#WCPSSchat Archive
#WCPSSchat is designed to be engaging and all interaction should be 'solution-oriented' and consist of constructive feedback. Please refrain from derogatory comments. #WCPSSchat is a virtual opportunity for Wake County public school stakeholders to engage in conversations around instructional practices, county-related resources, and unique educational challenges.
Wednesday October 26, 2016
Welcome to ! Please introduce yourself and give us your World Series prediction! Excited to chat with everyone tonight!
Welcome to our with guest moderator Topic- Critical Thinking. Follow him for questions and we'll offer RTs and support!
Rodney Smith, AP, Can vote for the Bears?
Joey Mulholland. 4th grade teacher. 3rd year teacher. Cubs in 7
I’m Jesse Gore representing . Instructional coach/LA. Cubs in six.
Renee White, 1st grade . Not a prediction but a hope... !
My next few tweets will be designated to the . Thank you for your patience! I hope you're all having a great week.
Nathan and all the former Red Sox are going to win the series
Lauren Genesky, Millbrook HS, umm...Cubs?
Hi ! Kara--4th gr teacher & is gonna knock it out of the park tonight! 😉 I'll be in& out tonight… https://t.co/nVklJqnoJV
Welcome to ! Please introduce yourself and give us your World Series prediction! Excited to chat with everyone tonight!
And we are off! https://t.co/s9apSsb6Tq
Welcome to ! Please introduce yourself and give us your World Series prediction! Excited to chat with everyone tonight!
Happy Wednesday, ! Hannah Powell, 5th grade Math & Science at . No baseball affiliations for this gal!
Teresa, HS Literacy. Either team winning will be exciting. But I care about several Cubs fans, so I am rooting for them!
Rodney Smith, AP, Can I vote for the Bears?
Aaron Marcin - Lead Mine Elem
Kyle Hamstra, Elem Sci/Tech Specialist. Cubs will "almost" win WS, bc they're forever marketed as "Lovable Losers."
Hi Kim, third grade Happy to be here
We will get started with Q1 in a few minutes. Please use the A1, Q1 format as we discuss critical thinking
Nikia Davis, Principal . You can vote for the Bears and Cubs !
but the one thing we know is that Hamstra wins every day
Excited to learn in the tonight. If you haven't tuned in its not too late!
Q1 - What does critical thinking look like in your classroom and school?
Aloha. Sean from Olds Elem. in Raleigh. 5th grade math and science teacher. The Indians are going to win.
Bears are my only team in Chicago😂
Hi! Amy, IRT at Forestville. Don't really follow baseball.
A1: Evidence-based responses, peer-to-peer discussion prompts, engagement, always encouraging Ss to take one step further.
MaryLu from Forestville Road ES. Chicago
Can you give an example of peer-to-peer discussion prompts?
A1: Looking at a text at a deeper and deeper level; revisiting an idea or concept & adding new knowledge, thoughts, or questions
Leann Hamstra 5th grade math and science teacher https://t.co/zfuA4v934g
Welcome to ! Please introduce yourself and give us your World Series prediction! Excited to chat with everyone tonight!
A1: Head scratching, question asking, research driven students behaving like they do not already know the answer
A1: Lessons and activities that are beyond yes/no answers. PBL, collaboration, stations, centers
The Bad News Bears? Loved them!
A1: Critical thinking looks like Ss learning to prob solve & use their schema, learned knowledge & test/failure to do so.
A1 we are always building and then reflecting by project logs
A1 Answers supported by evidence fro the text, problem etc. Ss having discussions, building on to each other's thinking.
A1- Organized chaos. Students working on open-ended questions and figuring out how to solve a problem
Do you have an example of a project log we can see?
A1: Like students doing the work, not me. Busy, lots of questions, referring back to texts, actively listening to each other.
(pt 1) During class meetings, rather than being whole-group, I give Ss a partner and 3-4 topics to respond to.
Exactly! Challenges instructors to dig deeper to content & application
A1: Can be collaborative & individualized. It's thinking w intention but just to regurgitate info. Purposeful thinking.
Is it about lots of questions or the right questions?
(pt 2) They also get sentence frames to structure their responses. While they talk, I walk around to monitor/question.
Awesome! Do they then share out with the class?
“Thinking with intention.” Love it! https://t.co/ZuKPhVfRCl
A1: Can be collaborative & individualized. It's thinking w intention but just to regurgitate info. Purposeful thinking.
A1 CT involves understanding where the knowledge is taking you and looks like a lot of discussion
Sometimes. I take note of 2-3 "ah-ha" comments, or perhaps a disagreement to point out. Depends on our goal!
