Is Your School Policy or Instructional Style a Lid?

This little video clip made me think about the way some schools and teachers approach instruction. We shape the way students learn and their opportunities for engagement.  School expectations and teacher preference should not limit learning to the confines of the classroom. Because of technology, our classrooms are no longer limited  by walls. Lets lift the lid on our classrooms by enlarging the jar. This will require some innovative and resilient leadership if we are to move education beyond the walls of our classrooms.

Beyond the "Flip"

See this great article from a teacher whose class has evolved beyond the "flip".

http://plpnetwork.com/2012/10/08/flip-love-affair/

Special Education Teacher Workshop

It was great to have all the SERR teachers together for a workshop today.

Education Evolution

This is a powerful video clip that illustrates that the status quo is unacceptable. Change is needed. 

Tech unConference

I attended a workshop at the University of Windsor that focused primarily on the use of technology in the classroom. What made it an "unconference" was the spontaneity with which to various session occurred....a very unique but informative experience. 

Where to Start with Technology

Too often teachers will try to introduce technology to students without a learning goal in mind. Educators must teach the use of tech tools in the context of curriculum expectations. Technology is only a tool and should not be an end unto itself. For example, trying to teach students how to use a speech to text product without a curriculum context may be amusing for the moment but students will not learn to generalize its use to other more appropriate tasks. This is a good article that describes how to approach the use of ipads in an English class.

http://edudemic.com/2012/10/students-ipad/

Presentation on Self Injurious Behavior

Great presentation by Mark Levesque today on the prevalence of self injurious behaviours. With his permission, I will post his presentation on the blog.

"Grit" or Resiliency

We have known for some time that those who work hard are able to overcome and achieve - although grit as this author calls it, may not be quantifiable, it is a determining factor in achievement. I have witnessed, many times, a student with numerous challenges out-perform a higher "ability" student because of grit. But how do you teach grit? I believe we need to look at Self Determination Theory where we develop resilience by addressing autonomy, purpose and mastery. These 3 elements of motivation will impact "grit".  Have a look at the article at http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/10/how-important-is-grit-in-student-achievement/