#atplc Archive
For over a year, educators have used the #atplc Twitter tag to share resources and ideas about PLCs, connect with others around the world, and inspire each other to never stop learning. Now is your chance to join the conversation! Visit http://www.allthingsplc.info/tools-resources/twitter-chat for more info.
Thursday May 5, 2016
Good evening everyone! Thanks for joining our chat on creating a collaborative culture schoolwide.
Roll call: Please let us know you’re here by sharing name/location/role.
I’m Cassandra Erkens (moderator) PLC and Assessment associate from Minneapolis. Welcome!
Katie White and I am joining in from Saskatchewan, Canada. Excited about this topic and our moderator
Hi, I am Melissa Pérez currently, curriculum writer from Puerto Rico. I am also completing learning about using twitter chat.
Dave Wheeler, Principal at Thompson Elementary School in Thompson, ND
Welcome! Your questions, experiences, and ideas about collaborative learning for Ss are most welcome! Please share.
To start, collaboration is a culture thing. Should be school wide. Learning process that’s good for Ts = Good for Ss!
Carl Taylor, Assistant Principal at East Henderson High School in East Flat Rock, NC
Kelly from Rochester MN special Ed instructional coach
Q1: What are the top reasons Ss should benefit from collaborative learning?
For collaboration to be successful it is adamant to consider school culture
A1: Ss need collab. lrng b/c it’s tied to universal, next gen standards for speaking & listening
A1 it's focused on Ss learning not Ts ability to teach we do what's best for Ss
I'm here, Ayse Kaya from Dublin, CA...I'm the Director at Mission Hills Middle School in Union City, CA. Happy Cinco de Mayo!
A1) ability of S's to learn from each other is real.and supported. Much of Marzano focus relates.to S's working together
A1: 1) bc they are our reason for our work so a benefit to them is a benefit to us 2) collab.is a critical skill 3) more perspectives
I am kind of new to this and need to learn the slang, what is Ss?
A1: Ss need collab. lrng b/c it’s tied 21st century skills of productive group work
A1: Collaboration is a way to leverage the gifts, passions and abilities of every single learner.
A1: Ss need collab. lrng b/c businesses need collaborative employees
A1: Ss need collab. lrng b/c Engineering engaging conversations = quality formative assessment practice
A1: Paradigm shift from the T as the dispenser of knowledge to the Ss as the discoverers of knowledge
A1: The one talking is the one learning!
As adults, I think we experience this daily. Effective collaboration enriches our lives and our innovation https://t.co/Whv495i4WL
A1: Ss need collab. lrng b/c businesses need collaborative employees
so true Ss need to be able to work with others to problem solve
A1: Ss need collab. lrng b/c as entrepreneurs they need to work with others to sell ideas
A1: Collaborative learning provides Ss with the opportunity to be active learners.
A1: Collaboration helps Ss learn how to work as a community and work together to promote their success and others
Very good. Encourage my K-2 T's to use listening to student talk as an assessment tool for their grade level. https://t.co/VS38JSHNc6
A1: Ss need collab. lrng b/c Engineering engaging conversations = quality formative assessment practice
A1: Collaborative discussions, when observed, can give us much insight into misconceptions, processes and strengths. Helps us plan
Ss=students Ts=Teachers. Welcome to the chat world. Keep asking questions.
Q2: What are the concerns with using collaborative learning in the classroom?
When everyone has a voice, the possibilities open up. https://t.co/eJNIXCVx2C
A1: Collaborative learning provides Ss with the opportunity to be active learners.
For sure teachers are facilitators in that world of helping students discover knowledge
A2: It’s been hard to measure collaborative learning
A1: a big is working with others. It's more important than many standards taught on a daily basis
A2) shared responsibility among group participants, allowing all to have a voice
A2: Concern: One or two Ss "do all the work" but this means collab.processes not refined yet. Address this immediately.
A2: Reframe T understanding. Collaborative learning is NOT cheating.
