#edchat Archive
#Edchat is a hashtag, a movement—it is a weekly organized Twitter discussion of educators and people interested in education that meet virtually from all over the world. #Edchat serves as a conversation thread on Twitter and is also used for organized weekly discussions.
Tuesday May 17, 2016
Topic: If most educators are in favor of making substantive change in the edu system,why are so many resistant to actually changing?
With palliative care and youth support, let the love and fun begin. "Let's Make a Memory."
Hi Mark, Happy to be back to this week. I think the bureaucracy is thick, and difficult to restructure.
JOIN - If most educators are in favor of making substantive changes in educ system, why are so many resistant to actually changing?
I don't know if it's actual resistance or just a sense of this is "too big to tackle."
Hi Nancy, Happy to tonight. Some change is happening, but of course we need more.
I wonder if changing the focus to systems and moving away from individual teachers will spell good change.
Change is often scary & hard. Too little buy-in
Often there is resistance to change because many ppl believe someone ELSE needs to change, not them.
Have you tried "Donors Choose" - that might be a good starting space.
Resistance fatigue is real
Are "most" educators willing to change? I think most like to talk about change, but not the real change.
it is often said that teachers are fearful of learning about tech. I think the greater fear though is a fear of change itself.
The way around that is to build really terrific teams w/time, autonomy, and good goals.
Change fatigue is real plus lack of follow-thru from admin
Most Eds like to use tech as long as it makes what they already do easier ... digitize the worksheets, watch a video of them talking
Future kiddies teacher! First edchat and very excited to see what everyone has to say.
I guess that means we have to encourage one another, support good change.
Agreed. I often here, I am just fine with the old ways. .
many leaders & stakeholders don't have the long view which allows inertia & status quo to offset dynamic change efforts
Tough to change & try new things when teachers are closed off in their rooms as I used to be.
NOW - If most educators are in favor of making substantive changes in educ system, why are so many resistant to actually changing?
I think they would change if they were given more time/supportive structure for change.
is it a real "fear" or is it more I don't want to learn that because I am an effective teacher without it ...
Often there are many hurdles to use tech, so many rules that teachers simply opt out.
Not sure its the classroom teacher, the decisions are made from the top and held over their heads.
I’m not sure that’s true. No amount of time or support will convince some that change is necessary.
An inspiring PLN helps us take steps into the unknown, take risks, and try new things.
Wonder if patience is an issue--I've noticed many girls are willing to persevere for longer periods of time.
Would they? Those who WANT to change will regardless of time.
Join -- If most educators are in favor of making substantive changes in educ system, why are so many resistant to actually changing?
TEACHERS will resist changing education until they are convinced that changing education will make them better teachers…
Substitute teacher leaves detailed account of their day with a class of misbehaving children. https://t.co/JL46ghYR0r via
Agree, we're working w/a shared model of teaching this year--it's terrific, and would profit from even more support.
Colleague said "I'm old school. I just don't want to change what I am doing." Wonderful ol school teacher sees no reason to change.
The long view is essential.
I had teacher look at me in the face and say "I am never going to F***ing use this so why should I be here"
I agree Carolina--my PLN has helped me so much in this regard.
TED_ED: Thanks to kathleenharsy for co-hosting! Check this TED_Ed Lesson using this week's talk: https://t.co/8Dd97CPvmW
We see the positive in tech. But many only see the negatives of Social Media. This prevents Ts from entering tech world.
true...tech for the sake of tech integration is pointless...needs to enhance student learning
The education system itself places many obstacles to stop or to slow down change and many use those obstacles to maintain status quo
Yet when you have the time to collaborate around meaningful teaching/learning issues, change is encouraged.
and why do you think that is the case?
That's why I think there should be a shift to system evaluations rather than individual teacher evals.
Also, change should be seen as progress. Humans fear the unknown and get too comfortable - this culture is strong in some schools.
thanks Erica... help me here, who is failing what?
. Tchs are often also moms/dads with torn priorities.
I think there needs to be encouragement, time and focus for change--deep, strategic work.
T's say I'm covering the standards and most kids are "getting it" then I'm successful as a T, right? Standards are beginning not end
Time is a big factor if you want good change, it takes time.
I agree, but onus has to lie with the teacher. I know not popular, but it is what we expect of the kids
School system is sedentary for students and teachers. Each beholden to requirements.
