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Molly Tant's Portfolio

A New Culture of Learning Ch. 1-3

3/31/2015

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A New Culture of Learning by Douglas Thomas and John Seely Brown

Chapter 1- Arc-of-Life Learning


Quote/explain -  “Play, questioning, and - perhaps most important - imagination lie at the very heart of arc-of-life learning.” (18-19)

Experience the world through play and questioning.  It is so important for teachers to allow students to be creative because creativity sparks a flame of a deeper connection to learning.  

Question - How can we teach our students to allow creativity to be a part of their learning?  

Connection - I love to plan lessons that involve creativity.  I recently had my students create and illustrate haikus - they had to follow a specific format, so they had to think outside of the box in order to make their wording fit the format.  I had them go outside for inspiration.  Students were so engaged in this lesson, and create some pretty amazing poetry and artwork.

Epiphany - I continue to be impressed by the work that my students do when there is a bit of play involved in their projects.  When they are able to be creative, outside the confines of the regular type of lesson, they produce some pretty amazing work.


Chapter 2 - A Tale of Two Cultures

Quote/explain -  “In the new culture of learning the point is to embrace what we don’t know, come up with better questions in order to learn more and more, both incrementally and exponentially” (38).

As teachers, we need to be teaching our students how to ask questions in order to gain a better understanding of what is being learned.  Students need to be able to expand their horizons, instead of being boxed in by what are thought to be the “right” answers.  

Question - What methods can we use to get students away from seeking the “right” answers and move towards asking questions and discovering beyond what is simply right?

Connection - I feel as though I always make a connection to students wanting the right answer to everything.  I am trying to move away towards “right” answers, and more towards what my students actually THINK.  I had a student ask me a question the other day that I didn’t know the answer to (imagine that)...the question really impressed me.  I loved that he was thinking outside of the box and asking questions that I hadn’t anticipated.

Epiphany - I'm thinking of activities to do with my students and one popped into my mind as far as asking questions - how about starting class off, having students write down a question that they have about ANYTHING.  Perhaps having them actually practice asking questions will help them develop into better question-askers? 


Chapter 3 - Embracing Change


Quote/explain - “As information is constantly produced, consumed, updated, and altered, new practices of reading, writing, thinking, and learning have evolved with it” (42).

With the fast pace of technology, the world we know is constantly changing and we must be willing to change with it.  We need to seek new alternatives to what is considered the “normal.”  

Question - How can we get technology in every classroom?!

Connection - At my first school site, the students had access to both iPads and Chromebooks.  It was awesome being able to have my students type up essays in class and send them to me for comments via email.  The amount of paper used was 0, I could write comments in minutes and send the paper back to them to revise, and, using Google Docs, I could monitor student progress after they gave me access.  I could have students pull out an iPad and research a job that they would write a letter of introduction for.  They could play games in order to improve their vocabulary and grammar.  It was incredible, to say the least.  They were engaged and working!  

Epiphany - We need to get technology in all classrooms!  Students are so connected to their technology - as I’ve said before, we need to get it in the classroom and utilize this tool!
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Instagramming My Story

3/31/2015

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Over the last two weeks, I took daily pictures depicting my life - as a teacher, a student, and just as me.  I really enjoy taking pictures, because, as the phrase goes, a picture is worth a thousand (and one) words.  Instead of telling someone about something, I would much rather just show them.  
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20% Project, Week 2!

3/20/2015

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Changing them strings...

So for this week, I changed the strings on my guitar.  My strings were extremely old and just didn’t sound too great.  Through my research, I learned that guitar strings should be changed:
1.  When they are rusty/discolored
2.  When the guitar seems to not stay tuned
3.  When the sound is dull 
I haven’t changed the strings in a few years, so I decided it was probably time...  Below is the video of me changing them all on my own (the last time my strings were changed, I had a friend do it :D)!

I used two different YouTube videos to assist me.  They are located at the very bottom of this blog.  