A2:meaningful, purposeful work not just for the sake of collaboration
A2 Collaboration is a skill to be developed intentionally in the classroom or the PLC
A2 I am not sure but many Ts struggle with letting go of that control but if we want Ss to take ownership they need to lead
A2: must TEACH collaboration and following rules in teamwork https://t.co/pFm6BzIufX
A2 Collaboration is a skill to be developed intentionally in the classroom or the PLC
A2: Still need to know what INDIVIDUAL Ss know and can do w/ standards
Q2: It can be hard for Ss to collaborate when clear goals and rules are not established. Rules for collaboration need to be clear
A2: Collaboration takes time. Go slow early to go fast later.
Not all Ss may feel equally comfortable in the beginning, especially if they all have to have a voice.
Its a skill to be developed to better explore the standards.
A2: How do I assess it? Should everyone get the same mark? This indicates an unclear goal and assessment process
A2: How do you ensure everyone learns?
A2) T's are responsible for teaching S's how to collaborate and work in groups. Big challenge for elem students.
A2: A lot of Ss are not used to collaboration, a lot of ambiguity with that type of learning
A2: Ts have to believe all Ss are capable of deep conversation if taught
A2: love Fisher & freys first 20 days in Purposeful Classroom to teach coll skills
very true this is a process to teach that is on going learning to be flexible and how to respond to probs https://t.co/NI10gS7w6n
A2: must TEACH collaboration and following rules in teamwork https://t.co/pFm6BzIufX
A2 Collaboration is a skill to be developed intentionally in the classroom or the PLC
A2: need thoughtful criteria - good performance is not based on who’s talking most.
A2: Collab needs thoughtful criteria - good performance is not based who didn’t experience conflict.
Q3: How do we teach collaborative learning in the classroom?
I agree especially with struggling learners some confidence boosting may be needed
All the more reason to colab. Important skill for future learning.
A2: It took me years to figure out what "seek first to understand" really meant.Ss need time to practice listening & contributing
A3: Create norms / practice norms w/ students
This is hard, but formative assessment should be taken into consideration, assessing the stages of collab https://t.co/an3nqmKr0S
A2: How do I assess it? Should everyone get the same mark? This indicates an unclear goal and assessment process
I think it's also hard to get students to experience conflict or accept their friends' feedback.
A3) Start small and build.to larger tasks. Shoulder talk and partner work can model good collaboration
A3: employ a variety of discussion protocols and follow rules of those protocols
this is definitely true for them to learn how to function in the real world and be productive members of society
Hattie has student discourse as highly effective for increasing Ss achievement, critical in coll work, T as facilitator
A3: Co-construct what it is and isn't, model, practice together, reflect, refine, practice again,reflect-cycle builds to independence
Slowly and deliberately model the process if possible show videos https://t.co/mvdhBvtkXZ
Q3: How do we teach collaborative learning in the classroom?
A3: employ a variety of discussion protocols and follow rules of those protocols
Yes, we have to teach them how to reach consensus
A3: Set expectations for the group. has fantastic ways to teach collaboration to kiddos
A3: teach Ss to challenge thinking from texts and with each other
It is critical to building responsible, reflective, engaged citizens.
Confidence is paramount in colab /assessment. Formative feedback essential.
A3: give Ss sentence leads to ref. text and to challenge ideas
A3: Use fishbowl strategy to teach accountability talk and conflict management.
A3: Teach from the place of experience. Share challenges and celebrations (w/o specifics of course)
Structure first, then content
You bet. Or use collaboration 2 practice and then ask for independent demo of what was learned through collab.process
Discourse or conflict is okay if it leads to deeper learning
A3) how partners/groups are selected early can create great modeling opportunities for S's. T's, dictate early who's with who
A3: Change S groupings periodically
Yes. I love the idea of them witnessing different real-life models of collaboration. Compare/contrast
A3: Intervene to help when teams struggle. Don’t let unhealthy go unattended. Unattended ailments are cancerous.
