ... pre-packaged lesson plans could be a good start for new teachers .... yet many donāt get beyond āturning the pageā ... purposeful, excellent planning does take time and coaching #HackLearning
A1: It's a bit of a generalization, but we can't judge someone else's perspective if they are being honest about their experiences. He's not entirely wrong but I don't blame corporate LPs. I blame a lack of time and breathing room to develop our pedagogy. #HackLearning
Q1 I've heard @michaelfullan1 say that we have a crisis in education because our pedadgogy is not strong (his research shows we are overly dependent on "corporate lesson plans") - what's your reaction? #hacklearning#eduprotocols
Mark... couldnāt agree more. These are the things no one wants to address. Easy to buy another program, not so easy to fix these other issues #HackLearning
In some defense of textbooks - I'll share this: It's better to follow the text when you're unsure of the content. Too many times, I have seen teachers deviate and teach things WRONG. To me - that's worse. #HackLearning
The crisis in education comes from external factors. Poverty, abuse, and neglect are huge barriers to education on a daily basis. We have a systemic problem in our society. A textbook does not fix that. #hacklearning
A1. Too much pressure & emphasis is put on test scores. Ensuring students are exposed to grade level standards before the state assessment is causing it. We get rated on how a student tests. Teachers are afraid to take risks due to pressures on students to perform. #HackLearning
Whatever resources you have to or choose to use still require quality planning, instruction, and reflection. What worked? What didnāt? Did my students learn? How do I know? #HackLearning
I tch in a district that has just adopted a scripted, open source math product. With the "threat" that admin will be ensuring everyone is doing the same thing...I cringe, as I think about what will happen in many classrooms this year. #hacklearning#eloned
Whatever resources you have to or choose to use still require quality planning, instruction, and reflection. What worked? What didnāt? Did my students learn? How do I know? #HackLearning
Computers, textbook , science notebooks are tools they should be designed into the learning plan where they help kid sense-make they are not stand alone in the whole learning experience #HackLearning
That's a conversation that requires more than a tweet. Makes the teacher feel good to "cover" but doesn't increase learning to simply expose students to standards. I'd argue there's a good chance they learn less in that scope/sequence. #HackLearning
A2 We donāt have to āget throughā textbooks as if they were tunnels with a defined beginning, end, and direction. Instead, we can think of them as highway lanes we can move into and out of when it serves our journey. #HackLearning
I use corporate DBQs (Document Based Question) packets they are well put together and allows the students to practice analyzing documents in a guided manner ...then write a written response ... don't even feel a little bit guilty #hacklearning
A2: In order to get "over" textbook based pacing, we need to change the goals of education. If we're still functioning to achieve 60+ yo goals, of course our methods will be behind. #hacklearning
I agree, but what about professional learning books? When they're used in college courses, they feel like textbooks. On our own time, they feel like great resources. We keep publishing them and promoting them. Is it only a textbook if we make it our curriculum? #HackLearning
In reply to
@markbarnes19, @DennisDill, @jcorippo, @MichaelFullan1
Yes!!! Whether I start from scratch or use my framework, the end result should be a standards-based, purposely planned lesson based on the needs of my students. #HackLearning
A1- With respect to MF, Thatās like saying I am not a good golfer BC my clubs are just OK. If I had a strong coach and I practice and get feedback I would improve. Lesson plans in an active learning environment creates engagement and retention #hacklearning
True, but most are not very good. I've found that I could grab a video, article, or other tool off the web that is far superior to anything in the textbook. #HackLearning
