Michigan ASCD is a great organization with a vision for bringing quality support to the region, matching the quality level of the national organization. ASCD national brings in the big names in just about every educational area there is to explore. That kind of expertise is difficult to match. What MI ASCD does, and I'm sure other states do but I only know the work of the MI chapter, is bring philosophical pedagogy into practice.
Differentiated Instruction is a great example. On February 1 and 2, some of the top educators in Michigan who do DI are coming together to show, model, and facilitate the work of teachers and administrators to improve practice for the support of student learning. A similar conference was done in August of 2009. Many of the resources are posted, for a limited time, on the MI ASCD website. Well worth exploring.
Also, check MI ASCD on Facebook.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
21st Century Skills in Action
I read an article that illustrated how 21st Century Skills with current technology skills are important to hone by our students.
Warcraft Helps Catch a Crook tells a tale of detective work that went beyond just calling Blizzard and getting account information. All the tools needed were in one paragraph of the article. I've linked the relevant tools.
Deductive reasoning, among other critical thinking skills, combined with using such tools make for valuable experiences that students can apply to their lives. This article shows a great job-embedded example of 21st Century Skills.
Resources
Route 21
A good resource and reference on 21st Century Skills. It's part of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills.
One valuable format for this type of instruction is Project-Based Learning. It addresses critical thinking, across curriculum areas, embedding 21st century skills, and student directed learning.
Warcraft Helps Catch a Crook tells a tale of detective work that went beyond just calling Blizzard and getting account information. All the tools needed were in one paragraph of the article. I've linked the relevant tools.
http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/plugged-in/warcraft-helps-catch-a-crook/1383804"Blizzard [WoW] played ball, giving up Hightower's account history, IP address [Lookup], screen name, billing address and preferred game server. One Google Earth search later, and Canadian authorities had apprehended Hightower in Ottowa, Ontario."
Deductive reasoning, among other critical thinking skills, combined with using such tools make for valuable experiences that students can apply to their lives. This article shows a great job-embedded example of 21st Century Skills.
Resources
Route 21
A good resource and reference on 21st Century Skills. It's part of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills.
One valuable format for this type of instruction is Project-Based Learning. It addresses critical thinking, across curriculum areas, embedding 21st century skills, and student directed learning.
- Leading Project-Based Learning
Online tutorial that educators are using to learn about and develop their own projects.
Check out their resource library.
- Buck Institute (BIE)
This non-profit organization is having a tremendous influence on how PBL is approached. Many successful educational organizations such as High Tech High and New Tech Network have their PBL roots through BIE. The organization works with educational institutions at state and local levels. Their influence is being felt in the business world and internationally.
Youtube Site | Tools
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Relationships Matter: Next Steps...
The previous 3 posts attempted to look at the powerful impact of getting to know our students. It's important, and perhaps, I've beaten that point into a deep hole. I could go further by referencing the impact of a study by William Sanders (Sanders 101 by Jeff Archer in Education Week, May 5, 1999 -View as PDF or Word) --http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/1999/05/05/34sander.h18.html --but I will not over indulge.
A better use of time would be to suggest tools for how we can learn more about the students who we are charged with their learning. One useful tool is a learning/perceptual survey. We make assumptions about the people who enter our classrooms. Students do the same. In many cases their assumptions were made long before they entered your classroom, based on their experiences, positive and negative, regarding school, subjects, and their capabilities. Having some sense of students' perceptions could go a long way in knowing how best to support them achieving.
Here is a list of potential questions you might ask at the beginning of school, when a new student enters the class, or--as this post occurs in the middle of a school year-- tomorrow. It's never too late to learn more about students.
Pick and choose the questions that best meet your needs. Rewrite and add your own. I'm thinking 4 to 5 questions might be the right balance so as not to overwhelm with tons of writing, and still get depth regarding who they are... plus or minus 2.
Would love to know your stories on your use of surveys, and questions you've used or developed that were helpful.