Also, my dog, Dawbee, was like "what the heck are you doing?!"  So he kept walking around me :)


PS:  The song I used in the video is "Warning" by Incubus!
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3 Ways Colleges Use Instagram

3/18/2015

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3 Ways Colleges Use Instagram
Ryan Lytle

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Instagram allows the user to document moments using just a picture.  Of course, you can caption your picture, but captions are short.  Pictures tell stories just as much as words do.

Colleges and universities are using Instagram to, in essence, market their schools.  Schools promote their schools by taking pictures of students, staff, activities, the campus...  It helps students feel more connected to the school by participating in something (in this case, taking photographs that are tagged to the school or seeing “behind the scenes” photographs from the school).  

Creating #hashtags for students to use during events, like graduation, dances, competitions, etc. will allow students to share their experience with others who attended, or didn’t, certain events.  It creates connection.  The whole point of Instagram is to connect.

A classroom can definitely benefit from the use of Instagram.  Teachers can create #hashtags for their classroom and direct students to use the #hashtag when they find something that relates to the class.  That way, students who are using IG can have access to what their peers are doing.  Teachers must have a discussion about appropriateness, because I can foresee students walking a line when it comes to sharing something through social media.  I really think that students could benefit from this...as I’ve said before, teachers should use technology to their advantage.  Kids are on it all the time - why not encourage learning and community building?




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20% Project, Week 1

3/15/2015

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First, a little research...

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Lesson number one: Guitar Center is a trap.  Let me tell you why... when you go in there for one thing, you buy 50 things.  It’s like Target...  With that being said, my Guitar Center trip was a success in that I bought what I needed, but a failure in that I bought MORE than I needed.  Whoops...

During my trip, I bought three different types of guitar picks.  In my research on justinguitar.com, I found that beginners will be better off using thin picks.  I ended up purchasing Fender thin picks (red), Fender medium picks (silver), and Dunlop picks (orange).  The Dunlop picks were specifically mentioned on justinguitar.  

I also purchased a guitar tuner, which I will need specifically when I change my guitar strings.  I will need to be able to get my guitar completely tuned before I start playing.  The easiest way to tune is with the tuner... when it comes to being able to tune by ear, that takes a ton of practice.  Perhaps one day, I will be able to do this.  In 5 weeks, probably not...but I can dream, right?

My next purchase was a capo, which is used to play songs in a different key, using the same chord shapes (justinguitar.com).  

In order to change my guitar string, I needed to actually buy strings..which I did!  The strings that I got, which are called Elixir strings, supposedly last 3-5 times longer than other strings.  They were a bit more expensive than all of the other strings, but the homie at Guitar Center said that these are definitely worth it...

My brother-in-law plays the guitar, and he gave me the “Guitar Case Chord Book.”  It contains guitar chords (obviously) and gives detailed charts of where your fingers go for each chord (which finger goes where, etc.).  Thanks bro!


So, my next step will be to actually change the guitar strings.  I’m a bit nervous about doing this, because I’m kind of afraid that I’m going to either lose one of the pegs that I have to take out, or I’m going to mess up the guitar... A video of me changing the strings will be in the next post... wish me luck (I made that green for St. Patrick's Day :D)!


Rock on!




Follow Molly's board Guitar! on Pinterest.
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Instagram Scavenger Hunt

3/13/2015

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I could definitely see myself incorporating some sort of Instagram scavenger hunt into my lessons.  Students are so immersed in social media, that using something that I know they love to use will really excite them.  I also like the idea because it will get kids moving around instead of sitting sedentary.  

Something that I could use this activity for would be for poetry on nature.  I could have the students go outside and take pictures of specific things that they could draw inspiration from.  Having students share their images via Instagram could help other students become inspired as well.  Some examples of things I could put on a poetry inspiration scavenger hunt would be:


A red flower
Puffy white clouds
A dying tree
Grass
Birds
Any other tree
Blue sky
Any other flower
A bug


I like the idea of making a school Instagram that students can link their pictures to.  I would definitely use this idea... The only thing I would need to modify is the topic - it would depend on what I was teaching.  If I could take the kids on a field trip to get photos from somewhere else, I would!

