Category: ukedchat

Session 79 – Teacher Collective Voice 2012

Posted on by ukedchat

Thursday 5th January 2012. Session Title: How do we as the real education profs make our collective voice heard in 2012? It’s time many in our profession woke up to what is happening! (via @philallman1)

Session Summary:

It is difficult to summarise this session, as a lot of the feeling comes out through the tweets shared during the session. Therefore, please read through the tweets below, which should help you get a flavour of the discussion.

Notable tweets from the Session:

@eylanezekiel – #ukedchat Teachers voices wld be heard better & valued in policy if the culture of defensiveness was removed along w/  poor practitioners

@passionateaboot – @philallman1 @bellaale #ukedchat Broadcast your good practice and successes far and wide, with the resultant impact

@PeterSpencer88 – #ukedchat I agree that striking is rarely effective, but with a government that doesn’t want to listen, what else can we do?

@JOHNSAYERS – More open forum time for the public/ parents/MPs to see/hear great ideas initiatives so teachmeets in the open in cities etc #ukedchat

@mikemcsharry    – I’d tell them the future depends on giving you guys the chance to do the outstanding job   you’re  capable of #ukedchat

@bellaale – #ukedchat striking re pensions is one thing… getting our professional ideas across re policy issues is quite another…

@mikemcsharry    – Invite more business folks into your way of thinking – let them help to give you a voice #ukedchat

@mattpearson – Teachers views have not been heeded by politicians for 30 odd years.  We probably need a new breed of politician… #ukedchat

@mtiplady – Teachers portrayed in negative light too often in media…as well as most public sector. #ukedchat

@bevevans22 – #ukedchat There seem to be 2 areas for discussion here: sharing ideas with the wider teaching community & dealing with the political side

@davidhunter – what, ‘collectively’, do you all want to say?don’t we all gave different ideas about how things should be done, hence #ukedchat

@eylanezekiel – #ukedchat teachers have a lot more tools than strikes, and, like other prof groups, should use portfolios, research, and buying power more

@mattbuxton10 – Politics is about the collective whilst Education is about the individual; how about policies & ideas which place primacy on ind? #ukedchat

@SirBlimelyWindy – #ukedchat I fear that state education has been fatally splintered, with different schools being favoured

@mikemcsharry – Find out who will be the ‘thought influencers’ looking forward – and engage with them #ukedchat

@mattpearson – Seriously, the #ukedchat free school could work. 5 million quid from the tax payer, and we could do it all virtually… #ukedchat

@mister_jim – I think getting our point across needs to come through transparency of teaching/schooling & leadership #ukedchat

@dockers_hoops – In terms of having our voice heard, we need to be using new media instead of old and to collaborate as much as possible #ukedchat

@CliveSir – What percentage of teachers blog, tweet? How representative are you? #ukedchat

@passionateaboot – #ukedchat Can you look at this from a different perspective? Who changes hearts and minds successfully – how do they do it?

@dan_bowen    – @bevevans22 #ukedchat more Twitter more teachmeets more something New I feel.  Edu is settling down ….maybe the rise of New cpd models

@jemimaanderson – Teacher Learning Community inspired by Dylan Wiliam is one way to create environment where teachers are professionals  #ukedchat

@CliveSir – To get your voice heard you need to leverage media, with strong, coherent messages #ukedchat

@MrChambersRE – If kids are predicted below target, our fault. Over target, something’s dodgy. On target, not challenged #ukedchat #cantwin #teachers

@barton1875 – Lets remember who we are in this for. If it is good for the kids it is worth it no matter who knows about it, does it matter? #ukedchat

@kvnmcl – We continue innovating our teaching and celebrate  the learning that occurs from that innovation by sharing it with others #ukedchat

@Fiona_Davis – @janbaker97 I’ve learned more from #ukedchat and following teachers, than I have from the last goodness knows how many courses I’ve been on.

@PeterSpencer88 – #ukedchat as a supply teacher I feel so out of touch, Twitter is a great help for collaboration and ideas and encouragement

@jemimaanderson – Teachers have to embrace Learning Communities.  They are empowering and let us set the agenda for change in our classrooms.   #ukedchat

@Fiona_Davis – @PeterSpencer88 #ukedchat There is so much support here, and fresh ideas keep coming every day. The sheer enthusiasm of ed professionals….

@jemimaanderson – CPD should no longer be about rounding us up to fill our heads with content but teachers discussing their aims as professionals #ukedchat

@TheHeadsOffice – If I were a HT now I’d sort my staff out a twitter account, find out about TMs & either run or go to 1 instead of staff meeting!  #ukedchat

@kvnmcl – No hidden agendas/methods, share everything that works and doesn’t. Use any communication to get the message across #ukedchat

@Queen_Claire – Have met some influential people and discussed ideas with them through my uni. Would recommend doing PhD to any teacher #ukedchat

@CliveSir – The issues need focus – the message needs to be coherent and strong – you need champions, individuals or groups #ukedchat

@chrisleach78 – I’d love to work in a school where every teacher was EXPECTED to be on Twitter and blog #ukedchat

@EA_Holmes    – Ed writers should ideally be experienced educators. Much ed writing/comment not nuanced enough. Doesn’t challenge enough #ukedchat #values

@dockers_hoops – Until collaboration replaces competition we won’t genuinely improve and this is the key message which needs to be heard #ukedchat

@jamesdhobsonuk – Influencing policy is difficult because to get into influential position entails supporting orthodoxy. This has been me at times!  #ukedchat

@Heatherleatt – Lobby local politicians. Schools/acads still need to engage with LA as senior officers have contact with DfE and govt ministers #ukedchat

@davidErogers – Although tech helps me develop and I love being a geek, I still think that face to face is the way to build lasting relationships #ukedchat

@ianaddison – Whatever happens, I will continue sharing no matter what. It makes sense doesn’t it? #ukedchat

@jemimaanderson – Books and journals work for many.  No compulsory CPD.  Twitter and online learning is not for all.  Let teachers decide. #ukedchat

@mister_jim – a new idea – like an effective education system – will be rejected by the hegemony as it is radically different to existing policy #ukedchat

@CliveSir – @SirKenRobinson has a dig at Gove at 18’26” on the School of Life video http://t.co/qjDssMOY #ukedchat

@mtiplady – #ukedchat doesn’t help when some misinformed people dont understand how twitter can b used positively.

