Monday, March 23, 2020

Week 29 - School Sucks Without Students Teacher Thoughts Edition

Teaching Thoughts – School Sucks Without Students Edition

Our core values at Lincoln High School are –

It’s not about us
Our work matters
Fear doesn’t get a vote
Integrity communication
Excellence in the ordinary

I could write for days on these, but given the unprecedented (at least in my 22 years of teaching) times we are in due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I think it’s vital that we all take a moment and reflect on this one simple question: why are we here?

I believe our core values answer that question. If core values are to be of any value at all, they can’t be things you wish you were; your core values have to reflect the very best of what you are. In other words, they have to tell the world (as well as those who work for you) why you exist.

In this new world of ‘distance learning’ which we will be in for the foreseeable future, I want to try and apply our core values –

“It’s not about us” – that is more true than ever. How can we not only deliver instruction to our students via technology but also how can we deliver instruction to those few who lack access to technology? Moreover, how can we use this moment to reshape what education will look like in the future? Sure while students are at home, they will be limited to what they can access (say, a textbook), but at the same time, what new options do they have now that they never had before? Maybe since their mother is also working from home, students have a chance to see how she interacts in a professional manner with vendors in Asia. Maybe a student has a chance to restore a vehicle in the garage since his father is temporarily laid off. Or maybe just maybe students will have the chance to answer the age-old question, “When am I ever going to use this in the real world?” as for the first time ever the real world will be invading their homes as many parents will be able to work from home now. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity. But it’s not about us. It’s about allowing students the freedom to participate in such experiences.

“Our work matters” – if you ever strive to build relationships with your students – and for my money that is what this core value is all about – they will see just how much our work does matter. I’ve been fortunate to receive dozens of texts from students stating how they miss class or just checking up on me. That shows our work matters. It’s just going to have to happen in a different fashion now. That’s all.

“Fear doesn’t get a vote” – If you are like me, fear is a constant. Fear for the safety of my family and my students. Fear of what the future holds. Fear of how bad this could get. Fear of when – or if – we will have graduation? Fear of how I’m going to try and teach (let alone reach) all of my students for the last quarter . . . The list goes on and on and on. But we can’t make decisions out of fear. That’s what we do best at LHS. We take our time and don’t panic and rush to a decision that we will regret. This is more important than ever. And I’m glad we have this whole week to make decisions based on something other than fear.

“Integrity communication” – this is all about avoiding gossip – which is difficult to do, especially early on in this process, where we were all left in the dark – but we have to be transparent with others and overcommunicate with students and parents. That isn’t always easy to do under normal circumstances. Just imagine how difficult it will be now.

Finally, “excellence in the ordinary” – this simply means if you do the little things well, then you will likely do the big things well too. This is going to be more vital than ever. How do we take attendance now? How do we deliver prompt feedback? What will be considered late work? How do we distribute course content now? All of these things used to be ordinary things we all took for granted, but not now. If we can still be excellent in these now, then we are laying the foundation for the rest of our instruction to be excellent as well.

Thanks for all that you do. Be well. Your students need to to be your absolute best!

Inside this week’s Teaching Thoughts, you’ll find –

The World is a Fine Place and Worth Fighting For – a former LHS student offers us all a shot of hope and inspiration. I never had Andrea in class, but she is a community leader and star. Check out her Facebook post on meeting with the grandmother. Our elderly in care facilities are facing some trying times. What can we do to brighten their days?

Book of the Week – Made to Stick by Chip and Dale Heath. The Heath brothers analyze why some ideas stick (such as urban legends – kidney thieves or razorblades in Halloween candy) and important ideas (health issues and high school curriculum) often don’t. I couldn’t stop reading this book. It will change how you look at the world and – best of all – how you look at your messaging.

Teaching Thoughts – I share one of my best pieces of advice (which I stole from Guy Kawasaki): “Default to ‘yes.’” What that means is when someone asks you to help, fight against your initial instinct, which is to say ‘no.’ You know that’s true. As soon as someone asks you for help, you can’t help but think, oh man, this is going to be a big commitment. It’s going to take a lot of time. How can I say no and get out of it. And all of that is probably going to be true! But remember this, a ‘No’ doesn’t get you anywhere. When I think of all the great things I’ve experienced in teaching, a majority of them were just because I trained myself to automatically reply ‘yes’ instead of ‘no.’ Just this week I received a text asking if I wanted to be part of a small project. Without hesitating, I said yes. I knew it was going to be a commitment and take time, but I wanted to stretch myself and make an impact. And that is what happened.

I’m telling you, start saying ‘yes’ more and amazing things will happen for you.
Podcast of the week – Check out Entreleadership’s podcast on dealing with fear and uncertainty in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

Where are they Now? I catch up with one of my all-time greatest writers, Shelby Dvergsten who is an English teacher in Alexandria. Her students are incredibly blessed. Just as I was to read her amazing writing in College Comp I and II.

Tech Tool of the Week – TED Ed. If you’re seeking a great way to deliver content to your students, TED Ed is the place for you. I’m serious. I couldn’t imagine teaching without it, especially now with our new ‘distance learning’ approach. Check it out. You won’t regret it.

Have a great week. How are you reaching out to your students? What are you doing to let them know how much you miss them and are thinking of them? I’d love to know.


1 comment:

friv said...

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In the friv 2 site, children are playing games, as well as mathematical games that will help their lessons alongside games. These games contribute to children's intelligent development.
According to a new study by experts, the students who play 5 minutes before dersten are more successful. 580 students participated in the survey conducted in the United States. Children play the game called "Activate", a mental gymnastic developed for research.
It was seen that the students who played this game for 5 minutes before the lesson had a much higher success in the examinations. Focusing and enhancing memory skills, the long-term effect of the game was also positive.
Children who played 20 minutes of play 3 times a week for 4 months were found to be more successful in reading and mathematics exams. However, experts warn parents about computer games.
Some computer games based on mathematics have significant contributions to positively affect the attitude of mathematics. Just as the antibiotic used increases with vitamins, which are catalyzed, one of the catalysts of permanent learning is games. At the point where we combine mathematics and game concepts, permanent learning is likely to have taken place. It should not be surprising that a child who has passed through middle school but still living in the multiplication table knows enough detail to surprise any computer or web application. This will bring the question "Is the problem in the student or in the system?" Although this question is not a single and concrete answer, the important thing is to be able to combine the positive aspects of both. In the United States, serious scientific research and questionnaires on this topic have been made, and some schools have already incorporated some math-based computer games into their teaching systems. They even organize regional or national competitions on these math-based games. The game "24 Game", which has been held since 1980, has become one of the most known games based on mathematics. Later, this version of the game was made in computer versions and wider masses were achieved.
These positive examples give us clues about a new educational model that learns by doing-and-learn, and contributes to learning permanently with mathematical play. In such a system or model, one of the most important elements that help to provide a permanent and complete learning in large student groups is to enrich the content of that course. Mathematics-based computer games are among the most powerful instruments among these enrichments.
Spending too long at the computer is said to have negative effects on children's physical and mental health.
Your children in the friv site can spend time without boredom. They can also play intelligence games on this site.