Week+3

This weeks discussion with the team members opened my eyes to the different needs of the students in our classrooms at Windham. The teachers really took the time to assess the students using the five questions in the weekly assignment. One variable that is going to play a large rule in the results of our assessment is the lower poverty level of the Windham JHS. The teachers have very high aspirations to create learning environments that extend outside the classroom, but feel that the lack of computers in homes may prevent that from happening. We will continue to discuss ways to create technology driver projects in the computer labs during classroom hours.

As the team continues to discuss technology opportunities, I focus not only on the collaboration, communication, but also critical thinking. Curriculum 2.0 stated "Thinking skills are now more important than computer skills." I couldn't agree more with this statement and look for ways to integrate critical thinking and problem solving in each lesson. One teacher this week experienced a break through with critical thinking. The students were given the opportunity to play teacher in a math class. They had to come up with their own problem solving equation and the answer. Each student then asked their question verbally. Other students had to use their listening skills and visualization skills to find the answer (no paper). It was amazing how students started to roll their eyes back and envision how they would solve the problem. This approach also required students to tell "why" their answer was correct. I observed 100% participation from the students.

In regards to constructivism, I have been a firm believer in student directed learning. I have never addressed the theory by its formal name but have told my teachers to start talking less and let students do more talking. I was very excited to find one of my teachers remove all the desks from her room and add all tables. We are now starting to experiment with peer collaboration and create a more constructive work environment.

I thought the examples in this weeks readings on constructivism can be put to good use. I am looking to redirect all the Windham teachers and slowly start practicing more student directed learning.

Hi, It seems like you are doing a good job over there. Your participants have mentioned the same things in their journal entries (math teacher and moving in tables). I hope all your technology issued get worked out! Keep up the great work! Teresa