@mberry – @chrisleach78 draft master teacher standards say “they engage with professional networks beyond the school” sounds like #ukedchat to me.

@Spencerayres – Has to come from within. Policy makers, Govt, leaders etc won’t make changes, so we as teaching practitioners have to force it #ukedchat

@GeorgeEBlack – #ukedchat the thing is the students we have now are going to leave us behind if we don’t change and then promote our teaching.

@philallman1 – We care, we do wonderful stuff, that its the best profession in world – if we R allowed 2 do it R way 4 the chn in front of us! #ukedchat

@BobToms100 – Don’t believe hype, don’t believe press & don’t believe the Gove… is it as simple as that? Don’t believe them, believe in urself #ukedchat

@MartindalePaul – Politicians not int in the professions voice – will have conv everyone to academies soon & we’ll just be a way of inc profits! #ukedchat

@TeacherToolkti – Profession needs positive PR to improve profile/respect/quality & outcomes. #Gove & limited #natcurr, #teachToTheTest doesn’t help #UKEdChat

@GeekPeter – #ukedchat I read in the press of a school where the Head was delighted with improving results, insiders say its terrible working there!

@mattpearson – Final thoughts. Teachers in Finland are very respected. All have MAs, and it is very very hard to become a teacher in Finland.. #ukedchat

@dockers_hoops – We need to show our profession at very best as much as possible. Positivity and celebrating success are crucial. Ed Essex? 🙂 #ukedchat

@MoreThanMaths – @Educationchat When my friends say that I usually offer to job swap for a week. No takers yet for my cushy job with short hours 🙂 #ukedchat

@In2schools – Been following a busy and idea bustling #ukedchat tonight with interest, observer rather than participant but lots to think about as result

@mattpearson – we need a national body to inform policy making based on research and evidence, A bit like NICE for the teaching… #ukedchat

@janeconsidine – Power to the people! Need coherent voice communicating our beliefs, feelings & ideas. Perhaps collected on a teacher’s voice site #ukedchat

@Spencerayres – So many amazing things happening in Education, we need to focus on the positive and look to the future of our students #ukedchat

@BobToms100 – I love my PLN, esp. during #ukedchat I will try my best here, esp. against the odds. Education & needs is not fully understood by many here.

Tweet of the Week:

@davidErogers – Gove isn’t in my classroom and we shouldn’t do anything for politicians or ofsted but cos it’s the right thing to do #ukedchat

LINKS:
@bobharrisonset – The purpose of education? e-petition for Commons debate http://t.co/cdREAZ99 #ukedchat
@amazingict – Great discussion, dont forget lots of us ex LA staff are in schools. Ive worked in 8 this week using  http://t.co/RgEhqtvq #ukedchat

FULL ARCHIVE:

Is available at: http://www.scribd.com/doc/77353391/Ukedchat-Archive-05-January-2012

#UKEDCHAT Next Week:

Next week, we are joined by @danhaesler, a UK educator now living and working in Australia. He was described as, “…doing wonderful work in incorporating some of the concepts of positive psychology with his vision of a 21st century education. His articles are both engaging and thought provoking.” (via http://danhaesler.com/)

His questions are:

  • As a teacher. what do you see the purpose of education as being? Is this at odds with what society/businesses/govt see as being the purpose of education? How do you (do you have to?) reconcile this?
  • The Govt has decided that schools will have complete autonomy over the delivery of computers, design & technology and citizenship. Given that these are arguably the most important issues facing society in the 21st century what are our thoughts on this? How much resource will schools put into the aforementioned, when assuming these won’t be able to be assessed nation-wide, a la numeracy and literacy?
  • Academies – Friend or Foe?

You can vote at http://twtpoll.com/w33m8p

 

 

Session 76 – Teaching pupils to learn

Posted on by ukedchat
Image Source: http://www.cbtrust.org.uk/images/child_learn.jpg

Session Title:

How do you teach Learning? – Thursday 15th December 2011

Session Summary:

Firstly I would like to offer words of thanks. Firstly to those poor misguided chaps at Ukedchat for allowing me to host the discussion, and secondly and certainly most importantly to the evening’s contributors – it was a fast-paced, wide-ranging and thought-provoking – perfect for a cold December evening!

It might be said that ‘teaching learning’ is too broad an area to discuss in the space of one hour, but I think we covered a good deal of ground. The important thing that seemed to come out of the first part of the chat was that learning is a skill that is developed, and perhaps can be better described as a process, and can often be best brought about by modelling. @JOHNSAYERS comment of “Learning involves virtual permanent understanding of something not just a short term gain which is progressive development cycle”

seemed very apposite, along with the comments of others that things such as resilience and not having fear of failure are vital. Concepts such as ‘scaffolding’ were mentioned to give students support, as well as placing teaching and learning alongside one another, with teacher and student working together. @Kidu89 said that ” Learning must be seen as a continual reconstruction of experience that considers social, psychological and developmental factors”.

@mberry offered the comment that “Pre-schoolers come ready-equipped knowing how to learn: it’s what they do. Not sure schooling comes so naturally”,

which led us to consider whether “Sometimes the answer isn’t the learning. It’s the process of how you got to the answer”

(@ICTWitz). It was also recommended that learning is a joint process, with student and teacher in a less didactic relationship. Moreover, a teacher can often find things that he or she can learn from the students themselves, in addition to the teacher modelling learning by setting an example (silent reading for example).

The latter part of the chat was a little concerning – with a remark that under the current government ‘didacticism’ is returning and schools are becoming exam factories.

There is so much that I could have mentioned in this summary, and I am concerned that I have not covered everything. For that, I sincerely apologise, but would recommend that everyone read the archive to see how the whole hour progressed.

Have a happy Christmas and see you in 2012!

Tweet of the Week:

@KempsterD: #ukedchat I still see far too much didactic teaching and it is going to get worse under Gove. I despair sometimes. Education factories… (Sorry, I know it is not a happy thought but it is an important thing in my mind)

 About your Host:

I am a teacher of Modern Languages in a rural location in the West Midlands – I have been teaching in a variety of settings for 18 years, as well as having worked full time in Initial Teacher Education.

Links and Archive from the session:

Session 75 – Thursday 8th December 2011

Posted on by ukedchat

Session Title:

How do you engage as many pupils as possible?

