Doing something different

This year I decided it was time for me to do something different.  I took on the challenge to be a part time student at Otago University, extramural of course!  I chose Otago purely because I did my teacher training and had a positive experience experience with the staff there.

The paper I am doing is EDUX440: Critical Analysis of Teaching, sounds boring however it was a great way to get amongst a community of teachers and principals from all over to discuss teaching practice.  It helped me to reaffirm my own teaching pedagogy, as we all know it is underpinned by theory and experience, being able to recall exactly where it comes from is sometimes a little bit difficult - at least for me!

I must admit it is challenging at this time of the year with the up and coming report writing and assessments, getting to the finish line with my last assignment has been difficult.  I have been very lucky to be supported by my family, people I work with, and Sheelah who has been so great at proof reading all my assignments.

For the my last assignment I stumbled across this EDtalks from Core Education by Quinn Norton - Students as hackers.


This got me thinking not only about students but as us as educators.  We take apart different theories of teaching and learning and put it back together to create our own pedagogy, our own way of teaching, to create something that is personal to you as an educator.  It may not work exactly for the current class or setting that you teach in however, you adapt and change it.  We're creative and flexible, responsive to it.

So for my next challenge?  Not too sure as yet, still thinking about doing another paper, not too sure.

Day 25 - Collaboration

Collaboration is a challenging skill for some students and adults to develop no matter what the activity.  It is a necessary skill to have for life and is something we need to nurture in our classes.

My ideal collaboration between students would be where they would develop the following skills:

*communication - with each other and about their learning

*team work - equity of work

*problem solving

*learn with each other and from each other

*time management

*active participation

The teachers role will then be a facilator and encourager.  There is learning. In all things collaborative, if the group gets to the end or not everyone learns something about themselves and each other.

Day 26 - Go To

Every teacher has their own places to go when they inspiration, help, or clarification.  My top 2 sites I use to help me are:

* BBC Bitesize sites - these are great for anything English or Maths, the games and activities are a fun way to learn

*Pinterest - who doesn't use it!  All things teaching, one way to find other teacher bloggers and great ideas.

There is other places that I go to when I need help, ideas, or clarification: the teachers I work with, visit their classrooms, speak to the teacher aides, there is a wealth of information all around us, we just need to look a little closer to home.

D24 - Educational Trends

Educational trends or initiatives come and go all the time.  As educators we like to keep up these as we all know education is forever changing.

Today's post from the 30 Day Reflective Blogging Challenge is what educational trends captures your attention and why?  I know for me it is anything where I can teach more meaningful for the students such as the work from Jeff Anderson or personalising learning with a strong link to LwDT.

However, I think the bigger question isn't about what educational trends that capture you, is how much of it do you get to try out and use authentically to make it your own before moving onto another trend?

For me and my experiences I have seen a lot of trends come and go quickly through our school.  For the trends that have stuck with me, has been the PLP (personal learning plan) which the children have all their individual targets to work on and how Jeff Anderson delivers his lessons with a strong reading/writing link.

It is up to the schools to take a good look at these trends, see how it fits them, and give their staff enough time to experiement, get it wrong, play around further, discuss it, make it their own, keep the parts that fits, then move onto the next.  The saying that springs to mind is: quality not quantity!

 

Day 22 - My PLN

When joining the 30 Day Reflective Blogging Challenge I didn't think that my PLN was that big at all as I didn't think I had much of an online presence.  Upon reflection it doesn't necessarily mean online.

My PLN is filled with teachers, parents/whanau, students, administration staff, teacher aides, RTLBs, and university lecturers.  It spans from here in the Hawkes Bay to down to Otago - all before I started making connections online, which now spans multiple countries around the world.

These people, this network, makes me a better teacher.  They challenge me to do more and be more.  They help me when I'm unsure or direct me in the right direction.

It always starts small but builds over time.  I never knew how big my PLN until now.

