My Presentation on Redesigning our classrooms for more creative working and learning spaces.3/22/2015
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In your blog, summarize your thinking around the one of the videos. Analyze the case from the point of view of: https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/the-perfect-middle-school#
A. What is the nature of the case? This video "In My Middle School," by Taylor Mali is actually a poem he has written and performed. He describes his dream middle school, which is completely based on real,authentic, relevant learning. B. Share some descriptive details He describes 7th grade as a year based on the law. The students wear black robes and learn about the law, about CSI, about criminal justice, about all things that apply to the law. They learn basic Spanish. In 6th grade, is all about commerce and trade. The language they learn is Chinese. In 8th grade, it is all about medicine and all things related to the medical field. They wear white lab coats to school each day. The language is Latin. C. What new and useful information did you learn? I realized that this is exactly what Middle School should be. It would engage students, who so often really cannot see the point of what they are being "forced" to learn. D. Could you potentially use this lesson? I think this would be a brilliant way to begin the school year. I envision all the grade level teams doing this for the first three weeks of school. I do not see that it could go on all year, at least not yet. It would be a fantastic way to demonstrate to students that what they are learning is relevant. I am sure students would become completely engaged in all three grade levels. Rate the film experience 1 - 5 I rate video a 5!!!! Community Based Learning (Edutopia, https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=77&v=TA1e2kz_adc. A. What is the nature of the case? This video speaks to the concept of Community Based Learning and how it can affect authentic learning. B. Share some descriptive details Students have regular classes, but in a seminar class that gets them out in the community to do what they find interesting and, possibly, a career. C. What new and useful information did you learn? Even though this is a high school class, I see that it could possibly work in a middle school. Students are extremely disengaged and this would give them the answer to the question.."Why am I learning this? When will I ever use this in my life?" D. Could you potentially use this lesson? I am very impressed and thoughtful about the possibility of starting a club that would have connections with people in the community. I would love to get some students into offices, garages, restaurants,e tc to see what the real world does. I would rate this film with a 5. Collaborative Learning, Edutopia, http://www.edutopia.org/stw-collaborative-learning-math-english-video A. What is the nature of the case? This video, even though it is from a private high school, is an example of the value of group work and collaborative learning. B. Share some descriptive details: The classes are set up for students to speak to one another and help one another before they ask for teacher assistance. Classwork problems are harder that homework problems and require discussion among students to solve issues. C. What new and useful information did you learn? I knew that collaboration is so vital to learning these days. I know that I can get better at establishing the environment in my classroom that will foster active collaboration. The narrator discusses the importance of knowing the "geography" of the classroom, making sure everyone is involved physically. She establishes a moment of relaxation before they engage in conversation. She also has guidelines prepared for the conversation. She establishes roles for everyone in the group and makes sure everyone is involved. D. Could you potentially use this lesson? Yes, this is so valuable. I need to practice this and get my students on board with serious collaboration in my classroom. There are always the slackers who refuse to be involved. The culture of the environment is really important. Everyone has to trust each other. I would give this a 4. As I sit here, pondering my effectiveness as a 21st Century Educator, I can't help but think deeply about who my clientele is and what I need to do to make their lives richer and more meaningful in this crazy information-saturated world.
As I sit here, embarking on my journey of reflection on my practice as an educator, I feel a bit of trepidation. Can I handle what I am going to find? Is it going to be hard to change my practice to be a better, more effective teacher?
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