A3: We need to provide ss with personalized learning! The 1st step in moving to this direction is station rotation. Take it little by little to add personalized learning into the class. A step for administrators is adding personalized professional development to ts. #hacklearning
I have been able to observe some elements of textbooks being developed. It lacks soul - more like a puppy farm. =( Many lessons are "developed" in 1-3 hours. #HackLearning#eduprotocols
In reply to
@MatthewXJoseph, @markbarnes19, @DennisDill, @kerisavoca, @MichaelFullan1
A2 I think as individuals we have to do what we feel is best for any individual group of students. Try to find as many authentic learning experiences in a subject as you can. #HackLearning
Kids need to know there were Presidents between Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln ... they may not be talked about a lot, but they were there. #hacklearning
That supports the literacy standards as well as your content standards ... as a FL native & tchr, there are way too many ālovedā standards by the DOE š¤Ŗ #HackLearning
I use corporate DBQs (Document Based Question) packets they are well put together and allows the students to practice analyzing documents in a guided manner ...then write a written response ... don't even feel a little bit guilty #hacklearning
Q3 again:
I like to say that all teachers should treat their classroom like a food truck (see the movie Chef or Chef's Table on @netflix) - how could moving from a lockstep approach to lesson benefit S's and T's? #hacklearning#eduprotocols
I like to say that all teachers should treat their classroom like a food truck (see the movie Chef or Chef's Table on @netflix) - how could moving from a lockstep approach to lesson benefit S's and T's? #hacklearning#eduprotocols
I'm a firm believer in power standards or really power "topics." Like for example, if you understand how a right triangle works, you could almost figure out trig by yourself if you had to. #hacklearning
I can't repeat my lessons from year to year - Ss are different, I want to hook them by following their interests. I also want to meet them where they're at. Textbooks are too limiting in this regard. #hacklearning
In reply to
@jcorippo, @MatthewXJoseph, @markbarnes19, @DennisDill, @kerisavoca, @MichaelFullan1
A3 Schema development is NOT linear. Students are testing their limits, entering and leaving sense-making, and asking their own questions. All of that is destroyed when we try to impose a lockstep approach. #Freedom#LetThemLearn#HackLearning
A3 Thinking flexibly about curriculum helps us respond to our individual students, local and global events, shifting priorities, and new discoveriesāall of which helps our students. It also leaves room for us to bring our creativity and insight to our work.
#HackLearning
Reflection & dialogue! Increasingly students' voices have role in this process -- rather than single voice of teacher or textbook or education-technology corporation or chorus of textbook editors orchestrated by their publishing conglomerate. #hacklearning
Not disagreeing - but just because you told them there were, doesn't mean they remember or make meaning out of the contributions made between those years. #HackLearning
Totally agree! And I see both sides as a parent/ teacher. A test at one time does not show Ss or Ts success. I want my Ss to be productive members of society. Will a test score matter after high school? #hacklearning
Not every time ... I have noticed with our new textbook, many of the activities are very similar to those I had created for my learning stations ... it is how we use the textbook/activities that make a difference. #hacklearning
In reply to
@markbarnes19, @kerisavoca, @jcorippo, @MichaelFullan1
And/Or they don't trust the teachers to make sound decisions regarding their students. I will continue to do what I do, put kids first! #hacklearning#ElonEd
Oh, yes. This might need to be a whole #HackLearning chat. Maybe you should moderate that one, Connie. I never based a lesson on a standard, and my kids did great on "the test." #HackLearning
A3 Thinking flexibly about curriculum helps us respond to our individual students, local and global events, shifting priorities, and new discoveriesāall of which helps our students. It also leaves room for us to bring our creativity and insight to our work.
