#vachat Archive | Participate

EduGladiators Feb 13 @ 8:00 PM EST

🏘Takes a village right?! SATURDAY #EduGladiators EMPOWER Ts/Parent dynamic w/@cdmveep leading! #formativechat #flipclass #edtechchat #vachat

participatechat Feb 13 @ 8:00 PM EST

Participate in the upcoming #vachat by sharing resources and collaborating at https://t.co/zfgwExrI9g

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:01 PM EST

Good evening and welcome to #vachat. Tonight's topic: When Students Aren't Getting It. Please take a second to intro yourself, role in ed

OnMy_AGame Feb 13 @ 8:02 PM EST

Good evening. Alex Newsom here from Richmond Public Schools (grade 4 math teacher). Glad to be back #vachat

EspoLearns Feb 13 @ 8:03 PM EST

Christine. Elementary gifted specialist. Charlottesville. #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:03 PM EST

Hey, @MonticelloDrama @MonticelloBLAX You have a lot to add to tonight's #vachat When Students Don't Get It

In reply to @MonticelloDrama, @MonticelloBLAX

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:03 PM EST

@EspoLearns Good to have both of you back with us #vachat

In reply to @OnMy_AGame, @EspoLearns

KamiSchools Feb 13 @ 8:04 PM EST

Hello #vachat! Kami from New Zealand checking in!

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:05 PM EST

Small but dedicated group to start our #vachat tonight. We'll follow the traditional Q1, A1, Q2, A2 format Question 1 coming up

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:06 PM EST

Q1: Think to a class you took and you weren’t getting it. How did you feel? What did you do? #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:07 PM EST

My first response to Q1...Only one? #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:06 PM EST

Q1: Think to a class you took and you weren’t getting it. How did you feel? What did you do? #vachat

mjballman20 Feb 13 @ 8:07 PM EST

#vachat Matt Ballman 2nd grade teacher from Des Moines, IA.

EspoLearns Feb 13 @ 8:07 PM EST

A1: I decided I just wasn't good at math. T reinforced that notion. Math in HS (and college) became a nightmare. #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:08 PM EST

A1: I remember having to memorize a 50 line poem. Tried and tried. No improvement. Literally cried in front of teacher #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:08 PM EST

Thanks for joining us! #vachat

In reply to @mjballman20

EspoLearns Feb 13 @ 8:08 PM EST

Been there. In 4th grade I tried to subject 9 from 4. T made sure I understand that couldn't be done. Good times. #vachat

In reply to @rggillespie

OnMy_AGame Feb 13 @ 8:09 PM EST

Calculus my fresh yr of college. I think I just ended up dropping the coarse bc I waited too late to get on top of things. A1 #vachat

khurdhorst Feb 13 @ 8:09 PM EST

my match teacher told me I was dumb. Thx. #vachat A1

In reply to @rggillespie

jzicari_ITRT Feb 13 @ 8:09 PM EST

Jeanine from VA here! #vachat

khurdhorst Feb 13 @ 8:10 PM EST

math. Not match. #vachat

In reply to @rggillespie

AssignmentHelpN Feb 13 @ 8:10 PM EST

#nyedchat #SocEdChat #STEMHQ #teacherwellness #vachat #WonderChat How To Fail With Success https://t.co/soMsGBh2zf

EspoLearns Feb 13 @ 8:10 PM EST

A1: In most cases, I just assumed I was the problem. Never occurred to me that I probably wasn't the only one struggling. #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:10 PM EST

Totally forgot about HS calculus...Total frustration every day. Teacher was charitable when he gave me a C #vachat

In reply to @OnMy_AGame

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:11 PM EST

So true. That adage "If you have a question, ask; you're probably not the only one" while true, isn't reassuring #vachat

In reply to @EspoLearns

KamiSchools Feb 13 @ 8:12 PM EST

A1: My problem was some of my T seemed to confuse not getting it with not caring, resulting in me shutting off in class #vachat

jzicari_ITRT Feb 13 @ 8:12 PM EST

A1. I was always afraid to ask questions. I never wanted anyone to know I was having difficulties. #vachat

