Good morning, everyone. Honored and excited to be a part of this morning's chat. My name is Nicole LaFave and I'm a HS ELA teacher in SC. #HackLearning
Good morning, #hacklearning!
Anyone else waiting for the coffee to kick in?
Karl, 3rd-6th ELA specialist from the Jersey shore checking in this AM. Hope y'all are well :)
Hi #hacklearning! Good to be back after break! Aubrey, district admin in CO where it was single digits earlier in the week and beautiful (50s & 60s) the past couple of days!
I'm Connie Hamilton, author of the upcoming #HackLearning book, Hacking Questions and co-author of Hacking Homework. I also serve Saranac Schools as curriculum director.
A1- I hope to abandon focusing on paperwork over people. I am getting better but would love to build more powerful relationships with the teachers I work with.
#HackLearning
Stop being so hard and negative on myself and reflecting daily focusing on those positives! Where there is a negative, there’s a positive somewhere else! #HackLearning
A1- I hope to abandon focusing on paperwork over people. I am getting better but would love to build more powerful relationships with the teachers I work with.
#HackLearning
A1: A big thing I want to challenge in 2019 - doing things a certain way because "that's the way we've always done it". Maybe we'll abandon the practice, maybe we will keep it, but let's be purposeful about it all! #hacklearning
Long lecture! And I also want to make sure I’m prioritizing activities that are most important for learning during class time rather than assigning it@as homework. I can control their environment at school but not in their homes. #HackLearning
A1) I'm hoping to abandon being too busy or too consumed with other tasks that keep me from spending time in classrooms engaged with teachers and students. #HackLearning
A1: I hope to support educators in changing their mindset from coverage to learning- giving them permission to KNOW their students, support student advocacy and TRUST in he learning process! #HackLearning
A1 Grading for participation instead of providing in-the-moment feedback ... its a practice that keeps nudging its ugly head as a systemic problem in many classrooms #HackLearning
This has been our school-wide focus this year, Nicole. Not there yet, but we're trying & the student response is overwhelimingly positive.
#HackLearning
A1. Started a new position this year, moving between 4 classrooms as an intervention specialist. I've abandoned longer conversations. Short, direct, intense, focused. Direct them to 1 or 2 fixes / skills. Get in, get out. Let Ss work more with singular purpose. #hacklearning
Yes there are days that will not go to plan, but going to work harder to eliminate the whole “I’m doing a rubbish job” thoughts I do so easily (and unfortunately) get! #HackLearning
Aloha Friends. Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time in my office. This year, I want take my work into the hallways so I can reconnect to the energy of the school. 🍍 #HackLearning
I love this list => time to get comfortable with the silence as kids think and work out their answers, not just move on because we want to hear the right answer #hacklearning
Agreed Mark! Have to remember we can’t lead from behind a desk. I’ve been guilty of that lately. Need to get out in my buildings and engage more. #HackLearning
A1) I'm hoping to abandon being too busy or too consumed with other tasks that keep me from spending time in classrooms engaged with teachers and students. #HackLearning
A1- I hope to abandon focusing on paperwork over people. I am getting better but would love to build more powerful relationships with the teachers I work with.
#HackLearning
YES! I love those fun days as much as they next teacher, but there need to be an end learning result, right? Planning must be intentional #HackLearning
2019 is going to be all about #courage and #intention for me, I want to model more of that so my students can also practice courage with intention. #hacklearning
I have been working on math tests..#HackLearning
Giving more than one chance. Not using that as the full measure of their math grade. Even toying with the idea of group/collaborations..
Exactly! With autism, there are times that this is very difficult to do! I personally find it much harder when I’m so exhausted at the end of a half-term #HackLearning
A1: I hope to support educators in changing their mindset from coverage to learning- giving them permission to KNOW their students, support student advocacy and TRUST in he learning process! #HackLearning
A1 I'm hoping to spend more time in the classroom. Rather than observing the teacher, I want to move my focus to impacts on student learning.