I love when there are disagreements. It’s the best type of learning.
sentence starters help my student have discussions too!
A1: I think is SO valuable, because Ss are having to justify their answers. It's not enough to simply be right!
Late to the party but heyyyyy 👋🏽friends 🙂🙃
Both. We've convinced kids it's not okay to have ?s. Critical thinking is about asking lots of ?s to get to right ones.
Are your sentence starters teacher created or student created?
A1 Critical Thinking in our dept is pausing before answering, not rushing answers, and meaningful question with exploratory lang.
All levels of learners love having some direction or guidance. Gives them a place to begin!
we follow the 3 question model. What did you do? What did you learn? What questions do you have?
With my 5th graders, I haven't done student-created yet. I would love to, though! More ownership.
Greetings! I'm David Balmer ITF and
Definitely takes practice! This will be a good lead in to our next question…up in one minute! https://t.co/XUjWWdFVAP
A1: Critical thinking may look like this--exploring and learning--even without technology. … https://t.co/RZzHj34QZO
in the beginning most are created by teachers. I haven't thought to have students create them.
It may be a good experiment. Now that you’ve shown what good questioning is…maybe time to have the Ss do it.
Brian from Academics! Chitown! Go Cubs! Marlins fan by heart so National League fan too...
A1: Much critical thinking I ask my 1sties to try is often left open too. No modeling, no teaching. Ss discovering & discussing.
A1: Sometimes critical thinking is quiet also. We need to be sure not to lose our introverts who need time for quiet.
Q2 - How do we TEACH critical thinking to our students and how do we encourage them to use their critical thinking?
I love that adults can pause and be mindful of their answers. A skill that many have difficulty with
Thanks Melanie. It's tricky... Seems very awkward at first...lol. I'm use to it now :)
A2: So much critical thinking instruction is done through modeling. Doing think-alouds, sharing wonders. Asking good questions!
A1: one way CT looks in my room is asking questions that aren't googlible. Beyond yes or no questions. https://t.co/F8MEw6gmrV
Q1 - What does critical thinking look like in your classroom and school?
So agree the power of "pause." So important! https://t.co/BvSuHsNiP2
A1 Critical Thinking in our dept is pausing before answering, not rushing answers, and meaningful question with exploratory lang.
Q2 https://t.co/Q5LD48tQaQ
Q2 - How do we TEACH critical thinking to our students and how do we encourage them to use their critical thinking?
A2: Modelling, modelling, modelling, & practice, practice, practice
What’s a “good question?”
A2: I think teaching critical thinking is more showing Ss how to mull over info &evaluate it.It's often best modeled than taught.
Can you give a specific example?
A2: we teach CT by modeling it for our students through our questions. And through strategies like Think Alouds.
A2: Teach by modeling and encouraging exploration/collaboration. Hard to think critically when you are spoon fed info
A2 Giving the students open-ended Qs to discuss, math problems already solved and they need to check/evaluate the answer
A2 Model CT for students. Let them observe you wondering and processing aloud. Encouraging them to join the process
A2: And by creating safe space to fail! CT is academic risk. Kids won't take risks in unsafe spaces.
I love the word value in this! important to make sure each learner knows that she/he is valued for contributions.
A2 use multiple knowledge streams that creative new ideas and avenues
I use it everyday. People who don't have patience for critical thinkers view as a negative. Wait time is crucial
Even in high school- think-alouds, making thinking visible, show your work (in an ELA classroom..heaven forbid!)
How do we get our kids to understand the value in this?
A2 I feel like "modeling" is my answer for everything :) Social Learning Theory - The majority of learning behavior is observed.
A2: Teaching Ss to learn to question on various levels can grow critical thinking too.
I love the idea of the pre-solved math problems. Nice idea!
A2- Using google classroom to guide with articles then transition to forms, docs, slides to show their own learning
A2: Model, but also give them opportunities to practice & questioning in safe enviro.
"Why?" seems to be a good one! But it depends on the discussion. One that can't be answered with a single word.
A1: Critical Thinking is solving the "seemingly" unsolvable using ANY strategy you can prove/support. https://t.co/sXCkwGebXu
Q1 - What does critical thinking look like in your classroom and school?
A1:Critical Thinking in our department means probing+scaling with thoughtful questions+dialogue, seeking understanding+depth,
A2 I model with class discussions, sharing my thinking on math problems, working in small groups with Ss.
Ask Qs that are Not "Googlible". Love it.
Exactly. Yes/no questions are forbidden!
DOK and higher levels of Bloom's are great starting places for Ts and for Ss to use as they create Qs
Hey ! Joining late but it's wonderful to see you all!
