Sunday, March 19, 2017

Session 4: Question 2 Coming Together: Speaking the Same Language

After reading this book, what is one small step that you can take to add more innovation class? Please give page numbers to support your thinking.   

14 comments:

  1. I think my small step will be to encourage other educators to join in using innovation. Page 140 talks of the importance of creating a team atmosphere that is inviting and transparent so that opportunities and cooperation will multiply.

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    1. I agree with Melanie Marshall's post on June 21 about taking a small step to ncourage other educators to become innovative teachers. There's' a saying" teachers wear many hats" and it's true especially since innovation is looking at things differently.

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    2. Jeanne BreidenthalJuly 7, 2017 at 11:21 AM

      I agree with Melanie and Sarah. It's a lot easier and you will get more people involved when they feel supported in trying something new. Showing people how it works and letting them see it first hand helps people try something new!

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    3. I also agree with Melanie Marshall on June 21. Doing things on your own can be scary. I think that having others who are also along on this journey is very important and necessary.

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  2. One small step that I would like to add more innovation to my class is Open Source Learning, OSL. Page 146. I think it's a good place to start innovative techniques as it can be applied in any subjects. I would like to start by creating OSL on our first unit of Place Value and operations so that students can use it to " find sources of information to help empower the learner" and deepen their learning. Page 147

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    1. Jenny Eather has a good open source math program. It includes a math dictionary, visual examples and math games for almost every math concept imaginable. Follow this link www.amathsdictionaryforkids.com. Consider Patrick JMT too.

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  3. One small step I think I might take is doing a better job of encouraging innovation. I believe that by creating an environment where students feel they can take a risk and fuel their passion (Kindle Location 2440). I have a new vision about what Genius Hour could be. This is a great platform for maximizing natural curiosity in my students. My hope will be that students will be driven to look for opportunities instead of waiting for others to do it for them.

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    1. Annie Mitchell June 30, 2017

      I think your small step is a great small step! After reading the book, I am even more encouraged and excited to dedicate and develop an atmosphere, mindset, and environment that encourages students the learn from failures, think outside the box, and discover their passions.

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  4. Jeanne BreidenthalJuly 7, 2017 at 11:18 AM

    One small step I would like to add is the OSL as well. This is going to be a powerful tool especially being self-contained. On page 146 I like how it talked about how it is a simple tool and a good way to incorporate some innovative techniques in your classroom. It's a good jumping off place which can be used in any aspect of your classroom.

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    1. Google is a great OSL to use. You can use Google Forms to discover your students interests.

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  5. I read about Open Source Learning p.146 and the value of innovation classes at the elementary level p. 148. However, one small step I am going to take is to research what programs compete with my job/program. I want to know how my competition became competitive. Hopefully, I can gleam innovative ideas from what I discover.

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  6. I think that a first step for me is talking to my principal for Kindergarten to join the Power Hour the campus has created. Even if it was just my class taking the time to do something innovative during that time, as in working on a project whole class, I know that it could be really powerful. Also, I could talk to my principal for allowing more times for power hour. Only 4 per semester is not enough. As mentioned in the book, being innovative in the classroom helps students "thrive when given a change to discover their passion." (pg. 148) Doing this from such a young age will have such a great impact.

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  7. One small step I can take would be to, as Don suggests, jump right into learning the educational and professional development opportunities social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram provide. He argues on page 101 that “Much like learning anything of value, one must learn by self-discovery.” In order to lead by example, I must not only give myself permission to make mistakes and collaborate with others, be willing to take risks, step outside my comfort zone, take charge of my learning, and explore how these tools can best be used to enhance learning opportunities and experiences for my students (pg. 134).

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  8. On Kindle location 2436, he encourages teachers to go beyond an hour of innovation. My one small step is to really look closely at my schedule and how I manage my classroom time to be able to really set aside the time needed for this.

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