Instagram Scavenger Hunt

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Instagram ELE Challenge

3/12/2015

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A picture is worth a thousand and one words.


In the article, teachers Pilar Munday and Adelaida Martín, came up with a challenge for the students in their Spanish class - they had them take photos of specific Spanish words and post them to Instagram.

I think this idea is so engaging for students - I cannot tell you how many times students have asked me if I have an Instagram.  Students are able to share their pictures with their teachers, peers, family, as well as people across the globe.  The pictures that they post are telling a story about their journey in their Spanish class.  The teachers are brilliant - they are taking advantage of student’s love (and it seems NEED) of technology, specifically Instagram, and using it for learning purposes.  These teachers are encouraging students to collaborate with their peers by sharing their photos and commenting on photos.  This project inspires creativity in the students, and does not limit them to the walls of the classroom - they have to explore, create, innovate.

Instagram ELE Challenge

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Kids Speak Out on Student Engagement!

3/11/2015

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What am I doing to engage my kiddos?  EVERYTHING THAT I CAN!  As a student teacher, I am learning the ins and outs of teaching...and it has been totally eye-opening.  One of the biggest shockers for me was the fact that, no matter what I try, some of my students just HATE it.  A few things that I have tried within my classroom to help with student engagement:

  1. Working with peers - some students work super well, some don’t work at all, and some don’t care.  I wonder if the kids understand that I’m doing it for them?

  2. Working with technology - I have incorporated videos as a supplement to my teaching - from biographical videos, to Saturday Night Live clips.  They eat that stuff up...instant gratification.

  3. Understanding my “clients” - I feel that I am a very encouraging person, and my encouragement does not stop in the classroom.  I encourage students to speak their minds, be respectful to their peers because everyone knows how difficult it is to speak up, voice their thoughts and opinions through writing and discussion, and tell them that THEY CAN.  Even at 16, 17, 18, 45 years old, people need to be encouraged.

  4. Be human - I try to be REAL with my students.  I make fun of myself, because I’m kind of a nerd.  I let them know that it’s okay to laugh at yourself.  I don’t talk to my students like children, I talk to them like they’re adults... I remember being in high school and hating when I felt patronized.  I also really try to put aside my pride, and admit if I’m wrong.  If I catch myself, I will tell my kids if I did something or said something wrong, and correct the mistake if I can.


A few things that I would like to implement into my classroom:

  1. Connecting the real world to the work we do/project-based learning - As a teacher fresh out of the nest, this one is more of a difficult one.  I would love to be able to figure out how to connect everything that I’m teaching to real world issues.  Right now, I’m just trying to keep my feet from coming out from under me.  I think that as I progress in my teaching career, that I will become more comfortable, and be able to do this so much better.

  2. Get me out of my seat! - Trust me... I need this, too.  I often wonder if my kids think I have ants in my pants, because I am constantly all over the place.  I would love to incorporate time for getting up and moving around.  They sit in classrooms for 6+ hours a day, more than likely barely moving.  I want to be that teacher that lets students have a stretch break and lets them do activities where they’re moving around.  If I need this, then they need it MORE.

  3. Student choice - Giving the students a choice to what they are doing will make them more willing to do it...at least this is what I believe.  I have a project set up for my next unit - students will be able to choose what their mode of project will be (essay for the writers, music for the musicians, art for the artists, etc.).  We will see how it goes...
    
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My 7 Survival Skills

3/8/2015

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1.    Think!

     Being a critical thinker is extremely important - The Global Achievement Gap discusses the importance of being able to think on your toes, be a problem solver, and think critically.  Employers are not necessarily looking for people who are a master at a specific craft (there is always room to learn something new), but are looking for employees who are able to think for themselves and solve problems quickly when problems arise (because honestly, problems are inevitable).
     Incorporating true thinking in the classroom can be difficult - students that are in high school now were always “taught to the test.”  They are focused on getting the “right” answer.  Critical thinking does not focus on necessarily the right answer, but exploring your answer and understanding it.  I focus on giving my students open ended questions, where there is not going to be one answer.  To be successful in this area is to be confident.