OnMy_AGame Feb 13 @ 8:12 PM EST

I couldn't go anywhere without seeing "derivatives." It was like a real life nightmare lol #vachat @rggillespie

In reply to @rggillespie

EspoLearns Feb 13 @ 8:12 PM EST

I'd argue that it can be. I say it all the time and have been known to ask how many other Ss had the same question. #vachat

In reply to @rggillespie

mjballman20 Feb 13 @ 8:12 PM EST

A1: Hardest class I ever took was Law and Politics at Iowa State. We were reading supreme court cases and I was totally lost. #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:12 PM EST

What's a derivative? #vachat

In reply to @OnMy_AGame

mjballman20 Feb 13 @ 8:13 PM EST

A1: Because I trusted and believed in my professor, I fought for a C+. One of my proudest grades I've ever received. #vachat

mjballman20 Feb 13 @ 8:12 PM EST

A1: Hardest class I ever took was Law and Politics at Iowa State. We were reading supreme court cases and I was totally lost. #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:13 PM EST

So we've all been there judging from our responses to Q1...Brains are primed for the rest of #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:13 PM EST

Q2:What are some factors that make it difficult for students to learn? #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:15 PM EST

Perfect example of why grades can be meaningless. Worked my tail off in US History I for a C+ #vachat

In reply to @mjballman20

EspoLearns Feb 13 @ 8:15 PM EST

A2: The unrelenting pacing guide is a big factor. Prior gaps, peer pressure, lack of motivation, not given a reason to care. #vachat

OnMy_AGame Feb 13 @ 8:15 PM EST

it has to do with change in the size of a quantity #vachat

In reply to @rggillespie

mjballman20 Feb 13 @ 8:15 PM EST

A2: Some of our ELL students, even Ss not far behind, still have language barriers that show up in math story problems. #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:13 PM EST

Q2:What are some factors that make it difficult for students to learn? #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:16 PM EST

Great start. And for each of those we as educators can do something about it! #vachat

EspoLearns Feb 13 @ 8:15 PM EST

A2: The unrelenting pacing guide is a big factor. Prior gaps, peer pressure, lack of motivation, not given a reason to care. #vachat

jzicari_ITRT Feb 13 @ 8:17 PM EST

A2: You never really know what happens with students before school or the night before that could make it hard for them to learn. #vachat

mjballman20 Feb 13 @ 8:17 PM EST

A2: Lack of recess. Kids subjected to maintaining 6-7 hours of learning on 20 minutes of recess. They need to run and fresh air! #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:13 PM EST

Q2:What are some factors that make it difficult for students to learn? #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:18 PM EST

So true. And therein lies the challenge of getting to know the student. #vachat

jzicari_ITRT Feb 13 @ 8:17 PM EST

A2: You never really know what happens with students before school or the night before that could make it hard for them to learn. #vachat

KamiSchools Feb 13 @ 8:18 PM EST

A2: Shyness, attitude of smart not being "cool," sense of a lack of effort (can be by T or S or both), lack of self-efficacy, etc #vachat

Toribelle4 Feb 13 @ 8:18 PM EST

A1: Felt frustrated, depleted. Wallowed in it briefly, then gave myself a pep talk. #vachat

mjballman20 Feb 13 @ 8:18 PM EST

This is huge! This is where relationships are so important. Students need to feel like they can tell you anything. #vachat

In reply to @jzicari_ITRT

MrDeSando Feb 13 @ 8:18 PM EST

A2: The other 16 hours of the day that they aren't with us. #vachat

EspoLearns Feb 13 @ 8:18 PM EST

Yes! It's sometimes easy to forget the baggage Ss bring with them to school. #vachat

In reply to @jzicari_ITRT

OnMy_AGame Feb 13 @ 8:18 PM EST

Gaps in foundation knowledge & teacher inability to specify WHY students are actually struggling #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:19 PM EST

Think about how we'd respond to 7 hours of PD with only a lunch break and then 2+ hrs of more work from home #vachat

