#UrbanEdChat Archive
#UrbanEd chat is a twitter chat for educators. Topics relevant to the subject of urban education will be discussed, but all educators are encouraged to join the conversation. The chats will be moderated by Ben and Neil, founders of Engaging Educators and elementary school teachers in Detroit, MI.
Thursday October 6, 2016
Tim Stanley, Instructional Tech, HS level. Houston, TX, Aldine ISD.
Hi everybody from Spring Tx
Marella 2nd gr. Math and SS Chicago
Hey great chatting with you
Good to see you again Mr. Harris. Hope your term is off to a wonderful start.
Hello everyone Michelle 5th grade math
follows a Q & A Format. Q1/A1 Q2/A2 and the first question starts in 1 minute.
First question coming up in 1 minute
Whats up! Mr. Chyr Harrisburg, PA!
A1: Maybe to assist with transitions so instruction are clear. Perhaps as just one form of checking for understanding with SRS.
I use whole group to teach a new concept or for reteaching.
A1 whole group instruction would be at the beginning of a new lesson that is engaging
A1. I like to use whole group instruction to introduce a new skill or conduct an engaging assessment.
Hi! Welcome I recognize you from EdCamp.
A1 when checking Ss background knowledge or introducing a new concept
A1: Currently struggling with this. The kids crave adult engagement the entire time. Trying to manage that need & small group=😳
A2 Small groups allows students to share and discuss ideas in a more intimate and less intimidating setting.
A2: Facilitates cooperative learning. Also, PBL on various scales. Can facilitate roleplay, simulation, etc.
A2 Small group is designed to meet kids where they are and push them to greater.
A2 to reteach or reinforce skills that ss maybe struggling with and to also have ss move ahead who understand the concept
and I'm a small group teacher at heart, but they're "checking out" when they aren't with me.
I agree. It really helps with IEP students and ESL students.
Definitely. Sometimes having the identical explanation from a peer versus a T, makes all the difference.
A2. SG is for reteach, enforcing skills, differentiation, individualized teaching for small groups of Ss and conferences with
A2 small groups give Ss a chance to have a voice
A2: Reteaching, formative assessment
Sometimes they aren't confident when you're aren't there.
A2: Strategy groups, skill groups, intervention purposes, safe places to take writing risks in craft groups, book clubs
A2 It serves several purposes, but I like to see how the other students work independently &!take ownership of their learning
or it shows that they aren't using their voice
would your Ss be motivated to share their independent work with you or their peers?
A3: Every 20 to 25 minutes adults at a given task, in a given modality of learning would get antsy. Kids are no different.
there it is-I'm trying to get them self reliant & 2 have faith in themselves, they rely so much on my praise.
A3 data drives planning, SG should always be an option when making sure all students are mastering and WG is for introductions
They try to hide behind the other students. They want to ride coat tails.
A3: I mix small/whole group instruction when the lesson involves complex themes/concepts or opinionated views to discuss
Trying really hard to implement this mindset at my new school, in my classroom.
A3 Let the data direct you. What does it say?
very true! That's where strategic monitoring comes in
A3: Student need should drive instruction
Yes! https://t.co/91MM4dSukM
A3 data drives planning, SG should always be an option when making sure all students are mastering and WG is for introductions
Great thought! Some, YES! Others, exactly what igniteEDteach said. I will not give up!!!
agreed, providing a chance to move and interact with others can keep participants engaged
A4: While I am secondary and my mother was EC\PK. Such talk wasn't allowed in the car :)
A4: I disagree SG is not a grade level need but a Ss need Ss need the reinforcement & differentiation at all levels
A4 I agree. Too many secondary teachers do not stay abreast of best practices.
A4: In all seriousness, educators, in every situation and setting need to move away from isolation based on any criteria.
A4: I agree BUT once they are taught/shown how it can work in their classroom the heavens open up!
A4. I used small grp instr with 11th/12th grade for years. diff. career paths/interests. Create small groups based on interest.
A3: I look at my special needs list, ad ask myself, "who needs extra help?" If no one, whole class... https://t.co/EgyPlfHjVs
A4: I think small group instruction meets Ss needs - whether it's to support or push, all Ss benefit from well-planned SGI.
A4 The urgency for the plight of student success is lost in some secondary environments. Sad truth!
A2: Small group instruction is great for mini lessons, reteaching, and the workshop model... https://t.co/5oa8slzwU4
A5: If best practices are forced then yes.
A5: As Ts it shouldn't have to be forced it should be apart of your routine if you want your students to excel
A4 We need to have Ts have that 1:1 or small group with ss 2 assess all needs. We loose that mindset when ss move up
A5 sometimes small groups can become the flavor of the month. Ts have to feel it's valuable or else it becomes a checkoff item
Agreed.... and Stations!!! Everyone gets what they need or to try new things/review/etc.
A5: I wouldn't be quick to embrace that notion. Putting that "lecture" modality to rest sometimes requires a strong push.
A5: I think it may seem "forced" b/c there's not adequate training and support.
A5 - If small group is being forced on teachers then something is wrong!!
Absolutely! If we're going to ask them to have a growth mindset, we ought to give them space to grow... https://t.co/6KuYPrkwlA
Agreed.... and Stations!!! Everyone gets what they need or to try new things/review/etc.
A5: SGI takes a lot of work-data gathering, learning new techniques, etc. If something is new & difficult, it may take time.
Any tips for addressing Ss behavior/purposeful working in those stations?
Great point. The Ts at my school are told to do it but w/out formal training.
A6: Class sizes perhaps. Limited technology. Restrictive BYOT policies.
A6 - The #1 challenge is trying to perform small group w/o first teaching the students what it looks, sounds, and feels like
Must be purposeful. https://t.co/ME7ZBunC3i
A5 - If small group is being forced on teachers then something is wrong!!
A6: Ss lash out because they don't know or use to the 1:1 support or the attention so they push back
A6: Behavior/fights, self monitoring, worried they're practicing incorrectly at stations, Ss absences
That brings up a good point. Sometimes "louder is better" when classroom volume is considered.
A6 lack of structure and routines can make small groups difficult in any setting. Also matching S skill level to solo task
A6: they don't understand that you care about their success most don't have someone in their corner
Really? This is intriguing to me! I have the exact opposite issue.
3rd ward is NO cake walk!
I love walking into a loud classroom where Ss are engaged in their work!!
Yes! I don't want to give up my small group teaching philosophy! Advice, suggestions, please! https://t.co/cf6ZHYRpuJ
A7: it starts with building relationships and having structure
A7: I believe the opposite is true. When Ss are grouped properly w/ differientated & scaffolded tasks, behavior probs decrease.
A7 Establish classroom norms and expectations and live by them daily. Monitor. Celebrate. Conference. Build classroom culture.
A7 I think what lacking in Urban Ed & Ts is being afraid to take risks. The content should relate to what ss are experiencing
Yes, and YES! Let's think about it differently! https://t.co/v1zRwMNFhE
A7 I think what lacking in Urban Ed & Ts is being afraid to take risks. The content should relate to what ss are experiencing
I would love to tap into your expertise on how you go about doing this!
A8 Only use it when you need the whole class to hear something, like the learning target. Beyond that meet every child's need.
Thanks for the wonderful chat tonight. Thought provoking!
Would any 3, 4, 5 grade teachers be willing to show me a template of what your ELA block looks like, a sample lesson plan?
PM me. Will happily send over my resource list to create specifically designed instruction :)
A8 there is room for both w/ good planning you can meet the needs of all Ss using both structures for variations
Thank you all for a wonderful chat! See you next week!
Great chat PLN!!! Thanks for the inspiration
