teaching, learning, leading and life
Written by Graham Vogt
And here is my pledge: I WILL REFLECT CONSISTENTLY. NO REALLY, I WILL. This is not quite an Action Plan, I’m not confronting any particular aspect of my practice, I don’t yet have cause and effect. But hopefully it will both capture and inspire action. Quite simply, I will intuitively follow the path of reflection … Continue reading “call it ironic, call it postmodern, I’m reflecting on reflection…”
Written by Graham Vogt
This is embarrassing. I fell off the Cohort 21 wagon and I feel terrible about myself. “Cohort21 guilt” is a real thing (no matter how self imposed!). At least for me it is. And thank you to the unending-positive enthusiasm of Derek Doucet for bringing me back! I hope there’s still room on the wagon … Continue reading “Action Plan 2016: One step backwards and…”
Written by Graham Vogt
Sneaking through the woods, I stumbled upon a group of Grade 9 students, in a close circle, reading aloud from a zombie novel, while hiding from the threat of zombies. That strikes me as pretty rich learning. And this was the kind of experience I witnessed again and again throughout “Zombie Day”. The day itself, … Continue reading “Zombie Day: Collaboration, Imagination”
Written by Graham Vogt
On the day of the launch of my action plan, a classroom of ninth grade arms shot, with enthusiasm and pride, into the air. I had just asked “who, in this group, is a reader?” I was stunned by the overwhelming response; over 80% of the 40 students I’d gathered together that morning were describing … Continue reading “Action Plan Update: It’s All About the Celebration!!!”
Written by Graham Vogt
MY ACTION PLAN: TAKING A HARD LOOK AT MY OWN PRACTICE, AND WORKING FROM MY CLASSROOM OUT, I WILL STRENGTHEN THE READING CULTURE IN OUR SCHOOL. Because, as an English teacher, I feel like I’m good at getting my students excited about English; however, I’m not so sure I’m fostering a love of reading. (Yes, … Continue reading “Building a Reading Life”
Written by Graham Vogt
Well, most importantly (I keep telling myself) we did it. We performed Shakespeare. And if I’m to consider it in terms of experiment – which it is – then I’ve achieved a necessary beginning on which to build. Sure enough, while the experience was NOT a total disaster, there is much building to be done. … Continue reading “Performing Shakespeare, Final Thoughts”
Written by Graham Vogt
NOTE FOR NON-ENGLISH TEACHERS: Please don’t be put off by what appears to be English heavy content. My needs are far reaching! It’s an age old struggle for an English Teacher: I love Shakespeare and the kids hate him. Worse still, I understand exactly why they hate him. I hated him too. Passionately. Actively even. … Continue reading “Mistaken Identity: Shakespeare in the Classroom”
Written by Graham Vogt
It is my first Cohort 21 face to face meeting, and I am mesmerized… and inspired, intimidated, overwhelmed, exhilarated and terrified. I don’t really know what I am. We’ve moved on to the next discussion/idea/innovation and I’m still whirling to resolve ten minutes ago, two hours ago, the morning introductions with all of the energy … Continue reading “Cohort 21? What Have I done?”
Written by Graham Vogt
Welcome to Cohort 21. This is the first post on your new blog. This journal is an integral part of your Cohort 21 experience. Here you will reflect, share and collaborate as you move through the C21 learning cycle towards your action plan. Cohort 21 is a unique professional development opportunity open to CIS Ontario … Continue reading “Welcome to Cohort 21”