#whatisschool is an award winning edchat space where people can express an unbiased response to questions about schooling, where educators have a voice in shaping the future through their experience, recommendations and interests. Join us Thursdays 7pm ET / 11pm GMT / Friday 7am SGT/WA (Perth) / Friday 9am AEDT / Friday 11am NZT.
Welcome to #WhatIsSchool! My name is Sean Gaillard & I am Principal of @LexMidSchool. Also, I am author of the forthcoming book #ThePepperEffect. Let's introduce ourselves by name, role and location. Looking forward to learning and connecting here!
We will use Q1, A1 style for our chat tonight. Both @mrkempnz and I will alternate sharing questions. Be sure to add #whatisschool to each response for your hashtag.
Hello everyone!! My name is Ai, a college prof and independent consultant. I love digital Pedagogy. I am currently based in South Korea. Look forward to today's chat. #whatisschool
I'm Grant Winternheimer from Newburgh, Indiana currently studying Secondary Math Education and Music Education at Indiana University. I'm excited for my first twitter chat experience and being able to learn from real teaching professionals worldwide! #whatisschool
#whatisschool Q2 A2.
I believe collaborating with other teachers is crucial because it gives all the ability to be on the same page. Many times I send my students to S.E. without collaborating and there is a mix up, thus confusing my kids.
A1 I don't really have a specific song. I generally let Ss make suggestions. I do use lyrics and music in English/reading to highlight concepts too #whatisschool
A1 I don’t actually play songs to inspire students and colleagues, but if I were going to? This is a cliché but, “Under Pressure.” People who don’t always work together can unite under the pressure of a common goal. And, “Why can’t we give love one more chance?” #whatisschool
A1: I like John Fogerty's "Centerfield" to make sure all Ss know they are ready to play and have something to offer the game. Plus it's so upbeat! https://t.co/pXkafi8e1K#whatisschool
A1: For motivational purposes, I have found that American Pie by Don McLean does wonders to making a bonding experience for students and faculty alike. A long song with plenty of variety of tempos and feelings makes it feel like a memorable journey in a single song #whatisschool
A1. I really don't have a specific song. i normally play relaxing music at the beginning of the class as everyone is coming in and getting settled. #whatisschool
A1. I really don't have a specific song. i normally play relaxing music at the beginning of the class as everyone is coming in and getting settled. #whatisschool
I also play relaxing music but usually during writing time. Bums me out that they can't listen to music when they write for tests, it really sparks creativity. #whatisschool
I'm Ian from Perth Western Australia a pre service teacher, I love to play a dance mix as Ss enter the classroom and on my pracs last year they used go noodle. #whatisschool
Oddly I have many students who enjoy 90s music ... busting out the ole Ice Ice Baby by @vanillaice always gets the kids up and moving. Wish I had the Vanilla Ice dance moves ... #whatisschool
Hi Sean, Craig & Everyone at #whatisschool , have a great musical chat!
Not able to join today, shuttling between sick child and getting ready- leaving for school..
#whatisschool Q2 A2.
I believe collaborating with other teachers is crucial because it gives all the ability to be on the same page. Many times I send my students to S.E. without collaborating and there is a mix up, thus confusing my kids.
A2. Open sharing and collaborative learning have become more and more important in today's digital world.
Students don't just learn from one teacher or class, but the teachers and peers.
