I have TRIED to complete one blog entry each month, but May was just insane! I finished my first (and probably only) half marathon and attended a Literacy Coaching Intensive in Saline, MI. I'll tell you, getting on a plane just hours after running 13.1 miles isn't recommended!
I was able to be a part of a training with Dr. Nell Duke from Michigan State last week, and what she shared with us resonated with me. She said that when new medical research comes across a physician's desk - say a new way to treat cancer - that research isn't questioned, but put into practice quickly since it could save a life. I am thankful for those medical researchers who are finding better ways to treat a myriad of ailments every day! On the other hand, a new piece of research, say on effective literacy practices, comes across an educator's desk, some disregard it because it doesn't fit with "what we've always done". Does this make sense to you? I like to think that I am a teacher who is also a lifelong learner, one who likes to try new things and be a leader for change, but I've done this exact thing! Here's the question, if there is overwhelming research that doesn't support my beliefs, who is wrong? It's me. I remember learning the five paragraph essay format when I was in elementary school. We started each essay with, "I am going to tell you about..." and closed it with, "I just told you about..." Did anyone else learn this or teach this format? At the time, it's what we did, but now this is an archaic way of teaching writing!
We have research that supports that we have work to do in all content areas. We have research that supports how important it is for students to have science and social studies in order to build their world knowledge. We have research that supports differentiating for the needs of each student through small group instruction. We have research that supports that timed tests in math cause extreme anxiety and decreased motivation.
Next year, we are going to dive into research around Writing, Vocabulary and Small Group Instruction. I challenge you to be open to new ideas, to seek out the latest research, and to try new things! It might not always be easy, but I can promise you it's worth it!
I am including links to some books that I am currently reading. They are challenging my thinking when it comes to effectively educating today's children. Have a great Summer break. You deserve it!
I was able to be a part of a training with Dr. Nell Duke from Michigan State last week, and what she shared with us resonated with me. She said that when new medical research comes across a physician's desk - say a new way to treat cancer - that research isn't questioned, but put into practice quickly since it could save a life. I am thankful for those medical researchers who are finding better ways to treat a myriad of ailments every day! On the other hand, a new piece of research, say on effective literacy practices, comes across an educator's desk, some disregard it because it doesn't fit with "what we've always done". Does this make sense to you? I like to think that I am a teacher who is also a lifelong learner, one who likes to try new things and be a leader for change, but I've done this exact thing! Here's the question, if there is overwhelming research that doesn't support my beliefs, who is wrong? It's me. I remember learning the five paragraph essay format when I was in elementary school. We started each essay with, "I am going to tell you about..." and closed it with, "I just told you about..." Did anyone else learn this or teach this format? At the time, it's what we did, but now this is an archaic way of teaching writing!
We have research that supports that we have work to do in all content areas. We have research that supports how important it is for students to have science and social studies in order to build their world knowledge. We have research that supports differentiating for the needs of each student through small group instruction. We have research that supports that timed tests in math cause extreme anxiety and decreased motivation.
Next year, we are going to dive into research around Writing, Vocabulary and Small Group Instruction. I challenge you to be open to new ideas, to seek out the latest research, and to try new things! It might not always be easy, but I can promise you it's worth it!
I am including links to some books that I am currently reading. They are challenging my thinking when it comes to effectively educating today's children. Have a great Summer break. You deserve it!
This book is changing the way
I think about Math teaching.
It will change your life!
I think about Math teaching.
It will change your life!
There is an entire Not This But That series available. They are short, quick, impactful reads! Pick one up before you head to the lake!