#plearnchat Archive
Topics focus on personalized learning, learner agency, changing culture, voice and choice, and strategies to transform teaching and learning. Join us in the conversations because your voice matters!
Monday July 11, 2016
Mark Levine. Middle School literacy-based history teacher, writer, presenter. Always happy to be here!
Welcome everyone to tonight! This is Kathleen McClaskey tweeting from FL. Looking forward to great convos about PBL and PL.
HI All, I am a library technology educator from Colorado
Welcome Everyone to ! We're in Tampa, FL tonight after doing Making PBL Personal workshop w awesome teachers!! Hope you join us!
Hello this is Mike from Brown Deer, WI just outside of Milwaukee
Jodi, Innovation & Tech Coach in Atlanta
Welcome Mark - so glad you are here -looking forward to your tweets on PBL and PL https://t.co/uJLKJiGeO5
Mark Levine. Middle School literacy-based history teacher, writer, presenter. Always happy to be here!
Hi so glad you are here - really loved seeing you at and the you are here in https://t.co/1waWJF6Foq
HI All, I am a library technology educator from Colorado
Yeah! So glad you are here Mike we need your voice on PBL and PL in https://t.co/QGC6NFCKIl
Hello this is Mike from Brown Deer, WI just outside of Milwaukee
Wow! so glad that you are herein and was so excited to see you at https://t.co/dLspdii3Md
Jodi, Innovation & Tech Coach in Atlanta
Hi Glad you could join us in !
I would not have missed it!
Hello, Jeanne from Wausau, WI!
Gabrielle finally in VT again. Glad to be at tonight
Thanks for the invite, but I'm not home & am really bad at chatting w/o tweetdeck! 😀 I will look for an archive later.
An entry event that engages your class and meets them where they are
A1 Students need to be excited and see purpose in PBL. They need to be hungry to learn!
Hi Gabrielle so glad you are here to join in the convos around and https://t.co/JvJ52tcKvr
Gabrielle finally in VT again. Glad to be at tonight
A1 - Choice should be at the beginning and throughout
A1 Students want to know where the PBL journey will take them and how cool the journey will be.
Michala from Virginia Beach hopping in while sitting with my toes in the sand and the ocean breeze across my shoulders!
A1: Kids love coming up with their own Q's! Give choice right off.
A1: build engagement right from the start of PBL, tap into an interest that is personal to the student. https://t.co/vDjmBdEOBE
Mark Loundy
Instructional technology specialist
K-5 makerspace chief
Silicon Valley
A1:A teacher's enthusiasm is key
A1 make the problem something that resonates with learners by working w/passions,interests,talents.
Ss will be excited and ready to hop in as they see the relevance and opportunities to learn that are prevalent in PBL.
A1 We need to build curiosity prior to PBL. We should make students BEG to learn so they can have their questions answered!
Welcome Michala so glad you hopped in while you are digging your toes in the sand - https://t.co/54XWZraJfk
Michala from Virginia Beach hopping in while sitting with my toes in the sand and the ocean breeze across my shoulders!
Welcome Mark to ! https://t.co/US9RQA7OHZ
Mark Loundy
Instructional technology specialist
K-5 makerspace chief
Silicon Valley
Hi ! Looking forward to another great conversation! :)
A1- Hands-on, small group opportunities from the start. Build collaborative culture, strengthen social skills. Growth mindset.
If we aren't excited about PBL or any learning opp, we can't complain when the Ss aren't interested! https://t.co/4gk114p939
A1:A teacher's enthusiasm is key
A1 get Ss asking questions to build inquiry. Begin the process of answering the question...
Welcome Greg so glad you joined in the convos on & PL in https://t.co/tPVD4WZH8z
Hi there! Greg- K, Maryland. Hope all are well.
Yes! Students should know the routine of great PBL! https://t.co/QsppbUsKnF
A1- Hands-on, small group opportunities from the start. Build collaborative culture, strengthen social skills. Growth mindset.
Yes! Enthusiasm is vital. If the T is enthused, the Ss will be as well.
Sounds amazing. So jealous.
A1: Start with a driving question! Get learners into the driving seat from the start.
A1 A clear call to action that allows Ss to determine their intellectual approach. Ownership is key to engagement.
hi Renee White from NC. I am doing more twatching & ❤️ing tonight as I want to learn more about for littles.