Day 21 - My Hobbies and Interests into the Classroom

Whales, UK

One of the first things we are taught when learning to be a teacher is knowing your students is the most important tool you can have.  Know them as a person and as a learner, use their interests to hook them into their learning.

I have had an interest in photography since I started university - never been any good at it but do get a few gems from time to time.

The other interest that I have is baking and cake decorating.  Something that started when I was younger, standing on a chair watching my mum bake cakes and cookies for school lunches.  It wasn't until last year that I was able to bring those actual skills into the classroom through an options class to this year doing Sugar Figures.

Reflecting upon the skills needed to bake and decorate cakes reflects much of the learning process:

• Topic/Plan - what do I want to achieve?  How do I want it to look?  What do I want to be able to do?
• Skills/Questioning - what do I already have/know?  What skills do I need to have?
• Source - find resources and information to help learn the new skills
• Practice - refine my skills and go back and modify my plan if need be
• Present - put together my final product
• Reflect - what worked?  What didn't?

I had been able to use these skills all along, the context maybe different but the skills are still the same.

7 layer rainbow cake

I am very lucky to have a sugar figures and photography options group this term as well as step into the soft materials teacher's shoes when she was away for the contributing school visits - this was a lot of fun!

No matter what interests or hobbies you have, you can always bring them these into the classroom whether it is through a different context or as it is itself.  If you're interested and motivated this is always a great thing for your class and always has a positive effect.  It also allows the children to learn more about you which is always a good thing!

Day 20 - Curation of Work

Sharing and celebrating the learning of your class is an important aspect of learning however sometimes never gets any further than the walls of your classroom.

Technology has been one way to curate students work and as it becomes more and more accessible the limits is becoming boundless.  Over the years I have experimented with Wiki's, e-portfolios, and last year with a class Weebly.  To be honest, a person who isn't ICT challenged, I found it like putting another subject into my classroom that I didn't have time for.

This year, with the new found motivation through my lovely LwDT teachers Leigh and Barb, I have started up a class blog through Blogger, as we are on the Google platform, to each child having their own blog.  The children are starting to want to blog things about their learning.  

Now the next step is how to build our audience!

Day 19 - The Power of Reflection

Reflection is a powerful tools we use as teachers to ensure we are doing the best job we can.  Teaching kids to reflect and see the value behind it at times can be very hard, especially when they have either done it before but ineffectively or haven't experienced it at all.

Some of the tools I use for reflection in my class is:

• Checklists and TimelineWhen undertaking a longer unit of work such as an inquiry topic, I like to use checklists paired with a timeline.  This helps teach the children to:
  - make sure they've fulfilled all the criteria
  - map out a long term project, meeting milestones
  
  I always begin with very structured to model to the children how to do this then as the year goes on they take more and more responsibility for their own checklists and timelines.
  
  At each milestone, we discuss what they should have achieved and where they should be now - usually this is just small reflection by looking at their checklist and timeline, marking off where they are.
  
• Mid and End of Term ReflectionsThis is common practice in our school.  Some teachers do it weekly where others do it at the mid and end of the term.  I prefer to do mid and end, this is in the form of questions which stay the same throughout the year for them to reflect upon their learning as a whole.  I encourage the children to re-read their last reflection to see if they achieved what they set out to or what they need to continue to work on.
  
• It feels like Punishment!  I feel Successful!Some of the children "coast" through the term, where others put their heads down and work hard.  I work with a level where they are about to be much more responsible for their learning so giving them the tools is necessary. 
  
  I believe a part of that is feeling the "punishment" or disappointment of not doing as well as they could have and the kids who did not "coast" their success is in their work - this is where I feel you get the most powerful reflection and motivation for the next.

As an educator I want the children I work with to think critically about what they're doing, why they're doing it, and how they can do more.

Day 18 - Metaphors f Teaching

I often struggle to think of metaphors, most probably why this post is so late, when teaching or thinking about them.  After a hunt around I came across the following quote from Socrates.  