I work a lot for change, but many colleagues have small children which means less time. I know as I was there once.
Ts have had to wrap their heads around so much at warped speed. Exhaustion is real. It may feel like an added burden to change.
if change is worth making... then why must it take so long?
Exactly! Communication from admin must be transparent so all understand the future vision
... perhaps the change isn't worth changing for?
Talking to my students about Twitter today. Any suggestions for how to use/who to follow/etc.?
I have found that change is best modeled. Organic. Small group. Then add Ts. The culture of a school changes slowly.
Amen! https://t.co/h5OI7msGEL
The education system itself places many obstacles to stop or to slow down change and many use those obstacles to maintain status quo
How might we glow digital agency in the gratuitous present?
keen insight... thanks Angie
agreed ... but our students are also someone's son/daughter and we have no prob assigning hrs of HW.
Years! Not one semester or even 2. School yearS! to implement something new.
Believe it lies w/team: Ss, families, educators, Leaders, citizens
TEACHING WILL NOT BE ENHANCED AND LEARNING IMPROVED until the field of education agrees about what constitutes good practice,
stable leadership well documented by schools 4 25 yrs. Need to digest ripple effects of change
terrific. Thanks... so, Kelley what changes have resulted from that approach?
teaching ... like selling your soul to the education devil ...
I met Nancy recently at weekend learning event--I'm so happy to see her in this pic. Dedication describes her.
YOu mean to implement or to just get people to try? Trying shouldn;t take too long.
Exactly! If the admin vision is not there, or understood, the masses won't change.
Yes, step-by-step. I've been growing a naturalist thread of teaching/learning for about five years.
I have learned this as I introduce new technology to the teachers at my school.
It's been good growth, meaningful change.
This being the reality, what are your recommendations for an aspiring principal?
Change might be started by 1 teacher, but acceptance of it relies on building a culture of change over time.
I think that's changing in lots of schools. I know we're more flexible with this now.
Slow and steady. The excitement is contagious. Newcomers think ongoing change is the norm. Self-sustaining.
The photography, Music, publication, typewriter, and television industries were all late in accepting tech-driven change.
Teaching will be enhanced when we teach from the heart and NOT from the book
WHO SAYS most educators are in favor of making substantive changes in educ system?
problem: we teachers have time to wait for change. The kids?
the shortfall in change management is that people R expected 2change w/out corresponding support
WHAT IF EVERY TEACHER GOT EVERYTHING THAT S/HE WANTED? Would teaching improve and learning increase?
if cure for illiteracy was placed on top of Mt Everest how long would it take peeps to learn to climb mountains
change focuses almost exclusively upon the new without hospice to the old. Of course ppl resist
No, but the bureaucracy is daunting for many educators who want to try.
So true, step-by-step. One grant can get things going--a T in my school got new furniture this way.
Why? My methods are not typical but work for where I am, this type of school. We teach to kids and families we have
cool... so what in your heart did you teach today?
Agree--One way to get support is to reach beyond school doors to local organizations.
Principal led good change by introducing service learning grade level by grade level--it took off.
Please, please, please NAME ONE SUBSTANTIVE CHANGE that educators are resisting that absolutely positively should happen?
so do all your students learn to high levels all the time?
I just applied for a grant..$13K...1:1 devices. Tables. Swivel-wheeled chairs. Hopeful!
IF AN EDUCATIONAL CHANGE CAN BE RESISTED BY TEACHERS then maybe, just maybe what’s supposed to be changed doesn’t need to change.
Change has to be subtle rather than drastic in education to be successful.
The administrative vacuum that does not filter down, nor seek feedback.
Research shows we have to change in some ways.
You are a brave soul! I am doing a google doc with links and a youtube channel.
Are we really changing ... had convo with retired T about STEAM proj ... "We were doing that back in the 90's ...
That depends on how well principal knows school's mission and how good they are at hiring. In some schools increase
of course you teach to kids and families you have... everyone should... is that enough? I don't think so.
I don’t see it. IMO “most” edus want outside pressures to change (testing, oversight, etc.), not the system per se.
I applied one to support a program for greater equity and shared experiences--we'll see.
Edus for centuries were programmed to believe that if they wait long enoughany serioius change efforts would go away. Tech is not.