#HackLearning
This is so important. Our negative self-talk can be paralyzing! Read once we would never allow a friend to talk to us the way we talk to ourselves! #hackLearning
A1 I will abandon using lecture (in higher ed) as a primary source of instruction & include more opportunities for collaborative learning. #hacklearning
I don't think "Teacher Talk" is all bad ... I think the focus be should on what is said and how it is said not some arbitrary time limit. #hacklearning
A2 Providing more choice in texts focused on the same skill then focusing on more choice in texts with focused skills based on sts’ needs #HackLearning
A1.2) I also want to eliminate repeating myself. It's a bad habit I picked up over the years. I need to clearly say something ONCE, unless someone asks me to re-state it or for clarification. #HackLearning
A2: My role is more working with teachers - but my hope is to simplify "other" tasks, create a good schedule, and advocate well so teachers can focus on kids and teaching. That will benefit students! #HackLearning
Listening and observing more. That's how I want to make 2019 better for my Ss. They need a champion for their success. I need to understand them and their needs better than I have. Listening to understand, not to respond or instruct. They need that from me.
#hacklearning
Respectfully disagree - and I think you do too. I'm CERTAIN I have heard you complain about PD that does not engage teachers. Why would classroom instruction be any different? #HackLearning
I don't think "Teacher Talk" is all bad ... I think the focus be should on what is said and how it is said not some arbitrary time limit. #hacklearning
A2 ... I think I am going to keep on rolling ... throwing caution to the wind ... making great memories with the kids ... creating new opportunities for kids to expand their horizon. #hacklearning
The 10/2 model is great here ... make it more interactive because sometimes it is needed to give information ... just allow time for sts to verbally process instead of just copying notes 🤓 #HackLearning
I don't think "Teacher Talk" is all bad ... I think the focus be should on what is said and how it is said not some arbitrary time limit. #hacklearning
A2: 2019 will be better for students because I aim to spread growth mindset around like confetti- supporting teachers and students in taking meaningful risks to GROW! We are can be better! #hacklearning
Continue to listen and ask questions that elicit empathy and efficacy responses that directly support learners / especially those who need personal attention to their life conditions #HackLearning
A2: Get students to reflect about their goals and their learning. Empower them to make progress toward their learning goals by teaching them strategies for success. @AceThatTest#HackLearning
A2: By continuing to be a human being above all else. Show them that I have vulnerabilities just as they do. Practice compassion whenever possible, encourage risktaking with adequate supports. Have each student leaving my class feeling successful but moreso, happy. #HackLearning
A2 - Because I work with adults , I will research and learn newest tools and practices to share with T and mentor them to support the implementation of such tools/ strategies #hacklearning
This is a frustrating one for me. Ts get caught up in covering material, no matter how many times I repeat that the goal is focusing on skills rather than concepts. I guess I have to be patient and also trust the learning process!
#hacklearning
I try to say it once as well. Post everything on my class website and send students there when they don't get it the first time. Eliminates frustration and helps students and parents. #HackLearning
Hi I'm Elizabeth from Guernsey A2 I will continue to make sure that all teachers understand the importance of a school library for their students. #HackLearning
Year two for me. Removing grades from the equation is purely magical. I want to find a way to quickly give feedback. Currently, it takes a LONG time! #hackLearning
A2: How can we echo the words of @salkhanacademy? Making learning the constant and time the variable...as opposed to the opposite. Giving Ss more time to learn at their pace will have a positive impact #HackLearning
I think it is a universal struggle! Are there other outside pressures pushing students to focus on covering material (here, we have standardized testing)? #hacklearning
Goes back to what is being said and how it is being said ... I am an activity based guide, but I have had numerous kids tell me I should talk more because they enjoy how I explain things. My disdain for PD has more to do with the "What" than how long they talk #hacklearning
