Here are some recent snippets from my weekly review. Each week I look back and record what I’ve been thinking, reading, and experiencing in the classroom and in life. Think, Learn, Share, Repeat.
- Study the Tape?—?“The Institute of Education Sciences recently released the results of a study into the efficacy of video coaching at approximately 100 elementary schools in 14 different districts. It found that five cycles of video coaching improved both teacher practice and student achievement.” Once you get past the awkwardness of seeing yourself on the screen, I’m sure it will be quite effective. There must be a reason professional athletes study the tape.
- Tried and True?—?Beware of shiny new objects when it comes to teaching. Often, a simpler solution is also the most effective.
- Assessment?—?One of the most time-consuming aspects of teaching is grading student work. “Side-by-side assessments turn grading into an opportunity to connect with learners and create transparency around the grading process, which often feels opaque from a student’s perspective. It can also eliminate the need for teachers to spend the better part of the first week of summer break grading assessments and projects. And as everyone in education can agree, teachers need their break this year to rest, recharge, and push the reset button!”
- Better World Day?—?Schools are in a great position to serve their communities.
- The Good Stuff?—?Make a plan to end the year with gratitude.
- Sustainability?—?“We don’t have to sacrifice ourselves or quality instruction to make teaching sustainable. In fact, if we start these conversations about sustainability and identify incremental shifts toward it, all stakeholders can find entry points into this work.” This begins with small mindset shifts.
- Creators?—?“We must inspire questioning, risk taking, creativity, and innovation. We must lead the charge against the sit-and-get mentality and empower our staff and students to be creators instead of consumers.” (Shelley Burgess, Beth Houf, Lead Like a PIRATE)