Sample Student Survey
Another type of feedback to have is how students learn best. There are many approaches to learning styles. Howard Gardner and Eric Jensen are widely known. I like to mix in Sternberg's Triarchic Theory on Multiple Intelligence and a few others, but that is for another post.
This movie clip shows the value of utilizing a varitey of learning experiences that incorporate learning styles for something as simple(?) as keeping a beat. Also consider the Zen conversation that Mr. Holland has with his Chess buddy. You need only watch for 6 minutes to get the point, although it's a great clip.
Mr. Hollands Opus -
Differentiating based on Understanding a student, and his needs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fTZcHACrqQ
Here are a list of resources that you may find far more useful than the list of sample questions I've provided. I've explored some more deeply than others, finding some great resources. This is to say as a disclaimer, please review a resource deeply and make your own decision about its value :)
Bon Appetit!
Survey resources
Learning Profile Surveys
A better use of time would be to suggest tools for how we can learn more about the students who we are charged with their learning. One useful tool is a learning/perceptual survey. We make assumptions about the people who enter our classrooms. Students do the same. In many cases their assumptions were made long before they entered your classroom, based on their experiences, positive and negative, regarding school, subjects, and their capabilities. Having some sense of students' perceptions could go a long way in knowing how best to support them achieving.
Here is a list of potential questions you might ask at the beginning of school, when a new student enters the class, or--as this post occurs in the middle of a school year-- tomorrow. It's never too late to learn more about students.
Pick and choose the questions that best meet your needs. Rewrite and add your own. I'm thinking 4 to 5 questions might be the right balance so as not to overwhelm with tons of writing, and still get depth regarding who they are... plus or minus 2.
Would love to know your stories on your use of surveys, and questions you've used or developed that were helpful.
Sample Student Survey
- 3 traits, others would describe me as:
- 3 traits I would describe myself as:
- 2 or 3 things I like to do outside of school are:
- 2 or 3 things I like to do in school are:
- My favorite subject is:_______________.
- What I like most to do in this subject is:
- What I don't like to do in this subject is:
- My least favorite subject is: ____________. My reason(s) is: (include example)
- This subject is easy/hard because:
- Draw a picture of what:
- class is like to you
- school means to you
- If you were teacher for a day, what subject would you enjoy teaching
- The best thing about school/home is
- The worse thing about school/home is
- 3 people I know and trust are (name & relationship):
- The staff person(s) at school who best understands me is: (list 1 or 2 people if possible)
- The character from a movie/tv show/book that I want to be like is:
- The character from a movie/tv show/book that best describes my life:
- What are 2-3 ways a teacher can be a good teacher to you?
- What are 2-3 things a teacher should avoid doing as your teacher?
Another type of feedback to have is how students learn best. There are many approaches to learning styles. Howard Gardner and Eric Jensen are widely known. I like to mix in Sternberg's Triarchic Theory on Multiple Intelligence and a few others, but that is for another post.
This movie clip shows the value of utilizing a varitey of learning experiences that incorporate learning styles for something as simple(?) as keeping a beat. Also consider the Zen conversation that Mr. Holland has with his Chess buddy. You need only watch for 6 minutes to get the point, although it's a great clip.
Mr. Hollands Opus -
Differentiating based on Understanding a student, and his needs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fTZcHACrqQ
Here are a list of resources that you may find far more useful than the list of sample questions I've provided. I've explored some more deeply than others, finding some great resources. This is to say as a disclaimer, please review a resource deeply and make your own decision about its value :)
Bon Appetit!
Survey resources
- Here's a pdf excerpt from Chapter 4 of Differentiated Instruction in the English Classroom. The principles and strategies in this excerpt are applicable to all content areas and grade levels. It provides different ways to get to know your students.