A2: I think by taking into account and building off of the relationships established with Ss from fall of 2018 to Winter Break. They know what to expect from me, and now I know how they best operate, too #HackLearning
Great question- I think that is a pressure if the school community makes it a pressure- if we are truly working with students to master the standards, they should perform! #hacklearning
No, we don't have standardized tests. I think Ts just have a hard time breaking old habits. They were brought up this way & for many years they were expected to cover the curriculum (or the textbook) #HackLearning
A1: I hope to stop getting caught in the weeds that keep the bigger picture farther out of reach. I hope to really help 2-5 teachers and their students this semester. The rest will follow!! #hacklearning
Goes back to what is being said and how it is being said ... I am an activity based guide, but I have had numerous kids tell me I should talk more because they enjoy how I explain things. My disdain for PD has more to do with the "What" than how long they talk #hacklearning
A3 -- I want my focus to be on innovation. I'm going to hold myself accountable for achieving it by starting the new semester with a breakout session. What better way to start 2019 than stepping outside my innovation comfort zone? #HackLearning
A3 PResolution = application of PLearning ... documenting the success & failure ... helping other tchrs do the same (still deciding on #myoneword that will make this all happen) #HackLearning
A3 Lot's of twitter chats asking this at the moment :) I will say it again and hopefully will do it. I will start writing a book for new school librarians, there said so therefore it must happen #HackLearning
I don't do any direct instruction ... i do have to stop doing an activity and cover items they may be missing and I will talk as long as they need me talk. Maybe its not the teacher talking thats the problem, but rather the activity they are doing while listening #hacklearning
Goes back to my answer to Q1 - dropping the "we do things this way because we've always done them this way" mindset :-). It's hard to break out of - for me too! #hacklearning
A3: THe #4OCFpln has pushed me to adopt a #oneword for 2019, which is CHALLENGE. Challenge myself to improve, challenge status quo, & accept challenges from others to better myself or others. Began with my January Hack Learning Challenge: https://t.co/wVNnblgKb7#HackLearning
A3 I think my professional resolution is to continue to work hard. @Twitter has shown me that you never know which direction your learning will go..I learn so much from my #PLN. I want to continue to be open to trying new things! #hacklearning
A3: My professional resolution is my #oneword2019! I will hold myself accountability by using it to guide my every day and sharing it with others! #hacklearning
A3) My professional resolution is to keep reflecting, processing feedback, and listening to others so I can adapt, change, and be a successful leader. #HackLearning
A3 I want to stop answering students questions. I want students to struggle with their learning. I want to be the guide and not the answer man! #hacklearning
A2: Keep students on grade level using accessibility features already built into mobile devices -- no special apps needed; Assistive Technology That’s Built Into Mobile Devices via @UnderstoodOrghttps://t.co/zyqzZxStOy#hacklearning
A2: My student tech team concept has gained a lot of buzz around my school, so I’m looking for this as an opportunity to bring more Ss on board next year! #hacklearning
A3 Being more mindful that there is more than just work so I can create a better ‘balance’ of work/life. I don’t think there’s a true ‘balance’ but more of a harmony between the two. Just want more ‘life’ moments so they don’t escape! #HackLearning
A3: use one type of retrieval task everyday in my classroom AND provide immediate feedback with that task AND follow feedback by asking students to reflect on their learning EVERYDAY! #HackLearning
It is not about doing the work ... it is about delivering content in a manner they can understand. It is not wrong that some/many kids need to have the teacher explain a concept to them. #hacklearning
A3: I chose #oneword - BALANCE. My professional resolution is to ensure that I have a full cup to better serve teachers and leaders as well as be a great wife/mom. #hacklearning
A2 As much as possible I'm going to give Ss opportunities to lead. I'm always amazed at how even my weakest Ss will rise to the challenge & how much it changes their attitude to school & learning.
#HackLearning
I've resolved to writing, blogging. To that end, shared reflection on my teaching practice is part of my accountability. Not just to think/keep it for myself, but to share it and get the feedback to improve. Scared silly, but #growthmindset, you know?