Session Summary:

Well wasn’t my first time of moderating UK and chat fast fun and interesting! The topic for this week was how we can engage as many people as possible?
This topic was very close to another topic on the vote, narrowly beating another topic for this Thursday, that however didn’t seem to have any effect on how many people joined us for the chat
It started at its usual speed and pace as many people suggested ideas and ways in which they engaged their pupils. Interestingly there was a debate as to what ‘engage’ meant.

From this we were able to continue the debate, with the understanding that to engage is not just to occupy but to stimulate and hold attention resulting in achievement and attainment.

The debate began with looking at the qualities that one needed to engage children, or rather the debate began by people saying personal qualities were important to engage pupils.

The key theme that came through at this point was having a relationship with your pupils. Knowing the children is key, you know their strengths, weaknesses, interests and disinterests. This should then allow you to plan activities that will engage your pupils.

Personal qualities are important and often allow you to engage children even in activities that are necessary rather than exciting and inspiring. However we need to have some practical ideas on how we can engage pupils through activities. The debate threw out some helpful ideas, but did still centred around knowing the pupils through that relationship. Blogging, games, Assessment for Learning, Competition, Dragon’s Den, The Apprentice and Kagan were just some suggestions.

Whatever activity we use and what ever personal qualities we posses, we must make it our goal to engage pupils, by finding out about them, what makes them tick, what inspires them. We will undoubtedly get it wrong sometimes, we may surprise ourselves sometimes, we may fail to engage some pupils who are the hardest to reach, but we should make it our sole aim to engage as many pupils as possible.

We finished by answering the question whether ‘what you do is more important than who you are’, when it comes to engaging pupils. We agreed that both are vital, but that personal qualities and how YOU ARE with the children are more important.

I’m ICT leader and Year 5 teacher in Alexandra School Wrexham. I have a passion to see children enjoy their education, through using many tools, but particularly ICT. I have recently set up ‘paired up’ (which aims to complement Quadblogging) where I aim to link an adult from twitter with a class blog for half a term. If you’re happy to be a commenter or have a class blog please get in touch. (@ikeontoast)

Links & Archive of the Session:

Session 74 – Thursday 1st December 2011

Posted on by ukedchat

Session Title:

What exactly are we, as educators, preparing our students for?

Session Summary:

Hmmm… the topic this week was a slightly daunting prospect to moderate. Could it be any more open-ended or actually any more pertinent? I think the #ukedchat community rose to the challenge though, with a fast-paced and thought-provoking discussion.

There was much debate about our current curriculum model and whether it allows us the scope to prepare pupils for their futures. People seemed to be broadly in agreement that the model is out-dated and…

I posed the question what in our own schooling had prepared us best and the responses were interesting. Many people extolled the virtues of extra-curricular activities, school trips and membership of teams as having taught essential life skills which have proved more useful than individual subject content.

There was talk of needing to prepare students for sustainable living, global citizenship and digital literacy. People also advocated skills such as resilience, independent thinking and learning, questioning and learning from mistakes. Given the current political and economic climate, there was also a healthy (in my opinion!) smattering of cynicism amongst the often idealistic thoughts of some.

I think @paulhaigh ‘s “teach them what is necessary for life” tweet resonated with me. As a fellow Notre Dame teacher (yes, I recognised the motto!) I think this goes to the very heart of what we’re all striving for: preparing our pupils to make the very best out of their lives. For some, as we discussed, that might mean teaching the basics like cooking, budgeting, looking after their physical and emotional health in addition to stretching and challenging them academically.

The need to embed independent learning and questioning skills seemed to be a priority for most of the contributors. We want to enable students to ask questions, to challenge and to become lifelong learners. (Some contributors offered examples of how they do this in their lessons – please do check the archive and list of web links shared for more details.) I liked @ufasarah ‘s term “learning dispositions” as a way of describing these qualities. Entrepreneurial skills were discussed, as was the role of ‘experts’ in assisting to equip students with vital skills and experiences beyond the classroom.

Of course there was the potentially damaging clash between the wanting to equip students with these skills and attitudes and the need/pressure to produce measurable test results. It seemed to be a widely-held belief that something needs to give in order for us, as teachers, to be able to prepare our students for something other than passing tests.

I think what was heartening to read (on a cold and gloomy night!) was the passion we all share for giving our students the best possible grounding we can to go away and make a success of their futures.

I’ve selected a few tweets that I found particularly relevant or thought-provoking. I hope those of you who participated enjoyed the chat and those who missed it find the archived discussion as stimulating as the real-time chat.

Notable Tweets from the Session:

@aangeli With the lack of 21st century skills on offer it feels like we’re preparing them for the 1890s! Time travel maybe?

@PhilWheeler1 Preparing people for jobs that don’t exist yet so need to be flexible, yet Gove wants to narrow the selection with the EBacc

@paulhaigh The founder of our school said ‘in the schools teach them what is necessary for life’ When did she say it? About 1840. Still drives us.

@SimonBainbridge Using the tools of now instead of yesteryear to teach/learn will help build relevant skills for students’ futures

@imrandjk At the moment we’re not really equipping them for anything other than jumping over the next “test” hurdle

@ufasarah For me it’s more about learning dispositions than skills that young people need to develop as learners. Things like curiosity and flexibility.

@JOHNSAYERS Primary really build in express and experiment with new cutting edge tech. Secondary too content driven.

@jackieschneider Abolish league tables, mix up the curriculum, give kids access to arts, sports, design, scientists, writers

@smile2learn So important to keep the development of the whole child at the heart of all we do. Only happy children learn.

@TeachToAll Children should be taught skills to become life-long learners, they shouldn’t simply be spoon fed facts!

@amoor4ed Despite government policy it’s down to leaders to make sure the kids in our schools get the curriculum they deserve. #bebrave

@ePaceonline I think we need to teach our pupils to ‘know what to do when they don’t know what to do’

@GillDeCosemo We need to teach children to think, listen, question, be curious, investigate, care, be independent, to strive. Not a tall order?

@neil_povey Am I hopelessly idealistic in thinking that we should be preparing pupils to be happy, good people whatever their strengths?

There were heaps more… seems a shame to have to select only a few!