Collaboration is a great way to expand their PLN
#whatisschool
That's a great idea! I think I believe it is especially important to use a variety of music so that as many students in the class as possible are benefiting from the music being played and building a connection with you the teacher #whatisschool
A2: collaboration helps me get the most of my ideas as they ‘marinate’. Great to have other views and opinions to develop and execute new things! #whatisschool
A2: we coexist in the world and have to learn to work, collaborate, and understand one another. By modeling and teaching collaboration in schools, our Ss will be preparing for the future #whatisschool
i feel the same way. I met so many amazing teachers on twitter. they all inspire me so much. recently, i connected w/ @fmargret who is such an amazing educator & connector. Margret is the best! #whatisschool
A2 Collaborating is vital as schools are communities, T's can learn from each other, it provides a sharing of ideas which all combined can only have a positive effect on the Ss. #whatisschool
A2: Ideas and discussions become richer. When we discuss with other collaborators, we get to see things that we don't usually see. It forces us to reflect on our original idea. #whatisschool
A2: Ts should model what they want to see in their Ss. We can’t require our Ss to collaborate in the classroom if we aren’t willing to lead the collab. parade and show them how it’s done. #whatisschool
A2: collaboration is vital because working by yourself you are limited to one idea, one mindset...however, with collaboration the possibilities are limitless #whatisschool
A2- Schools are complex systems with many moving parts. Collaboration is vital to ensure that these parts keep working properly for the overall benefit of the school. #whatisschool
Thank you, Sean! Hope one day in the future, i can collaborate with you. You do some amazing things, Sean! Honored to have you in my learning network. #whatisschool
A2: Engagement is crucial in an effective learning environment. I think students are more engaged with material when the classroom feels more like a community. Being able to collaborate with peers is key to community building #whatisschool
A2. Building that family culture from the beginning is vital - collaborating with each other builds patience, leadership, working as a family, all skills they need in the real 🌏 #whatisschool
A2: Ts should model what they want to see in their Ss. We can’t require our Ss to collaborate in the classroom if we aren’t willing to lead the collab. parade and show them how it’s done. #whatisschool
A2: If we ever tried to navigate this incredible (but at times draining/exhausting) world of education alone we wouldn’t be able to get through one day, nevermind a month, a school year or a career. We need each other more than we need anything else. #whatisschool#loveworks
A2 Instead of narrowing our individual repertoires to what we individually think are the “best” assignments and practices, collaboration helps us expand and diversify our collective repertoire to include more ways to help students learn. #whatisschool
Just spotted my amazing friend, Jess! This is one to follow and learn from, my friends in #whatisschool! She's doing AMAZING things in her schoolhouse! #LoveWorks
Actually had a student in my Advanced class tell me “You know We hate working together because we don’t trust the other kids to do as well as us” ... collaboration requires trust and belief in your peers #whatisschool
#whatisschool At Lester we meet weekly. There is only 1 teacher per grade. So, its myself, the principal, S.E., Title one teacher, and a data coach that meet for about 25 min. to discuss next weeks info.
Looking for some new connections and possible collaborations - come and join in #whatisschool now. Don't forget to follow each other and make an ever lasting edu-connection
A3 The best collaborations I’ve seen in schools are the result of putting teachers in a room together. A shared office or classroom. Ample snacks. Reliable WiFi. Maybe some art supplies. And no agenda. #whatisschool
A3: Collaboration should focus on the needs of the students and their learning. Celebrating small victories helps keep collaboration going. #whatisschool
Yes! I think diversity is the fundamental component behind much of what we see in collaborative work. It enables sometimes seemingly abstract concepts such as respect, trust, and teamwork to become realized in a practical way #whatisschool
#whatisschool Q3A3 Planning,email, and late night conversations help the continuation of collaboration at our school. Sometimes delegating and being a team player is also required.
