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| Taking Risks | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Sep 28 2014, 06:37 PM (197 Views) | |
| Jono Broom | Sep 28 2014, 06:37 PM Post #1 |
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http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/10546374/Educators-told-they-need-to-take-risks Are we able to take risks in the classroom? Do National Standards and the new IES and the new year 9 and 10 testing restrict how much we can take risks in the classroom? What restricts or enables you to experiment in the classroom? |
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| kerriattamatea | Sep 29 2014, 02:50 PM Post #2 |
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I took a huge risk in the classroom at beginning of 2013. After being challenged by my Principal as to 'how Tamatea was going to take up the challenge of future-orientated learning' I decided I would as no one else was doing anything different. I had his support but also the support of one colleague. Looking back, without the support of that colleague it would have been a lot harder to impart the success we could eventually show and encourage others to 'get on board'. So with that said ... I think a huge part of whether we feel we can take risks in the classroom has to do with support from Principal and colleagues. In saying now I have seen success I am more than confident to 'go it alone' if I have to now! For me National Standards does not restrict me in experimenting...in fact I feel I experiment more to try to find new, exciting ways to show evidence of 'standards'. |
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| Jono Broom | Sep 29 2014, 03:12 PM Post #3 |
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I absolutely agree with you Kerri, I think it's so important to have support, especially from senior management but also from colleagues. That's one of the reasons for this forum actually, so we can find support for what we're doing even if we haven't got it within the confines of our school. It sounds interesting that you've been experimenting with new ways to show evidence of standards. I'd be keen to hear what you've tried and how it has worked. |
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| kerriattamatea | Sep 30 2014, 08:18 PM Post #4 |
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Hi again Jono. I probably made that sound more 'new' than it actually is but it is certainly 'exciting' for my students (and myself)... but I am talking about things like using Twitter as a reflection/summarising/thinking tool, using Kidblogs as a platform for student writing (they seem more engaged because of the global audience), using Mystery Skype to initiate research, then doing compare/contrast with our own city or between our connecting classes, using Tackk as a platform for critical thinking/asking questions/showing evidence, participating in Global Read Aloud to discuss figurative language, plot, characters etc. Piktocharts to present information, critical thinking questions from a Kiwi Kids News article.... just some of the things. I have found that breaking down the walls of the classroom has lead to more authentic, integrated learning opportunities and things seem to flow better..I am not really interested in a Long Term Plan because of the organic nature of what seems to be happening. (Although it is difficult to explain this to my colleagues). |
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| Jojo | Oct 3 2014, 04:18 PM Post #5 |
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I think that even with testing and standards etc...an annoyance certainly but still only a framework for where students need to be anyway....that we can personalise learning and the skills and learning required for any standard or test will become a part of the skills learnt during individualised education for students? |
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2:52 AM Jul 12