Tweet of the Week:

There were many points raised which resonated with me. As a secondary teacher in the midst of (seemingly endless!) exam preparation however, I think this tweet really got to the heart of the matter:

@C_Hendrick Ultimately we should be teaching kids to ask the ‘right’ questions, not memorise the ‘right’ answers

Links Shared during the Session & Archive:

Available at Scoop.it

About your Host:

I’m a teacher of English in the North West. Currently second in department and interested in learning more about the power of classroom technology to transform pupil engagement. I enjoy participating in #ukedchat thanks to the diversity of its contributors.

Session 72 – Thursday 17th November 2011

Posted on by ukedchat

Session Title:

How can we build children’s imaginations so that they have more to choose from for their writing?

Session Summary:

Once again, the discussion was fast but not furious as apart from the use of grammar (see below) there was a great consensus of opinion. The topic came from my role as producer of the 100 Word Challenge. This is a weekly creative writing challenge for children under 16. I set a prompt of a few words or a picture and the children have 100 words to write a creative piece. This is then posted on the class blog then linked to the Head’s Office where it is shared with all the children who have entered.

I am concerned that many children will write about blood and gore even when I have carefully (or so I think) set a ‘not gorey’ prompt!

The discussion was full of ideas to encourage creativity. From lots of reading out loud to using film, animations, cartoons, telling stories, using prompt writers, cover-it-live, wikis. A point that was emphasized throughout was to get a sense of audience so that there is a purpose to children’s writing. Obviously that brought in praise for class blogs!

There was a discussion around grammar and whether it was a necessary evil or a vital component to children’s writing. I think that one is like marmite – you either love it or hate it!

One strong thread was that all teachers should take on the responsibility to support creative thinking and writing. It should not be just an English teacher’s responsibility. Maths and geography teachers explained that they are involved in creative writing within their subject.

For my original concern @imrandjk suggested  – I dont necessarily think it’s about beating it (blood & gore) – more about embracing it

The use of questions was also emphasized as it was felt often children don’t know what they know. Play, drama and specific role play were also suggested as were music and the arts in general. Getting a cross curricular approach especially with areas like PSHE can provide the impetus for writing without it being a ‘writing’ lesson.

There were so many ideas and suggestions, I do recommend you look at the archive to get a fuller feel of what was discussed. http://t.co/8KaIKOi

Notable tweets from the session:

@photographamy – #ukedchat writing in different places and on different things. We have lots of whiteboards in EYFS. Chalkboards, ring bound notebooks etc.
@Educationchat – Get children to TALK together before writing.  Don’t accept their first answer – give them time to be more imaginative & model it #ukedchat
@_imaginaryme – SEAL resources, esp photocards, great for empathy #ukedchat
@deputymitchell – Writing shouldn’t be a lonely task! Pupils should plan through collaboration with support from peers. Ideas will flow, risks taken #ukedchat
@JCBarrington – #ukedchat Time is a big issue – Creativity can’t be forced into a short timeframe, it must be cultivated slowly.
@deputymitchell – RT @LeeDonaghy: Bit of a narrow #ukedchat tonight – one for the English teachers only. <–All teachers must have goods to offer on this.
@deerwood – #ukedchat has anyone tried writing film scripts? Even using cue prompters?
@teacherofyr5 – if you as a Teacher shows your PASSION for reading, you WILL inspire even the non-readers #ukedchat
@MissSMerrill – #ukedchat two picture books – The Mysteries of Harris Burdik and the Arrival. Great for sparking off talk for writing and drama!
@wildblu – #ukedchat Used online comic strip maker to create ‘Bullying’ story today, Y8 loved it
@kennypeiper – #ukedchat 750 words is great for senior kids 750words.com

Tweet/s of the Week:

Here are the thoughts of some children on our topic! http://t.co/Qhp7R0Qp @_imaginaryme   #ukedchat

@LawrenceBham –  the world is bigger than the class room, show them that! #ukedchat

Links from the Session:

Click to see all links...

About your host:

I am @theheadsoffice (Julia Skinner) & I’m a retired head teacher who has been given a second career  through class blogs and the 100 Word Challenge. Do go check it out and join in either as a class or as a commentator!
http://www.theheadsoffice.co.uk/how-can-schools-develop-imagination-ukedchat-homework/

Session Info:

Number of Contributors: 183

Number of Tweets:865

View the archive at: Scribd

Session 70 – Thursday 3rd November 2011

Posted on by ukedchat

Topic of Discussion:

What have been the most successful teaching & learning strategies you have ever implemented in your class?

Session Summary:

It was quite a varied and frenetic session as usual. Some themes came to the fore again and again especially self-directed learning; the work of Sugatra Mitra; working in groups; paired working; reflection on learning. Certain techniques were flagged up “no hands rule; use of mini-white boards, Kagan, learning environments that are supporting; bolstering self-esteem; positivity; curiosity; creativity; identify students to lead plenary at end of lesson at the beginning; Get class blogging – quadblogging; tallies for whole class rewards; encouraging independent learning; wait time when questioning; talk about their thinking and reasoning; conversational learning; talk with learning partners before answering any questions; pair and share; Glazer learning model structure for lesson delivery – a good mix of interaction and independent work; offering choice to pupils; cross class working; allowing time to play; list/describe/explain/evaluate; new audiences beyond the school;  project based learning and philosopy; swapping agegroups; cross-curricular working; read to them every day; invite varied guests in; learning by discovery using pupils’ interests; stand back and watch with purpose.

Some people were of the opinion that’ Best teaching/learning has always been when no WILF/WALT/LO were written or discussed” others people thought role reversal and learning with pupils is more realistic. Other strategies such as open questioning were flagged up to get exploratory learning going. The idea of “learning detectives” was put forwards. Catering for kinareasthetic learners by making shapes of letters and words with hand and a pen. Getting the children to teach and assess each other was flagged up more than once. One person asked “WILF and TIBS became a mantra – what ever happened to the hidden curriculum and discovery learning?” Exploring and giving time to make mistakes and learn from them as well as slowing down the lesson and using a whole lesson to go over and summate what happened last time was another way of teaching and extending in depth the subject. Other unique strategies were hands up to ask a question rather than answer it; film students inthe process of learning as a diagnostic; the use of drama; the use of carousels of activities; put learners in different environments e.g. forest schools for instance.

The idea of making learning more transparent using technology like visualisers was also brought up. High challenge with creative and carefully structured learning were other suggestions. And lastly quite a few people suggested strategies for pupils working with each others’ work for assessment and making that a highly physical mobile activity as well for engagement.

