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Cohort 21 has really inspired me to think and be different as an educator. It provided the framework, freedom, and excuse to more deeply explore a ‘world’ that I had merely looked into from outside. This process started very early for me, inspired by @mrathier in her chemistry courses at LCS. In my initial attempt to support the implementation of a flipped classroom model in my pre-AP Biology course, I first read Jon Bergmann & Aaron Sams’ book “Flip your Classroom“. I am also cued up to read their book “Flipped Learning: Gateway to Student Engagement“, but have only finished about 1/3rd of that book at this point. I became very excited during the 3rd Cohort face to face session when I was able to sit and talk with other teachers about their classroom experiences with flipped learning.
One of my initial thoughts for my Cohort Action Plan was to get a better understanding of assessment and how I do this in my courses. I am reading the book “A Fresh Look at Grading and Reporting in High Schools” by Sandra Herbst and Anne Davies (about 1/2 the way through). I think that with the learnings from this book I am going to need a more structured and organized approach in order to properly implement some of their ideas into my courses. Lots of front-end loaded stuff that I need to correctly organize and integrate. Lots of opportunities to discuss with colleagues and have crucial conversations about “How might we change our assessment practices?”. I am also reading “Evidence-Based Teaching: A Practical Approach” by Geoff Petty. I am only into the first few chapters of this book but know that it will change what I ‘think and do’ as I try and implement his ideas.
I have really tried to use the Cohort experience to shake things up compared to how I have taught in the past, and will continue this process for the remainder of my career as I work to learn more about how to facilitate high levels of learning and engagement in my classroom. So, where does this leave me right now? It leaves me feeling like I have done a lot, but not really having done much of any substantial consequence. It feels like I have begun many things, but have not yet pursued any one of them to a depth that allows me to contribute to the shared pool of educational understanding. It leaves me knowing that I have much to follow-up on and much more to explore.
As I re-read my six posts, I realize how much this year has been about me. I know that if I wish to change my world, it really has to start from the inside and work outwards. I wish to thank David Krocker (@DaveKrocker) for offering this opportunity to me and his early support to continue despite family challenges. @timrollwagen and @ddoucet have always had my back and have provided me with the critical support that I needed in the moment that I most needed it. Neither of them knows how important their encouragement has been for me. I wish to thank @lmcbeth for reaching out and prompting me to reflect… she inspired me more than she knows by that simple gracious act. @gnichols & @jmedved have consistently provided me with excellent opportunities for learning in a completely open and non-judgmental manner. Their model (for me) fits the essence of what great teaching should be; it leaves you wanting to know more and gives you the tools you need to get there.
So many great resources here.
This comment really resonates with me –
“It leaves me feeling like I have done a lot, but not really having done much of any substantial consequence. It feels like I have begun many things, but have not yet pursued any one of them to a depth that allows me to contribute to the shared pool of educational understanding. It leaves me knowing that I have much to follow-up on and much more to explore.”
I think you manage to put into words, the complex and dynamic nature of schools, pedagogy, and teaching. Every year I know that I am tired and have worked hard, yet that feeling of lacking accomplishment always creeps in. Perhaps, that doubt or the desire to always want to strive to better yourself is the key to a good teacher. From the outside, you do great things, and the students enjoy the challenge in each of your classes. I look forward to many more years of working and learning next to you at LCS – I am glad you found Cohort 21 both worthwhile and inspiring.
Until the next adventure, Mike!
Tim
Thanks for this thoughtful post Mike. I’ve really enjoyed – and will continue to enjoy – the great reading, sharing and though-provoking writing that you do. I’m reading the Davies and Herbst book as well, and am taking a lot away from it. Like you, I am trying to digest it in my own context. Can’t wait to chat more about this on Friday!
garth.
Mike,
I agree with Tim’s comment. Although it feels like you haven’t completed anything, you are clearly moving towards something, but it’s a moving target and one that we’ll never really catch. It’s your conversations and reflections and willingness to try new things that is the most impactful for your community of learners.
When I get stressed out about all of the possible things that I could be doing to make my teaching better, I refer back to Tibor Kalman’s (one of my favourite designers) mantra for relief:
“Eventually, you’ll forget all of this but there will be plenty of new ideas to choose from. And I believe they’ll be better. Everything is an experiment. As soon as you learn, move on. You’ll see it better if you look upside down. Success = boredom. Mistakes, misunderstandings and mis-comprehensions provide fresh ideas.” (see slides 15-20 here: http://www.slideshare.net/martinssalazar/tibor-kalman-a-perverse-optimist?smtNoRedir=1)
The educational landscape is constantly evolving, and you are helping it to evolve, whether by experimenting in your own classroom, or sharing your ideas through a blog. You have created something substantial in your work this year and you have inspired those around you to dig deeper. Personally, you’ve inspired me to spend more time reading some of these excellent titles that you have uncovered.
Looking forward to continuing the conversation.
Les
So elegantly said! Tibor Kalman’s quote is exactly the place I want to get to in my thinking. This is the perfect perspective for me right now… “The educational landscape is constantly evolving, and you are helping it to evolve”. You are right, but we are all helping it to evolve by watching others, mimicking what we see, mashing together the ideas of others in novel ways, questioning, reflecting and inspiring. I think what you are really saying to me is that it is always about the process, not about the product. Something I need to be reminded of now and again. Thank you.
I really loved Tibor’s message “I am in search of the simple elegant maybe even obvious IDEA. With this in my pocket I cannot fail”.
Mike – the level of sincere reflection that you have managed this year – a very busy year for you – is amazing! Thank you for your reflection – the fire within – and dedication to this program and to our kids.
@marsenault It was a pleasure getting to know you this year. This years cohort was made richer with you in it. Thank you for bringing your wisdom and positive outlook to this community. Best of luck with the end of the year. J