On Friday four Clintonville teachers and one administrator traveled to Hartford Union High School to observe cross-curricular project-based learning. It was so refreshing to see another school's approach to instruction. I wish that it was easier to be out of one's classroom because the value of collaboration time can not be overestimated. We collaborate a lot within our own district, but as most of us teach in small districts, it is easy to get stuck in one way of thinking, not because we don't want to break out, but because the number of people to collaborate with is limited.
I do read a lot from blogs and articles, but seeing something in action and being able to ask questions in real-time is so much more helpful. I'm so glad the teachers at HUHS were so accommodating in allowing us to wonder through their classes and bounce ideas around with them.
Thank you for the reminder, Julie. We do get stuck in one way of thinking if we always talk to the same few people. I guess that's why we need to attend conferences, take classes, and (as you noted) read what others publish. I have enjoyed reading the blogs from Lit 763 because the ideas are coming from people I already know. It has been fun to hear how some of our colleagues have been implementing the ideas presented in class.
ReplyDeleteI like the point that you make about how seeing the change is much more beneficial. I love reading different text books and articles and often find a lot of good information, but when I haven't actually seen how the idea is layed out I am often more reluctant to try it. Seeing it being done, even if it just once, makes it easier for me to attempt it in my own classroom.
ReplyDeleteI love looking outside the "box" of my district when collaborating too! I come from a larger district, but we are by no means ahead in literacy. I have networked with people at Professional Development and also did a PD through CESA 2 on personalized learning that has connected me with Janesville and Oconomowoc teachers.
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