All in all the session promoted positivity and highly creative solutions there was such a diversity of ideas!!

Eye-Catching Tweets from the Session:

@mister_jim #ukedchat this is a recipe for success, involving pupils in their own learning is great.

@KempsterD Creating a learning environment which was supportive of all and built self confidence.Collaboration was key

@josephinessmith:  start the lesson by identifying students to lead the plenary at the end. Keeps them really focused

@MrAColley: Wait time when questioning

@egalr: children talk with learning partners before answering any Q – I really believe talking helps thinking (it does for me anyway!)

@fluffylizwiz: @egalr think pair share!

@asober: Making learners responsible for own and peer learning and giving them a real audience is very effective http://bit.ly/rMXe8L

@primary_ed: Getting children to talk about their thinking and reasoninng. Conversation leads to understanding

@Jennyfer08: allow pupils to peer mark work of other using the same feedback for you give – empowering for pupils and allows progression

@trainieteacher: I also think that it is important to follow and plan around the childrens interests. Motivated and engaged learners learn best!!!

@KristianStill: the best teaching I have seen has been whole school STEM days

@helenhamill: present work in several ways! not all children learn in same way. set on tasks in linear format, bullet points, use IT, extension

@MattFothergill: Hands up to ask a question but NO hands up to answer

 

Tweet of the week:

Really really difficult but liked :

@KristianStill: talk less

Useful Links noted during the session:

#SOLO taxonomy http://t.co/FgBCRLIg;

Learning Objectives http://learningspy.visibli.com/share/nBSaxM;

Class Dojo http://www.classdojo.com/;

inter-schools times-table competition video http://vimeo.com/30916633;

QR codes for reading http://learningspy.visibli.com/share/HfSVOh;

Triptico Desktop Resources http://www.triptico.co.uk/; http://vimeo.com/19141139

learning log videos; TeachMeet London 2011 http://teachmeet.pbworks.com/w/page/45713804/TeachMeet%20London%20Nov%202011;

KS4 Physics EM SPectrum TV show resources http://www.tes.co.uk/teaching-resource/The-EM-Spectrum-TV-Show-6125027/;

Thinking Toolbox pictures on FLickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/62762600@N08/sets/72157626707015808/;

Gamifying Education http://www.penny-arcade.com/patv/episode/gamifying-education; http://t.co/ObbIKCzp;

Learning Logs video http://vimeo.com/19141139;

Nottingham High School Publish their storybirds http://www.nottinghamhighmfl.co.uk/2011/01/year-10-publish-their-storybird-books/; http://t.co/WxvXomwh;

Online pinboard http://pinterest.com/all/?category=education;

quadblogging http://quadblogging.net/;

Collaboration cross phase through Blogging http://alessiobernardelli.wordpress.com/2011/10/22/collaboration-cross-phase-through-blogging/;

Who asks the questions in your classroom, http://mrcolley.com/blog/2010/11/30/who-asks-the-questions-in-your-classroom/;

Short stories from the classroom http://shortstoriesfromtheclassroom.blogspot.com/;

Best tools to make a PLN https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=266178246753349&id=103495893021586;

Sugatra Mitra’s Learning techniques http://solesandsomes.wikispaces.com/Preparing+for+SOME+sessions;

More Sugatra Mitra resources http://learningspy.co.uk/2011/09/05/do-it-yourself/;

Technology and Plagiarism http://www.best-infographics.com/technology-and-plagiarism-infographic/;

A web whiteboard http://awwapp.com/;

Five bottoms on a bed How what where who why when http://t.co/l1Gs0wda;

Y5 internet safety group brainstorming http://linoit.com/users/PDCSblue/canvases/Year%205%20Internet%20Safety; http://prezi.com/ek-s6ge03yst/internet-safety-jazzie-h/;

Headline Hangman for topical stuff http://www.edjitraining.org/?p=256;

Singup day http://www.singup.org/;

Neil Hopkins blog on Choosing http://t.co/fBx21Wwq;

Bloom’s Taxonomy action verbs PDF resource http://t.co/r84905Zh;

Using feedback as the lesson http://www.kristianstill.co.uk/wordpress/2011/05/31/using-feedback-as-the-lesson/;

School Design on learning and teaching http://www.kristianstill.co.uk/wordpress/2011/05/21/reggio-emilia/;

Building learning power http://t.co/2EsGEYK2; Memiary resource online http://www.memiary.com/;

National College – New tech on children’s learning http://learningspy.visibli.com/share/mmmXm9;

Creative story writing with Imindmap5 http://alessiobernardelli.wordpress.com/2011/08/09/creative-story-writing-with-imindmap-5/;
Peer contributions to assessment http://rubble.heppell.net/media_forum/pairs.jpg;

Map of assessment http://t.co/FpubPMdH;

Who asks the questions in your classroom blog post http://mrcolley.com/blog/2010/11/30/who-asks-the-questions-in-your-classroom/;

Online Working wall http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/nnclass3;

Global Citizenship http://www.edjitraining.org/?page_id=243;

Session 69 – Thursday 27th October 2011

Posted on by ukedchat

Session Summary:

Being given the role of subject leadership within a school can either inspire or overwhelm colleagues. There was plenty of advice early on in the session which focused on vision, philosophy and leading by example. It was also evident that colleagues had been given subject leadership roles in subjects they knew very little about, seemingly with the ‘un-popular’ areas of teaching, with maths, literacy and science being given to more senior teachers. The best subject leaders, it was claimed, are those who love the subject, with that enthusiasm shining through for pupils and colleagues to see. As the role is about ‘sharing’, subject leaders need to empower and enthuse colleagues to ensure the subject is given the best coverage within the school.

