We started talking more about being ‘in your element’ (see previous blog post on this) in my class recently, which as been really successful. Here’s what we’ve done so far. On the first day of term: First we clarified what being in your element actually meant – when passion meets talent. Then we wrote little … Continue reading »
I gave an “Ignite” talk a couple of weeks ago on how I have developed, and am continuing to develop, the pedagogy in my classroom. How My-learning came to be, if you like. If you are interested in this, please excuse the fact that I am obviously no public speaker! Ignite Talk Auckland I Emma … Continue reading »
This week we have started a class Twitter account which has been fun and beneficial. The initial purpose of this was: To allow children to connect with other teachers and students around the world. Students like to share their learning on Uspace but feel they only have a small audience. With Twitter, they can share … Continue reading »
Throughout the year, the class have been teaching others in a formal and informal manner. They take ‘opt-in’ meetings for students on topics to do with what we are learning at school. They tutor their peers when they need some help. They peer assess. They give each other constructive feedback. Everyone in the class is … Continue reading »
Try this activity with a class you know. Ask them all to point an index finger at the ceiling. Tell them that you are going to ask them a question, and when they have come up with their answer to the question they should then point their finger at the answer. The question is: “Who … Continue reading »
The one week trial of ignoring the bells in our class has concluded, with mixed success. On the first day, the freedom went to their heads and I was really surprised with the lack of maturity and focus on their learning. The lesson was learned by most in time for the second day, but a new problem … Continue reading »
I’ve found it difficult to portray the intricacies of My-learning to fellow educators. People tend to pick up on the self directed part of My-learning only, which is really a relatively small part of the entire pedagogy. So I started down the road to putting it in diagrammatic form, which I hope will clarify what My-learning actually is in … Continue reading »
At the very beginning of the year, I suggested that we did without bells – that we just went to lunch when we were hungry or needed a break. This suggestion was met with outrage! The students hated the idea and I was forcefully opposed! Two terms later and the children have suggested it to me. I guess … Continue reading »
This week, the Year 6s have been doing their Student Led Conferences. There have been a few differences this year that I have noticed, in comparison to previous years. Firstly, the students have found it comparatively easy and it has been a much faster process in preparing for the conferences. I think this is because students are really used to talking about their learning. … Continue reading »
I went to Educamp today, which was held at Stonefields School in Auckland’s Mt Wellington. Educamp is essentially an opportunity for like-minded educators to get together and share in an open and flexibly formatted day. I’ve really come to see the value in stepping outside the day to day running of your school life, whether literally (as I did today) or figuratively. … Continue reading »