In reply to @mjballman20

OnMy_AGame Feb 13 @ 8:20 PM EST

Also, according to research, social interaction (whether positive or negative) correlates with children's cognitive processing. a2 #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:20 PM EST

BAM! Lack of prior knowledge is a huge barrier! But we can do something about it; not just point fingers #vachat

OnMy_AGame Feb 13 @ 8:18 PM EST

Gaps in foundation knowledge & teacher inability to specify WHY students are actually struggling #vachat

OnMy_AGame Feb 13 @ 8:21 PM EST

I wholeheartedly agree!! #vachat

In reply to @rggillespie

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:21 PM EST

#vachat is rolling now! Not to late to join us as we discuss When Students Aren't Getting It About to move to Q3

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:22 PM EST

Q3: How do you help your students acquire non-academic skills, like executive functioning, time management, etc? #vachat

EspoLearns Feb 13 @ 8:22 PM EST

A3: As a pull-out teacher, I can spend time specifically dedicated to those skills. I give a project, then we sit down to plan. #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:23 PM EST

Like that you plan together instead of just assigning various due dates #vachat

In reply to @EspoLearns

EspoLearns Feb 13 @ 8:24 PM EST

Yes. We talk about what needs to get done, what a reasonable time frame is, why it's a reasonable time frame (K-4) #vachat

In reply to @rggillespie

eppand Feb 13 @ 8:24 PM EST

Andrew with @PBISRewards in Indiana. Joining in late. #vachat

In reply to @PBISRewards

OnMy_AGame Feb 13 @ 8:24 PM EST

Practice in the class as much as possible. Everything is guided down to note taking. Time mgmt is fostered through "speed drills" a3 #vachat

jzicari_ITRT Feb 13 @ 8:25 PM EST

Lead by example. Give them the opportunities to use those non-academic skills. #vachat

EspoLearns Feb 13 @ 8:25 PM EST

A3: At upper grades, Ss were taught how to plan book clubs: they were given a date for the book to be finished by and worked it out. #vachat

mjballman20 Feb 13 @ 8:25 PM EST

A3: Morning meeting can be very important, when given the necessary time. Social skills groups can also be helpful. #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:22 PM EST

Q3: How do you help your students acquire non-academic skills, like executive functioning, time management, etc? #vachat

cvarsalona Feb 13 @ 8:25 PM EST

Hi Reed @rggillespie Carol ELA Consultant from Long Island here at #vachat. A2 Ss need to be healthy, well-fed, and well-rested to engage

In reply to @rggillespie

eppand Feb 13 @ 8:25 PM EST

A1: organic chem. Gave mediocre effort b/c of mediocre connection. Easy to hide in the middle of the pack. #vachat

OnMy_AGame Feb 13 @ 8:26 PM EST

In "speed drills" students are encouraged to line up, pass papers, get out work materials as quick as possible. A3 #vachat

EspoLearns Feb 13 @ 8:26 PM EST

Social/emotional is a big part of my job. I try to embed it everywhere. #vachat

jzicari_ITRT Feb 13 @ 8:26 PM EST

A3: Lead by example. Give them the opportunities to use those non-academic skills. #vachat #vachat

eppand Feb 13 @ 8:27 PM EST

A3: seek to engage SS a/ mentors and real world professionals. Facilitate connections outside the classroom. #vachat

khurdhorst Feb 13 @ 8:27 PM EST

@Schoology does a great job as well as other LMS systems I'm sure. For younger kids, planners & calendars. #vachat A3

In reply to @rggillespie, @Schoology

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:27 PM EST

A3: Provide opportunities for interaction with peers and self-assessment/reflection #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:28 PM EST

A3: Anybody have experience with Mindfulness training and using it with students? #vachat

EspoLearns Feb 13 @ 8:28 PM EST

A3: Our school had someone come in last year. They did it with classroom teachers, so I didn't see it, but the Ts loved it. #vachat

OnMy_AGame Feb 13 @ 8:29 PM EST

Idk how I left this out, but we also do data analysis/goal setting activities following each exam. a3 #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:27 PM EST