A3: Collaboration needs to be modelled and used in all aspects of a school - make collaboration visible and explicit inside and outside the classroom #whatisschool
Actually had a student in my Advanced class tell me “You know We hate working together because we don’t trust the other kids to do as well as us” ... collaboration requires trust and belief in your peers #whatisschool
A3: Love this one. Give Ss time everyday to work with their peers. Highlight the good stuff you see them doing [out loud to the class]. If Ss aren’t participating, call out positive behaviors you see to get others back on track. #whatisschool
A3: like anything you first have to set it as a purpose until sharing and conferring become part of your personal, school and classroom culture. Trust is a big part of it-especially for kids or colleagues not so open to change... #whatisschool
A3 - Providing time for collaboration and making it relaxed and fun. If ppl (Ss and adults) aren't comfortable, they aren't going to share and collaborate. #whatisschool
Build in time for problem solving and creation...with teachers allowing common planning time and shared digital resources in Google groups...with students group time and genius hour projects time for students to work together and work on real world problems. ❤️ #whatisschool
A3- school leaders explicitly state that our school is a collaborative school. They also model this behavior and provide guidance and time for teachers to collaborate. #whatisschool
A3: We have to be clear on what the goals are & how to contribute meaningfully. Facilitating, modeling & contributing are parts of a successful collaboration. If Ss see it in Ts, easier for us to show them how. #whatisschool
A3: I think much of what happens to embed collaboration within the school happens outside the walls of the school. Simply having dinner with colleagues and discussing solutions to issues being faced in class can help to raise the overall effectiveness of a school #whatisschool
Q3: Here are a few ways that we've sustained our collaborative learning: Create a unified vision & work towards a common goal; readily share information; change workspace so you meet somewhere inspiring! #whatisschool
Yes! It’s hard when we’re expected to be detached professionals and the experts in the room. We can acknowledge the pull of perfectionism—AND be authentic and honest. #whatisschool
#A3. We establish a safe family environment first day of school-
Our family learns and fails enthusiastically together! We help each other and cheer each other on! We@have @geniushour where #kidsteachkids Helen Keller and taught sign language and more
#whatisschool
A3: To embed/sustain collaboration in the schoolhouse we have to lead by example, creating opportunities for everyone (kids/adults alike) to feel how much more we can accomplish together. Then ultimately “together” will be the only way anyone will want to operate.✨ #whatisschool
IMO, Ts should be meeting often, even across subjects. You all have a stronger pulse on the Ss than the admin team. I’ve been in your situation & know it can be challenging to find time to meet. Do it over happy hour @ your fav. Tex-mex cafe if that’s what it takes! #WhatIsSchool
A4: Barriers for collaboration are time to plan together and differing opinions but using Google Docs and remembering the common goal help. #whatisschool
Actually had a student in my Advanced class tell me “You know We hate working together because we don’t trust the other kids to do as well as us” ... collaboration requires trust and belief in your peers #whatisschool
A4.
- Take baby steps and go from there.
- Talk to colleagues internally and then use Twitter or other social channels to connect w/ more educators to collaborate globally. #whatisschool
A4 Create opportunities to share and discuss our work. Even if we don’t give the same assignments, noticing our common values helps us develop healthy relationships, appreciate each other’s strengths, and find new allies, partners, and mentors. #whatisschool
#whatisschool Q4A4 It is tough to collaborate with what now seems like a small group of people face to face. Rearranging schedules are tough...im thinking collaboration through social media forums could definitely be a solution.
A4. For example, #whatisschool chat is a great example to facilitate international collaborations.
i have been running my own facebook live show since june last year. made so many wonderful connections.
#whatisschool
#whatisschool A4
I still fill out and deliver the form for our school to all of the needed people. This way I know they are on the same page as me, without even speaking.
A4: Barriers are created by having a lot of people work together...have clear goals...purpose and follow these tips and tricks https://t.co/hvGoFCCOVA#whatisschool
So true! The more you honestly discuss your experiences, the more you appear to be a member of the class rather than some distant leader. In turn students will be more willing to engage and involve themselves in your lessons #whatisschool
Q4: I think it is important to give everyone a chance to enter the collaborative group/time/process at their own pace-when ready-a very organic gathering where all ideas & participation is encouraged and welcomed (avoiding the feeling of a club) #whatisschool
A4.Our pupils forget most of what we teach them.They will however remember us their teachers forever.Lets be good and kind to them.A kind word lasts forever #whatisschool
A4: Lean into obstacles instead of running away from them. If Ss in your class are quiet or not participating, highlight their strengths in class to given them confidence. Some Ss just need life spoken into them for the spark to ignite. #whatisschool
A4: Having open communication, transparency & a safe space to voice out what the barriers are help us overcome them. There must be a willingness to accept that these [barriers] hinder us from collaborating. How can we solve this together? #whatisschool
A4- this is a time to get creative! There are always alternatives to a F2F meeting for example, but do whatever it takes to keep the momentum going. #whatisschool
A4: To overcome barriers we should aim to motivate/inspire all those around us (students/staff alike) to be team players even when it’s challenging. Set the example through understanding, positivity, kindness & compassion always. It’s contagious. #whatisschool
A4: Admitting mistakes and promising improvement leads to a culture of more genuine collaboration. Vulnerability can be transformed into strength in a supportive group #whatisschool
A4: Beautiful question! Inspired by hundreds of conversations with people in education, we're envisioning @EDTVLive as being one great way to overcome barriers to collaboration. Check it out here --> https://t.co/DgplJswbFx#whatisschool#EDTVLive
needs more feedback, as we work with our dev team to bring it to life by Fall 2018. Follow us on Twitter. Fill out the feedback form. Shoot us an email (contact@edtv.live). Spread the word. Thank you :) #whatisschool
I think that's what makes it difficult for some: the initial step as the feeling is SO overwhelming. Not having the confidence to do things is difficult to overcome. Guidance & support from others can definitely help. #whatisschool
#whatisschool Q5A5 10yrsago PE TI and I were able to skype with our students when he went to South America. "Skype" was new at the time and our county Bd Office supported us all the way! Great experience- took every meaning of collaboration to a new level!