Image sourced from moco-choco

This links back to Paulo Freire's empty vessel idea.  This rings true with me as an educator I can only give a little spark it is up to the learner to continue to add the fuel to make it grow as big as they want it, then I can help them nurture it.  On the other side, it is also my responsibility to restart the flame for those who have gone out - some learners need more help than others.

Day 16 - Super Powers in the Classroom

My son is a huge Marvel and DC fan, along with many of the students in my class.  I had used this interest to do a Super Hero activity through Maths Shed where the children learnt about multiplying/dividing/rounding/subtracting decimals and mode/median/mean.

When I read this yesterday I started to think about the different super powers I'd like such as invisibility, super speed, etc.  I decided to have a real think about it and had a look around the internet where I came across this website - IGN's Top 100 Coolest Super Powers.  Going through the list to find a "cool" super power there were the usual ones you know of however there were other powers like self confidence, empathy - isn't it interesting that these are considered super powers.

Back to which one I would like and how it would help, it would have to be...

PHYSICAL DUPLICATION

It doesn't seem so exciting but being able to duplicate myself so that I can work with all the groups in my class.  The ability to personalise everything in the class would benefit all the learners as I would be able to workshop for them, give 1:1 help, the list of what I could do was would endless!  

It would be slightly scary for the children to have so many of me but I think they would get used to it!

Day 14 - Feedback to Feedforward

Thinking back to teacher training we were taught the CRC method (comment recommend comment), encouraged to do a lot of written comments, and some verbal.

Almost 8 years down the track, experimented with lots of different ways, and many PLD sessions later.  I have discovered a few things about feedback, it has to be:

• timely - given in the moment but also enough time for them to act on it
• focused - linked to what they're learning/doing to give it meaning, to push them to do more either to extend further or to rise to meet the expectation

I have spent much time sitting and writing comments in children's books for it to be not read or acted upon.  I have found the following strategies to work for me:

• verbal - having 1:1 conversation with the child, I can gain better understanding of what they are doing, if there are gaps or a need to push.  With that they also need time to be able to act upon it, usually they are back before I know it for further discussion.
  NOTE: to indicate that I have had a conversation with the child or sited their work, I sign and date it for a record for me and the child.  I either make anecdotal notes and/or remember what we talked about.  Usually sessions follow each other so this is not hard to do.
• Google Comments - when the children submit a piece to me I am able to highlight a section and leave a comment, they are able to reply to it and we can have an open dialogue about their learning



Comments section using Google

• question - when addressing the learning I ask them questions, getting them to think further about what they're doing or why they did what they did

 Feedback has to be meaningful, or I believe it's not worth giving it.

Day 11 - Favouriate Part of the Day

I struggle to put my finger on my favouriate part of the day.  I suppose you can look at it being when:

• A child is jumping out of their seat to answer a question because they finally got it
• There is a great discussion happening amongst the kids whether it is directed by me or happening in a group
• A child who surprised me with what they produce
• Engaging in conversation about anything they wish
• Playing a game of cards or board game, laughing with them, enjoying their company
• Everything falls into place
• They experience success after much effort of trying

So looking at my favourite time of the day, is where the children have some sort of success, where learning is happening.

Day 9 - Nothing is earnt without a bit of hard work

I think one of the things that spring to my mind about one of my biggest accomplishments that people may not know, and I can't take all the glory in this as Sandy the TA in my class played just a major role in this success too.

This child struggled with all learning and a lot of support was put in place for him however, only small gains were being made.  We managed to work out a lot about this child such as he was getting up in the middle of the night to play on his PlayStation which led to him being exceptionally tired in class and sometimes falling asleep - mum was great, sorted that one out!  This was one of many that we had to get to the bottom of in order to get him moving.