Nope. We think we know what we need sometimes only to find it's not "the" answer.
Student voice is an essential change to make to gain engagement.
Hope you get your grant--we love our hoki stools and stand up desks.
Does anyone learn to high levels all the time--like a good music piece there's a learning scale.
One change: teachers should tie learning to real-life. Experiential learning.
Define high level. I go through the learning process with each one and they gain what is they need to gain.
We have our last Parent Advisory Committee meeting tonight for this year. Great conversations.
I think this is a yes and no--sometimes exciting, big change is great.
The culture of change can grow slowly, but leadership has to be there to support it.
I'll name two: Rows of desks and grades. https://t.co/ShAzoRmNo0
Please, please, please NAME ONE SUBSTANTIVE CHANGE that educators are resisting that absolutely positively should happen?
We're playing around a bit with "living systems" and intergenerational teaming/learning.
so... since when isn't learning quantifiable? If learning isn't quantifiable then is it really learning?
giving children an equal say in their education.
is embarking on use inspired basic research initiative 2 engage orgs
Yes!!! I ordered "tables" that crank up to stand up! Now that MUST INSPIRE change, don't you think? It will be stunning!
importance of voice & choice for Ss is true for teacher PD as well. PD can not be where good pedagogy goes to die,
yes! Empower students. Let them lead.
Consider a st w/ IEP and the goals. Do we define success by progress on goals or by their grades or both?
I did and back in the late 70's and 80's in my schools, dedicated and integrated shop and art classes
We can teach most skills, content, and concept w/meaningful endeavor/information.
There's a developmental curve when it comes to this.
how do you combat the attitude "that as soon as I master 'said' tech initiative that it will be outdated".
I hear this all the time. “If we just wait…” Always waiting for the new thing to go away. https://t.co/ssVBCIFZyY
Edus for centuries were programmed to believe that if they wait long enoughany serioius change efforts would go away. Tech is not.
Boy. Nailed it! Thank you. Agreed.
A great way to learn is to learn w/Ss. Today we all learned about composting together from local experts.
so the real question ... are we really "changing" or are we just repackaging?
Your talking about Stds. I love stds as a starting place. What if kid is no where near Stds. What else can learn?
since when has it been quantifiable? Proof is quantifiable. goals quantifiable. Learning doesn't always coincide.
I believe that Owen--time to bring it back!!!! Add new tech and other new materials too.
Do we really change or do we remix and rename? We had wood shop, got rid of it, now schools have makerspaces.
first sign of success is smile. After that happiness, passion. Then skills, content, knowledge.
first sign of success is smile. After that happiness, passion. Then skills, content, knowledge.
I did more real math in wood/metal shop and electrical class than I did in math class...
. We now live in a world where change occurs faster than ever before.We need to learn how to learn, adjust & be flexible.
So true, learning in many ways is chaotic, unpredictable. Yet we know many ingredients to good learning.
.. very simple...did you learn something? Show me... if can't, then no warning...
I have to find friends of friends to teach my own sons mechanics and construction! Ha!
Good learning is brain friendly, mostly positive, engaging, meaningful, problem centered. . . .
The new wood shop is called the FabLab ...
this is indicative of topdown mngmnt based upon coercion.Doesnt happen in bottom up ldrshp based in ownership
I think we're deepening and broadening since information is so readily available.
Exactly! How in the world can we rate a smile on kids face in diff situations? Up to T to build smiles
So true. Too many changes are dumped on to schs w/out support or training. https://t.co/LQ2YIdg2uR
the shortfall in change management is that people R expected 2change w/out corresponding support
Opt-out movement gains foothold in Tennessee as more parents and students refuse state assessment https://t.co/xwmpQgM6nb
if I don't show you, does that mean I haven't learned?
So true, Ss are beginning to understand that they can learn almost anything they want anywhere they want.
and without regard for what students and faculties actually need or want
It's also so much easier to find and embed experts into the learning program--very powerful.
The Fins did something great. Stopped trying to teach to excellence and began T'ing to dev. happiness
If you think you make a chid smile then methinks you're giving yourselves too much credit...
Agree that changing our spaces has made schools "homes away from home."
True, we have to get rid of the "quick fix" mentality.
Educators need to be more like hunter-gatherers; that's what our students are. Go after it.
we just had one installed ... i have my own ... its called my garage ...
