Cohort 21 | Robin Michel | Activity https://cohort21.com/members/rmichel/activity/ Activity feed for Robin Michel. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 19:22:38 -0400 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-CA 30 hourly 2 c75336a962da5c81d044ad48e32359dc Robin Michel wrote a new post on the site Robin Michel https://cohort21.com/robinmichel/?p=136 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 02:07:00 -0400 Helping Students See Themselves as Lifelong CreatorsTrusting the Process: A Cohort 21 Reflection on Design Thinking, Feedback Culture, and the Power of Patience.   The Question That Started It […]

]]> bae9619f9cd53f103f34462e209e9f7b Robin Michel posted a new activity comment https://cohort21.com/michaelaprendergast/2025/11/29/redesigning-a-grade-7-french-budget-unit-through-community-action/#comment-2 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 01:11:37 -0500 Hi Michaela,
The real world community action aspect of this learning activity is powerful. As you know, food scarcity and the need for foodbanks has affected children dramatically in our communities in the GTA. As teachers, we don’t always know how families are struggling. I am wondering how different students will experience this assignment? How…Read more

In reply to - mprendergast wrote a new post on the site Michaela Prendergast Redesigning a Grade 7 French Budget Unit Through Community ActionThe Challenge I started with a critical observation: your Grade 7 French students […] ]]> 7426c2899029556f3a67a9e630690acf Robin Michel posted a new activity comment https://cohort21.com/chriskolar/2025/10/04/how-the-eisenhower-matrix-taught-me-about-what-really-matters/#comment-2 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 01:11:25 -0500 What a thoughtful post Chris. Culture-building, differentiated support, and daily connections are indeed the urgent and important work. I’m curious about what investigations you will use to get a better understanding of student needs, and how that might become transparent for them so they they understand that you are building a (new?) or slightly…Read more

In reply to - Chris Kolar wrote a new post on the site Chris Kolar How the Eisenhower Matrix Taught Me About What Really MattersWhen I sat down with the Eisenhower Matrix, I thought I had my priorities figured out. Sorting my […] ]]> b28541103c8188dfef33b80efd1f4af7 Robin Michel wrote a new post on the site Robin Michel https://cohort21.com/robinmichel/?p=134 Sat, 29 Nov 2025 19:46:57 -0500 Open Education & Authentic AuthorshipHMW Question: How might we use open education to help students see themselves as lifelong creators and contributors valuing their whole growth as […]

]]> 92cc168bb33bfb65eacc6a7fa9ab9b7b Robin Michel posted a new activity comment https://cohort21.com/larajensen/2025/10/04/building-bridges/#comment-125 Sun, 05 Oct 2025 17:30:52 -0400 How do we ensure that learning skills evolve alongside our [AI and other?] tools? Fascinating question!!! Sounds like we need to be leading an initiative to update the Ministry required learning skills.

In reply to - Lara Jensen wrote a new post on the site Learning by Reflecting on Experiences Building Bridges Full disclosure: this is written largely by Flint as part of an end-of-day reflection. I responded to prompts it gave […] ]]> 056a86b27d4e3a4c44399cf4fd5fe64a Robin Michel wrote a new post on the site Robin Michel https://cohort21.com/robinmichel/?p=131 Sat, 04 Oct 2025 19:09:18 -0400 Suddenly! An Action Plan From Tension to Partnership: My Assessment Revolution When I sorted my work into the Eisenhower Matrix, something surprising happened. […]

]]> 600e663f3faf4d48ff05ce9781c65eec Robin Michel posted a new activity comment https://cohort21.com/leadershiplab/2024/12/28/a-core-tenant-of-leadership-rest-rejuvination/#comment-14 Tue, 25 Feb 2025 23:41:43 -0500 On the last day of school before winter break, there are messages and encouragements shared freely and with kindness, including something like: “have a restful and rejuvinating break”. I often think, as the day planner and to do list rockets through my head, how the heck am I supposed to do THAT? The pace stays the same; its just the people in the…Read more

In reply to - Garth Nichols wrote a new post on the site Leadership Lab A Core Tenant of Leadership: Rest & Rejuvination As three educators and leadership enthusiasts coming together to reflect on the value of restoration, we […] ]]> 6f07df53b053a42b9ecf2270b206b1df Robin Michel posted a new activity comment https://cohort21.com/leadershiplab/2024/12/28/a-core-tenant-of-leadership-rest-rejuvination/#comment-19 Tue, 25 Feb 2025 23:41:17 -0500 I posted something in this blog just days after Dec 28. I received a notification that it was awaiting moderator approval. But it never appeared.

