As I was searching the web, and reading blogs, I came across this post. I found it so exciting as I try to get my head around the idea of REAL PBL. It is scary to give up “control” of the classroom and to allow students to all explore independent topics. Just a little nugget for thought…
Although I found the videos interesting, a bit startling, and quite incredible. What really struck home with me though, was the articles. I feel good about how I have helped my students become consumers of the information and research.
What I have not done well, is to help my students become producers of information. They are often collaborators, but their sharing of information beyond their small group does not occur often enough. For me, this becomes a serious concern. How am I helping my students share what they learn, what they discuss, what they develop? How I am showing their parents their thinking?
I believe the process, the skills, the thinking is much more than a grade. I am determined to create ways for my student to share their knowledge, with peers and parents, in effective manners. Discussion concerning the best method is important among our team is becoming a priority for me.
Sometimes I forget to take time and say thanks to teachers… because really, they are my inspiration! Just in case any of you forget how awesome you are… here is a little reminder. Enjoy!
And BeeTeeDubs- I just learned how to embed a video!!!! SOOOOooooo cool!!!
As a life-long learner, I feel that I have a fluid view of my own skills. To me, that means that I am in charge of what I want to do, and I am constantly adjusting my teaching and learning. I like to try new things, and love to learn. Honestly, if I could be a full-time student, I would relish the task!
In the scope of the 7 1/2 tasks of a life-long learner, the one that I find most challenging, currently, is PLAY! Because I see technology, and teaching, as a job, I often forget that it is okay to have fun doing it. Learning is a job to me, and as much as I love my job, it isn’t always something that I jump into with enthusiasm. As much as I love to learn, it is the time of year when I need to renew my spirit with creative tasks, lots of reading, and many, many naps!
The other 7 qualities of a learner all seem relatively easy to me. I know I can learn everything I want to do, I often spend time teaching myself how to do things (you can learn anything with a youtube video) and I have developed a HUGE task for myself by promising to create my own e-text for this year. Learning seems to be as intuitive to me as breathing. Actually, there are times that I wish I didn’t feel so compelled to do MORE, and I wish I could sit back and relax.
I think the most important task for me, during this course, is going to involve refining my toolbox. I have lots and lots of tools, but sometimes too much can be just as hindering as not enough, or the wrong tools. It is vital for me to use the right tool for the right job, and also to model the discovery process that I engage in, so I can serve as a mentor to colleagues.
Frustration!
As much as I know, I never know enough. I want to do so much… and I keep learning and teaching myself. But every time I learn something… there are three things more that I want to do.
Which leads me to my biggest frustration as a teacher. I can’t imagine doing things the same, year after year, or only learning something because you are told you have to learn it. This goes for teachers and students. LEarning should be personal and based on need… the need to do what you want to do, the need to explore and to complete a project.
So how to translate that into my classroom. How to allow students to explore, learn, and create while meeting the requirements put on me, and how to motivate those that are not willing to learn without pressure.