Carol's+Page+(Third+Trimester)

**3/1/11**
Let's see what the kids have to say! []

Check it out and let me know what you think!

My first impression was that the writer must work at a high school so I was surprised by the references to middle school students. We've addressed some of her wish-list issues by having staggered starting times for our many grade levels and scheduling Resource classes to provide core teachers as much student prime-time as possible for preschool, elementary and hopefully next year for middle school. The reality of starting school early is more a result of parents needing to get to their jobs on time than the possibility of letting kids sleep in until they're more alert. (Let them go to sleep earlier!) Everyone has recess at least twice a day and maybe teachers need to run wild for 10 minutes twice a day to get ourselves jumpstarted. The academic issues of shifting grade levels, homeschooling and online learning are a little trickier. I was given the option to skip a grade and my parents, both educators, decided to keep me with my agemates. A friend I later met in high school had all kinds of issues at being a year younger developmentally than her new classmates especially in middle school and high school although she did age well by the time our reunions rolled around. The benefits of customized learning or at least differentiated learning to provide challenges to students could provide academic stimulation while allowing social skills to develop with same-age peers. Similarly, online learning is used more and more by students who have the luxury of staying home--Why can't we find online technologies to encourage those students who could benefit from web-based curriculum as a supplement to classroom learning? I agree that global learning is a necessity in the world we have now and the much smaller world that our students will soon inhabit. Why not start now to teach them about the world's geography and its diverse populations by giving them the internet tools to learn more about current events like the tragedy in Japan? Seems like there's a lot we can do now to make a start. (Lori 3-14-11)

This student has many interesting ideas about how to improve school. And while they are not all practical, her thought process displays intelligence beyond her years. What we should encourage in all students is that they need to share responsibility for their own rate of learning with their home and school. Perhaps the best ideas that she had were to express one’s own opinion and share in the decision-making; but we all need to be accountable for how those ideas work or don’t work. The results do not always need to be spectacular. But the process can be ongoing as we perfect our schools. Of course, when we come up with an idea, we try our best to make it work. Wendy 03.14.11

A lot of the student's wishes are awesome! For this society I doubt they would embrace it. Most students can not get enough sleep because their after school activities. I know plenty of students that come home around 9pm. never giving one thought to homework. Who wouldn't blame them! This student is definitely thinking practical. I agree with the lunches. I am trying to eat healthier, ugh tell me about it. Anyways I am definitely counting down the days to the Shoyu chicken and rice on the menu. I doubt this is healthy because it is incredibly good. What if the cafe pulled these things from their menu? Sales would drop drastically. Her thoughts on how students should be placed in different grades are absolutely correct. I remember the day I was told I couldn't go to school just yet because I was born in December. I was devistated. It wasn't because I couldn't do the work, I could, but because I was one of the lucky kids to be born around Christmas I had to stay in preschool another year. I can not believe this student was reading chapter books before entering school. Can you say amazed?? She is truly gifted. Victoria 3/16/11

There are a lot of interesting ideas presented in the article. I think that the students should be able to have a say in their education, but with that say comes responsibilities that not all students will take seriously. If the students are given more say in what and how they learn they will become more self-motivated to learn new things.

Making learning more online based has it benefits, but I think that it is easier to do so with older students as they have more access to technology. You can teach the younger students to use technology, but I don’t think that it will be as readily available to them; I mean is it realistic to trust the average first grader with a laptop. As technology is changing and becoming more compact, like with such things as netbooks and ipad, younger students will be able to benefit more from independent online learning.

Amy 3-16-2011 This girl is really a complex thinker! She has some serious opinions about such important issues. Starting school later wouldn't be a bad idea as I'm usually allergic to mornings, but it would be a challenge for working parents who need to get to work after dropping their children off. I think online learning is something that is closer than we know, if not already here in some schools. Arranging students by ability could also work, but I think you do need to take into consideration the age of the student as well. I can't see a 3 year old reading chapter books in high school and going to prom. Very interesting article.Davin 3-16-11 There were many intriguing issues discussed in this article such as the start time of our schools. When I was student teaching in Oregon, all of the schools that I worked at began at 9:00 instead of 8:00 and finished at 3:30 instead of 2:30. This seemed to work well for both the students and the teachers. The students always seemed well rested at the beginning of the day. Sometimes I think it is difficult for our students to begin the school day at 8:00 because for some of them that means waking up before 6:00. The 9:00 start time also worked well for the teachers. They were required to report by 8:00 and then had an hour for planning, grading, and meeting. I think this might definitely be something to consider.

