Friday, November 20, 2015

Skilled Communication

Skilled Communication is a very important skill in the changing face of education.  Students need to be able to communicate in a manner that most teachers are not themselves proficient with.  I can say that I am probably better then most but that is not saying a whole lot. 

Overall, I found the sorting activity to be interesting.   Even the lowest level requires students to use extended or multimodal communication.  Quite frankly having a coherent message alone seems to be a giant step for my students let alone a coherent message that uses multiple tools to communicate.  The second floor of the elevator requires students to provide evidence.  This has been and will continue to be a major focus of my grade level.  This is a skill that students will increasing need as the move onto older grades.  I think it would be helpful to continue working on this with my students but to begin to implement the multi-modal communications.

Monday, November 9, 2015

My Journey Begins

As a learner, I'm aware that I like repetition and clear expectations.  This leads to comfort issues but we know that to learn you need to be uncomfortable.  I think that I am definitely feeling a little uncomfortable....so I must be learning.


I really don't know a lot about student learning in connection with the 21st century learner.  I know that the six traits are collaboration, knowledge construction, real world problem solving, use of technology for learning, self regulation, and skilled communication.  However, I am really looking forward to learning how these concepts work together and begin using them in the classroom. 

After listening to webinar on collaborations.  I feel it is an area that I have put some focus into lately.  I have been having my students complete projects as a team.  Each student is responsible to a part and they come together to make a final project.  I think that the next step would be for more student direct projects or the inclusion of technology.


At this time, I don't feel that I am using the 21st century learning to a high level.  I am no on the up the elevator though.  I think that I have a lost of room for growth.