Glad I'm not the only one using that term! Love it! https://t.co/XIhJCzjI1P
Ask Qs that are Not "Googlible". Love it.
I love this too! Having Ss explain why the answer makes sense. HUGE for us in problem-solving!
A2a Ss learn from ppl they admire/respect. Notice I said "ppl" (Ts, mentors, parents/guardians, custodians, bus drivers, etc)
How question stems are great to stimulate more deep thinking too.
A2: Questioning, igniting collab. discovery, encouraging s's to evaluate others responses, & listening to all possible outcomes
They tend to learn from our political leaders as well… https://t.co/8B5QgF9JPh
A2a Ss learn from ppl they admire/respect. Notice I said "ppl" (Ts, mentors, parents/guardians, custodians, bus drivers, etc)
A1 Knowing what questions to ask which will lead to "deeper" critical thinking. 4 Cs all the way! https://t.co/N1laGcOZDU
Q1 - What does critical thinking look like in your classroom and school?
How do we get our students to evaluate responses?
A2: Give them problems to solve through inquiry instead of step by step instruction. Give them room to explore and create.
A2b We must create a culture of Critical Thinkers by challenging each other, posing questions, and offering feedback.
❤️having a S solve a problem on the board and another explain the steps they used to solve the problem!
For our elm Ss I love What did it say? What did it mean? Why does it matter? when engaging with NF text
I love the final question! Why does it matter is huge!!!
💥"encouraging students to evaluate others responses & listening to all possible outcomes"💥 👍
Amen! Kids will take risks when they see US being risk takers! How "safe" do we make ourselves daily? https://t.co/p4VuhDGF7m
A2b We must create a culture of Critical Thinkers by challenging each other, posing questions, and offering feedback.
As teachers, how do we balance having our Ss practicing their critical thinking w/ teaching skills needed for high-stakes tests?
I wish there was a pic of that bulletin board outside the FACS classroom…
Q3 is below… https://t.co/VKbHvHKl0P
As teachers, how do we balance having our Ss practicing their critical thinking w/ teaching skills needed for high-stakes tests?
But can you actually "teach" critical thinking? I'm going to read the article now, and deeply reflect upon it.
Amen! We need to shout this from the mountain top!
those are good but we use the what questions do you have as an exit ticket to know what we need to hit again
A3: I firmly believe that the skills needed to pass "the test" will be taught THROUGH the critical thinking tasks.
Yes! Fortuntely my counseling background introduced me 2 "using the silence" a long time ago :)
I’m interested in your thoughts on this, Kyle. I’ll check out the article as well later on.
se… https://t.co/qMwPE1gpZq
Q2 - How do we TEACH critical thinking to our students and how do we encourage them to use their critical thinking?
I feel like you dig deep into standards and cater to critical thinking. The skills in high risk testing get covered.
A3: I totally prescribe to the idea that if we teach well, the rest will follow
I believe that engaging Ss in authentic tasks where they support their thinking with evidence leads to deeper learning
Q3 https://t.co/l7WgEiMGwU
As teachers, how do we balance having our Ss practicing their critical thinking w/ teaching skills needed for high-stakes tests?
I teach the "test" as a genre. We think like test writers. They use practice
?s, defend why answer is the right one.
This is a great strategy! https://t.co/UrMQ2c9tGg
I teach the "test" as a genre. We think like test writers. They use practice
?s, defend why answer is the right one.
A2: cultivate participation by modeling CT, give appropriate wait time+ensure safe envt. 4 sharing ideas! Don't accept StatusQuo
Love chatting with you, Mike.
A3 Using the skills taught with critical thinking will allow the Ss to become better problem solvers and more prepared for tests
A2 Model Model Model! Allow Ss to see you doing it in and outside of your class. https://t.co/UnNgcUKP5M
Q2 - How do we TEACH critical thinking to our students and how do we encourage them to use their critical thinking?
Not 100% sure. That's why I'm with you in tonight.
A3: By teaching skills and not just content. Your content my not always stay with them past the test but skills will be.
deeper thinking leads to a true understanding of material which should lead to better testing can't believe I said this
Like that final question as well. Always important to have Ss reflect & for Ts 2 encourage Ss to ask Qs
Let's all critical think, allow ourselves time to reflect, then discuss and analyze.
A3 I think that's a GREAT question for PLTs! There's no one size fits all. Some challenges are best tackled by small team convo
A3: By teaching standards embedded in the 4Cs students will be successful in life and on standardized tests
When struggling kiddos only see test 1x/year, they feel disempowered by it.Becoming experts, gives them power over it.