- I Want to Teach Forever: http://www.teachforever.com/2007/08/first-day-of-school-sample-student.html
- Sample 1 : http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfwg6ffr_4cjthtt
- Sample 2 : http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfwg6ffr_5fn5vx2
- A to Z Teacher Stuff: http://forums.atozteacherstuff.com/showthread.php?t=67431
- School Climate Survey: Could be adapted for classroom use. Intended for Elementary.
http://goal.learningpt.org/winss/scs/sampques.asp?survey=E
- Teachers at Risk on "9 Questions I ask my students on the first day of school"
http://www.teachersatrisk.com/2007/08/30/nine-questions-i-ask-my-students-on-the-first-day-of-school/
Learning Profile Surveys
- Find your strengths: May be used for secondary students
http://literacyworks.org/mi/assessment/findyourstrengths.html - What Is My Personal Learning Style? (Builds a visual graph based on each answer)
- 8 Multiple Intelligences Test
- Abiator's Online MI Assessment
- Assessment: Find Your Strength
- Helly Quizzy.com: MI Test
- Intelligence Survey
- Service Canada: Job Bank
- Birmingham Grid for Learning
- My Personality (free registration required)
- The Rogers Indicator of Multiple Intelligences
- Various Multiple Intelligence Tests (by Businessballs)
- "Does Your Child. . . " (For Parents)
- What's Your Learning Style? (By Edutopia)
- Discovering your SMARTS: A MI Checklist
- Multiple Intelligences Inventory (html version) (Click here for PDF version) from Surfaquarium
- Multiple Intelligences Test (by SPAN)
- Testing yourself: How Are You Smart? by Accellerated Learning Network
- Thomas Armstrong's Multiple Intelligences Checklist @ SUNY Courtland
- Word/Excel/PDF Format
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Relationships Matter pt. 3: Acting with Conscious
Seeing when students respond to learning, have epiphanies, dive into deeper understanding is an adrenaline rush. If you've ever won a big game or tournament, gotten that first publication, accepted to prestegious organization, or hired some place special, then you know the emotions.
"Yes, yes, yes!!!" Metaphoric pumping of the fists.
There is no better experience than that moment when teaching skills reap fruit...
These experiences most often happen when teacher and student understand each other, which is to say, when we invest in understanding our students to a depth beyond academic skill level. The message: I understand where you come from, and the challenges you face that weigh more heavily on you than anything I assign. Now let me guide you to see the strengths inside you"
There is no better experience than that moment when teaching skills reap fruit--
Except for that same moment when the student makes important learning connections.
Yawp!
Dangerous Minds - Choice
"Yes, yes, yes!!!" Metaphoric pumping of the fists.
There is no better experience than that moment when teaching skills reap fruit...
These experiences most often happen when teacher and student understand each other, which is to say, when we invest in understanding our students to a depth beyond academic skill level. The message: I understand where you come from, and the challenges you face that weigh more heavily on you than anything I assign. Now let me guide you to see the strengths inside you"
There is no better experience than that moment when teaching skills reap fruit--
Except for that same moment when the student makes important learning connections.
Yawp!
Dangerous Minds - Choice
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Relationships matter pt 2: "Listening to Voices"
Each year we are responsible for the learning success of a group of students. Whether they are on your attendance roster, or someone whose facial features is a silent cry for help, our calling as educators draws us to help. Yet this instinctive desire is often buried by the numerous tasks and pressures that compete in loud voices demanding attention.
Sometimes, as we scan students, noting with our instincts needs for support, we need to pause, mute everything else that shout demands, and
listen to the student.
In this video, what does the student struggle to communicate...in scene one,...two,...the rest of the video...
Think back on a student or students you're recently noticed concerns---a need to listen. Check in with that student, pause, mute external demands, listen...
What do you hear?
Sometimes, as we scan students, noting with our instincts needs for support, we need to pause, mute everything else that shout demands, and
listen to the student.
In this video, what does the student struggle to communicate...in scene one,...two,...the rest of the video...
What do you hear?
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Relationships Matter pt. 1 - Layers of a student
One year nears an exit and a new year--on the horizon--waits it's turn. It's a time for midyear reflection during a 2 week bubble that gives educators opportunity to recharge and retool. What will follow in the next couple of blog entries including images and/or videos to capture our thinking on what's best for all learners.
Thank you for your consideration...
