The video content for class this week was both inspiring and convicting to watch as a teacher. The videos all related to the flat world that Darling-Hammond refers to, and 21st Century learning skills.
Problems in the Modern Classroom The reality is that most classrooms today are traditional "factory" type environments where students are grouped by age rather than interests or strengths. Watching these videos made me think of times in my classroom (which I hate) where I have had to ask students to focus on the screen or listen to me because I am trying to engage them in lessons from a curriculum that is just not holding their attention. Steps Forward I am thankful for the advances in curriculum in our district over the last few years, as I find that less of the lessons have me fighting for student's attention and are based more around student discovery in learning- but it's still not perfect and I have definitely found myself using those phrases already in the first month of school this year. I appreciate where we are heading, but I am ready to see much more in the way of addressing student needs in the way of 21st century skills. My Ideal Classroom The times in my classroom that are the most fun, almost in a magical way, are when students are engaged in group work, or are discussing a topic that they have connected tot heir own lives. I love to see student's passionate about the learning or the work they are doing. I adore when they "argue" their point in a whole class discussion. The first couple of weeks in my classroom this year were amazing. I believe it's because I had just been trained in AVID, attended a Jo Boaler workshop and wasn't teaching from the curriculum yet, but had the time and freedom to explore new ideas and ways of having students collaborate and communicate. I also had the time to teach my students about growth mindset, and really encourage them as learners before the work really came along. Balance It becomes tricky to balance these valuable activities with the curriculum we are required to teach. My principal has told us that AVID is not the curriculum, rather it is the plate the curriculum is being served on. I am still learning to properly implement the usage of AVID strategies- but I do find them to address a lot of the issues surrounding 21st century learners in the classroom. They are engaging, largely collaborative, and prepare students for all kinds of different life experiences. My goal is to incorporate more of these kinds of activities that I enjoy so much, where the students are actively engaged and the learning is valuable, in my classroom on a daily basis. I think if every teacher takes steps, no matter how small, toward educating students for a 21st century work environment we know nothing about- we will start to see students who are more invested and involved in their education, who are going to be equipped make a difference in their future.
3 Comments
Lisa Gottfried
9/11/2017 06:22:30 pm
"I wasn't teaching to the curriculum." I think you honed in on the big question as you move forward. How can we let go of preconceived notions of how to "cover the curriculum" and allow students more voice and choice while learning the curriculum. If we know what we want students to walk away having learned, what if we let them know up front what the learning goals are and then give them choice in how they get there and how they demonstrate competency?
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Marisabel Olguin
9/11/2017 09:42:13 pm
I couldn't agree more on how AVID makes collaborating fun in the classroom. I also have been AVID training and trained in GLAD as well. I use both strategies simultaneously whenever I can. GLAD also has great collaborating strategies built into the classroom management strategy using team point and team reflection to help students work towards improving their collaboration goals.
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Benjamin Scinto
9/11/2017 09:55:45 pm
Kayla, you will like the following article titled the 4 Keys to Student Engagement. It is a pretty comprehensive, yet simple way to look at your classroom and is aligned to some of the ideas you are putting forward http://arincoaches.wikispaces.com/file/view/4%20%28Secret%29%20Keys%20to%20Student%20Engagement.pdf/523707188/4%20%28Secret%29%20Keys%20to%20Student%20Engagement.pdf
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AuthorKayla Bryant is an elementary school teacher in Napa, CA. This year she teaches a 2/3 combo class. She keeps a journal with funny quotes from her students, and enjoys learning and laughing alongside them. Some of her main educational interests are related to goal setting, growth mindset, and creativity. Archives
July 2018
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