The break through happened when we discovered that he saw the world like a comic strip.  We knew he enjoyed drawing and would do this all day if he could but we know this isn't the case.  He always had really out there ideas and could articulate them reasonably well with some muddled parts in there - fantastic sense of humour!  So, when we understood how he saw the world, we were then able to use this information to get him writing.

Comic book character by a student

All his writing/planning was done through a comic strip.  He first started off doing full comic strips, progressing to strips with writing under each slide, increasing words until it was no longer needed.  His spelling was an issue, so we got him to make up the words until he was able to spell them himself or was able to find them. 

The other barrier that we found was that because he wasn't able to keep his words on the line or in it, we started giving him blank pieces of paper and he was away.  His writing was amazing, he had all aspects that writing should have - beginning, middle, end.  To then developing his characters and setting.  His spelling and reading improved, his motivation for writing and all things English went up, and attitude towards school became positive.

I believe this is one of my accomplishments so far for my teaching career as we had a lot to overcome first in order to get to the bottom of what was going on, and of course I couldn't have done it without Sandy who was there to push him along.  We both still talk about him and wonder what is he doing now.

So, I suppose when reflecting upon accomplishments all the ones I can think of are the ones that I've worked the hardest for - but definitely worth it!

Inspiration...I don't have to look far!

Day 7 of 30 Day Reflective Blogging Challenge - an inspirational colleague and why?

I was lucky to have been taught by some amazing teachers and this list would be very long however they all had some things in common:

• Passion - for the job and for us
• Laughter - they laughed with us and wasn't afraid to laugh at themselves
• Perseverance - when we didn't understand or needed additional help they were there, going the extra mile

I was further molded by great educators in university, who too shared the same love for the job.  

Now working, I'm have inspirational teachers all around me.  Again all these teachers have the above in common.  I have picked up some "tips and tricks" so to speak along the way and still use them today.  So I want to change that statement to...

 Students that have inspired me and why?

 

Over the years the students have taught me different things.  Inspiration causes us to create a change or come up with an idea for change.  This is what has happened to me...

• Patience - counting to 10, keeping a calm neutral voice
• Knowing me, knowing you - we all need to relate to each other in some way, we're human - aren't we!  We need to listen and observe.
• Boundaries - is something that is need to be put in place at the beginning and never let them slip
• Feedback - so invaluable, especially when they know they can be frank with you

So why are the student inspirational to me?  They're all very different, all with their own challenges/needs/interests.  They push me to be the best that I can be, that's why they're my inspiration!

Day 6 - What "Good" Mentors Do

I've taken some time to reflect upon this, as most of us just react to the situation relying upon our experiences and knowledge to inform us.  

This year I have got my 3rd PRT (Provisionally Registered Teacher) since becoming fully registered in 2008.  With much reflection upon each of them it reminds me of my dad and all his little pearls of wisdom which, dear I say it, I hear myself saying to these PRTs!

That lesson I think has been one of the hardest lessons I've had to learn.  Not only as a teacher but as a person too.  As teachers we all like things done a certain way and accepting this is sometimes a hard pill to swallow.

I too have also had some amazing mentors...but that's for Day 7's blog post.  So, I'll save it till then!

This blog post seems very timely as next term I am becoming an associate teacher for a 2nd year student teacher and will be finishing up my year with my PRT.  

So, my thoughts on what "good" mentors do, they...

• Observe and listen - not only to what they see but having the time to debrief at breaks/end of day
• Question - they don't give answers, they help you find the answers
• Communicate - being clear in what is needed, reflections, etc.
• Walk the talk - models what they are talking about
• Say sorry - we all make mistakes, no one is perfect
• Are human - the most important part of it all, we're all human!  Getting to know the people you work with not only as a professional but as a person is so important.  Links back to Dad's words of wisdom and understanding that will help you get the most of of the people you work with.

Day 5 - Picture of my Classroom

Had one of those moments when driving home this afternoon where I got half way there and remembered I forgot to take a picture of my learning environment!

