@nalang1 “The teacher should be the coach, model, supporter, encourager, expectation setter, and cheerleader.” When you start thinking about the way in which teachers are operating in the classroom these days, a number of interesting words seem to come up in the conversation. Teachers who are connected educators now see themselves more as facilitators, coaches, […]
Read more "What is the main role of a teacher in a PBL classroom?"Back in the swing of all things PBL. Feeling good after yesterday’s post so I’m writing on a sunday night to keep the creative juices flowing. The more I write, the more I’m convinced that students should have a blog portfolio as part of their graduation requirements. Starting in first grade and then following them […]
Read more "What needs to be modeled for students to begin a #PBL lesson?"The second question to #mschat this week had to do with essential elements of #PBL (project based learning for those of you keeping score at home). What does that mean? Well, the phase ‘essential elements’ to me simply means that any and all PBL classrooms should operate under a specific set of conditions and norms…I’m […]
Read more "What are the essential elements of #PBL?"After a wedding weekend/boys weekend away I find myself desperately wanting to write. I’ve been doing these blog posts in earnest since the beginning of November and have come to appreciate just how much they mean to me, both intellectually and emotionally. I have this self-realization when writing that I’m doing something worthwhile about my […]
Read more "What makes PBL different from doing projects?"Fun Friday Blog post time. Happy Friday everyone! This is question comes from #mschat moderator @blocht574 who caught me a little off guard with this one. I was expecting a slightly more serious question but I have to say I was delighted to see some of the responses from participants. It really does seem that […]
Read more "What song best describes your energy or re-energizes you when you need it?"O.K., so here we are at a question that I found a little surprising to be in a #mschat. The only reason why I say this is that we middle school teachers are a funny bunch. Most, if not all, of us teach middle school because we are large children. I say this with the […]
Read more "How do we “Let kids be kids” and have fun while still focusing on learning?"I’ve been enjoying this series of reflections from #mschat from last week and today’s question is no different. How do teachers keep students engaged in learning over the course of a snow/cold day cancellation? I have a few thoughts on it and I’m inclined to take an contrarian position today than most of the participants […]
Read more "How do you engage your students in learning on a snow/cold day?"Well, this question I was not expecting in the #mschat from last week. To be honest I can’t seem to find any difference between coming to work and being professional as a banker or a teacher. As @mrgranito said perfectly: “Uh…suck it up! We’re the professionals here!” I’m speaking from a perspective of someone who […]
Read more "How do teachers maintain HIGH professionalism and energy during the winter?"I thought I did a pretty good job summarizing and commenting on the first questions of #mschat so I’m inspired to continue today with question number two. The second question was a two part question that dealt with the absenteeism that comes with the cold winter months. The first part was: How should you deal […]
Read more "How should you deal with frequent student absences that come with winter?"I love technology.It allows me to catch up with things I just didn’t have time for in the moment. For example, I’ll be playing a benefit concert this Saturday afternoon/evening and won’t be able to watch the Patriots playoff game. Not to worry! I’ll be able to record it and watch it on Sunday with […]
Read more "How do you keep students motivated on a cold winter day?"
peter spiegel 