This chapter also talks about the "outlier" teachers who made a huge difference in the learning and innovating process of these innovators. It comes to my mind that almost all of the innovators that I know have had an OUTLIER teacher that they admire. It is very important for a teacher to model the "SKILLS"and the "WILL" that they want their students to learn from. In my mind only an OUTLIER teacher can be a good PBL teacher since the very nature of PBL teaching requires the teacher to be innovative.
I am teaching the Waste Unit in my Environmental Studies classes and all my students will be analyzing the SC SOLID WASTE report 2014 from DHEC tomorrow and do the Wall Gallery on recommendations for waste reduction. They were introduced to the TRASHY-CORE PROJECT on Friday and they will be creating an Art piece, Craft or Usable from the test representing their CORE through their favorite Quote. Also, this project teachings them the CORE values of Trashy eco-preneurship. They will be asked to identify a business opportunity in Solid waste reduction/ Recycling sector going forward.
I feel really blessed being in this class and having an opportunity to be an OUTLIER teacher that I had always envisioned myself to be. I know I still have to learn a lot and grow into a really good PBL teacher but, I have gained lot of confidence due to this class with planning meaningful lessons for my students.
I love the "outlier" idea too. I do not see myself as such, but I do agree that it takes that one individual that illuminated learning in a way that reaches those that might not be reached. I had such a teacher, but he did not make a dent in the years of academic damage I had endured. His influence came later in my life when I realized I wanted to teach. He always made me feel like whatever I said and whatever work I did was important. I think that PBL is the tool that will allow us all to focus on what students do best and make their work important- for them and for others.
ReplyDeleteLove it!
Jigna - Thank you for your reflection and comments regarding Chapter 3. As educators, we must provide the space to allow our students to explore and discover. We must recognize that teaching and modeling the various soft skills is as essential (and maybe even more so) as teaching the content standards. While I do believe we must adhere to the standards, a lack of soft skills can lead to unemployment or termination. I think it's important for us to remember this as educators.
ReplyDeleteAlso, questioning is so very important. Questions are what drive our desire to learn. This is, in my opinion, the answer to the question regarding intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. If students can possess some choice in seeking answers to their own questions, they will be naturally motivated! This, I believe, is the core of a strong PBL/inquiry-based classroom.
I am excited about the "risks" you have taken in your environmental studies class. Thank you for your commitment to this work and to your students. I can't wait to hear more about how things are progressing! I hope you are enjoying this work and that you are seeing the payoff through your students' engagement, interests, and performance!
Jigna, I liked the part about the outlier teachers as well....I think that a lot of children who go on to be a successful adults have bonded with a mentor type of an adult at some point in their high school experience, whether it is a teacer or not. On NPR this morning as I was driving in, there was a piece about paid mentors in low income area high schools and the positive effect they have on student outcomes. An outlier like that could help even the lowest students achieve success!
ReplyDeleteJigna, I liked the part about the outlier teachers as well....I think that a lot of children who go on to be a successful adults have bonded with a mentor type of an adult at some point in their high school experience, whether it is a teacer or not. On NPR this morning as I was driving in, there was a piece about paid mentors in low income area high schools and the positive effect they have on student outcomes. An outlier like that could help even the lowest students achieve success!
ReplyDeleteI like the outlier part about teachers. I always think of the teacher that took me under their wing and encouraged or just told me strait about something. You knew that they were leading you in the right direction. I like that you are progressing in your PBL. eep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteI like the outlier part about teachers. I always think of the teacher that took me under their wing and encouraged or just told me strait about something. You knew that they were leading you in the right direction. I like that you are progressing in your PBL. eep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteYour project sounds so cool! I can't wait to see the results of it in the end. I am going to reiterate what everyone else has said--being an outlier in this context is a good thing. Just think about how our students feel when they don't fit the mold and are seen as "different." We are learning together in this class--with each other and with our students--on how to change the course, be the "stream" as one of the innovators in Chapter 3 put it. I loved that part. What a simple metaphor to visualize where we want to be at the conclusion of this class. Even on those days you don't feel like you have control and all the other pebbles are getting in your way, just be the stream and move forward. Thanks for sharing so many of your thoughts and pictures on here!
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