#hacklearning
A3: It started almost a year ago but in 2019 more than ever, I am resolved to push myself out of my comfort zone, be courageous with intention. The courage should be to improve the system and use my skillset as best as possible and seek opps to grow and learn. #hacklearning
Ugh, I get caught up in wanting to do everything too! I need to focus on one or two tasks at a time. Step back and look at the big picture, I love that advice! #hacklearning
I use @calm@GoNoodle and then once we learn..sometimes it is sit with your eyes closed and practice your breathing. In for 4; hold for 4; out for 4. There is also an app called meditation that has great sounds that we use. #hacklearning
In reply to
@Mrs_LaFave, @smbpinky, @calm, @GoNoodle
I can pause a video we are watching to ensure the kids are understanding what is happening and engage in direct instruction/conversation on the fly for 40 minutes because that is what has the kids engaged. #hacklearning
It is not about doing the work ... it is about delivering content in a manner they can understand. It is not wrong that some/many kids need to have the teacher explain a concept to them. #hacklearning
A3) I am working toward the larger goal of gaining leadership skills & qualities of a good leader without a formal leadership title. It's a long story, but I don't work in a traditional school setting. It's more like a business, and I'm figuring out where I fit. #HackLearning
I saw a tchr Differentiation his classroom with 2 days of lecture, 1 computer, 1 independent, & 1 activity ... needed all 5 but you were given choice (helped all parties involved) #HackLearning
Goes back to what is being said and how it is being said ... I am an activity based guide, but I have had numerous kids tell me I should talk more because they enjoy how I explain things. My disdain for PD has more to do with the "What" than how long they talk #hacklearning
A3 I think my professional resolution is to continue to work hard. @Twitter has shown me that you never know which direction your learning will go..I learn so much from my #PLN. I want to continue to be open to trying new things! #hacklearning
A3- I would like to focus on professional learning for myself. I will do this by listening to podcast, webinars, and networking with others.
#HackLearning
A3b: Sharing here on Twitter definitely helps with accountability! I also have some amazing #PLN friends who I talk with pretty much daily...they are the best accountability out there! #HackLearning
I should confess ... my version of "direct instruction" is more of a two-way discussion ... more like a comedian engaging an audience than teacher powerpoint presentation, #hacklearning
After much thought, I have decided on #IMPACT for my #OneWord2019. I want my choices, time, and energy to positively impact the lives of others in as many ways as possible.
A3: It started almost a year ago but in 2019 more than ever, I am resolved to push myself out of my comfort zone, be courageous with intention. The courage should be to improve the system and use my skillset as best as possible and seek opps to grow and learn. #hacklearning
I love this! It's so easy to get caught up in the "big" stuff, but often it's the "little" things that truly make the biggest difference...plus they are manageable and feel sustainable! #HackLearning
And maybe it’s the labels that we are fighting ... I like the idea of lecture bursts as opposed to 45-min lectures ...providing opportunities to know they pick up what we put down? ... which sounds more like what you do 😇 #HackLearning
I don't do any direct instruction ... i do have to stop doing an activity and cover items they may be missing and I will talk as long as they need me talk. Maybe its not the teacher talking thats the problem, but rather the activity they are doing while listening #hacklearning
Join #HackLearning chat Jan 13 at 8:30-9:00am EDT when @times10books author @conniehamilton will be guest moderator leading chat on the "hacky" topic of Taking Learning Risks
A3: Stealing from my new Bob Ross desk cal — Turning any mistakes/bad “brush strokes” into happy trees or clouds, etc. Trying each day or week to look back and acknowledge that it won’t always be perfect, and that I can’t be too hard on myself. #hacklearning
A3) #hackLearning My professional resolution is to keep my focus on what’s best for the students. Change is hard, but if our Ss gain or grow bc of it it’s worth it!
Exactly! I get very ambitious in my desire to reach the end goal and it causes so many little projects get going but not fully developed because I want the end NOW!! 😂😂 #hackLearning
I use an "I Wonder..." Wall to grab student Qs we can't stop & answer at the moment. Helps remind me to let them discover. Allows them a break every 3-4 wks - an hour of "dump the plans" and research stuff that interests them (and give a 1-3 min mini-presentation)
#hacklearning
@Mrs_LaFave A3: Continue researching methods of instruction to maximize student retention, establish metacognition & mindfulness of learning, and prepare students for their future; holding myself accountable via my PLN & student self-regulation of learning #HackLearning
Thanks to all of you for such a wonderful, whirlwind chat. I learned so much & am even more inspired to begin 2019 tackling (& keeping!) my professional resolutions. #hacklearning
Yes ... the tchr I described with 2 days of lecture were more Philosophical Chairs / Socratic Seminar / Small group discussions ... sts as teams got to choose their daily schedule #HackLearning
I should confess ... my version of "direct instruction" is more of a two-way discussion ... more like a comedian engaging an audience than teacher powerpoint presentation, #hacklearning