Notable Tweets from the Session:

@PhilWheeler1: @chrisleach78 #ukedchat don’t think the world can be changed in a term, take your time, settle in and then drive change from the middle.
@StuartMaginnis: #ukedchat make sure you have a clear vision and set of values for dept to follow.
@Sundayteatime: #ukedchat I would say change one thing at a time so as not to upset colleagues.
@Kathrynwiki: #ukedchat Be the kind of leader YOU would like to follow and remember your subject is only part of their busy teaching load
@ICTmagic: @chrisleach78 The subject leader leads the subject. You can’t teach it for other teachers (no matter how much you want to!) #ukedchat
@BAFDiploma: @ukedchat I think it is a common mistake for a new leader to come in and think they have to change the world immediately,. #ukedchat
@KristianStill: Leading always looks easier from afar. Share, devolve credit – accept responsibility. #ukedchat When u need 2, redeem the credit in the bank
@mrjonesISM: @StuartMaginnis I agree #ukedchat clear philosophy and timeline for policies, integration, deployment etc help to clarify expectations
@Kathrynwiki: leading by example and driving change through positive experiences within your team #ukedchat
@BeeBecF: Its difficult when you have been given the subject as only subject leader vacancy and have no great love/knowledge of it! #ukedchat
@BillRoddick: #ukedchat New/all SLs should read the latest Ofsted report on their subject – make sure you know the big issues nationally.
@MattFothergill: Listen to the advice of others in the dep’t. Don’t claim ideas as your own, give credit where it’s due #ukedchat
@ICTmagic: You are the leader of a team, but you are still *in* that team. Draw on other people’s experience. #ukedchat
@BillRoddick: #ukedchat Lead collaborative discussion on priorities in your department. Get evryone to ‘buy in’ and take shared ownership
@bucharesttutor: I believe that before sharing a new team or department Sharing must be mentioned as one the traits a candidate needs to possess #ukedchat
@dukkhaboy: #ukedchat trust your dept to do their job well. Go out for curry together. Praise them when they do well esp. to SLT …. Er … That’s it
@steedie1980: Leaders should be able to come up with solutions to problems and lead by example in the classroom #ukedchat
@memarkyb: #ukedchat If you want to be thought of as a leader rather than just wearing the title you need to make things easier/better for colleagues
@ianaddison: Where do you start when leading a subject? Noone ever gave me any idea of what to do or what was expected #ukedchat
@HamptonEnglish: #ukedchat it’s important to empower people to work towards a common goal: encourage them to ask for forgiveness, not permission.
@little_whitebag: @ukedchat. Subject leaders should be bold enough to make decision and confident enough to support them. Too much discussion wastes time
@literacylender: #ukedchat don’t just give your NQT the subject no one else want’s
@Educationchat: #ukedchat The best SLs know their subject, love it, can help all age groups and know how to improve provision.
@chrisleach78: I think one of my main roles is to dislay real enthusiasm for the subject – “embrace the geekiness” as some of my kids say #ukedchat
@Teen_70: #ukedchat – as a newbie ICT Co-ordinator, some of the best advice I have had so far is from all of you
@innerquest: Leave the bag or crate of guilt at school! Only take home the pieces of paper you will actually look at! #ukedchat
@digitalmaverick: @chrisleach78 I am on my school’s Lesson Obs Working party & as such am *LOVING* seeing Eng, Geog, Sci, Maths, MFL, HEc lessons #ukedchat
@CarrotyCarrots: #ukedchat I do believe that it’s possible to be an excellent classroom teacher, but poor leader and vice versa. Few people can do both.
@tutor2u_econ: #ukedchat Idea: Anytime a colleague mentions meaningless educational or management acronym in conversation they have to eat a cream cracker
@StuartMaginnis: #ukedchat give all members of the team a chance to chair meetings. Must include sharing good practice.
@chrisleach78: Is ICT one of the hardesrt subjects to lead? – always evolving and expected to be embedded across other subjects? #ukedchat
@ICTwitz: Don’t know if it’s been said, but I think the difference of subject leadership between primary and secondary colleagues is HUGE #ukedchat
@SheliBB: @ICTmagic @ianaddison lol! All ICT coords I know on twitter are passionate about subject and lead by example 🙂 #ukedchat
@little_whitebag: #ukedchat As a science teacher, seeing others run practical sessions and doing ‘master classes’ is always really useful
@steedie1980: Leaders need to be enthusiastic about harnessing good practice and find ways for it be shared effectively #ukedchat
@benwhite25: #ukedchat Once again always a pleasure to view the positive ideas and solutions get thrown around at this week’s ukedchat
@Paddymcgrath: #ukedchat would recommend teach like a champion by doug lemov for subject leaders. Some specific actionable techniques that staff can wok on
@JOHNSAYERS: #ukedchat this hour / hashtag proves that being open about experiences, knowledge etc improves us all as leaders of the students.

Tweet/s of the Week:

@little_whitebag: #Ukedchat. Good leaders can lead anything, It’s a state of mind.
@TeacherToolkit: As SLT, a good SL must know difference between leadership & management & know they can shape great teams & shape learning #ukedchat

Links Highlighted during the Session:

@chrisleach78: I use a blog to share example sof my departments work and to raise interest in the subject – http://t.co/MpmBCmAS #ukedchat
@MrNickHart: #ukedchat ‘Lesson Study’ has been great in applying subject specific pedagogies and refining staff practice. http://t.co/XAiMRhiy
@literacylender: which could be used to develop other subjects. http://t.co/X197s2tV is hoping to develop resources to save literacy leaders time #ukedchat
@ukedchat: A TES forum user is sharing a toolkit for new ICT coordinators if anyone is interested: http://t.co/2Y0Q5Dcq #ukedchat
@chris_1974: @MattFothergill http://t.co/oe26d1zl for what I do weekly. #ukedchat
@ICTEvangelist: Bit of a plug but can I share this resource about Google Forms I made this week – a really powerful tool http://t.co/XqHRJn6P #ukedchat

Session 68 – Thursday 20th October 2011

Posted on by ukedchat

Session Title:

Assessment Special

Summary of Session:

Assessment is clearly one of those subjects close to the heart of many teachers, in fact, a major part of the role. This ukedchat session pulled out many frustrations from teachers who see the formalisation of assessment a real obstacle in their job, seeing the assessment process as a ‘box ticking’ exercise. However, support did shine through for ‘Assessment for Learning’ strategies, but completing these (via APP) in a manageable way continues to be a challenge – they can be too much of a paper exercise, devaluing teacher professional opinion. The fear of OFSTED, league tables and parent conparisons made contributors feel that assessments were not being done for the benefit of the pupils, which is surely what it is all about. An interesting example was shared stating that the school system in Australia did not encourage school v school culture, with the emphasis on the learning that goes on within the school. Something our league table culture does not include!
The discussion moved onto an interesting area around ‘failure’, with contributors saying that schools should teach that pupils can embrace their mistakes, making them better learners in the process – classrooms should be made safe places for children to fail, and learn from their errors. The issue with this is being the only way to embed more risk taking is to scale back the accountability. League tables do not allow head-teachers any flexibility.
Another issue that was raised was that as pupils get older, the level matters more so, and summative assessments are prevelant. However, it was stated that students need to understand the steps they need to be successful in order to progress – this is true at all stages of schooling.
To conclude this summary, @GeorgeEBlack shared a quote from Kurt Hahn, “All youngsters need the opportunity of proving themselves to themselves, and education must provide such opportunities.”