I think of my program as garden that continually morphs & changes. Full of surprises,new learning inspired by Ss
I think of my program as garden that continually morphs & changes. Full of surprises,new learning inspired by Ss
Really? You have never helped a child smile by helping them through a tough time/ concept? I helped.
If Ss learn they have the ability to access all info for DIY learning, there will be little need for an Education Sys as we know it.
we are a school of the arts ... it is a cool vibe has cultivated.
Hunter Gatherers in a both real and virtual world--so many possible paths.
Not so simple - the almighty grade or the evaluation get in the way of taking the risk.
Really--when you know just what a child needs and make that happen, then the child smiles. . .
The world's changing. Let's teach the soft skills kids need to adapt rather than just adapting content and delivery ourselves.
Please join the master for in 30 minutes to discuss "National Speaking Week." ALL GRADES WELCOME!!!
Ss are very socially driven, I think there are going to be many ways to teach/learn, not one way.
Indeed. That is student centered. Build a relationship. Guide through relationship boundaries
Soft skills are very important w/regard to our growing pop density, environmental issues, need to work together.
We have students who learn constantly on their own. We need to say "show me" and learn from them.
... the chid chooses to smile...
extended learning opportunities being implemented by innovators good jumping off/in point
Change, no matter the type, has to be done with proper planning, execution and follow up. Change fails w/out those pieces.
Dan from FL here! Technology TOSA and new listener of the podcast. Love it!
Agree! Parents and Ss get anxious when it comes to grades in innovative lessons
When I smile, I just smile--I don't choose it most of the time.
Many Ts want to change, but may be missing some of the tools required to make the change.
Agree--those Ss lead the whole class.
saying show me and asking show me are two very different things.
. I must believe that 20th Cent methodology would be the least desirable to 21st Cent learners, yet it persists today.
look more deeply... think about it...
do you choose to smile when you hear a funny joke? Influence is real doesn't take away freewill
do you choose to smile when you hear a funny joke? Influence is real doesn't take away freewill
Well said! "Show me" = 2 powerful words a teacher can ask a student https://t.co/bszrRNyY7Y
We have students who learn constantly on their own. We need to say "show me" and learn from them.
I agree Rob. Good change generally takes good strategic planning and execution. Also takes voices from all .
So why have teachers at all then?
Honestly, I think there needs to be mix of old and new--Ss desire all kinds of learning.
And a fail-forward attitude https://t.co/1ZxccwhUQQ
Change, no matter the type, has to be done with proper planning, execution and follow up. Change fails w/out those pieces.
Art teachers do this well...Research: Teaching for Artistic Behavior
There's not enough autonomy, teaming, time, encouragement.
Semantics, we would agree with either one. Point is not to feel less for needing a student's help.
"Convincing" may mean you're training staff that are not the right fit for your building.
Teachers are coaches, guides. So much of my best learning has come from teachers.
Admins missing tools as well, end up advocating edutrend d'jour. And we wonder why faculty become jaded?
involve them in the process! For sure.
. I totally agree. We will always have & need lecture & Direct instruction but they should not be the total focus & goal
well, most often even with proper planning, execution and follow up most efforts at change fail...
Exactly! Influencers of the most important kind. They have a GREAT effect and can produce tears or smiles
. Comfort zones are the biggest obstacles to change.
Agree--needs to be choreographed well, a good blend.
Absolutely there are tools missing for admin. There is a need to combine the toolboxes of both admin and Ts.
I teach/plan by "reading" the Ss, what do they need, want, desire.
Definitely--they love the hands on learning.
absolutely. 30 yr vet teacher who's been successful - why must they innovate? We need an answer for this.
esp since modern authentic learning looks a lot like 19th century apprenticeships.Learning isnt era-dependent
We also need to maximize Ss-to-Ss learning--high school teaching elementary, college teach HS,
It then goes to your point of who you train. "Convincing" means pushing Ts not ready to change.
Yep, and kids in the same class teaching each other.
Came across this quote today and I really quite liked it. "Education is the path, not the point" - Will Richardson.
Distributed leadership, flattening the hierarchy--I'm a fan of new roles, structures for good schools.
A message for us in the beginning of the school year to where we are now...hope i to be found! https://t.co/Tt3CRRinBK
We need to let a teacher's voice be free to take risks to change; only then will we empower students to do the same w/ learning.