2.     Collaboration

     I attended a principal’s panel this last weekend.  Principals from different areas of Southern California discussed resumes, interviewing, and hiring.  One of the things that seemed to keep coming up was that they were looking for candidates who worked well with the other employees at their school - they were looking for good “matches” who would be able to collaborate with colleagues.  
     As far as collaboration between students.. I think it’s a really good skill for them to learn how to do.  Working with other people is a part of life - no matter what you do, you are more than likely going to be dealing with people.  Teaching students not only to work with others, but to work WELL with others is so important.  I was subbing for a week for my master teacher, and he pretty much said to do whatever I wanted with my “teaching” classes.  So, I tried something different - I had my students get into reading groups and read Huck Finn together, instead of being read to.  In my first class, I chose the groups for them.  They FREAKED!  They hated working with “people they didn’t know.”  This bothered me so much...they had been in this class together for SIX MONTHS, and were not comfortable with each other?  So, the second group I had, I allowed them to choose their own groups.  I would say that a fourth of the class were on track, while the other three-fourths were not.  What this all comes down to is students taking RESPONSIBILITY for their own learning, as well as feeling comfortable with working with ANY of their classmates.



3.     Be Willing

     If I had a nickel for every time that I have heard a student say, “I can’t do this,” I wouldn’t need to teach (I’d be rich!).  If I were an employer (which, in a way, I kind of am as a teacher), I would be looking for employees that are willing to try something new and willing to make an effort.  It is so sad listening to students tell me that they cannot - I try to be a constant cheerleader, letting students know that they have the ability to do it.  I want my kids to try.  I want them to understand that they can.  I want them to be successful.  In order to be successful, you must be willing.

4.     Take Responsibility

     When you go to work, you are expected to complete your work (usually) on your own.  You are in charge of your work - there isn’t going to be someone micromanaging (usually) your work.  You will be expected to get it done by the time that it is supposed to be done by.  You have to take RESPONSIBILITY for your own work.
     One of the most important things that students need to do within the classroom is take responsibility for their own learning.  I believe that students will get out of their education what they put into it.  I feel that students now can fall into a rut of laziness - they expect to be given answers and just move on.  What I would like to do is create a classroom in which my students are responsible for their own learning.

5.     Incorporate Technology

     Technology is an ever-present and ever-changing trend.  I cannot walk around without seeing people buried in their cell phones.  This generation, MY generation, is the generation of instant gratification - we expect instant results in everything we do.  
     The importance of technology is evident through the fact that, in order to get into this credential program, we had to take a technology in the classroom course.  And now, being in the program, we are taking a technology class.  Times are changing, and as teachers, we need to be ahead of the game.  Students are glued to their technological devices - we need to figure out how to use that to our advantage.  At my last school site, we had Chromebook or iPads for each student.  This was awesome!  I could ask students to do research in class or type essays and send them to me for feedback.  At my current school, I had students use their devices to play Kahoot, and they were immersed!  

6.     Communication is Key

     No matter what you choose to do in life, you’re going to have to be able to talk to people.  Learning to communicate, both in written and oral form, is key.
     As an English teacher, I focus on allowing my students to express themselves, whether that be through writing, presentations, or class discussions.  I think it is essential to teach students to feel comfortable with themselves as individuals, because having confidence plays a huge role in one’s ability to communicate.  

