Joining this Innovative Learning program in August, I had very limited ideas and expectations of what it would be like. I never actually thought I would get my master's degree, but the opportunity presented itself, and here I am right in the middle of the journey! This semester has been a lot of things for me- but most of all it has been inspiring. I have already taken little bits and pieces from this program and implemented them into my teaching practice. Looking back at all of my posted work and blogs from the past few months, it's easy for me to see what stood out to me the most- and to recall what impacted me as a teacher, and spoke to me as a learner myself. I can immediately think of three main concepts that were explored this semester that I have taken to heart.
I am a leader. This program has given me more confidence in myself as a teacher and a professional. I feel good about what I am doing in my classroom. I was asked by my principal to share at a staff meeting for the first time about implementing goal setting and student led conferences with students. I learned how easy it can be to do research in my own classroom, and watching other teachers around the world give TED talks, write articles and blogs, and speak at conferences, etc. has made me realize that my research and ideas have the potential to be powerful, and that I actually have the ability to influence changes in education in both big and small ways. I feel that obtaining this degree will also enhance these opportunities for me. Our student's futures are unpredictable. Throughout the learning in this course, it has been touched on repeatedly- by authors, speakers, writers, professors and teachers- how the rapidly accelerating pace of change in technology and development of information and ideas is putting us in a context of teaching students for a future that we have no understanding of. This has reminded me to focus on those 21st century skills more in my classroom and to be a little less concerned with things like reading logs, homework, math facts, etc. It is the learning strategies that the students are going to need. We as teachers will never know it all in this ever changing environment, and our students will be in the same position regardless of the career field they choose. We need to train them to be the creators of the new content, the authors, artists, leaders and activists that the future needs. Creativity is a valuable learning activity. I have learned how important it is to be mindful of this on a daily basis- it has helped me to see different kinds of potential in my students. Take the student who is often distracted and never seems to be paying attention, and observe them during art class to find untapped potential, unlimited creativity and uncontrollable focus. We have to remember that these students might learn in a way that doesn't look traditional, but they are just as valuable as the child who has all of their multiplication facts memorized. In taking creativity into account more in my classroom- I allowed the third graders time to create either a song, skit, or dance while the second graders were at a special music practice- and was amazed with what they came up with in 20 minutes. This was another reminder to me that children are born creative, and like Sir Ken Robinson speaks about, we tend to educate them out of it. I have also allowed the implementation of doodling in my classroom. The rule about doodling is that the students must still be able to do their work, and participate in the classroom conversation and/or partner talks. The majority of my class now elects to bring a blank paper, pencil and clipboard to the carpet during read aloud time- and they are completely able to multi-task drawing and listening to the story. Some of them even illustrate what they hear in the story, and it's adorable. As their guide, I'm trying my best not to control what they draw during doodling time, or to even suggest that they draw something from the story- but I must admit that having been brought up in the traditional 20th century classroom setting, and being a teacher (if you've ever met one of us you might know that we enjoy being in charge- just a little bit) this is my newest challenge. I'm excited to find out what other challenges I will face in the upcoming two semesters of this program, and what other little pieces I can take from the learning and make my own.
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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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