So I an trying a quick response as a test.

Rest and rejuvination looks different for everyone, but a friend of mine had a good angle for how to think of it. The energy bank. Make deposits so you…Read more

In reply to - Garth Nichols wrote a new post on the site Leadership Lab A Core Tenant of Leadership: Rest & Rejuvination As three educators and leadership enthusiasts coming together to reflect on the value of restoration, we […] ]]> 99fec6eee1050ffdcb0a5d97f7901bcd Robin Michel posted a new activity comment https://cohort21.com/leadershiplab/2024/10/03/welcome-to-the-leadership-lab/#comment-5 Fri, 08 Nov 2024 20:38:18 -0500 The climate of an educational institution would be what my students and children refer to as ‘vibes’. It includes the tangibles such as the values, beliefs and behaviours that shape how people experience the environment of the institution; and the intangibles related to how people feel under the current conditions; whether they are supported, hav…Read more

In reply to - Garth Nichols wrote a new post on the site Leadership Lab Welcome to the Leadership Lab This is the space where our asynchronous discussions will be taking place. We will post ideas, provocation and resources here […] ]]> 0fdca2ad03eb3fd39aebce903d89c28e Robin Michel commented on the post, Let's Be Real, on the site Jennifer Howell https://cohort21.com/jenniferhowell/2017/11/18/too-much-of-a-good-thing-goals-goals-goals/#comment-4 Sat, 18 Nov 2017 21:01:38 -0500 fe848c68c179853fb9a7ae258f66dcfb Robin Michel wrote a new post on the site Robin Michel http://cohort21.com/robinmichel/?p=98 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 14:48:30 -0400

]]> b42bc49f5e6ce7aa0d1a5191aa6cc822 Robin Michel posted a new activity comment http://cohort21.com/robinmichel/2016/04/12/increasing-creativity-by-reducing-chaos/#comment-33 Mon, 18 Apr 2016 01:54:46 -0400 Thanks Ruth! Your comments have been very helpful to me. I will indeed to keep blogging. I am not terribly prolific, but I do find benefit in the process. And you are absolutely correct, building social capital is really my passion.

In reply to - Robin Michel wrote a new post on the site Robin Michel You can download my action plan HERE Waterfall/twitter quote attributed to Garth Nichols. Thanks Garth! ]]> 029d3b5be4f4ab015da466ebed7903d9 Robin Michel posted a new activity comment http://cohort21.com/vanessacivan/2016/04/15/say-it-aint-so/#comment-44 Mon, 18 Apr 2016 00:42:43 -0400 Wheezer! That song was in heavy rotation on my playlist when I was in Grad school for all of the reasons you describe in your post. Isn’t this a challenging time of year for all of us as we look at goals and achievements and attempt to reconcile our emotions with what has happened this year. You are not alone in this that’s for sure! I think you…Read more

In reply to - Vanessa Civan wrote a new post on the site Vanessa Civan This morning I woke up with a migraine unable to go into work today thinking, how can it be April 15th already? Not in the sense that school is almost over […] ]]> d7f5f7d574f125dc44ec842c007c7dd2 Robin Michel posted a new activity comment http://cohort21.com/alinaianovskaia/2016/03/25/naea-chicago-style/#comment-32 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 03:27:17 -0400 What a SPECTACULAR post!! I love your sketchbook work and I am very impressed by the amount of visual documentation in your blog. In fact my next action plan will be called “practice what you preach” because I always tell my students to document their work (in progress too). Too often I am left thinking…aw I shoulda got a shot of that.

In reply to - Alina Ianovskaia wrote a new post on the site Alina Ianovskaia National Arts Education Association Convention was AMAZING! It was recommended to me by Tamara Doleman, one of my colleagues (Thank you!). Because I’ve […] ]]> f7fb941edeabcefd36b5098f268fdaa9 Robin Michel posted a new activity comment http://cohort21.com/heatherrhind/2016/04/12/49/#comment-16 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 03:26:16 -0400 It was very interesting to read your comment on the flipped experience. I am working towards flipping my demos for art class, but because I teach filmmaking as a unit in the course I got very bogged down in making the product.

I’d like to hear more about your experience with EdPuzzle. Would you recommend it?