A3: Administration needs to support teachers & their efforts! Understanding that the era of the 4Cs won't be a straight path
the highest performing schools almost never drill and kill. Why is that even a strategy at other schools?
Q4 - How can we engage our students in authentic and relevant problem solving?
IN THE DEBATE
HILLARY SAID SHE WOULD NOT INCREASE THE DEBT
BY A PENNY BUT WHEN YOU LOOK AT MEDICAL COS… https://t.co/rYU9W8iIFC
A4: Incorporate more project-based learning tasks...real world relevance, real questions, real problems to solve...real learning!
Can model & practice Q strategies to give opps to develop CT skills. But you can teach the water cycle.
A3: why does 1 not lead 2 the other? Teaching critical thinking is prep for high stakes tests, career readiness, family and life!
This is a great question, Mike. It’s a continuous cycle as schools try to find ways to “catch up.”
Because we are looking for easy answers. And test prep is a big lobby industry!
Brillant! Please let me know how it goes! :)
A4: I try to use authentic audiences in writing prompts, but it's tricky
A4 Real world problems, take learning outside the four walls of the school, , put Ss in the driver's seat of learning
A4: Giving them freedom to explore problems that interest them & that are relevant to their life. https://t.co/DNyAz9gENF
Q4 - How can we engage our students in authentic and relevant problem solving?
A4: Present them w real problems, personal, school, community, global. Make them see their thoughts & ideas are valued.
That was the intention with my question. We are doing a huge disservice when we teach to the test
A4 have them define a problem and develop a solution. Then write a tutorial to share with others
A4:I did just use Sinead O'Connor's letter to Miley Cyrus when teaching "The Wife of Bath"
A4: IMHO, we need to stop being their sole audience. Who else can we bring in to hear what our kids have to say or are doing?
A4:One way is meeting them where they are with questions they can relate to and have meaning for them in the "right now".
I love that the students are defining the problem.
A4: If we want authentic problem solving, then it has to leave the four walls of our classrooms.
Can you share an example?
So important! Student engagement is higher, and they're more invested, when the learning is relevant!
like...you're an intern in a political campaign and need to write a speech. Sometimes it feels disingenuous TO a HS kid
A4: by asking questions that are actually relevant to kids' lives &lived experience. Stop pulling them out of the T's guide
I love this idea. We obviously can’t take them to the campaign…so bring the campaign to them!
A4: Let them solve problems THEY want to solve first. https://t.co/PyCuSWEt4o
Q4 - How can we engage our students in authentic and relevant problem solving?
Ss come first. Their interest comes first. Once they are invested. You model. Model model. Then students create
A4: We have to stop creating the problems to solve & help kids discover them.That's where questioning & problem solving collide.
A4:Talk2 students+coworkers about relevant problems+seek their opinion. Seek understanding of+w/them, B genuine+honor their ideas
A4 my answer is Kyle's answer https://t.co/Wpzncok4nm
A4: By first providing authentic and relevant problems... or design challenges, or opportunities to make something.… https://t.co/5h02d31gAR
Q4 - How can we engage our students in authentic and relevant problem solving?
My students did a lot of writing. But they chose audience. And I helped them get their writing to that audience.
For world history and ww1 compare alliances with cliques in friend groups in high schools.
Love it! We had a “cafeteria food fight” to show the alliances of WWI back when I taught SS.
buddies & soon coming to 😉
a great way is your channel. Creating playlist and videos. Screenocast is great.
We've got you covered! :)
My son's chemistry teacher had them do research proj. Invited people in industry in to listen. Experts asked ?s, gave feedback
Love allowing them the choice of their audience! Creates buy in from the students!
Q5 - How do we teach Ss to redefine the way they see/view things? Is it our job to do this?
My son fell in love w/chemistry bcs of that class.He is off at U of MN majoring in Chem now! We can spark that for our students.
That's Y I like our BeeHive /MakerSpace Our Ss do this on a daily basis. # https://t.co/9Nldfn0waG
Q4 - How can we engage our students in authentic and relevant problem solving?
Q5 https://t.co/3Q4rdlacNH
Q5 - How do we teach Ss to redefine the way they see/view things? Is it our job to do this?
A5: I think it's important to model flexible thinking so Ss learn that views can be adjusted & learning takes place when are.
A5: Wow... That's a tough one. What do you think, ? https://t.co/By8LYYJZC3
Q5 - How do we teach Ss to redefine the way they see/view things? Is it our job to do this?
A5: Providing a wide range of experiences, encouraging collaboration and learning with peers.
I don’t think we need kids to change their views…but we need to teach them to understand the views of others.