I will upload a picture after looking around in my many photos folders I discovered no pictures of just the space however once I upload the photos you will see what I mean!  Hopefully this will happen on Sunday as I am going to see the children off who are traveling to AIMs for the week.  So, in essence they're coming!

**UPDATE!** Pictures are in below, I will take some when the children are in use.

What do I see?
A some what modern learning environment, with a range of furniture, open plan (being the middle class of 3), flexible space where multiple places for learning.  It's light and airy - huge bi-fold doors that can be opened out onto the deck to continue the learning there.  Has no traditional teacher desk. 

The lovely little boy in the picture is my son - he loves visiting mummy's classroom.

What it looks like in the weekend when there are no children.  Will take some when it's in action tomorrow.

As the pictures I will post have no children in it and of course it is all closed up for the weekend, so a bit of imagination is needed, when it is a hum of learning you will see children working on the ground, up at tables, sharing documents/learning asking for feedback, children working individually, and of course children talking (some on and off task!).  

You would normally find me either sitting at a table with the children talking, helping, or trying out something different.  I tried 81DASH with a small group yesterday and discussed the pros and cons - looking further into it.  The other place you'll find me is taking a workshop either directed by the children or by me.

Something I don't see but would like to
Learners - more cross over in groups to find the experts within the classroom for them to seek help/feedback.
How?  Have toyed with a few ideas on how to make this happen whether it is through a visual aid

As a physical environment - less tables and chairs, a whiteboard somewhere else in the classroom on the wall for another learning space.
Why? Another whiteboard, not a fan of the small workstations as I prefer to stand when I workshop, to create another space for groups whether if they are working with me or each other.
Less tables and chairs - I feel my classroom is crowded by furniture, crazy I know!  When I removed a lot of the furniture in my room one year a funny thing happened - the children talked more, interacted more!

Starting a bit behind the 8 ball! Days 1 - 4 of 30 Day Reflective Blogging Challenge

Hi Everyone,
Discovering this on twitter tonight after a great discussion around e-learning #edchatNZ, I thought I'd give this a go.  So, in the spirit of all things that I will catch up!

Day 1 - My Goals for 2014
Over the year has changed and now that we're past half way through the term reflecting upon the rest of the year I want to achieve the following things:

• Children using their blogs to show their learning, what they're achieving and working on
• Whanau interacting on the children's blogs and the class blog
• Have a planned what personalising learning the NIS way is
• And a personal one: complete my first year long paper in my journey to getting my post grad to then move onto my masters

They don't seem overall big but is a work in progress.  Have been throwing around different ways in which the children can have a more meaningful way to show their PLP (Personalised Learning Plan).  Keep posted about this, it'll most probably come up a lot!



Day 2 - Piece of Technology 
Where do I start!  There is so much out there! I am just a little excited about Google Classroom however, disappointed that it is having so much troubles as this would help me to achieve my goal around personalising learning the NIS way!

Since I first started this journey with two others in 2009 we toyed around with ideas and Google Classroom has given me a new sense of hope for what we want to do.  But waiting to get access to it!


Day 3 - Mention 1 "observation" area that you would like to improve on for your teacher evaluation
I need to get more of a strong student voice.  I am taking steps for next term around social action, what topics they'd like to look into, and now they're working on the steps in which they need to take and the learning they'll need.

In attempt to try to get more student voice took a different approach to teaching mode, median, and mean paired with decimals work of multiplying and subtracting decimals.  Through an activity on Maths Shed around Super Heroes.  The children are giving me the workshops I need to teach however, still getting them to move quickly through the work is giving it's own challenges.  Will find out tomorrow where they are all at!

Sorry just realised I didn't do day 4!

Day 4 - The thing that I love the most about teaching
A very hard question!  I suppose what I love about teaching is those "AH-HA" moments the children have.  When they have been struggling so much, then it clicks!  They're excited, you're excited, the pride they are bursting with - that is the thing I love the most about teaching!