In reply to - Heather Rhind wrote a new post on the site Heather Rhind For a ‘final reflection,’ this feels like anything but the end.  In fact, I find myself in much the same position as I was in September – about to take a […] ]]> 4aaf0ad10e0c26d15bcedc5c3a0ba261 Robin Michel posted a new activity comment http://cohort21.com/robinmichel/2016/01/18/learning-in-the-sweet-spot/#comment-30 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 03:26:06 -0400 Richard Curwin on the First Five minutes–great article! Thanks

In reply to - Robin Michel wrote a new post on the site Robin Michel I love the sweet spot; the period of time in my classroom when things are humming. There is flow; students are engaged, effective feedback is moving project […] ]]> 24d9ca2ba8cf55bb5f308e327e2409ea Robin Michel posted a new activity comment http://cohort21.com/jenniferweening/2016/04/13/taking-the-first-step-toward-personalizing-learning/#comment-35 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 16:52:16 -0400 I have the exact same problems with teaching and learning with the “digital natives” –and I don’t love that term either. I realized this year I have to cover file and asset management much more explicitly and actually “teach” the importance of all the information in the dialogue boxes. I call it “clicky-click-itis” when they just click past and…Read more

In reply to - Jennifer Weening wrote a new post on the site Jennifer Weening Although it’s possible that I haven’t yet articulated it as such, my action plan is centred around the idea of implementing project-based and per […] ]]> 9c5ae550958b5d8960d2117bc641582c Robin Michel posted a new activity comment http://cohort21.com/robinmichel/2016/01/18/learning-in-the-sweet-spot/#comment-31 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 01:15:33 -0400 Hi Jenny!
Thanks for your reply. I just found this today (of all days) and I am very grateful for your positive energy in your response. I will fill you in with my adventures in person.
R

In reply to - Robin Michel wrote a new post on the site Robin Michel I love the sweet spot; the period of time in my classroom when things are humming. There is flow; students are engaged, effective feedback is moving project […] ]]> d46b927a56ef86dcbd273a2d1a8fdd9e Robin Michel posted a new activity comment http://cohort21.com/jenniferweening/2016/04/13/taking-the-first-step-toward-personalizing-learning/#comment-31 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 22:16:50 -0400 I can certainly relate to the challenges you mention. I undertook a similar “Inquiry Method” in my Grade 10 Visual Art class for the 3d Design Unit. We were learning 123Ddesign together! They didn’t like to read text, or watch tutorials. They preferred to experiment and try out the various tools– until they actually had to make something…Read more

In reply to - Jennifer Weening wrote a new post on the site Jennifer Weening Although it’s possible that I haven’t yet articulated it as such, my action plan is centred around the idea of implementing project-based and per […] ]]> e12a6cffcb9686e38cc03d9b2165e9b4 Robin Michel wrote a new post on the site Robin Michel http://cohort21.com/robinmichel/?p=99 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 04:03:17 -0400 A New Year, A New PD Opportunity!
A New Year, A New PD Opportunity!

The rush of back to school hits everyone differently: the excitement of being new, or welcoming new staff, as well […]

]]> 5e19e5f65945f492565ddad1f2e769fe Robin Michel wrote a new post on the site Robin Michel http://cohort21.com/robinmichel/?p=81 Sun, 10 Apr 2016 15:16:50 -0400 My action plan is one of those that really started on my first day of teaching and will be on-going all the way to my last day. Nevertheless, the gravitas of an “official action plan” has given me licence to […]

]]> 9e41ba36abef7aeba09371690aab1759 Robin Michel posted a new activity comment http://cohort21.com/vanessacivan/2016/01/19/they-say-theres-nothing-to-lose-but-is-there/#comment-28 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 12:30:05 -0500 Hi Vanessa,
I think this is a terrific action plan! The social and emotional needs of students is something I consider constantly and I work with a fantastic Guidance team and Social Worker at UTS (University of Toronto Schools). I’m guessing from the pictures in your post that you teach at the elementary level. UTS is a middle and high school…Read more

In reply to - Vanessa Civan wrote a new post on the site Vanessa Civan Thank you! I start this post off but offering thanks, appreciation and gratitude to all members of Cohort21 who have helped me to get this far, to friends […] ]]> 19090ee671a2d27370f8c318560eb2a2 Robin Michel wrote a new post on the site Robin Michel http://cohort21.com/robinmichel/?p=71 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 19:11:38 -0500 I love the sweet spot; the period of time in my classroom when things are humming. There is flow; students are engaged, effective feedback is moving project work forward, provocative questions are posed, complex […]

]]> d490a999a62c54b247cce8524612d840 Robin Michel posted a new activity comment http://cohort21.com/robinmichel/2015/11/16/reckless-beginner/#comment-23 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 18:48:56 -0500 I have drifted toward the goals and away from them like the tide. I have determined I am going to see my initial plan through to some fruition, so I’ve been working on clarification and refinement. See you Friday.