That's right! Obstacles won't disappear unless they are first recognized and steps are taken not to avoid them but rather persevere through them. It will be much more beneficial in the long run #whatisschool
A:5 Collaborating with @NASA and meeting a real life Astronaut! That was fantastic!#whatisschool Also a HUGE PBL project, so much work but so gratifying to see all the learning!
Collaboration is super important in our model. Most learning will occur in collaborative team challenges and the collaboration between professional designers and young people will develop into apprentice/mentor type relationships. #whatisschool
A5: I have a #flexibleseating classroom with no assigned seats. Encouraged my Ss to sit with people who weren’t their friends. Super awkward at first. Now, we have a collab. culture like you wouldn’t believe. #allmeansall#everybodybelongs#whatisschool
A5: collaboration has allowed time for instructional coaching between myself and @mattiewalks We get better every day by pushing each other to set goals to improve. When we improve as teachers our students improve too. https://t.co/0fDqjqYdhP#whatisschool
A5: My team collaborated on a unit of study. We all had great ideas and resources but only when we combined them to one unit did the lesson become #studentcentered and we just facilitated. #whatisschool
A5: working on bringing @EDTVLive to life Fall 2018, and we're only where we are because of the 100s of convos we've had with incredible educators, leaders, parents, etc. W/out collaboration, the greatness of https://t.co/cvqfY5Rz5q never sees the light of day! #whatisschool
A5: Loner S with no friends in class. I ask one group to include her. 5 mos. later, they’re all BFFs and come hang with ME before school on the daily. #gamechanger#whatisschool
A5 Collaboration has inspired me to be a better pre service teacher. Networking on Twitter, and building relationships with T's really made a difference on my pracs last year. #whatisschool
A5: I was partnered w/ a new T. To support her, we combined our classes during certain scheds. Organically, we just combined our HR classes throughout the year. Easier to plan, have discussions & share group work as we have more Ts & Ss in the classroom. #whatisschool
Hey! Great to see you here, too! Can't wait to share with you how @EDTVLive has evolved and where it is today. Thank you so much for your early insights! #whatisschool#EDTVLive
You are so welcome, Craig. Nothing can bring me more joy than connecting with all these wonderful educators. You all have inspired me a lot. #whatisschool
A5 Collaboration has inspired me to be a better pre service teacher. Networking on Twitter, and building relationships with T's really made a difference on my pracs last year. #whatisschool
A5- As part of a team of four people we were able to implement a new (open source) SIS at our school (installation & training) in five months. #whatisschool
#whatisschool A6
I believe my school does a good job at collaborating, however there is always room for improvement.
I would like to take the fact that we can collaborate in more places than at school.
#whatisschool A5 Agree with @mrkempnz and Mystery Skype. Grades 6-8 have visited Canada, Russia and Sweden this year. Grades 2-3 to Israel on Monday. Great way to connect, share culture!