Yeah Tsisana - you are here at I have to send you a picture of us at https://t.co/S9Z0oKUHit
Hi ! Looking forward to another great conversation! :)
Yes! Students need to own their direction! https://t.co/FDupNH2EEf
A1 A clear call to action that allows Ss to determine their intellectual approach. Ownership is key to engagement.
Lynn Spady in Nebraska tweeting while at a swim meet...95 degrees and 90% humidity! Ugh!
A1: An amazing hook (question) followed by a "short activity" that demonstrates the power of
Getting here late. Looking forward to the conversation.
Welcome back Lynn!. SO glad you are here in
A1: Get to know Ss. Understand what they are passionate about and build from that.
We’re putting learners in the driver’s seat in Q2 coming right up!
Hello Lisa from OH. Sorry for the late start.
A good question can create that initial spark https://t.co/o44GkFzzT9
A1 get Ss asking questions to build inquiry. Begin the process of answering the question...
Build the relationship which will grow trust and open opportunities for deeper learning. https://t.co/6YTOLu21p9
A1: Get to know Ss. Understand what they are passionate about and build from that.
Hi Mark! so glad you jumped into the convos on and PL in https://t.co/ui6p8EmTt9
A1 A clear call to action that allows Ss to determine their intellectual approach. Ownership is key to engagement.
Exactly. The way in and then find little ways to push and broaden their interests.
HI Lisa - you are never too late - jump in - your voice matters on and PL https://t.co/gVee2PkGRa
Hello Lisa from OH. Sorry for the late start.
Hello from Minnesota! New to chat, so I am taking everything in.
A2 We should help students to know how to create the "what if and how does" questions. Also, encourage hunger to know more!
Good afternoon from Delta BC...just checking in for my first
Welcome Anna to . Jump into the convos on PL and PBL
Hi from IL- excited to learn and listen to everyone!
A2: gr8 driving questions don't have 1 answer or follow 1 direction. Students create their own journey https://t.co/MUg9nZfrGi
Welcome Anna so glad you joined us - we are on Q2 so jump into the convos on and PL https://t.co/zKPL6jMFi8
Hello from Minnesota! New to chat, so I am taking everything in.
A2 by giving Ss overall challenging problem/question, as Ss become proficient in , they can write own driving ?s for ea pbl
A2: Need to have strong brainstorming sessions with students so that they can explore their passions.
anyone ever done centered around a fiction narrative unit in literacy & how did you required standards?
Welcome Laura so honored to have you join for your first Twitter chat - jump into the convos https://t.co/YnP4IjGqZ8
Good afternoon from Delta BC...just checking in for my first
A2. Having buy-in, curiosity or interest in the topic.
You can't beat a great hook. Particularly one with real world and/or place-based connections
A2: Good questioning should be modeled & practiced. Can't expect Ss to go beyond the literal unless we initially show the way.
Welcome ! I always find at least 10 new people to follow and 10 links to check out after
Help show how the hook relates to them and their interests
A2: Practice & model question strategies. Connecting w/ other classes improves Ss questioning skills.
yes brainstorming is key before diving in students don't know that they can do what they love in school
A2 Very often, students come to us afraid to ask questions. We need to help them to take risks and discover the power of Qs
Thanks. It's good to make it finally.
Hi Erin so glad you jumped into the convos here at on and PL https://t.co/47c5eITQFw
A2. Having buy-in, curiosity or interest in the topic.
A2. An idea that is so compelling that the learner forgets about time and place.
Encourage and welcome student voice!
A2: Passion-based, inquiry-based Qs are always a great choice!
A2: (1) Start w / topic, (2) Ask Ss to generate Q. (3) Have place to post Q. (4) Discuss how projects could help them find A.
yes students want 2 play it safe & take paths they don't care about they think that's they way it's supposed to be
Multitasking at present. Following the conversation.
. Great PBL resources! Thanks for hosting.
Exactly. We need to give them power to try! https://t.co/zxKQk32O4G
yes students want 2 play it safe & take paths they don't care about they think that's they way it's supposed to be
A2: The more practice we give Ss to question the better they become. Start to see how to use questioning skills.