In reply to - Robin Michel wrote a new post on the site Robin Michel The title “Reckless Beginner” comes from a knitting blog I happened across. It conjures up a familiar enthusiasm and a willingness to “get in there”, e […] ]]> 72bd90283ed2465b52adf56a9c30c86f Robin Michel posted a new activity comment http://cohort21.com/robinmichel/2015/11/09/i-cant-find-anything-anymore/#comment-22 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 18:46:20 -0500 Desktop Syncing! I am going to look into that right now! Thanks.

In reply to - Robin Michel wrote a new post on the site Robin Michel Between June and September my school switched to Google. Cue the thunderclap and lightning effects! There have been a variety of consequences and e […] ]]> 2e408028d39312f7eab6f5b0973fee13 Robin Michel posted a new activity comment http://cohort21.com/andreacleland/2015/11/21/the-spotlight/#comment-2 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 16:11:58 -0500 What a lovely and generous post Andrea. I also feel self-conscious about my presence on-line and the uncomfortable sensation of risk that comes with the idea that my writing might actually be read by someone. Now I guess we both have confirmation that our posts have been read and appreciated. : ) This blog space is tremendous tool for building…Read more

In reply to - Andrea Cleland wrote a new post on the site Andrea Cleland Despite the fact that my blog post began in the last few moments of our first F2F meeting it’s taken me a week and a half (make that a month and a half) […] ]]> d085e9614f77843c3cf7226989754e01 Robin Michel posted a new activity comment http://cohort21.com/robinmichel/2015/11/16/reckless-beginner/#comment-18 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 23:53:32 -0500 Thanks Jennifer. It was strange to admit to committing dubious planning practices, especially considering my practice (previously) as an art director in film, was basically ALL planning in preparation for the shoot. Maybe there are some past practices that I have not thought about?

In reply to - Robin Michel wrote a new post on the site Robin Michel The title “Reckless Beginner” comes from a knitting blog I happened across. It conjures up a familiar enthusiasm and a willingness to “get in there”, e […] ]]> 73d0963562c5d6c9ce619830859bf779 Robin Michel posted a new activity comment http://cohort21.com/robinmichel/2015/11/16/reckless-beginner/#comment-17 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 23:46:39 -0500 I did indeed enjoy it, but I am left wondering…is the problem I want to address the right one to help me make the most of this fantastic Cohort21 opportunity? Am I thinking big enough?

In reply to - Robin Michel wrote a new post on the site Robin Michel The title “Reckless Beginner” comes from a knitting blog I happened across. It conjures up a familiar enthusiasm and a willingness to “get in there”, e […] ]]> 8296caf85254a6057b89377c6db7d9eb Robin Michel's profile was updated https://cohort21.com/activity-streams/p/3066/ Fri, 20 Nov 2015 23:04:29 -0500 0 7df7725e787660e6311668aac54e655d Robin Michel posted a new activity comment http://cohort21.com/robinmichel/2015/11/09/i-cant-find-anything-anymore/#comment-10 Mon, 16 Nov 2015 17:28:31 -0500 I would be very interested in hearing about your experiences!

In reply to - Robin Michel wrote a new post on the site Robin Michel Between June and September my school switched to Google. Cue the thunderclap and lightning effects! There have been a variety of consequences and e […] ]]> c7d7639fa05c5af298f8581d95b36db8 Robin Michel wrote a new post on the site Robin Michel http://cohort21.com/robinmichel/?p=59 Mon, 16 Nov 2015 15:24:42 -0500 The title “Reckless Beginner” comes from a knitting blog I happened across. It conjures up a familiar enthusiasm and a willingness to “get in there”, experiment, try something new and learn from the e […]

]]> 360c2c210bdb4892d078f346a6e23a93 Robin Michel wrote a new post on the site Robin Michel http://cohort21.com/robinmichel/?p=52 Mon, 09 Nov 2015 01:57:51 -0500 Between June and September my school switched to Google. Cue the thunderclap and lightning effects! There have been a variety of consequences and experiences, both positive and disruptive, as our community – […]