A3: Provide opportunities for interaction with peers and self-assessment/reflection #vachat

cvarsalona Feb 13 @ 8:29 PM EST

A3 Ss acquire non-academic skills through teacher modeling, decluttering classrms, timers, classroom protocols and norms #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:29 PM EST

I ask Question 4 as part of interviews...it's coming up #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:30 PM EST

Q4: Lots of students believe/say, “I’m not good at __ I’ve never been good at it. I never will be!” How do you combat that mindset? #vachat

EspoLearns Feb 13 @ 8:31 PM EST

A4: It's a long, long process. You have to be in it for the long haul. Point out places where they ARE good at it. #vachat

EspoLearns Feb 13 @ 8:31 PM EST

A4: Be careful to point out times when they've improved, even if they're not "good" yet. Don't lie to them. Not even the white lies. #vachat

mjballman20 Feb 13 @ 8:32 PM EST

A4: Constant reinforcement of progress. Celebrate small moments, as well as the big moments. No progress goes unnoticed. #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:30 PM EST

Q4: Lots of students believe/say, “I’m not good at __ I’ve never been good at it. I never will be!” How do you combat that mindset? #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:33 PM EST

Building on @mjballman20 Scaffold work so students can experience success and grow from there #vachat

In reply to @mjballman20

jzicari_ITRT Feb 13 @ 8:33 PM EST

A4: Make sure you point out what they are good at and play off of their strengths to build their confidence. #vachat

eppand Feb 13 @ 8:34 PM EST

A4: Challenge the I can't mindset by coaching problem solving skills. "What is a different way to way tackle the item?" #vachat

EspoLearns Feb 13 @ 8:34 PM EST

A4: Be prepared when they think you ARE lying. Had to go over a test Q by Q w/S b/c he was sure he failed. He had a B. #vachat

OnMy_AGame Feb 13 @ 8:34 PM EST

I remind students of what good qualities they do have. In the past I've done discussion/writing exercises to help foster this. a4 #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:35 PM EST

Yes! Find their strengths and play to them. Might not be academic at first but start small #vachat

jzicari_ITRT Feb 13 @ 8:33 PM EST

A4: Make sure you point out what they are good at and play off of their strengths to build their confidence. #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:36 PM EST

Ready for Question 5...Here she comes #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:36 PM EST

Q5: We all have students who seem to space out. How do you bring that student back to Earth? #vachat

MrDeSando Feb 13 @ 8:37 PM EST

Q4: Constant reassurance and support. Celebrate the little victories as well. #vachat

cvarsalona Feb 13 @ 8:39 PM EST

A5 Back to earth through engagement strategies, passionate teaching, active learning, switching up activities 4 even flow. Choice! #vachat

EspoLearns Feb 13 @ 8:39 PM EST

A5: Collaborative learning, engaging content, and when all else fails, an announcement that it's time to return to EspoLand. #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:39 PM EST

A5: Obviously, bring them back to earth immediately but also make mental note to figure out when it's happening and make changes #vachat

OnMy_AGame Feb 13 @ 8:39 PM EST

High levels of engagement alleviate much distraction. But also one technique I've been practicing is the "cold call." a5 #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:40 PM EST

Definitely...Speaks to the need for frequent state changes #vachat

In reply to @cvarsalona

cvarsalona Feb 13 @ 8:40 PM EST

Tap into passions, offer choice, engage with others #vachat

In reply to @rggillespie

OnMy_AGame Feb 13 @ 8:40 PM EST

My cold call choose s's at random to answer Q's. When s's know they may be called at random they are more likely to keep focus. a5 #vachat

jzicari_ITRT Feb 13 @ 8:40 PM EST

A5: I never want to embarass a student if they zone out. Walk over, tap their desk and try not to draw too much attention to them. #vachat

Toribelle4 Feb 13 @ 8:42 PM EST

A2: Environment, comfortability, accessibility, outside factors #vachat

OnMy_AGame Feb 13 @ 8:42 PM EST

Also, in agreeance with @jzicari_ITRT causing as little embarassment to s's as possible to regain focus is important. a5 #vachat