Q3: The Ss must establish clear goals as well as the rules of the game and the T needs to serve as the facilitator of this process
Another critical skill...responding when we feel conflict. What do we do when we don't agree? https://t.co/SSufmyTba5
Discourse or conflict is okay if it leads to deeper learning
discourse prompts in front of Ss to provide structures for dialogue,
Q4: How do we assess collaborative learning in the classroom?
Sharing stories, challenges and celebrations builds a climate of trust - reinforces relationships. Critical. https://t.co/aX01hYmpQJ
A3: Teach from the place of experience. Share challenges and celebrations (w/o specifics of course)
At first, help Ss understand collaboration by emphasizing the 'team work'aspect of it- most Ss can relate to teams.
A4: clear rubric. Ts must be up and observing and Ss must as lo evaluate one another.
A4: Use Speaking and listening standards as framework - In every state and province!
A3: I use "Step in/Step out" In= collaborate to think and learn Out= reflect on collaborative process and set goals for effectiveness
A4: each Ss a different colored pen
A4: Develop provocative (relevant, interesting) prompts worth discussing Make it worth it!
and should we assess from the earliest stages or just practice and encourage at first? That's a hard one to decide..
I believe in practice first. set them up for success! https://t.co/nrvXFJu8OF
and should we assess from the earliest stages or just practice and encourage at first? That's a hard one to decide..
A4: Rubric with Essential Questions attached to guide our thinking about getting more effective each time.
A4 rubrics Ss self reflection on what they learned from each other
A4: co-create rubrics for quality collaborative conversations WITH students based on samples. Practice scoring w Ss
A4) formative is a great tool w/all ages. Listening to discourse, asking questions while groups at work=assessment
Q4: Assessment is an ongoing process. Formative assessment which Ss clearly understand
A4: Use sophisticated sampling strategies to monitor SOME but not ALL Ss at once. Cover whole class over time
A4:Important to talk to Ss about criteria related to standards & criteria related to processes that help us learn best.Both critical
A4) rubrics also great tools for collaborative work. S's can evaluate themselves w/a well written rubric
love this idea of essential questions to guide it. https://t.co/CTHWCKxyz2
A4: Rubric with Essential Questions attached to guide our thinking about getting more effective each time.
I would assess informally from the earliest stages just to determine how to intervene or what need addressing.
this would get Ss involved!
Informally progress monitor through observation to identify and pinpoint those needed a little extra.
A4:sometimes we assess how Ss apply collaboration outside of the official collaboration
Yes, practice, but collect data to drive instruction
A4: protocols like socrative seminar, juried forums, pinwheel dialogues, philosophical chairs all have ways to measure too.
I like this idea see how they transfer the process to other topics or subjects https://t.co/nXw3o53qWA
A4:sometimes we assess how Ss apply collaboration outside of the official collaboration
and have Ss collect data and discuss/respond to their findings too! https://t.co/9pBgvDOXkM
Yes, practice, but collect data to drive instruction
A4: Engage Ss in self & peer reflection and giving quality feedback
A4: employees give feedback to each other. practice with Ss
A4: Use Speak & listen standards as the bridge btwn reading and producing.
Ss have to reflect on their learning gives ownership and deepens learning also may drive more ?s to collaborate on
A4: Use the students individual products for scoring knowledge and skill of content. Group grade hides indiv. learning
Q5: what would it take to completely turn inquiry over to Ss?
Many Ss think they hate collaboration. We should talk about that and figure out what steps we can all take to change their perception
That's for sure! We would need to model 'quality feedback' and make sure they feel comfortable with it.
Love this! Great questions!
A4: Have to assess it as assessment for learning. Cannot put point value/grade on it, rather offer feedback to Ss on right vs. wrong
1st and foremost, a teacher that can let go of that control!
A5: K teachers do it by inviting learners in through provocations or contexts...emergent inquiry follows. We need a good catalyst
have seen it be done so poorly at times that i can’t blame Ss for hating it. We have to be more supportive https://t.co/1mTa31hp74
Many Ss think they hate collaboration. We should talk about that and figure out what steps we can all take to change their perception
A5) Well written questions for S's to research/answer, regular Q&A among T and S's to monitor progress and assess
A5: In older Ss, we need to first explore how to ask questions. Perfect catalyst for collaborative inquiry. How can we ask great Qs?