Absolutely. But passions don't always match-up with projects. Ss need freedom to make pivot https://t.co/jSNZmVAAF9
A2: Need to have strong brainstorming sessions with students so that they can explore their passions.
my Ss actually did great coming up w driving Qs but I would ❤️to see/hear examples of in elem w fictional lit.
A2A challenge for sure. Adult ?s don't always match up with learners' ?s. Looking for tips.
A2: When Ss develop questions around a challenge or problem, they become invested in topic, own & drive it - inquiry at its best
We’re talking about R & R: Resources and Roles in Q3 up next!
Definitely must do brainstorming within a framework
A2: I agree and maybe journaling or writing questions would be a good 1st step for some Ss
A2:So important to give Ss chance to ask their Qs. OK if they don't come up with "right" Qs right away. That's how they'll learn
Yes! https://t.co/5QmCEESze5
A2: When Ss develop questions around a challenge or problem, they become invested in topic, own & drive it - inquiry at its best
Yes. We play mystery skype. Also partnered classes to play mystery number. Both helped a lot.
Yes! Practice to become comfortable and confident! https://t.co/RSbm5PndFh
A2: I agree and maybe journaling or writing questions would be a good 1st step for some Ss
A2 -Making PBL Personal means that questions may not match up, watch the learning happen when you let go https://t.co/nd9nCJArmv
A2A challenge for sure. Adult ?s don't always match up with learners' ?s. Looking for tips.
is now trending in USA, ranking 48
A3 We need to help them to see bias and credibility first. Then, we need to introduce them to the BEST sites and text.
A3 Depending on the scope of the projects, you might be able to collect some resources.
A2: By providing with Qs we create dependency. See it even in college - Ss asking to "just give them a question" :(
So true and then may revisit or fine tune it as their research/ learning progresses.
A3: The teacher's role is to help student identify what a reliable source is.
A3: Resource for Ts & Ls: Over 25 Links Uncovering Project Based Learning Resources On The Web https://t.co/bz1pak2NoH
A3: Resource for Ts & Ls: Over 25 Links Uncovering Project Based Learning Resources On The Web https://t.co/sD6DIUbAON
A3 To find resources, teach them how to use school bought databases.
A2: Great questions require practice but also real curiosity on Ss parts. Ss must connect for genuine Qs and learning
A3: Teacher should push students to use a variety of sources websites, videos, HUMANS. Humans are great resources
A3 Try challenging them to use unfamiliar tools — to move toward discomfort. Always use a light touch.
A3 facilitate. Slow release. Younger/less PBL experience Ss might need more guidance at 1st. Share resources. Have convos.
A3: Can be either T-selected/curated or researched & selected by Ss. T's role is to ask Qs, guide, challenge yet support.
A3 For my Middle School students, I have a resource share board. Students share their favorite BEST resources with peers!
A3: I don't limit Ss when it comes 2 resources, as long as Ss choose them during the planning process + directly relates to
Agree that Ts need to guide, challenge and support L’s on resources https://t.co/eXHW1zpMld
A3: Can be either T-selected/curated or researched & selected by Ss. T's role is to ask Qs, guide, challenge yet support.
A3 I believe we need to allow learners to curate information to answer own questions & solve problems, rather than spoon feed
A3: Part of the goal of the journey is teaching students to find and evaluate resources.
Agreed re practice! Even with curiosity, asking good Qs is a skill. Simply supplying Qs will be a disservice.
A3: Have groups develop list of resources for entry event, managing PBL, product or prototype, & assessment.
Real word experience that generalizes to ALL classes and later success! https://t.co/rbaoM07xar
A3: Part of the goal of the journey is teaching students to find and evaluate resources.
Agreed! "curate information to answer own questions & solve problems,"- such important skills!
yes- these are wonderful teachable moments to help learners develop information & digital literacy skills
Yes - learning how to curate information to do their own research is a skill Ss need to learn - https://t.co/u6mCRQlIej
A3 I believe we need to allow learners to curate information to answer own questions & solve problems, rather than spoon feed
A3: Ts help guide students in understanding which resources best support acquisition and application
Doing a presentation on PBLs in August. So glad I stumbled upon this chat tonight!
I think we should take a step back and realize how important all of these skills are for our students lives beyond school! Cool!