In reply to @jzicari_ITRT

mjballman20 Feb 13 @ 8:42 PM EST

A5: Cold call is easy to forget, but over time can really improve student focus and engagement as they may be next at any time. #vachat

OnMy_AGame Feb 13 @ 8:39 PM EST

High levels of engagement alleviate much distraction. But also one technique I've been practicing is the "cold call." a5 #vachat

khurdhorst Feb 13 @ 8:43 PM EST

less seat time the better. Lots of things to do during the class time. #vachat A5

In reply to @rggillespie

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:43 PM EST

Getting ready for Q6...Some great ideas and thoughts emerging on #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:44 PM EST

Q6: When teaching something new to students, how do you ensure that it will stick and students will be able to connect with it? #vachat

OnMy_AGame Feb 13 @ 8:45 PM EST

Absolutely @khurdhorst . If too many are drifting, it's probably a sign I've been talking too long. #vachat

In reply to @khurdhorst

EspoLearns Feb 13 @ 8:45 PM EST

A6: In math, start with a low floor/high ceiling activity that requires engagement with the concept - but at a variety of levels. #vachat

mjballman20 Feb 13 @ 8:46 PM EST

A6: Find a good hook! What is going to draw them in and make it real to students. #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:44 PM EST

Q6: When teaching something new to students, how do you ensure that it will stick and students will be able to connect with it? #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:46 PM EST

A6: I never would have answered this way 15 years ago but starting with a pre-assessment to gauge where students are #vachat

mjballman20 Feb 13 @ 8:47 PM EST

A6: I also think it's okay to let students fail at first. After that, sit back and watch them figure it out. Intervene when needed. #vachat

jzicari_ITRT Feb 13 @ 8:47 PM EST

A6: You need to know your students' learning styles. If you know how they learn, you can modify how you deliver the material. #vachat

OnMy_AGame Feb 13 @ 8:47 PM EST

Start at the most basic level of S understanding. From there, provide activities that are highly engaging & have a high yield. a6 #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:48 PM EST

A6: @rickwormeli2 talks about PRIMING the brain #vachat

In reply to @rickwormeli2

khurdhorst Feb 13 @ 8:48 PM EST

Connect it something they already know and it's going to your to them build on that and elevate learning. #vachat A6

In reply to @rggillespie

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:49 PM EST

If the new information doesn't have something to attach to, it won't be learned (think Velcro) #vachat

khurdhorst Feb 13 @ 8:48 PM EST

Connect it something they already know and it's going to your to them build on that and elevate learning. #vachat A6
In reply to @rggillespie

OnMy_AGame Feb 13 @ 8:49 PM EST

As a math teacher, I am always looking for ways to infuse problem-based learning to keep the lessons as authentic as possible. #vachat

McLane_Ryan Feb 13 @ 8:50 PM EST

A6: Put a handle on it. Make it relatable. #vachat

In reply to @rggillespie

OnMy_AGame Feb 13 @ 8:50 PM EST

Mann having a strong snapshot is so important!! I'm learning that this year #vachat

In reply to @mjballman20

Toribelle4 Feb 13 @ 8:50 PM EST

A4: Help them experience success, even if its small. Then, celebrate every tiny victory! 🙌#vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:51 PM EST

We'll get one more question in tonight #vachat Question 7 coming up

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:52 PM EST

Q7: Learning improves when students r emotionally involved How do you bring relevancy, purpose, self-awareness etc to your lessons? #vachat

OnMy_AGame Feb 13 @ 8:55 PM EST

Help S's decompartmentalize info to build their capacity to learn. Break everything into manageable parts & go from there a7 #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:56 PM EST

A7: Novelty can play a big role in sparking and keeping interest. How can you mix it up? #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:58 PM EST

A7: Instead of using short videos after the lesson, use them before the lesson/maybe even stop 1/2 way in #vachat

rggillespie - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:59 PM EST

Thanks everyone for a great #vachat. That hour flew by. Hope to see you here next week. Invite a friend and grow your PLN

jzicari_ITRT Feb 13 @ 8:59 PM EST

A7: Try to give them ownership of their learning. Give multiple opportunities to show what they know. #vachat