7.     Creativity!

     Now that information is literally at the fingertips of anyone who chooses to explore the Internet, anyone can literally learn anything.  The 20% project that we are doing is a perfect example:  we are required to learn about something, ANYTHING, and then use the knowledge to PLAY.  We have to research our topic and perform in some way via the use of technology.  
     We need to put student’s knowledge to the test, and have them explain their learning through creation.  I love incorporating art into my classroom (although some students are not so enthusiastic..).  I recently did a mini lesson on satire, and then had my students create satirical cartoons on Huck Finn.  Most of my students excelled in explaining their learning through artwork.  I loved the cartoons that they came up with - some were absolutely hilarious.  I also like the idea of having final projects - perhaps for a novel - to be creative, but also allow the students to have a say.  Give them ideas of what the project could be, and let them go for it.
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Rethinking Education, Take Two

3/8/2015

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Things You Learn Your First Year Teaching

I chose this video specifically because we will all be going into our first year teaching.  It’s interesting to see, from the perspective of newer teachers, what they learned within their first year.  These are some things that I will  keep in mind during my first year:

One:
I’m not going to come into the classroom as an amazing teacher.  I’m young.  I’m new.  I’m inexperienced.  Every teacher wants to make a difference.  I want to make a difference.  But this is going to take some time.  I have so much to learn still!

Two: Every student is unique
Of course...every individual PERSON is unique.  Students come in with personalities, life experiences, learning styles - these make them unique.  As teachers, we must learn how each student is different, and plan based on the differences.

Three:  You have to be TOUGH
Now this one is a toughie for me, because I can be a softie.  Sometimes, as is normal because we are HUMAN, I let things get to me.  I have had students not like me for whatever reason, and that bothered me.  I know that I will have to come to realization that I need to be TOUGH so that the little things do not get to me.  

Four:  Students WANT to learn
Sometimes it is difficult think that students want to learn, because there seems to be a lack of motivation within the classroom now.  But it is so important to have a mindset that students are in the classroom to learn, and to plan on helping them do so.

“You are going to have your ups and downs.  But as long as your heart and soul are for your kids, you will never let them down.”

Hackschooling Makes Me Happy

Kids want to learn about what they’re “stoked on” and what they have experience with.  In the video “Hackschooling Makes Me Happy,”  Logan LaPlante discusses his schooling experience and what he wants to be when he grows up.  At the young age of 13 years old, Logan admits that he grows up, he wants to be happy.  That is a huge thing to want at the age of 13... usually kids around this age want to be an actor, some sort of professional athlete, or a firefighter, doctor, etc..  So how do we teach students to be HAPPY?

Logan gives eight areas that he participates in during his school days that promote a happy and healthy lifestyle:
Exercise
Diet and Nutrition
Time in Nature
Contribution & Service
Relationships
Recreation
Relaxation & Stress Management
Religious & Spiritual
(this one is difficult in public schools)

It would be awesome to be able to incorporate each one of these areas into the school days of each student...  

Exercise & Diet and Nutrition:
These two things are usually incorporated into a PE class and I know that some schools have a nutrition class (I took nutrition my freshman year of high school).  I believe giving students CHOICE when it comes to what kind of exercise classes to take would be totally beneficial.  I LOATHED PE when I was in high school, but when I had the choice to take softball PE, I loved it!  

Time in Nature:
Students literally sit inside for half of their day.  I think that it is important to get them out and about.  I love the idea of taking my students outside to write about nature, or to write about sensory details.  

Contribution & Service:
Giving the students opportunity to feel connected to their community is great!  Finding a service learning project that could connect to the community and to their learning would be so beneficial for the students!

Relationships:
Teaching students about healthy relationships with their families, friends, and acquaintances is so important.  Students are really beginning to build bonds with people starting in middle school, and it is essential to teach them how to have positive relationships.

Recreation:
When I think of recreation, I think of camping for whatever reason!  I think it would be so fun for students to go on camping trips for their science classes - they can build relationships, get out of the classroom, and learn in nature.  

Relaxation & Stress Management:
Students face so much stress specifically during their high school years.  They are worrying about relationships, grades, college, sports, family... Teaching them how to deal with their stress is so important!  I know that the school that I am at now, they offer yoga PE.  I think this is awesome, because yoga is extremely relaxing.




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