Q5: No one ex - My collab exp creates a 'synergy' & space for open dialogue, spontaneous ideas, feedback, excitement, connectedness, celebration-what everyone needs to be successful. Not an isolated silo but a warm, inviting togetherness to create something amazing! #whatisschool
A5: This comes from my high school band days but often we would break up into pairs and provide helpful criticism on our playing, marching, and breathing ability. This peer support in small groups sparked leadership qualities to rise out of the shiest of people. #whatisschool
#whatisschool@mrkempnz Thank you guys for a great live chat! I have to go now, but I look forward to a few more. I posted my last response. See you next week!!
G.Kincaid
A5 One success story was when we collaborated with @GetKahoot and brought England and Norway to our Ss with a Connected Kahoot! @KahootEspen#whatisschool
A5 My co-author @jhweinstein and I collaborated to write our book, which applies psychological science to help students make their experiences at school more meaningful. #whatisschool
Q6--When I moderate a Twitter Chat, I always like to put in a "Next Steps" Question. Learned it from my amazing friend @LaVonnaRoth. We have to take the vision and put it into positive, dynamic action! #whatisschool#igniteyourSHINE
A6: We have a district chat that about 5 people participate in. I am presenting the power of Twitter at my school so more Ts will partake and collaborate with a PLN. #whatisschool
A6: I will empower others to lead a collaborative event and be there biggest fan - sometimes you just need a fan and some momentum to get something happening #whatisschool
A6 We can actively teach students (and adults) how to collaborate. How do we want to be when we’re in groups? What do our group members need from us so we can do meaningful work and build meaningful relationships? #whatisschool
#whatisschool A6 We are all about primary sources! Brought in Philo Barnhart & Charles Moisant to speak to our SS/Art classes. Mr Barnhart is the creator of Ariel from The Little Mermaid and other Disney animation. Talked about early animation and shared art techniques.
This is key, being unafraid to befriend your students opens up a world of possibilities. Enjoyment in class increases, misunderstandings decrease, and learning prospers. #whatisschool
A6: Get my classroom out in the community more. Collaboration is more than just teachers and students... collaboration needs to happen more between classrooms and communities...I'm thinking a poetry slam at a local coffee house❤️☕😎 #whatisschool
A6: Since I will be arriving mid-year, I need to remind myself to listen & pay very close attention to what is happening before I speak. Constantly reflect on the q: How can I help? What can I contribute? How can O do things better? #whatisschool
A5: So proud of Durfee High School’s Freshman Academy team & the collaboration that occurs each day! Our squad comes to “work” each day, loves each other/our kids - & the collaboration has become 100% evident/powerful in the classroom! #whatisschool#LoveMyTeachers#LoveWorks
A6- I will continue to encourage teachers to share their amazing ideas & projects. So many great things happen in classrooms and yet so few people know about them. These events need to be celebrated! #whatisschool
#whatisschool I too like that collaboration can be done other than "school property", like my living room connecting with folks around the country and world!
#whatisschool A6
I believe my school does a good job at collaborating, however there is always room for improvement.
I would like to take the fact that we can collaborate in more places than at school.
Appreciate you, Mate! Honored by the invitation to join #whatisschool! This has been years in the making and we finally made it happen1 Thanks so much!
A6: I'm going to introduce my school faculty to twitter and to this chat in particular. It's easy to get trapped into a method of teaching and leading at our specific school. It's important to build a network of collaboration with ppl from all different backgrounds #whatisschool
Bonus question...who inspires me? The staff @TaylorTwig ...and my principals @NickNapolitano7@Whitney_Boring ...they all seek the best for kids...and we push ourselves to get better because "we believe you can" ❤️ #whatisschool
In reply to
@mrkempnz, @TaylorTwig, @NickNapolitano7, @Whitney_Boring
BA: I can never emphasize enough on how chats & its tweeps I.e. #whatisschool have helped me put myself out there. I'm beginning to blog now. I'm still very afraid, but it hasn't stopped me from taking my #leapoffaith.
I really like that idea. I've never thought about setting up an event like that outside of school. Sounds like it a memorable, effective experience for students. Not to mention the positive, relaxed vibes that come from being in a coffee shop with friends and peers #whatisschool
Good Day and Good Night to the #whatisschool PLN Band! I enjoyed being here tonight with so many inspiring #EduHeroes! I celebrate @mrkempnz! What a joy to collaborate with a true gentleman.