#HackLearning
A3: It definitely allows for more personalized learning goals which in my opinion leads to better outcomes. Our kids are unique, so our approach to teaching them should align with that. #hacklearning
I agree. One thing we have to be aware of is including a number of formative assessments within lessons. Need to know where our students are. Canāt be just a āIām getting from point A to point B no matter whatā mentality. #HackLearning
A3 Students benefit from personalized learning. I'm a big fan of Student Choice. I use Choice Boards always so they can decide which response is a good fit for them to show their learning #HackLearning
A2: If weāre too busy going by the pacing of a textbook or a curriculum map, then kids are getting left behind and the learning gap widens. Textbooks should only be used as a supplemental resource. (Plus I guarantee most textbooks donāt allow for the 4Cās) #HackLearning
Oh, yes. This might need to be a whole #HackLearning chat. Maybe you should moderate that one, Connie. I never based a lesson on a standard, and my kids did great on "the test." #HackLearning
A3: I try to meal prep for the week, and sometimes I just want a good oleā pizza or a cheeseburger. Plans go awry. LIFE goes awry. Itās okay to stray! Ts and Ss will be able to have more FUN and learning wonāt be limited! #HackLearning
Students thrive in an environment that allows them choice and voice. Help them master the standards in a way that feels authentic to them. They need a better WHY than because itās in our textbook. #hacklearning
A3: Allows Ts to meet Ss where they are at in their learning while giving Ss Voice in Choice in the process. We are not a factory. We have to be adaptable like we are asking Ss to be. #HackLearning
True, but the content does not change ... just how you present it. When I write a lesson plan, I do not write down how it will be implemented to meet the need of every kid (although my Admin probably would love it if I did). #hacklearning
In reply to
@carlameyrink, @jcorippo, @MatthewXJoseph, @markbarnes19, @kerisavoca, @MichaelFullan1
We need a learning target ,a goal a standard we are working toward. What is our why and how can we best get there? We needed be about sense-making with students to move student learning forward , #hacklearning what tools will make the experience engaging, meaningful & relevant?
Teachers can't teach outside the box & students can't focus inside the box.
Finding the right balance can work wonders for our children and make teacher's life easy and more productive as well.#hacklearning
A3 As a new tchr, lock-step could be a fantastic beginning - have to walk before run ... but the crime is staying there ... not moving into purposefully planning within & outside the textbook is disgraceful ... #SpringBoard provides me with that opportunity #HackLearning
Q3 again:
I like to say that all teachers should treat their classroom like a food truck (see the movie Chef or Chef's Table on @netflix) - how could moving from a lockstep approach to lesson benefit S's and T's? #hacklearning#eduprotocols
A3: It's all about choice and individuality. You can't assume that everyone in line at a food truck has the same diet. Some can't eat X or are allergic to Y or hate Z. Can't serve only one dish and expect to succeed. #HackLearning
I like to say that all teachers should treat their classroom like a food truck (see the movie Chef or Chef's Table on @netflix) - how could moving from a lockstep approach to lesson benefit S's and T's? #hacklearning#eduprotocols
I read 'lockstep,' but my brain substituted 'goosestep.' Not falling into either of those traps seems like a benefit to all learners who value flexibly open-ended, creative, innovative thinking. #hacklearning
I like to say that all teachers should treat their classroom like a food truck (see the movie Chef or Chef's Table on @netflix) - how could moving from a lockstep approach to lesson benefit S's and T's? #hacklearning#eduprotocols
"you cannot be a chef and work at Mcdonalds or Applyebys" - Jon Corippo I prefer to cook my own lessons and maximize my career. I magine retiring and realizing you've just been a worksheet distributor fo 20+ years. #chilling#HackLearning#eduprotocols
But why feel compelled to require that important learning be teacher directed from a textbook? There are ways for important content to be learned w/ Ss doing the discovery using hundreds of other avenues. #HackLearning
Yep. Fond childhood memories. "Do Now: Copy the board." 20 mins later: "Good. Now answer questions 1-5 on page 139 in complete sentences." #HackLearning
In reply to
@jcorippo, @markbarnes19, @DennisDill, @MichaelFullan1
A2. Go beyond the resource. Let the interest and drive of students determine how far you go. Break down processes learned and tie material to what students know. Make it relevant and real. #HackLearning
That sounds like Sub Work. how is reading a segment from a textbook different than reading a segment from a website. what if the questions being asked are the same as what I would ask? Discussion that follows is between me and the kids, but the content prompts it #hacklearning
In reply to
@jcorippo, @kerisavoca, @markbarnes19, @MichaelFullan1
Join #HackLearning chat July 29 at 8:30-9:00am EDT when Hacking Engagment author James Sturtevant @jamessturtevant will be guest moderator leading chat on the "hacky" topic of Student Collaboration.
A2 We have to get through certain standards, true, but our Ss interests and needs should play a big role in planning. What/who lies at the center of our instruction? Are we really teaching if Ss aren't engaged? #hacklearning#ElonEd