Notable Tweets from the Session:

@potterpitter    #ukedchat assessment is the route of all evil; it  is driving education, which is fundamentally wrong
@kvnmcl    #ukedchat Assessment is mostly playing the game, filling in boxes for outside agencies. Very little of it helps children’s learning
@john_at_muuua    We were inspected under the new orders. key points: 1 we have fewer assessments, APP style, about 12 over three years. #ukedchat
@clairegowland    #ukedchat Students are not given time to complete improvements or think about the comments given, so they become worthless
@grouchyteacher    We need to follow a growth model of some sort #ukedchat
@kvnmcl    #ukedchat The only assessment that matters in that which improves learning and understanding, not league driven assessments
@ICTwitz    #ukedchat New Ofsted Framework “Formative assess in lessons 2 support learn & assess over time so progress is planned for.”
@innerquest    @ukedchat @tombarrett #ukedchat You don’t make a pig fat by weighing it, assessment is a means to an end, not the end itself
davoloid
@kvnmcl This is the approach to assessment in Adult education, part of the learning journey, along with critical reflection #ukedchat
@sibrown1    #ukedchat imo – important aspect of assessment is – time to respond to feedback.  Sick of seeing kids books “marked” with no response =afl
@smithreb    #ukedchat unfortunately pressures have been such that we have moved away from assessment for learning into a model of assessment as learning
@mister_jim    #ukedchat do we need to think about lesson objectives more carefully to plan ops for assessment? Can chn identify what they’ve learned?
@kvnmcl    #ukedchat moderating assessment is nothing more than a two fingered salute to a professional teacher’s judgement
@MissMcCluskey    #ukedchat tests are a good tool for more able/gifted pupils. The right test can help pin point what they need to learn to progress.
@kvnmcl    Government lights the league tabled culture. Media adds wood to keep it burning, parents throw petrol on it every so often #ukedchat
@MultiMartin: @kvnmcl There are no league tables, data comparisons or school vs school culture in Australia. Schools are about children learning #ukedchat
@MsKateRyan    Assessment led learning bothers me for many reasons; criteria led teaching, grade obsessed students, emerging ‘hierarchies… #UKedchat
@mberry    @tombarrett Failure is (often) a consequence of risk taking – crucial for pupils, teachers and heads. qv @SirKenRobinson #ukedchat
@Ideas_Factory    #ukedchat Do we really need assessment?Ask any teacher & they’ll b able to tell what level kids are,they instinctively know-is this enough?
@CreativeSTAR    Is assessment the litmus test of education? #ukedchat It’s time to move from fear to freedom over assessment & everything else.
@tombarrett    If we are guilty of teaching to the test or over use of levels and grades our curriculum needs to change, dramatically! #ukedchat
@SheliBB    We have ‘draw a shoe’, writing progress books (termly) and ICT booklets so the children can see and assess their own progress #ukedchat

Tweets of the Week:

@GeekPeter    #ukedchat ….if the map is wrong the journey goes wrong.  Assessment needs criteria to be met, primaries seem to get it right!
@dughall    #ukedchat Ask yourself *Who* is the assessment for?
@kvnmcl    #ukedchat There were no league tables, data comparisons, school vs school culture when I was a lad. And I’m came out fine 🙂
@geraldhaigh1    By age 4 a child has made miraculous progress on so many fronts. On entry to school, suddenly only a few accomplishments matter. #ukedchat
@Lorrainemunro    I see it as a triangle of assessment, planning, learning/teaching. #ukedchat
@eylanezekiel    #ukedchat when  Assessment is link to Raising Standards in the school/LA/city/nation it’ll never really do what it should – help the child
@mister_jim    #ukedchat  assessment equation:  (your teaching + their learning)/specific objectives = useful data to help plan the next session
@tombarrett    “Everyone is a genius.But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.” #ukedchat

Web Links Noted During the Session:

@consultanthead  Excellent summary of changes to the new OFSTED Framework from the ASCL http://t.co/nvd0nW6Q #ukedchat
@MultiMartin    @kvnmcl @Babbleaboutbks Mentioned briefly in my ‘Australian Way’ blog post – http://t.co/QAXU04I2 No SATs or Ofsted either #ukedchat
@CreativeSTAR    Suggest #ukedchat followers have a look at Roger Greenaway’s Reviewing website http://t.co/L8bw94zR for ideas to assess & review outdoors 🙂
@TeacherToolkit    How ICT based assessments can make coursework moderation robust & placed in the hands of the students #ukedchat #eScape http://t.co/vQLMRLhA
@deejbee    #ukedchat http://t.co/Mbda11cx This Ken Robinson talk puts the whole assessment question into context for me. Pls watch if you’ve not seen.
@EllenHodgkinson    @ukedchat Patricia Broadfoot’s done great work on assessment. For example: http://t.co/wREtCYZy
@Ideas_Factory    @ukedchat #ukedchat Is it at this point I mention my APP Learning Jigsaws? http://t.co/3LiuPxdK http://t.co/eq9rhtlf http://t.co/cw1Aytil
@mattbuxton10    Use lots of visual thinking tools to assess what’s happening in their mind; Thinking Toolbox example #ukedchat http://t.co/nIuzcux9
@dmchugh675    #ukedchat Intro to AfL (NI Curriculum pdf) http://t.co/0RvrBBuB

About your Host:

Tom Barrett

 

Tom Barrett is one of the UK’s best known classroom teachers, working in the elementary schools sector. He curates and shares thousands of practical ideas from teachers across the globe on his blog edte.ch, and puts into practice the very best thinking on educational technology to inspire and engage children in their learning.

Tom works on leadership, technology adoption and improving teacher capacity with NoTosh in schools across the UK, and inspires teacher audiences with fresh ideas for engaging young people in learning.