A3: Understanding that assets for their project could be even people opens doors to new partnerships, possibly internships
A3: Ts guide students in understanding which resources best support acquisition and application
Thanks to everyone for sharing all the great resources for
Let’s discuss 2 important aspects of PBL in Q4: Strategies & Responsibility in 1 minute!
wouldn't it be great if they made a professional connection in an area of their interest!
Q4 What are some strategies to manage PBL & encourage learners to be responsible for group work? https://t.co/ANuXk5dvA2
Yeah! Glad you stumpled by to help you with your presentation on and PL https://t.co/5913y5V19I
Doing a presentation on PBLs in August. So glad I stumbled upon this chat tonight!
Yeah! Glad you stumpled by to help you with your presentation on and PL https://t.co/5913y5V19I
Doing a presentation on PBLs in August. So glad I stumbled upon this chat tonight!
A# 3 The hardest part of changing the student teacher interaction is to not look for the first and best answer.
A4 Practice in organization skills prior to PBL really help. With the right enthusiasm, all students are IN!
A4 student contracts with one another, checklists, calendars
A4: check in check out, journals, Voxer, video check in, blogs, exit tix
Agreed. We need to stumble through.
A4: Clear objectives, steps, roles, etc. Requires careful planning on a T part!
The stumbling along with our students is what make for authentic partnerships and success! Yes! https://t.co/0lyqpWA0Qf
Agreed. We need to stumble through.
A4: Assign roles to Ss, so that everyone feels engaged and included.
I agree, many steps and roles.
Heck! Must bow-out early. I'll try to make the next one.
Steps and roles need to be clear and be able to be revisited by students. Clarity! https://t.co/YxM74HvCaD
A4: Assign roles to Ss, so that everyone feels engaged and included.
I'd also add clear expectations, deadlines, and checklists...
agree check-ins everyday and plan for the next.
A4 Expectations & opportunity for feedback via rubrics/checklists. Here are some collaboration tools: https://t.co/451AyxaSZJ
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A4: Question from Ts today was how to you get all Ss in a group to do work together & individually - how do you grade them?
Great point on Ss input - it's their project so should be involved in planning/discussion/expectations...
A4: Students set an agenda to guide their work
A4: Keep groups small to start. I let them tell me what their roles are. If it's not working, they know I'll change it.
A4: Reflection is always useful - reflect before, during, and after!
Thanks for stopping by - appreciate your participation and input on & PL https://t.co/mWUJ8UGCmj
Heck! Must bow-out early. I'll try to make the next one.
Group grade and individual grade? I'd rather make it about the learning and not the grade. https://t.co/LYHfzBs2Sd
A4: Question from Ts today was how to you get all Ss in a group to do work together & individually - how do you grade them?
product is a group grade the learning goals must be measured individually. Group grade is small compared to individual
The grading thing!! Ugh. That is a task I'm currently exploring. https://t.co/ftU8RtxKOI
A4: Question from Ts today was how to you get all Ss in a group to do work together & individually - how do you grade them?
Thanks Lynell I like this - would love to see examples https://t.co/CNG98eMhRO
A4: Students set an agenda to guide their work
Teaching students to reflect is probably the most important thing I do as a teacher. The payoff! https://t.co/9BEuYwz9PU
A4: Reflection is always useful - reflect before, during, and after!
I like that. I like for them to set the roles too.
Assign roles with specific tasks; Ss self-reflect on their performance / grades based on individual roles.
I love this idea of the learners creating the goals for effectively completing the project!
We don't give group grades but assess ind. on their groupwork if that makes sense
Thank you Mike! I'll share this tomorrow with the teachers in our workshop https://t.co/ELfzpqjBng
product is a group grade the learning goals must be measured individually. Group grade is small compared to individual
I have done a group grade and an individual grade.
teamwork is not an individual grade. It is a group grade.
One thing I have learned BIG lately, students need to learn to work for the enjoyment of it all! https://t.co/qOxMaBSPro
The grading thing!! Ugh. That is a task I'm currently exploring. https://t.co/ftU8RtxKOI
A4: Question from Ts today was how to you get all Ss in a group to do work together & individually - how do you grade them?