A5: Pointing out misconceptions, acknowledging differing opinions, playing devil's advocate during discussions.
I like to ask anticipatory questions and then force the kids to defend the opposite answer of what they selected
A5 combine multiple knowledge streams to create new ideas for deeper thinking
A5: (p1) Be culturally aware and responsive, bring in current events, make the content relevant
we have 2 give them the room to solve problems they see as urgent! Their urgency > a premade prompt… https://t.co/KMlXHU7XnY
Q4 - How can we engage our students in authentic and relevant problem solving?
Yes! I'm bummed our media center no longer has a . Need campaign to get back.
A5: I keep hearing we are training Ss for jobs/fields that don't yet exist, it's all our responsibilities.. There is no spoon!
You're really making us dig deep and think critically ! https://t.co/nOgTHuDGhN
Q5 - How do we teach Ss to redefine the way they see/view things? Is it our job to do this?
Love this Q! Need to think on it a bit... https://t.co/qwHOJ4jVXM
Q5 - How do we teach Ss to redefine the way they see/view things? Is it our job to do this?
I taught 9th gr "at-risk" Ss, they had 1st gr reading buddies.Took their learning abt reading strat,wrote lesson plans to teach
I like! Force them to at least acknowledge the opposing opinion's validity. Will use this idea!
I had to get there at some point! haha
A5 have them select the activity they want to do. Build buy in and changes lens
A5: I think it is our job to give them opportunities to see multiple view points, but allow Ss define their own understanding
It was perfect when we discussed the”50s housewife” and all the boys had to defend the man being the stay at home
A5:(p2)Of course it's our job-we often see the kiddos more than others in their community.We aren't teachers for kicks & giggles!
...Which could eventually lead them to change their own views... ? Evaluating info like this inspires critical thinking.
think intensively…I love that.
Donors Chose. You'll be amazed.
A5: When students no longer think there is only ONE right answer - they will begin to see all the possibilities.
Most powerful learning all year came when my big kids went and taught their little buddies. Their learning had new purpose.
A5: I would say empathy by definition is an exercise in redefining how you see the world. Do we value teaching that?
What strategies can you share?
I’m going to fit in one more question!
It's up 2 each individual2choose how they see the world. We must give them agency over their learning+give their voice a platform
A5a It's out job to inspire, push, challenge, and plant seeds. Educators are magicians, time travelers, and pyrotechnicians!
hoping to do this with my seniors this year when I get to Whitman/ Leaves of Grass
A5:Important to teach Ss others views be taken seriously & considered, valued.Ss don't have to change own but appreciate others.
Had that conversation more than once this week about having compassion for others and respecting others opinions
I think is modeling critical thinking with his question strategies tonight. This one is a deep thinker.
A4: yes, Ts responsible for asking "but what if..." to expand Ss world view by exploring ambiguity and multiple perspectives
A5: One fun way to do that is to have an argument with yourself in front of your students. They will always remember that day.
Related to Q5…Q6 How do we get our Ss learn to question their ego and ethnocentrism?
answer continued.. we don't have to agree but to respect others and have compassion!
A6: The struggle is real!!! Oh dear, I am desperate to read some responses for this question!
Q5cont'd: We must build their knowledge of language and provide experiences so they can B responsible with their choices+voice
A52 Educators provide the tools for Ss to till the land and chart the course. We provide the space ship and fuel for Ss to fly.
A6: Y'all tell me...life goal achieved if you can help a sista out!
Yes! Did you like my pause before I answered? :) https://t.co/n8BKvXzZuR
I think is modeling critical thinking with his question strategies tonight. This one is a deep thinker.
A6: yeah, so I am the mom of 4 boys. Good luck with that! :-)
A6 - I think we need to get our Ss inside other cultures (virtually or for real). It teaches empathy and understanding.
When you say "inside other cultures," what do you mean?
Get them to participate in things that are new. Get kids (and teachers) out of their comfort zones.
A6: being self-absorbed is developmental to a degree. But we offer learning which examines issues/ideas from multiple viewpoints
A6:In 1st grade it's by really teaching & practicing .There is always room for growth/change in learning,views,etc.
Wow... She tied it all together. Excellent reflection and recall in ! https://t.co/f3PgmAS1ry
A1 Critical Thinking in our dept is pausing before answering, not rushing answers, and meaningful question with exploratory lang.
Gloria Larson-Billings calls this becoming proficient in culture or "bi-cultural" … https://t.co/ubUqyca4OH
A6 - I think we need to get our Ss inside other cultures (virtually or for real). It teaches empathy and understanding.
A6: One way to see view into other cultures, make sure we honor all that our students/families bring.We have experts right there!