Today I learned w/HS Ss as expert came to teach us all to be nature guides, then HS Ss will lead 5th graders.
A varied path w/multiple decisions along the way.
Indeed! Working to develop. Learning center for SPED at MS w/ HS mentors helping sts w/basics
I have one Ss this year who helps me teach all the time, just jumps in and helps.
I'm ok with replacing admins toolbox with compassion & empathy, then see what their decisions look like.
young girl drew a beautiful science pic--I copied, Ss colored while listening to read aloud.
That is awesome. Love seeing that
Anyone ever use a guided journal like a "Wreck This Journal" in an ELA class? Any recommendations for unjournaling?
education should be like being able to find your own path and making your own decisions. Finding out for yourself
The idea being that admin don't hold those tools. Not the case for all admin.
S-to-S learning is awesome. So often Ss listen more to peers than to Ts
beautiful thing. Sts listen more to sts but thrive when T's give constructive feedback.
Thank you for an engaging tonight. Great ideas about accepting and leading change.
i love the term "distributed leadership." For Ss too. Give them ownership!
"Things ain't what they used to be" is dog-whistle for "I don't have as much power as I used to..."
i wish I could use more tech, my hands tied by restrictive policies and process. I've turned to nature/math.
San Diego County data breach affects 30000-plus students - Washington Times: NBC 7 San DiegoS... https://t.co/iZyKgYXjE0
think of us as learning team:Ss, families, educators, leaders, and citizens working together.
One change is that Ss are very smart--they know a lot!
We have lots of team meetings--talk about what's happening and what needs to happen. Really helps w/investment.
Getting some sts to mastery through# flipclass helps whole class. Then, master sts can use T videos to help struggling learners.
In the closing minutes of I would like to thank and for moderating and all who participated.
Thanks for participating in a lively about resisting change. Shout out to co-mods:
Teach our students this: Some people dream of great accomplishments, while others stay awake and do them~Anonymous.
disagree w/this research--there are many ways to learn, I love multitasking w/my laptop, notebook. . .more https://t.co/8t4RxbVXrO
Thanks for the my train stop is next
'Out-of-touch political correctness’: Senator takes aim at Obama's transgender student policy https://t.co/6fJKjFCsB9
Thanks Tom. This was a great --so many good questions, ideas.
All working to produce smiles from skills gained, connections made, failures made to success.
That's exactly how it has to work if we're going to be as successful as we can be
Jason, we have so many incredible tools for learning, creating, sharing today--it's amazing. Love this change.
agreed. Many many do ooze with care. Of course they're teachers by choice.
Thanks for the thinks! Love a good healthy edu discussion
Yes, I want to see ed move to progressions rather than grade-level.
Progressions diff than personalized since it includes lots of collab, varied paths.
Me too, fires me up for the school week.
it can be as simple as a question of too much work. Ideas evolve faster than we can keep up.
How Edgenuity CEO Sari Factor Defines Blended Learning and Good Implementations https://t.co/hKiDrsN7j7 via EdSurge
Thanks to all who participated in & to co-mods: — terrific team.
Please join the master for in 3 minutes to discuss "National Speaking Week." ALL GRADES WELCOME!!!
Join a huge Periscope event this Thursday starting at noon ET and running all day. Something new every 15 min at .
Yes Thanks to the team and all the wonderful participants. Great chat!
Education Equality Benefits All Students 301
Education Equality Benefits All Students 301
Education Equality Benefits All Students 301
First time dipping toes in . Thanks and for a great conversation.
First time dipping toes in . Thanks and for a great conversation.
Hosting RIGHT NOW! Talking summer reading/PD! JUMP IN!
thanks for that. I'm just a student from a high school with a passion for education and student voice :)
Excited to talk about speaking tonight on - 9pm ET/8pm CT - a topic I have a lot to learn about . . .
If you understand the enormous value of social collaboration in education, then lead by example. https://t.co/xRHTyKTXgO
looking forward to tonight with
Enabled by Schools, Students Are Under Constant Surveillance by Marketers https://t.co/Q6OywCzLYZ Talking about this?
Lesson Starter Game – Angles Asteroids 301
Based on these assessments what grade would you assign this student? 75, 75, 85, 0, 85