New Boy is the winner of Best Narrative Short at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival. It's about a boy's first day in a new school, and for the boy, a vastly different place. Consider the students new to your class after school starts, when culture is established. Consider how the boy's life story is a treasure chest that could enrich the lives of the boy, the other students, and the teacher--if you were her.
New Boy
Pause reading. How did the boy or other characters make you feel?
Tell yourself about an epiphany or affirmation you got about the importance of knowing students...
Every student has a back story. It can be the key needed to help them succeed where once they believed only laid failure, achieve where they didn't know there was more to uncover, and learn new talents and interests where they didn't know they had.
Learning about backstory is work that's worthwhile to student learning and liberates educators in uncovering more options for instructional support.
Thank you for your consideration...
New Boy is the winner of Best Narrative Short at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival. It's about a boy's first day in a new school, and for the boy, a vastly different place. Consider the students new to your class after school starts, when culture is established. Consider how the boy's life story is a treasure chest that could enrich the lives of the boy, the other students, and the teacher--if you were her.
New Boy
Pause reading. How did the boy or other characters make you feel?
Tell yourself about an epiphany or affirmation you got about the importance of knowing students...
Every student has a back story. It can be the key needed to help them succeed where once they believed only laid failure, achieve where they didn't know there was more to uncover, and learn new talents and interests where they didn't know they had.
Learning about backstory is work that's worthwhile to student learning and liberates educators in uncovering more options for instructional support.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
What matters is Achievement
Act 1: Scene 1
Mr. Stevens carried a stack of papers to the front of the classroom. “These are your final exam results,” he said while walking up the first row of desks, and handing a stapled packet to each sophomore. “You’ll recall that this test covered all the work we did this semester. The grade reflects your level of knowledge and skills acquired.” He walked down the next row, passing out more papers.
Paper crackled and slapped the desk as students looked through the pages. A few students raised a hand. The teacher headed up the next row of seats. “There are two grades. The first is the exam grade. The second, which is circled, is your grade for the course.” Hands dropped, except for one.
“If you have any questions, see me after class.”
“Mr. Stevens, how can I have an A on my exam and a D for the course?” Tony asked, while keeping his hand in the air. The sounds of rustling paper ceased.
The teacher continued his measured steps, turning down the final row. “As I’ve already stated, I’ll answer questions at the end of class.”
“Sir, I got an A on the exam. You just said that it covered the entire semester work. An A means I know a lot about this course. So how come you gave me a D?” Tony was short of breath.
Mr. Stevens exhaled. All eyes watched and waited for his response. “Alright, since you insist. You’ve turned in few homework assignments and you’ve participated little in class discussions. Calculating those grades, the A’s and B’s on tests, and the Final exam results in a D.”
“Sir-“
"That’s the real world Tony. Apply yourself better next time."
Act 1: Scene 2
Ms. Stevens carried envelopes to the front of the conference room. “These are the 6 month commissions,” she said while walking around one side of the table of sales reps and corporate executives, and handing an envelope to each person. “Based on your quota for sales and contracts negotiated, your commission represent how much you made for the company. Checks will arrive this coming Friday.”
Paper ripping filled the room as the people pulled out statements. Some chuckled or whispered. Several hands rose. Ms. Stevens rounded the table, passing out more envelopes. “There are two numbers listed. The first is the total amount you've earned for the company. The second number is a multiplier for your commission.”
People murmured.
Stacy, her had still raised holding her letter. “Ms. Stevens, I’ve attended every meeting and turned in all memos on time. I made sales quota exactly. Why do I have the minimum multiplier? Tony over there misses meetings and he’s chronically late on memos. Yet he’s got a huge multiplier.”
Ms. Stevens sighed. “Tony exceeds every sales and contract goal set. He keeps that up, he can miss some meetings and turn in memos when he’s not making a sale or closing a lucrative contract for the company."
"But-"
"That’s the real world. Apply yourself better next time."
***
Resources to explore
15 Fixes for Broken Grades by Ken O'Connor
Webinar - Book links 1st - 2nd - 3rd
Here's a link if the video does not show on this page.
Here's a link if the video does not show on this page.
Your thoughts...?
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