Thursday Thoughts October 23
One of our biggest struggles as educators is figuring out how to motivate students. This is also a struggle that I have experienced as a parent. Investing time in learning our students' interests is one of the most valuable things we can do. We have some truly gifted students who aren't always in the spotlight as our smartest, but they are gifted none the less. I encourage you to spend a couple of minutes a day engaging in a non academic conversation with one or two students in your class. You will be amazed at the ways in which you will be able to use the information to make a connection and then use the information later to help with motivation.
Staff Spotlight
This week I would like to shine the spotlight on Chris Woodall. We all know that Chris is a character and loves to poke fun and make light of things. But I must truly say that Chris is instrumental in getting things taken care of as it relates to working with the FCS maintenance department. He is serious when it comes to staying on top of work orders. Last week, we were scheduled to have the trees removed on the workday and as you know, it rained. That meant that they didn't start the work until Wednesday. Friday was the carnival, so needless to say,there were a few PTA parents that went into a panic on Wednesday afternoon. Because of the professional relationship that Chris has with maintenance, they worked double time to ensure that our grounds were ready for the carnival. I will be the first to admit that I am constantly complaining to Chris about what should be done better but I have to tell everyone that I appreciate what Chris does and I am thankful that he cares about the kids and the staff at Medlock Bridge. Thank you Chris!
4C's: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking Skills
9 Characteristics Of 21st Century Learning
The label of “21st Century learning” is vague, and is an idea that we here at TeachThought like to take a swing at as often as possible, including:
–weighing the magic of technology with its incredible cost and complexity
–underscoring the potential for well thought-out instructional design
–considering the considerable potential of social media platforms against its apparent divergence from academic learning
Some educators seek out the ideal of a 21st century learning environment constantly, while others prefer that we lose the phrase altogether, insisting that learning hasn’t changed, and good learning looks the same whether it’s the 12th or 21st century.
At TeachThought, we tend towards the tech-infused model, but do spend time exploring the limits and challenges of technology, the impact of rapid technology change, and carefully considering important questions before diving in head-first.
The following take on 21st century learning developed by TeachThought is notable here because of the absence of technology. There is very little about iPads, social media, 1:10 laptops, or other tech-implementation. In that way, it is closer to the “classic” approach to “good learning” than it is the full-on digital fare we often explore.
The size of the circles on the map are intended to convey priority.
9 Characteristics Of 21st Century Learning
1. Learner-centered
2. Media-driven (this doesn’t have to mean digital media)
3. Personalized
4. Transfer-by-Design
5. Visibly Relevant
6. Data-Rich
7. Adaptable
8. Interdependent
9. Diverse
Technology Tidbits
Try these blogs for math ideas and resources
News & Notes
The School Governance Council will be proposing that our school implement two full day release days next year (meaning no school for students). The process is that our parent community will have an opportunity to comment or express their opinions on this proposal. Please note that the days will be used for structured professional development and all staff will come to work on these two days. One of the implications being considered is how this will affect our cafeteria employees (what professional development will they receive those days). We will also be working with our feeder schools, Johns Creek HS and Autrey Mill MS to see if they are proposing release days as well. If so, we hope to align the days so that all three schools are out on the same days. Stay tuned and feel free to email me with questions regarding this proposal.
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