A4: Have learners assess each other by providing feedback to each other
we are getting away from grades altogether
We’ll share thoughts about Assessing & Reflection in Q5!
Absolutely. That is my thinking as well. I also ask each for evidence of what they did and learned. https://t.co/hZG3qvioKh
We don't give group grades but assess ind. on their groupwork if that makes sense
me too, but we still have obligations & accountability. Agree that feedback is more important than grade
Great idea I'll share this also with teachers tomorrow at workshop and share -Thanks! https://t.co/vFuq9gkpSe
Assign roles with specific tasks; Ss self-reflect on their performance / grades based on individual roles.
Feedback as a group and individual grade
I have seen reflection work amazing for hs Ss where they actually realize what they learned during that phase
Assigning clear roles helps! Also, finite outcomes. Instead of talk about X, share 2 points about X. Works well!
I hope we can create a model that might work for other public schools
End result grades that students prove their learning works for that. I don't grade every step! https://t.co/mHuZINSv0d
me too, but we still have obligations & accountability. Agree that feedback is more important than grade
No problem! Hopefully it will help teachers as they plan lessons.
Let me journey with you!
https://t.co/G0XeABmvFJ
I hope we can create a model that might work for other public schools
Toni - what do you do about one Ss who didn't contribute to group? Another Q from teachers https://t.co/RjuNGbiGZB
I have done a group grade and an individual grade.
Great to have Ss provide feedback to one another. Builds ownership & strengthens the learning & collaborative culture.
they could grade each other
We use a S generated group work rubric that explains individual & group responsibilities. Self and peer Evals thru out
That's so great! I know loads of teachers would love that model -- NO GRADES - yeah https://t.co/XDL4C0iGVw
I hope we can create a model that might work for other public schools
A5 If students write a reflection and prove their work and learning, they now know what they learned and how.
The ultimate goal is to create lifelong, motivated learners!! Too bad there's no grade for that! https://t.co/FkDxRNVvoR
One thing I have learned BIG lately, students need to learn to work for the enjoyment of it all! https://t.co/qOxMaBSPro
The grading thing!! Ugh. That is a task I'm currently exploring. https://t.co/ftU8RtxKOI
A4: Question from Ts today was how to you get all Ss in a group to do work together & individually - how do you grade them?
A5- Reflection examines strengths, weaknesses. How can I improve? Grow? Adjust?
Self reflect is important. They can also reflect on how they worked as a group.
A4: I usually allow choice on group/ind. work - respecting and
A5: peer review and revision is so key to making a quality product. A clear rubric for quality helps. build in time for this!
With check points hopefully Ss all contribute. But their individual grade will be low.
Matthew...to my admin,yes. To my students, it IS a shock, but a welcome one! https://t.co/YeZyoWx51l
Not every step, but a single, end-stage grade can come as a shock, no?
A5 Having authentic audience to provide feedback to PBL projects is powerful. Ss can weigh this against own goals in reflection
Love peer & self evaluation for group work. But you can't beat group and one on one conferencing.
Yes Mark, Reflection and demonstrating the learning is critical in self-assessing. https://t.co/wdq1rCuSx1
A5 If students write a reflection and prove their work and learning, they now know what they learned and how.
Q5: I've had the most success with when Ss develop rubrics based on their tasks with self-reflection (1/2)
Yes! Again, building ownership of the learning taking place in the classroom.
Q5 (2/2) Since we do still focus on standards, Ss also respond to prompts that measure those standards.
I agree that grades need to be individual. You can't give a student a grade based on another's work
I would sit with the S and find out why they aren't participating instead of letting it go.
A4: Learners need to talk about their learning, make connections to prior learning and apply their learning
Definitely! Great insight and sharing here.
I have found that students taking responsibility in my class has been HUGE for them in later years. https://t.co/1Q7v0xpx8i
Yes! Again, building ownership of the learning taking place in the classroom.
A5: A Recovering Perfectionist's Journey To Give Up Grades -Starr Sackstein | TEDxYouth@BHS https://t.co/KQeJR9ZuS0
A5: A Recovering Perfectionist's Journey To Give Up Grades -Starr Sackstein | TEDxYouth@BHS https://t.co/TLnkEUUG3K
let them express understanding in mode that limits barriers separate it from group project product
! That was one of the first lessons I learned when I started implementing lessons.
