4/22/14 Water filtration using problem-based learning
There’s a quote by Steven Covey that goes “...to learn and not to do is really not to learn. To know and not to do is really not to know.” Students learn more when they can apply concepts to real-life situations. Mr. Shankle’s 8th grade science class did just that by assembling a water filtration system to turn muddy water into clear, drinking water. Sure, some student scientists made mistakes in the process but the beauty of problem-based learning is that students use higher-order thinking skills to identify problems and find solutions.
There’s a quote by Steven Covey that goes “...to learn and not to do is really not to learn. To know and not to do is really not to know.” Students learn more when they can apply concepts to real-life situations. Mr. Shankle’s 8th grade science class did just that by assembling a water filtration system to turn muddy water into clear, drinking water. Sure, some student scientists made mistakes in the process but the beauty of problem-based learning is that students use higher-order thinking skills to identify problems and find solutions.
3/26/14 The Power of Student Work
Developing positive student-teacher relationships is one of the most powerful tools a teacher can possess. One way to develop this relationship is by displaying student work. Displaying student work makes a child feel proud, cared for, and valued. Remember informal assessments, like visual presentations, can also demonstrate student content proficiency.
3/25/14 Engagement+Technology=NEARPOD
Students in Mrs. Oates 7th grade math class are integrating technology in the classroom with Nearpod. Nearpod is an engaging, interactive way to present content to students. The beauty of Nearpod is that the teacher controls the presentation while students use their device to follow along and take assessments at different points during the presentation. Mrs. Oates's class was working on 3-D shapes. Check out the video. Notice that when the image changes on the board so does the image on student iPads.
Nearpod Oates from Tonya McGhee on Vimeo.
3/17 Teachers Talk Tech
This post was dual authored by Tonya McGhee, PD Facilitator at Ridge Road Middle School and Lisa Gurthie, PD Facilitator at Piedmont Middle School.
Trying to decide how to integrate technology while keeping students engaged with authentic learning activities can sometimes be a daunting task. Where do you begin? Which tools do you use? Will all my students be able to access technology? Where can I seek guidance from teachers who have successfully implemented programs that work?
Usually teachers find support within their own PLC's in their schools, but there is great value in working with other schools as well. Ridge Road Middle School and Piedmont Middle School recently collaborated to tackle some of these questions together. What started as an informal visit turned into a rich, impromptu conversation about the real ins and outs of a successful tech program using tools such as flipped learning and electronic notebooks.
There was so much wisdom being shared that we decided to film the conversation to share with other CMS teachers. Whether you are a tech sailboat (early adopter) tugboat (who will get there eventually) or an anchor (who is not even reading this blog right now), * we educators are all in the same boat: ferrying our students to the lighthouse of academic achievement!
Tech integration can take many forms. You can personalize it just as you do other aspects of your classroom. You don't have to be an expert to give it a try. How it looks for you will look like something different for your students and for other teachers at your school.
This post was dual authored by Tonya McGhee, PD Facilitator at Ridge Road Middle School and Lisa Gurthie, PD Facilitator at Piedmont Middle School.
Trying to decide how to integrate technology while keeping students engaged with authentic learning activities can sometimes be a daunting task. Where do you begin? Which tools do you use? Will all my students be able to access technology? Where can I seek guidance from teachers who have successfully implemented programs that work?
Usually teachers find support within their own PLC's in their schools, but there is great value in working with other schools as well. Ridge Road Middle School and Piedmont Middle School recently collaborated to tackle some of these questions together. What started as an informal visit turned into a rich, impromptu conversation about the real ins and outs of a successful tech program using tools such as flipped learning and electronic notebooks.
There was so much wisdom being shared that we decided to film the conversation to share with other CMS teachers. Whether you are a tech sailboat (early adopter) tugboat (who will get there eventually) or an anchor (who is not even reading this blog right now), * we educators are all in the same boat: ferrying our students to the lighthouse of academic achievement!
Tech integration can take many forms. You can personalize it just as you do other aspects of your classroom. You don't have to be an expert to give it a try. How it looks for you will look like something different for your students and for other teachers at your school.