I also think that the issue of age-independent grades is also something to consider. I sometimes groups students heterogeneously and sometimes homogeneously for different activities based on their skill level. I have found that I am able to most effectively individualize instruction when I group students homogeneously. I therefore think that the creation of age-independent grades might be something effective for our school. However, I also feel that students can benefit from learning from one another, so having the opportunity to work heterogeneously should be included in planning.

-Kristen 3/16/11

Wow! Obviously she is a very intelligent and mature young woman. It was interesting to read her ideas. When I worked in Oregon, school began at 9 and ended at 3. Although I enjoyed this schedule, I noticed that instead of getting more sleep, I ended up sleeping later. I wonder if the students would do the same thing, or is that just me =)!! In high school we were placed in different levels for each subject. We would have classes with students from different grades. It could get intimidating if you were a freshman and you were in a class full of seniors. I think she has great ideas and some are probably more practical than others. I definitely agree with her that students should be given a chance to voice their opinions. ~Jolene 3/16/11

I was impressed with the thoughtfulness of the author. She explored different aspects of social experience and academic learning. Although different subject matter and setting, I was reminded of my own experience as a student attending art studio (and later teaching there). From age 6-adult I attended a wonderful art studio afterschool and on weekends. Each session was open to all ages (6 years old and up). What made an impression on me was interacting with different ages and learning from and appreciating each other’s work. Michelle 3/16/11

Meeting the needs of all learners is a common concern for teachers... how to challenge __all__ students, while also supporting __all__ students in one classroom. The author of this article has strong points, but there are pros and cons to every solution. I totally understand her idea of grouping students according to ability level versus age; however, how will this affect learners socially and emotionally? The author’s strategy will probably affect students differently according to age and developmental stage in life. For example, grouping students according to abilities is how many college courses are handled, but will this strategy be effective for primary school students? Research must be conducted so that appropriate data will be available to help guide educators and parents to make the most feasible decisions for the sake of the holistic student. -Nicki 3/20/11

//I had to reread the article after reading what has been shared so far. I thought an adult was speaking and was confused about the perspective--What child attends workshops on brain research? Clicked on her name in the tag box and found out she is/was 12 years old and raised mega-money for Haiti using the internet. She's called a child prodigy for what's she's accomplished in her young life... // //Interesting to dig deeper: in this case, who the author is and what her view might be. The content of the article is still the same but I now find myself wondering if her opinions are based on what seems to be her very unique abilities at her age. Her article provides food for thought, regardless, but now I want to know more about what her schooling has been and where she gets her ideas. Does her voice speak for many young people? // //In class, I stress the importance of being curious: What do you think the author is trying to tell us? What do you predict will happen next? What would you do if this happened to you? Now I want to know more about this girl and her parents, her teachers and her experiences: How is she like our students? How has her education shaped her thoughts? As with most discussions, one topic sparks another. Just another example of being able to follow those connections--especially with the internet at our fingertips--to keep on learning. [Lori 3-21-11] //

//An interesting article in which many factors that affect learning are being discussed. When we truely listen to students, parents, and teachers and stay on a collaborative/best solution based goal how can the outcome not be successful? Outcomes are always changing or dynamic because we are dynamic and need to be changing or we diminish. Keep in mind that factors are variables which can make learning easier or can be blockers for every person and organization. Learning or brain development is at best an inconsistant process. The value of any learning process is probably best measured in the self satisfaction that the individual achieves either through accomplishment of a task, exercise, or a skill which can be used as another stepping stone in change. // //Jackie 3/23/11 Oh Did I get lucky today. Nope didn't win the lottery. Guess what found this lost post. Now to win the lottery! // //Jackie 3/24/11 //

This article really had some interesting ideas. The first thing that struck me was that I couldn't believe it was written by a student! I definitely agree with her about making lunches healthier and having more activity during recess time. When I was in high school, the campaign for being more health-conscious had started, as they pulled the soda machines from my campus and replaced them with fruit juice machines. I think it is good for everyone to be more aware of what they eat - I try myself to be healthy. (It doesn't always work, but I try...) Regarding activity at recess, I think promoting more physical activity is good - I'm trying myself to get back to the gym and workout.

I'm not sure if I agreed with her idea of skipping grades or grouping kids of different ages by ability. Call me old-fashioned, but I'm not sure if that's the best. I certainly agree with her - if you demonstrate strong ability in something, I think you should be able to to have enrichment. When I was in elementary school, some of my classmates and I were accommodated in certain subjects. I think one year might be ok (to skip), but any more and it could affect a student. I think interacting with peers of a similar age helps in social development. Again, I'm not an expert - this is just my humble opinion.

