Comments about the November 9 meeting
1. The information presented in the session made good sense. I loved discussing the philosophy of constructivist teaching with my small group. We were task-oriented (thanks largely to Greg Trotter) and spirited in our comments. We hashed out the problems we see with implementing some of the ideas about constructivist teaching--but we all agreed that this form of teaching fits the philosphy of variable scheduling and is a good ideal to strive for. I loved the intelligence and diversity of the group that I was a part of.
I was also excited by Lary Kleeman's idea about teaching lessons in front of each other. When I was young and inexperienced, I used to sit in on classes taught by people I admired, and from them I learned valuable information about class management, organization, and curriculum. I haven't done this for years, though. Whenever I attend conferences, what I value most is sample lessons and handouts that come from successful teachers. I hope we implement Lary's idea as soon as possible. I'm not a great technology person, but I have constructivist lessons that I would be willing to share (at least I think they are "constructivist.") I would value feedback.
I do worry a bit, however. Why would a science, p.e., or math teacher want to see how I teach a James Wright poem????
2. The class was well-planned and meaningful. I liked the flexibility you showed. We departed from the agenda, but that was because the group wanted to spend more time sharing ideas in group discussion. Our group was relaxed, engaged, and interested, from what I could tell....
3. I got some good information that I will be able to use in the classroom. Greg Trotter had an interesting idea about setting up two rows of desks facing each other and using that class configuration to have kids write ideas back and forth to each other or discuss various topics with each other.
4. I haven't been a great blogger lately, but I'd like the planning team to know that I've started Socratic Seminars with my English 10 classes for the first time. We are reading Tortilla Curtain, and I'm experimenting with the seminar style that Lary, Terry, and I use so successfully with our A.P. English classes. I'm thrilled with the results of the seminars (we've had 2 of them so far). This constructivist approach is working beautifully--and I'm in awe that the kids are discussing such profound, provocative ideas. They are enthusiastic about the seminars and have brought in ideas to class that I would never have anticipated. It's really fun watching them figure out the meaning of the book. I join their seminar--but I don't dominate it. I ask a few questions and am also seeking answers. We are discovering so much about this book. If anyone wants a sample "socratic seminar," I would be happy to demonstrate it.
I was also excited by Lary Kleeman's idea about teaching lessons in front of each other. When I was young and inexperienced, I used to sit in on classes taught by people I admired, and from them I learned valuable information about class management, organization, and curriculum. I haven't done this for years, though. Whenever I attend conferences, what I value most is sample lessons and handouts that come from successful teachers. I hope we implement Lary's idea as soon as possible. I'm not a great technology person, but I have constructivist lessons that I would be willing to share (at least I think they are "constructivist.") I would value feedback.
I do worry a bit, however. Why would a science, p.e., or math teacher want to see how I teach a James Wright poem????
2. The class was well-planned and meaningful. I liked the flexibility you showed. We departed from the agenda, but that was because the group wanted to spend more time sharing ideas in group discussion. Our group was relaxed, engaged, and interested, from what I could tell....
3. I got some good information that I will be able to use in the classroom. Greg Trotter had an interesting idea about setting up two rows of desks facing each other and using that class configuration to have kids write ideas back and forth to each other or discuss various topics with each other.
4. I haven't been a great blogger lately, but I'd like the planning team to know that I've started Socratic Seminars with my English 10 classes for the first time. We are reading Tortilla Curtain, and I'm experimenting with the seminar style that Lary, Terry, and I use so successfully with our A.P. English classes. I'm thrilled with the results of the seminars (we've had 2 of them so far). This constructivist approach is working beautifully--and I'm in awe that the kids are discussing such profound, provocative ideas. They are enthusiastic about the seminars and have brought in ideas to class that I would never have anticipated. It's really fun watching them figure out the meaning of the book. I join their seminar--but I don't dominate it. I ask a few questions and am also seeking answers. We are discovering so much about this book. If anyone wants a sample "socratic seminar," I would be happy to demonstrate it.
posted by Cheryl Makovsky at 3:48 PM
4 Comments:
You always express yourself so eloquently, Cheryl. As your desk mate, I have watched you create constructivist lesson plans daily, and you inspire me with your enthusiasm for student-initiated learning. Bravo!
Thanks for the great feedback, Cheryl. I'm glad you found the session helpful. We don't have all the details worked out yet, but I'm pretty sure we'll implement Lary's idea second semester (probably slowly at first and see how it goes). We'll definitely be asking for folks willing to step up and take a risk and share, so I consider this post your official request to volunteer.
While I can't speak for everyone (even though I sometimes try), I know that I would love to see how you teach a James Wright poem. I think good teachers (and sometimes not so good teachers) can always learn from other good teachers. Even if there is very little in common in terms of the subject area, teachers can always find (and steal) good teaching ideas from each other.
I'm glad your Sophomore Socratic seminars are going well so far. I'm excited that this seems to be working well with the younger students and can't wait to hear more about it.
Gosh, I just wrote a long-winded thank you for your leadership, Cheryl and my computer took too long to post it.
So, here is the short of it. I love the ideas you all in C2 discussed and I wanted to validate that hearing you and Marlys teach writing to all of us LA folks at our retreat is something Kendra and I still discuss and use. I know other departments would value hearing your ideas of conferencing and deconstructing a text. I was inspired by Barbara's exploration of circles with her students. Even though it was math, it provoked thinking about lessons, in a way that can really tap into a student's world.
I look forward to hearing more of what your group is doing; it sounds wonderful. Would a couple of you come share with our group...your ideas?
Cheryl, you are a continual inspiration--the fact that you demonstrate such curiosity and drive to innovate as a veteran teacher motivates me and raises my expectations for my professional future.
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