Today I have attended one of the best workshops/trainings as far as real applications in the classroom. Today's focus was on diversity in the classroom and meeting the mutliple intelligences of the students in the classroom. One of the best aspects of the class was that the training was led by two outstanding educators at my school. They have a highly functioning classroom where they are experiencing a high level of academic success and they integrate technology into all aspects of the curriculum. They team teach and are excellent at supporting learning in the classroom, one key aspect in their classroom is the love of teaching - it is clear in their discussions. Did I mention that they teach students who haven't been successful in the past on our state test and usually only experience limited success.
I am working on developing a differentiated instruction unit as an aspect of this class so I feel that I am making some progress towards my GAME plan. It is a really neat environment because we are able to collaborate and share ideas for appealing to the different learning styles in the classroom. Clearly I am not able to meet all styles in every lesson but as I plan a unit I can incorporate different aspects in different lessons in that unit. Additionally, tomorrow we are going to learn how to use a Mimio (which is a type of portable smart board) and Interwrite tablet. So that would fit the second aspect of incorporating more technology into my classroom. I am really looking forward to tomorrow so that I can continue this process. One of the best aspects of this time to plan is that school and postplanning is over so there isn't the same stresses and time constraints that are in place during the school year.
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Hi Anna,
ReplyDeleteIt is great to hear about successful stories such as the one you shared. Their love of teaching is contagious. Can these teachers explain specifically what they are doing that works so well?
I have never heard of a Mimio. Is it useful? Is it expensive?
It is a shame that your training is taking place at the end of the school year. It is often hard to recall and practice something new if it has to be delayed. Do you agree? Do you also have training in the beginning of the year?
Lynne,
ReplyDeleteThey are team teaching and they plan units that appeal to all aspects of the learning styles. They have the same students all day long (except for connections - and they have 40 kids with 2 teachers). I think a good portion of their success comes from the high level of engagement and accountability the students have along with high standards. (One example - if a student makes lower than a C - they have to redo the assignment until it is a 100 - then the grade is raised only to a 75 - but the student learns the content and to put effort into the work.
Mimios I think are about 900 dollars - so less than a traditional smartboard. You can check out some of the features at www.mimioconnect.com - it is free to sign up for an account and they have a huge database of lesson - one key advantage is that the boards are portable - One could be shared among two teachers. You might want to check into them.
Actually I think this isn't a bad time, at the beginning of the year it can be a bit overwelming with all that has to be done and this will continue next year with montly meetings to discuss progress. Also, I can now work on developing units and incorporating the technology over the summer. We have training of different types offered throughout the year.
Anna,
ReplyDeleteI am very jealous. It sound like you were able to attend a great workshop. Wonderful subject matter all around the board. I would be super interested to watch the teachers that your spoke of in action. There is nothing like observing veteran teachers teaching with progressive ideas. Being dual certified in regular and special education, I was trained to team teach. I absolutely love it and I am trying to push out such a system in my school. However, I work with a couple of old school teachers that see my service time and their teaching time as two very different things. It really bugs me. Great post!
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI was wondering the size of your school? I too am jealous that you can attend and collaborate with your colleague on that level. I teach in a small school is collaboration is very difficult. It is very interesting to me.
Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteThat can be frustrating - I hope that you are able to gain some support for team teaching. They really are an amazing pair! I think that it helps when the teachers are really committed to the idea.
Thanks for your feedback!
Anna Marie