]]> 540fa1d537efb75464acbdfcab96ea9c Robin Michel wrote a new post on the site Robin Michel http://cohort21.com/robinmichel/?p=43 Sun, 08 Nov 2015 20:10:51 -0500 I have practiced design process for many years because I am a Designer. What I never fully realized is that the associated thinking process had permeated my daily life and become integral to who I am.  […]

]]> c12d0ce5f38ebdeecac74f107a6d33a2 Robin Michel posted a new activity comment http://cohort21.com/robinmichel/2015/10/31/running-around/#comment-5 Sun, 08 Nov 2015 19:28:05 -0500 Thanks Derek. When I received my first notification from Diigo with a variety of annotated articles I immediately understood its potential. Looking forward to talking further with you, perhaps at the next f2F.

In reply to - Robin Michel wrote a new post on the site Robin Michel Which ball do I chase? Which lane is mine? Cohort21’s first face2face session was an absolute smorgasbord of interesting educators, ideas,  tech t […] ]]> 18e0744360c047b6b94abd791dc45520 Robin Michel posted a new activity comment http://cohort21.com/katewhitters/2015/10/29/my-first-post/#comment-6 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 02:32:34 -0500 Hi Kate,
I re-read my post and I didn’t love it. At all.

Trying again. You have a very challenging subject area that has many hands on “the product” long before you even get a chance to try your hand. Tough row to hoe as they say. I too have some of the same challenges, but with far less at stake. I am very interested in the problems you face…Read more

In reply to - Kate Whitters wrote a new post on the site Kate Whitters Okay, so I’m a little nervous posting here. I’m not a blogger, and I’m definitely not a writer, so please bear with me. My name is Kate Whitters, and I […] ]]> 9c8515be4dc9a227445a92eb97e34682 Robin Michel posted a new activity comment http://cohort21.com/robinmichel/2015/10/31/running-around/#comment-3 Wed, 04 Nov 2015 02:23:18 -0500 Thanks! I appreciate your kind words of encouragement. If I am right where I need to be its time to take a new risk! Getting ready.

In reply to - Robin Michel wrote a new post on the site Robin Michel Which ball do I chase? Which lane is mine? Cohort21’s first face2face session was an absolute smorgasbord of interesting educators, ideas,  tech t […] ]]> 364f8d68d18c915bde13a0f3f4a9e298 Robin Michel posted a new activity comment http://cohort21.com/lesliemcbeth/2015/10/20/community-engaged-learning-on-a-farm-in-brooklyn/#comment-175 Sun, 01 Nov 2015 12:11:24 -0500 Community Engaged Learning is a stellar term for the experiences you are fostering. Bravo.

In reply to - Leslie McBeth wrote a new post on the site Leslie McBeth Every year, I take my Grade 12 Green Industries students to NYC for a weekend of experiential learning about urban sustainability.  I build the trip based […] ]]> aed1f2930f9f6a2c8554683121d13273 Robin Michel wrote a new post on the site Robin Michel http://cohort21.com/robinmichel/?p=26 Sat, 31 Oct 2015 21:09:49 -0400 Which ball do I chase? Which lane is mine?

Cohort21’s first face2face session was an absolute smorgasbord of interesting educators, ideas,  tech tools, tasty nibbles and actual CANDY, no less. In this mel […]

]]> 04aa071a2c1009a8aeb2b033dca7ae78 Robin Michel posted a new activity comment http://cohort21.com/katewhitters/2015/10/29/my-first-post/#comment-5 Sat, 31 Oct 2015 19:50:32 -0400 Hi Kate,
I have found that my students in art class measure their competence in expressing themselves visually by their ability to draw. Being able to draw is helpful, but I spend considerable time disabusing them of their pre-conceptions about drawing while taking care not to devalue the skill set acquired by students who draw well and with…Read more

In reply to - Kate Whitters wrote a new post on the site Kate Whitters Okay, so I’m a little nervous posting here. I’m not a blogger, and I’m definitely not a writer, so please bear with me. My name is Kate Whitters, and I […] ]]> d6b5b2573cf135f1a2479b4c00118d02 Robin Michel's profile was updated https://cohort21.com/activity-streams/p/2803/ Thu, 08 Oct 2015 02:32:14 -0400 0 c69b560fac6372defa470b6ffa935010 Robin Michel changed their profile picture https://cohort21.com/activity-streams/p/2793/ Wed, 07 Oct 2015 01:27:49 -0400 0