The one section of her commentary that I TOTALLY agree with was the part about taking international studies classes. I wholeheartedly support the idea of this. I have always been fascinated with other countries' histories and cultures. I have to agree with her comment - many countries know about America, but we do not know much about other countries. I think we could do better in this area.

Finally, I do think that we should try to listen to students more - I think they do have a lot to offer when it comes to learning. After all, they are the ones who will be leading our future - and I think they have some valid ideas to share with us.

- Tina 4/2/11

=//3/29/11 //=

//Today we will be learning about....//

//Check out this posting from Ed and let me know what you think. Mahalo.//

//[|http://whatedsaid.wordpress.com/2011/03/28/today-we-will-be-learning-about]///

Great article! It further validated the idea of integrated units at the middle school level. I think the concepts would "stick" on a deeper level in a students mind if they were able to inquire about them from many different points of view. Karen

Thanks for your thoughts, Karen. I immediately though of integrated unit when I read this as well.

This reminds me very much of Hanahau'oli since their curriculum is also concept driven. The use of essential questions leads to deeper learning from multiple perspectives as opposed to just scratching the surface. This makes the final product much richer. Kids want to know and often times want to continue on because of curiosity and interest. The development of their ability to question and research is a necessity for their world. JoAnn

These wiki postings remind me somewhat of the //provocation// this article mentions. It gets us thinking and wondering…at times helping our curiosity grow into big ideas, incorporating inquiry based learning. Our central idea is also somewhat similar to the example given in that we are investigating our own educational changes for the better of our students. ~kristi c

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">I thought this article was a good reminder for us to not just go with the "norm." I have to say that, at times, I am guilty of using the line "Today, we will be learning about...". However, I have to remember that when I do a concept-driven class, I will probably be pleasantly surprised with the results. I know that when I have had some lessons and students start to ask questions, we have a new sub-lesson develop as a result of the students' questions. I am always amazed at what the students ask and what they are thinking about. This article reinforces that idea. - Tina

Interesting article. Clearly, concept driven lessons, those where units of inquiry begin with a "provocation" encourage students to become research oriented, collaborative and "self-appropriated" learners. -Adah

It is always good to stimulate the children’s creative thinking before teaching a topic. Provocations or Essential Questioning do just that. They provoke deep thought, make students produce original ideas and encourage critical thinking, not just memorization of facts. ~Wendy

Provocations remind us how important questions are. Questions keep us learning and stimulating the mind. As teachers, this is a good reminder for us to encourage kids to ask questions and also have the freedom to wonder and think outside the box. -Cari

Reading this article made me think of the importance of a “hook”. Just like how writing should have a ”hook” to get readers interested in reading on, I believe that lessons should start off the same way. This way, students are attentive from the start, and curiosity is naturally spiked. Learning through inquiry is a strategy that I feel helps students learn more effectively by being interested in the content and getting actively involved to fulfill their curiosities. -Nicki

Provocations are a great way to allow the students to take ownership in what they are learning. They can make self connections when possible, and also build inquiry. When reading a story, the title page is also a good place to start. Just by looking at the title page, the students can come up with many questions about the story. This builds inquiry about the story, and also allows a time for making predictions about the story before they even read the first sentence. When they generate their own questions, they take pride in finding out the answers as well. ~Davin

This idea of provoking student initiated wondering is very important. I often connect our math concepts to other subject areas like science, art, sport, etc. and I often explain why we are learning what we are learning. But I have to remember to provoke the students' questions and get them wondering. This article was a good reminder for me to "ask" as much as I "tell" the class. -Karyn

Great responses. Thanks to all who have responded. I think this kind of sharing is to important. I appreciate your finding the time to share your thoughts. Carol

This post by Ed reminded me of how we have implemented essential questions into our current teaching strategies. However, I feel that the provocations are much deeper and rooted in thinking processes than essential questions. The direction towards teaching has certainly changed and I agree with Ed that once we implement the provocations, it is difficult to go back to starting the lesson with, “Today we will learn about…” When we think of the word provocation, we tend to think of someone provoking thoughts or actions in a negative way. We can now view the word and action in a different light. I liked how Ed enlightened readers with a new “buzz” word in education which allows us to reflect on our own teaching methods. As I was reading the article, I thought, “I used to start the day with the phrase. It is because we were trained to state the objective clearly to our students.” Gone are the days of outlining a step by step of what will be learned in the classroom. Today we pose/provoke questions that lead the children into the lesson plan. More importantly, we are fostering a learning environment of 21st Century critical thinkers. ~ Evelyn 4/10/11

