It has begun.
We've jumped into the deep end and there's no going back now. We are completely submerged in the pool water and we're swimming. Just keep swimming.
I've truly enjoyed my time in the classroom each Wednesday hanging out with the 8th graders and getting to know them during this process. It's one thing to see them on campus and another to hear them discuss things in groups and get passionate about topics.
Trevor (the teacher implementing Genius Hour) exposed students to enviornmental issues and had them research problems before engaging in a socratic seminar and it was very eye opening to see leaders emerge and students speak. It's been my favorite session so far.
Technology is a hindrance and a help. Some days the scale is 10/90 and other days it's 50/50 and on some interesting days its 90/10. Well, pair that with the pandemic and us trying to keep kids separated with acrylic barriers does not assist in the 'group work' portion. Today I noticed the same thing I've seen for a few sessions now...students talk to the person next to them but no group discussion is happening. They are just typing in the shared document but it's otherwise very quiet. And with the windows and doors open it's even harder to hear. Oh pandemic, how difficult you make life.
I suggested to Trevor to take the kids outside. Each group got a bench and we spread them out and VIOLA! Magic! The conversations exploded. I could have conversations with each group and 90% of the kids participated and took an active role. But then the younger kids came to recess and through another monkey wrench in my plans but it's ok, we've learned to roll with it.
Oh, Denalee! I love this blog post! You intrigued me with your title. I love your analogy of jumping into the deep end, and now, you're swimming! I especially love that you made a suggestion to the teacher when you noticed that students were not really engaging in discussions with each other while they were inside. Taking them outside changed that, and you saw students excitedly sharing with each other. That is wonderful! I think one of the positive outcomes of this pandemic is that teachers and school leaders realize that classes held outdoors can result in better student engagement.
ReplyDeleteNow that you are implementing Genius Hour with an eighth grade teacher, how will this process be shared with the rest of the school community? Have any of the other teachers expressed an interest in Genius Hour? I am looking forward to hearing more!
P.S. - Great photo!
Denalee! Loved loved loved your blog post. You just made my day. Way back when we watched Ian Kitajima's Game Changer Series, he talked about the idea of "just doing it," by which he meant what you have described here in your post: Diving into the pool. And already, just as those with designer's mindsets do, you and Trevor have tweaked your prototype based on observable evidence and made the move outside. In one of my podcast episodes with Dr. Tammy Jones (PLACES program on the West Side), she talked about "teacher efficacy," which centers on the evidence in front of you that lets you know your work is having an impact. Moving outside yielded some evidence from which you can continue building. I echo Jan's questions. I am keenly interested in what happens when you present what you are doing with a small, or larger group of faculty.
ReplyDeleteDenalee! This work is a marathon. Each step gets us closer to the finish line . . . o yeah, the finish line keeps moving! Your description of the implementation of Genius Hour is not uncommon. But the real essence of your blog is that you are in it to win it. You are innovating and making an impact on your students. You are shifting the power balance and empowering your students. Good on you. And . . . yes . . . it's messy. But it's the messiness that 8th graders thrive in and respond to. Your suggestion to move outside - brilliant. Your gift of time to be there and observe is priceless. Thanks you for this uplifting blog. Can't wait to hear what happens next.
ReplyDeleteGreat reflection on the process you are going through. Planning is step one but then it takes courage to jump into the water and start swimming. Leadership is inspirational for you and others with the same passion, vision and commitment to teaching and learning. Use your observations and discussions to begin to document the progress as it changes how students feel about learning, the impact it is having on there performance and the perspective of the teacher on the teaching results. Great start on your journey and hoping that you find this path rewarding and motivational. Onward to more exciting adventures in educating you haumana! Ann Mahi
ReplyDeleteFantastic post, Denalee! I appreciated your candor and reflections on Genius Hour. I also see students struggling to work collaboratively in classes and find myself wondering if this is one of the "side effects" of COVID. Students are less comfortable with conversing with one another and/or may not have age-appropriate skills because of the significant periods of time away from school. The struggle is real so I LOVE your solution of having kids go outside to make them more comfortable and create a new learning environment that may reduce anxiety and increase excitement and engagement.
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