A5: need better essential questions. truly engaging!
When some are told to collaborate they hear "group work" and really have not been prepared to colab.
A5 bravery and support to allow the process to happen and to know when to intervene
A5: We also have to get Ts to like it! Lead by doing!
A5) Well written rubrics, used by S's or T's for assessment, S's sharing what they learned w/whole group/class to deepen learning
A5: The folks have a great process called the QFT. Look it up! Works every time!!
Q5: Give Ss the tools for inquiry and let them explore, give Ss the option of selecting topics covered and methods they prefer
I will thank you for the suggestion
A5: have to lead the inquiry so we are still standards based and doing the right work
Q6: How do we generate a collaborative learning culture that is pervasive school wide?
Without process & check ins/reflecting, becomes like a bad habit.S1 does the writing, S2 sits back,S3 talks. https://t.co/aw8TKkZQ1X
When some are told to collaborate they hear "group work" and really have not been prepared to colab.
A6: Model, model, model collaborative learning!
A6: Celebrate, celebrate, celebrate, collaborative learning!
A6 Lead by doing start with adults
Q6: Relationships, processes, celebrations, conversations, reflections, shared purpose, clear goals=invested collaboration
Q6: Taking into account the school culture and working to convey that collaboration isn't the end but the means to the end
Once had a T say ‘how can we teach it when we don’t do it ourselves very well?’ Good point! https://t.co/8elahIfwfQ
A6 Lead by doing start with adults
A6: Build rationale - talk about the power of collaborative learning schoolwide
A6: Base learning at all levels in gathering outside expertise. Not opinion – what does research say?
A6:At the ❤️ of it, strong collab.indicates a feeling of sharing a space & purpose; of belonging to something bigger than ourselves
A6: Base learning at all levels in learning by doing. Use action research. Learn from results.
A6: explore how teaching and leading are different in a collaborative culture. Create a new paradigm!
what are YOUR provocative questions about collaborative learning?
A6) Teach T's how to collaborate w/each other, give them opportunities to do it, then discuss w/them the power it can have on S's.
A6 Modeling, showing the Ss how the adults work together, then praising the Ss as they practice more & more
A6: Sometimes Ss need to see our vulnerability; our own questions. This gets at a reason for working together. We all need help/ideas
Collaboration is a superpower of education. aligned with = unstoppable learning. Join us Tuesday https://t.co/7BvoxKOS2o
Can collaboration happen before trust or does trust have to come first? Or do they work together?
could’t agree more. learning is risky business! Be vulnerable. create safety. https://t.co/1OW9jtjLWg
A6: Sometimes Ss need to see our vulnerability; our own questions. This gets at a reason for working together. We all need help/ideas
Outstanding Q! I learned not to sing Kumbya before finding meaningful work! https://t.co/bATLZdY49E
Can collaboration happen before trust or does trust have to come first? Or do they work together?
I believe opportunities to collaborate can build, or rebuild, trust.Takes time and consistent practice though https://t.co/3ed44g1jTt
Can collaboration happen before trust or does trust have to come first? Or do they work together?
I say they work together..a little bit of both, then the trust will kick in.
I’ll just say I think collaboration is SOOOOO important! We need more at the T and S levels!
depends on individual. I think. I have a fear of sounding dumb. I have to have trust with those i collab. W/ https://t.co/T6TX56M79r
Can collaboration happen before trust or does trust have to come first? Or do they work together?
Trust is a continuous process especially give the climate of divisiveness present today.
Collaboration is definitely important. Thank you for an enjoyable first twitter chat experience!
When collaboration is missing from my life, I am one unhappy person.
so important to teach civility! now more than ever https://t.co/Yjh1hafW0S
Trust is a continuous process especially give the climate of divisiveness present today.
Thanks everyone! Great Conversation! Appreciate your insights and participation. Love learning from and with you!