**4/4/11**

So, we are supposed to be about success. Success for our students and also success for ourselves. But, what is success? Please check out the posting and let me know your definition of success.
[]

The education system should foster an environment that allows students to make choices. I feel that every child's journey is a path of self-discovery. There is a push to send students to college, but I also feel that there should be the same drive to send students to trade school. I think the one quote that stays with me is, "For some kids, college isn't worthy of them. Not everyone needs to spend exorbitant tuition fees (and dormitory costs, and textbooks, and...) to find their niche in life." Students can find their niche in life in trade schools or by feeding their passions and having a support system for their ambitions.

In Germany, the secondary education is divided into several types of schools based on the needs of the students. The schools focus on the future needs of the student, whether it is college prep, trade school, or general education. The goal of education is to prepare students for life, however they may choose to pursue their career path. My definition of success is when an individual - effectively applies his/her skills - is kind and compassionate to people and living creatures - makes a difference in the world - pursues a path in life that makes him/her happy

This article was thought-provoking and it allowed me to look back at my own college experiences. I began college as a business major. It was during my second year of business studies that I stumbled upon a tutoring opportunity at the Chaminade Student Services Center. It was a great opportunity to earn an income. As I tutored more and more ESL students, I realized my passion for education. I knew then that I wanted to become a teacher. This whole experience brings me back to the measure of success according to Michelle Baldwin. I am in agreement with Baldwin when she quotes, "Silly me, but I thought it was something as simple as this: find your strengths, find your passion, find a way to make the world around you a little better than how you found it." ~ Evelyn 4/10/11

I **didn't know you were at first a business major! We all would have missed out if you had not decided to change your major!**

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">This question really made me think about ‘success’ but I feel it includes: · Helping other people become successful so they will influence the world for the better · Learning more everyday and being open-minded about ‘new’ adventures · Tackling new projects which force a person to ‘stretch’. If s/he is not successful, s/he’ll give it another attempt · Being more flexible in everyday tasks · Setting goals, achieving them, and subsequently set more challenging ones · Believing in yourself and be happy <span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ~Dr. Seuss Wendy 04.16.11

= Being able to support yourself while doing something you enjoy is my definition of success. ~ Scott =
 * Learning more every day...yes, to me, that is being successful. **

= If you have a goal, and you set out and accomplish your goal, then to me that is successful. If you want to be rich, and you become rich, you are succesful. If you want to be happy, and you find a happy life, then you too are successful. Success is in the eyes of the beholder. Davin = ==== Success is often seen as professional or financial sucess (What does your family do? What kind of car do you have?) with the happiness quotient of less importance. The goal of finding personal satisfaction in your work with monetary compensation for a secure and enjoyable life is a welcome formula for longterm success. ==== ==== As educators, parents and community citizens, we all want what's best for our students and our own children. Higher education provides the foundation for greater employment opportunities and exposure to knowledge and learning that goes far beyond what students are introduced to in high school. But we know that not all students have the aptitude for college and trade schools and work experience fulfill the training needs of a large percentage of our public school population. Military training and future educational benefits is also a reality for many individuals who cannot afford to enter college directly after high school. The importance of finding fulfilling employment continues to be a challenge in all economic levels of work. Special needs individuals need additional services that are increasingly difficult to support with government cutbacks. ==== ==== Success then goes beyond "what we do" for a living but what we choose to do with our time and our skills that may or may not be work-related. Volunteering provides immeasurable feelings of success with no monetary reward. Sharing our passions, interests and hobbies with others--children in scouts, seniors in day care settings, etc.--can provide personal fulfillment that goes beyond financial success. -- Lori 4-25-11 ====
 * Me, too, Scott. I only had one job in my lifetime that I did not want to "go to." I feel sorry for those who live their lives doing something they do not like. **

==== Success is different for everyone! My sister is very successful in my family's eyes. She is the Vice President of a company, owner of a masters degree, huge salary, giant house, and a beautiful car. When I told my sister I was hired as a teacher her reply was "okay....so are you planning on doing bigger and better things?" Teaching is something I always wanted to do. I remember as a child I would pretend to be a teacher. The day I was hired as a teacher was when I became successful. Just because I don't make millions doesn't mean I am not successful. I do what I love, and for me if I walk in and out of the work place happy still loving what I do, I know I was successful at my career choice.:) For our students at this age success is defined by their parents. Their parents have set these success standards that make it hard for the student when they are unsuccessful at something. I wish that our students could define success, but if we asked they would give us a definition created by their parents. ~Victoria 4/27/11 ====
 * How we choose to spend our time...and the outcomes from that time spent. I think this is a really good way to look at success in life. Thanks, Lori.**