His reputation for seeing worthwhile trends in educational technology is well founded: he was the first teacher in the world to work with multitouch tables in the classroom, pre-dating iPads by some three years in a partnership with Philips. He currently sits on the steering group for Durham University’s SynergyNet project that is researching the future path of multi-touch pedagogy.

He was also a key figure in spreading the popularity of “for teachers, by teachers” unconference TeachMeet throughout England, devising the commercial partnership model of TeachMeet Takeovers at the world’s biggest education show, BETT.

He also worked with Google to bring their teacher academy event to Google HQ London. It was the first time Google held the teacher training event outside of the US. (via http://www.notosh.com/about/tombarrett/)

 

 

Session 67 – Thursday 13th October 2011

Posted on by ukedchat

Session Title:

Can we really help our students to become independent learners or are there too many constraints?

Session Summary:

Clearly a popular topic, a number of people were chomping at the bit to get the discussion under way this week. When proceedings did begin, the focus of the discussion explored what is meant by ‘Independent Learning’. While there was some debate as to whether ‘Personalised Learning’ and ‘Independent Learning’ were synonymous, most people felt that ‘Independent Learning’ had more to do with the learner taking ownership of their learning rather than learning being tailored towards different learner needs. This was quickly followed by a brief consideration of the skills and attributes required to be an effective independent learner. Out of this initial phase of the discussion there were several common threads:
– Teachers need to take a step back and allow learners to to learn for themselves
– That there is too much spoon-feeding particularly at KS3/4
– That to be an effective independent learner students need to know what they are learning and how to learn it
– And that for learning to be genuinely independent there needs to be ‘choice’ available to the students.

Following on from this, the bulk of the evening’s discussion pivoted around the barriers faced by both learners and educators in fostering IL in the classroom. Many people acknowledged that the pressures of exams, grades, parents and a pre-defined curriculum all got in the way of independent learning. This resulted in considerable debate with a number of strong voices advocating the need for teachers to be brave; ready to take risks. It was pointed out that it is easier to take risks and offer a more student centred approach where an IL philosophy was adopted across a whole school. It was also acknowledged that many students begin their educational journey as independent learners and that IL skills and attributes are eroded by the school system.

Another interesting caveat of the discussion considered whether teachers have the skills to help students become independent learners or is it the case that teachers are taught to ‘teach’ rather than ‘facilitate’ learning? This is a question that I feel warrants further debate. Reading back over this it could appear that this week’s #ukedchat was a negative affair. However, I don’t believe that it was. While there was some debate over the degree to which an IL approach is achievable, nearly everyone involved agreed on its value and importance. Moreover, there was a definite sense that independent learning was imperative in preparing students to become life-long learners.

Notable Tweets from the Session:

@Rblteach a colleague said today..’my students think I’m their wet nurse!’!

@jamesmichie Agreed. For me Independent Learning is learning that is self-directed.

@Ideas_Factory Independant learning is an open-ended question, a thunk, an investigation and a problem with no right or wrong answer.

@oliverquinlan Independent learning has to start with pupil choice. Learners finding and defining their own real problems.

@MattFothergill Independent learning is knowing what you’re learning and knowing/finding out what you need to do to get there

@MrWickensPE the ideal Independent learning lesson: the teacher guides, but does not interfere!

@ShaunGosney @jamesmichie i call it 3D – Discipline, desire, determination!

@oliverquinlan Teachers are scared- of not proving their worth and expertise- of not achieving the grades. If it is important we need to be brave

@futurebehaviour We could all promote independent learning by just shutting up a bit more.

@SurrealAnarchy @jamesmichie main constraints are students, parents, teachers and schools

@TeacherToolkit @jamesmichie teachers, style of teaching, project, classroom dynamics, behavior, expectations etc etc.

@Romaaddict @jamesmichie re constraints – grade obsessed teachers under pressure from grade obsessed paretns!

@UberProfessor independence comes when they begin to lead their own learning, and teachers are empowered and prepared to take risks.

@philallman1 As teachers we should be trying to do ourselves out of a job – THAT IS THE POINT!

@mberry @mister_jim so there’s a learned incompetence – children start off as independent learners and then we teach them out of it?

@cristinataboada @vickystrat1989 So agree with this. Teachers should lead the process of reflection and guide their learners into understanding it.

@heartofsol teachers need to be free to allow students to try things that may not be in the syllabus – and not be criticised if they do!

@joanne_rich do students want IL or o they just want to be told what they need to pass next exam?

@jamesmichie As a teacher u r a learner too. Model great independent learning to your students. Talk abt ur motivation.

@alexgingell @MrWickensPE @jamesmichie think it also requires a brave school

@richards_james don’t be afraid of asking the pupil what they like and how they like to learn and work around them be flexible/creative

Tweet/s of the Week:

@theokk good q, learning’s a bit like hill walking, you climb to the top, then you see all the other summits you didn’t know were there

@SutchLord Teachers should be guide at the side not the sage on the stage

@ukedchat A great thing about IL is when pupils start teaching YOU because they’ve explored BEYOND your knowledge

@thingsbehindsun Teach pupils how to think, not what to think

@mister_jim Quote on my class wall “our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall.”

Relevant WebLinks Highlighted During the Session:

@oliverquinlan How can we enable meaningful independent learning?- Relevant for tonight’s http://www.oliverquinlan.com/blog/2011/06/03/how-can-we-enable-meaningful-independent-learning/

@TeacherToolkit Some detail on #personalisedLearning by@NSCL http://www.nationalcollege.org.uk/index/leadershiplibrary/leadingschools/personalisedlearning/about-personalised-learning/what-is-personalised-learning.htm

@LearningSpy This is my favourite film clip for motivating students to learn independently: http://goo.gl/vDAPL

@sciteachcremin An example of IL? Pupils telling me how they are going to show their progress at end of topichttp://mrcremingcseblog. edublogs.org/2011/10/07/assessments-how-should-they-be-done/

@mister_jim Independent Learning: My class project day http://bit.ly/nhduEt

About your Host:

James Michie is Leader for Media Studies and Key Stage 4 English at The Chalfonts Community College, located in Buckinghamshire, England. He has been teaching for nine years and is currently studying towards a Masters in Education. He writes a personal weblog (http://jamesmichie.com/blog) about Education, Technology and Productivity and is an active member of the educational Twitter community.