Little Bits of Advice... Lists for Teachers

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Why I Never Blogged. Why I Blog. Why You Might Consider Blogging.

Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of my blog. I began blogging with very few expectations other than I wanted to give it a shot and see what would happen. It has evolved into a rather important piece of my professional life. Happy Birthday to Little Bits of Advice!

Why I Never Blogged

Ummm…I didn’t even know what “blogging” meant
Lack of confidence in my writing
Fear of putting my beliefs out there
I had no time for that

Why I Blog

It forces me to examine my beliefs and attitudes on all things education
Offers me the opportunity to meet (virtually) professionals from around the world
Getting feedback helps make me a better educator
I enjoy it

Why You Might Consider Blogging
You have a lot to offer to others in our profession
It is a creative and meaningful way to reflect on your work

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Do You Want Fries With That...And Other Quick Decisions We Make

It is pretty startling when you think about all the decisions we are faced with daily. I am not referring to decisions that will make a major impact on our lives per say, but rather the quick and on the spot choices we practically make without even thinking. Which check-out line to get in? Should I get paper or plastic bags? Am I in the mood for hot or iced coffee? Should I take this parking spot or that one? Should I stop at the yellow light or go through it?

Very few professionals are put in the position to make more swift decisions than teachers are. Even though the best teachers are well prepared, know their students, and have previous experience to draw upon, they too are often required to think on their feet and make split second decisions.

Here are 10 examples of choices teachers need to make every day while facilitating learning in their classrooms. There are of course no incorrect answers, each situation is unique, but it is good to know that there are options available.

Small group or whole class
Confront the student or look the other way
Plow through or stop and regroup
Independently or cooperatively
Wrap it up or extend time
Explain it or let them wonder
Private or public feedback
Hide or show your emotions
Intrinsic or extrinsic motivation
Paper and pencil or something else

Saturday, February 1, 2014

The 10 Most Important People I Met at the #Edtechri Un-Conference

Another incredible day of learning, collaboration, and all capped off with reflection, on a Saturday no less! What brings more than 60 educators from over 20 schools and institutions together on a weekend in January? Are we offering credits? No. Is there a give away? Nope. Is it mandated? Absolutely not! If you have ever been to an EdtechRI Un-Conference you might say it’s because of the people. Here are the 10 most important individuals that made today and other events like it such a success.

The Gatherer – Hungry for as much information as one can handle.
The Cheerleader – Helping to encourage and facilitate new learning for everyone.
The Expert – Offering their expertise and knowledge for the cost of a smile.
The Old Friend – Reconnecting with those they may have lost touch with.
The New Friend – You wish you met this individual sooner and can’t wait to collaborate with them.
The Helper – Events like this need an “all hands on deck” approach, the helper is there to do whatever is needed.
The Connector – This person is responsible for introducing you to others and growing your professional network.
The Partner – Often able to communicate with no words and always offers honest feedback.
The Energizer – Their enthusiasm is contagious.
The Ponderer- Asking the difficult questions that challenge your thinking.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

10 Slogans Not Meant for Education - But Could Be

Like many other parents this Christmas, my children (ages 10 and 13) wished for and received “techie” gifts. While shopping one day I stumbled upon a board game, yes they still make them, called the Logo Game. I have seen both my sons play with a similar app on their devices so I thought it would be fun. It turns out I was right, and playing it as a family has been a big hit. The premise is pretty simply, there are questions that test your knowledge of well known products, logos, and slogans as you move your pieces around the board. The more we played, the more I was reminded of memorable catchphrases of days gone by as well as those that have endured the test of time.

Since I often have a hard time turning off my “inner teacher”, I began to think about what I value and what I try to promote both in myself and my students. With every question card I started to play a game within the game. Which popular slogans could crossover and promote educational beliefs? The result was this week’s top ten list.

Risk Taking -“Just do it!”
Creativity -“Imagination at work”
Growth Mindset -“Your potential, your passion”
Relationships -“Always there for you”
Data Informed -“Don’t leave home without it”
Self Reflection -“Try it, you’ll like it”
Problem Solving - “Think different”
Collaboration - “Let’s build something together”
Communication - “Can you hear me now?”
Feedback - “Quality never goes out of style”

Monday, January 13, 2014

How can you make self reflection part of your day? Like this...

I have written previous posts about the important role that self reflection plays in improving one’s own teaching practice. I have given examples of questions that when contemplated thoughtfully might inspire action or lead to new ways of thinking (Reflective Questions for Consideration and Reflective Questions: Summer Edition). The focus of this entry however is on the process itself. Self reflection can take on many shapes and forms but in order to truly make an impact, it has to happen consistently. Here are 10 examples of self reflective practices I have seen teachers use.

Collaborative planning times or grade level meetings often end in what feels like a blink of an eye. Keeping the first or last 5 minutes sacred to capture a thought will add up to meaningful reflection over time.

Having a formal or informal reflection buddy offers many benefits. A professional relationship based on a mutual commitment to improving practice will have implications beyond the two participants.

In addition to modeling a lifelong learning skill, involving students in the reflection process provides you with more information when making future instructional decisions.

Twitter gives educators the opportunity to create a record of reflections 140 characters at a time. Furthermore you will receive support and resources from other professionals who have had similar experiences.

A reflection jar placed on your desk is always there when you need it. For more information on this strategy, visit writesolutions.org.

This blog is an example of a self reflective practice that only a year ago I wouldn't have even considered. You might even want to try something like taking the Self Initiated Blogging Challenge.

Take advantage of whatever evaluation protocols your district has. Most models include self reflection as part of the process but even if they don't, make it part of your own.

Many teachers shudder at the idea of recording themselves teaching, but it is perhaps the most effective way to analyze what you and how you do it.

Capture meaningful moments, student work, lessons, and ideas by taking quick pictures. Go through them weekly and bring yourself back to that place and time.

Ask a colleague to observe your classroom and follow it up with a frank discussion about the visit. For more on this read Reasons to Observe a Colleague.

Friday, January 3, 2014

It's OK to laugh...and other acceptable behaviors

It’s OK to laugh with your students
It’s OK to say “I don’t know”
It’s OK to tweak your delivery of content
It’s OK to have high expectations
It’s OK to share resources with colleagues
It’s OK to tell your students you care about them
It’s OK to seek support from administration
It’s OK to say “no”
It’s OK to allow students to get to know you
It’s OK to be observed by colleagues