 * Yes, it is different for everyone. Success for me has always had to do with smiling. When I am at work, I smile. I think I am successful. When I am at home, I smile. I think I am successful. There are those times when I need to remind myself of the importance of smiling. Thanks for sharing your personal story. I am the only person in my family who has gone to college and I feel successful for that accomplishment. When I think about it, my parents did not encourage me to go to college. They encouraged me to get married and have a man take care of me. If I had that, knowing me the way I know me now...I certainly would not have been successful.**

In my opinion, success is finding something that makes you feel like you have a purpose in life - a passion that you are able to follow and revel in. It is finding joy in the smallest thing and knowing that you made a difference in some way. I find it disheartening at times when people "define" success with how much money you have or what kind of clothes you wear. I have certainly learned over the years that everyone has a strength in some way, shape or form. I think if you are able to find that, develop it, pursue it and enjoy it, then you have succeeded. Being a teacher, I hope that I can make my students feel like they have small "successes" and help them find their true passion. - Tina 5/4/11

=**4/29/11**=

Thanks Scott for this link. Take a look and let me know if you think you are a 21st Century Teacher. Thanks.

[]

I think that I am on my way to becoming a 21st Century teacher. I don't think I am quite there yet - I would like to add more to my curriuculum and develop skills. This list gave me a lot of food for thought and makes me wonder if I am "behind the curve."

On a personal note, while I try to keep up with the fast pace of technology, I seem to hit the brakes every now and then. I have an internal conflict with myself, as part of me "defaults" to the ways of old - not in terms of teaching content, but in terms of teaching etiquette and manners - the development of "personal" characteristics. At times, I feel like some people forget about making a phone call or writing a note - it's all about texts and tweets.

Don't get me wrong - I LOVE technology, but I also enjoy talking to someone in person and seeing them //right in front of me//. (I know we have Skype, but sometimes, technical difficulties can arise.) I'm all for utilizing technology to inspire and drive our students (as well as our colleagues). I just hope that in the midst of technology, we, as teachers, keep in mind that we help students build their character and that somehow, we incorporate the aspect of collaboration and interaction, not just with others around the world, but also with the people immediately around them. In my humble opinion, the interaction of people face to face is just as important as doing it through a camera lens or online interaction. - Tina 5/4/11


 * Agreed, Tina.**

Of the 21 signs, i think am a doing about 7 of them, so I guess that makes me a //7th// Century teacher. They are great signs for me to have for ideas on how to better become teachers - a check list to get me thinking about how I can use tech differently with the students. As for Signs #12 and #14 - virtual tours, they are good ideas when time and money are limited, however, nothing beats seeing places/things up close and personal. The sites, sounds, (smells), and travel experience can't be duplicated. - Ed 5/5


 * So, where are you going next?**

I agree with Ed that this is a good "check-list" to help me see what I could do to head towards becoming a 21st Century teacher, as I may be a 3rd Century teacher or something like that according to his calculations. Again, there should be a balance in the way we might approach our teaching strategies, so this list is a good way to remind me of alternative ways that are out there. - Davin 5/6


 * Balance is key.**

While I understand that being physically present in the learning environment with the teacher and other students may be ideal in many situations, I have one comment to supplement the list, which would be my personal goal as a teacher: Students (and even parents) are not completely lost when they are absent because they can retrieve the information and complete the assignments online... or they can even join in live or at least watch a recording of the class activities through software, such as Skype or Elluminate, from miles or even oceans away. ~Nicki 5/6/11


 * Good point!**

My students, although quite young, are moving forward in terms of technology through educational experiences. They are given opportunities to explore and create on-line individually or as a group. I am trying to use the power of tech to optimize this interest and talent. This is only possible if I keep striving to encourage their involvement in 21st century learning for their success and future. ~Wendy 5.07.11

I think another way in which educators can be more in tune with 21st Century education is to be open to changes. Changes come and go with the dynamics of each group of students and with the trends of how technology is implemented into the classroom. I feel that it is pertinent for teachers to change with the current teaching practices, while also keeping past practices in mind.
 * And, student interest is key. **

I would have to agree with Nicki that the online connection with my parents and students has been an asset this year. The students and parents have been able to access information online via email, websites, and our current classroom blog. The classroom blog has been another avenue for students to share their learning with the community. ~ Evelyn 5/23/11