I agree because as they present and hear comments it spurs them to think what they would do differently.
Every student is looked at individually and a growth plan is decided between me and the student. https://t.co/la3bfcYM11
Do you grade each student on his/her own yardstick? Or does your admin expect a bell curve or grades?
Makes the learning authentic, relevant, real. Adds value to the process; builds appreciation for the growth.
Yes. It teaches my students to be Learners and Students for life! https://t.co/gQjraBRdNq
Makes the learning authentic, relevant, real. Adds value to the process; builds appreciation for the growth.
I could not agree more. Let every child shine in how they express what they in PBL https://t.co/gZrAYHHykT
let them express understanding in mode that limits barriers separate it from group project product
Assessment & reflection should be embedded in the process. Where are we at? Where do we want to go? What new Qs do we have?
In Q6 We’ll be bringing real-world challenges into PBL.
A5: I know when I reflect on my learning, I grow as a writer and learner. Notice learning, journal, blog, share, tweet, retweet
Imp diff between PBL that simulates real-world & doing work that is real to the learner. Has to be authentic to their lives.
❤️ focusing on new questions that we have as a result of learning! https://t.co/kMwOK6XWKw
Assessment & reflection should be embedded in the process. Where are we at? Where do we want to go? What new Qs do we have?
A6 give students choice in the PBL so it reflects their world
A6 Students can relate the PBL to their lives in an authentic way and NOT stretch the connection. Backyard learning.
I love these questions Laura use these to reflect on learning!! https://t.co/tGz47rFKet
Assessment & reflection should be embedded in the process. Where are we at? Where do we want to go? What new Qs do we have?
A6: might be controversial but if it connects to student's interests outside of school, isn't that "real-world"
Seems like I'm having issues loading the stream...is it just me? Missing some great convos :(
A6 THIS...makes learning real for our students. Our students are looking at Real World questions NOW!
Yes Mark - this is why I want you to write a post on this. You just get it!! https://t.co/RQlN3u0Xon
A6 Students can relate the PBL to their lives in an authentic way and NOT stretch the connection. Backyard learning.
A6: Planning + buy-in from fellow Ts, admin, + Ps. One of the most successful lessons we did was find ways 2 save monarchs.
Love that term ‘Backyard learning’! https://t.co/ybW4lyBy7u
A6 Students can relate the PBL to their lives in an authentic way and NOT stretch the connection. Backyard learning.
A6: Take a look - Project Based and Authentic Learning… Plus Ten Valuable PBL Resource Links https://t.co/DD89acJRWw
A6: Take a look - Project Based and Authentic Learning… Plus Ten Valuable PBL Resource Links https://t.co/JsTvVSWaRw
I have finished my articles for a site for this week. I will be working on it tomorrow I didn't forget! https://t.co/e6YSAbeYy3
Yes Mark - this is why I want you to write a post on this. You just get it!! https://t.co/RQlN3u0Xon
A6 Students can relate the PBL to their lives in an authentic way and NOT stretch the connection. Backyard learning.
We've all seen the inquiry prompts: Imagine you are... Authentic work must be real to learner, w learner voice & choice in PBL
A5: Reflection IS learning!
...and it creates learners that grow naturally and continually... https://t.co/4Q3VsgLRZB
A5: Reflection IS learning!
thanks for letting me listen in & gather some resources. Have a great night!
Wow! I would sure like to start a school with ONLY teachers on this chat and like minded professionals.
Thanks for joining us tonight Renee in https://t.co/Op0TBbrEAw
thanks for letting me listen in & gather some resources. Have a great night!
Great conversation this evening!!
Let me know when you plan to do that Mark! https://t.co/wxarfGXRP2
Wow! I would sure like to start a school with ONLY teachers on this chat and like minded professionals.
Thanks for the great ideas and resources!
A6: Start with authentic, real-world questions, smth relevant, happening now, important to be solved TODAY, not distant future
Thanks Renee for joining us tonight - Enjoyed your participation and input on and PL https://t.co/4t4XIcOuBq
thanks for letting me listen in & gather some resources. Have a great night!
Another hour of mind-blowing, thoughtful, and fast-paced learning. Thank you all for helping me to grow!
