Blog Post Eleven

What Can We Learn About Teaching and Learning From Other Teachers?

Brian Crosby explains that, in order to be successful teachers, teachers need to not be afraid of the standardized tests, statistics, and labels that come with certain classes and schools. Incorporating students' personal beliefs along with a variety of subjects and standards is a great way to assist every student. Teachers need to have passion and creativity in order to empower students to be active learners. The most important lesson that can be learned from Brian Crosby is to be prepared to change lives! In the elementary classroom, teachers influence students in a variety of ways, so it is our responsibility to be great role models and be prepared to change the lives of our students.

Paul Anderson combines mobile, online, and classroom styles of learning in order to accomplish his style of learning- QIVERS. Each student must complete one letter of this acronym before moving on the the next, with the end resulting in a test. First, Anderson creations a hook (question) which catches the students' attention. Then, he performs an investigation to learn how the subject matter works. Anderson, then, creates a video which further explains the topic, and the students can view this video during free time. Before doing a review of the material, Anderson elaborates on the topic by using a variety of diagrams. Once all of these are completed, each student must pass a summary quiz prior to taking the final exam. This form of learning includes the 5 E's of the learning cycle- engage, explain explore, expand, and evaluate. The use of Anderson's blended learning cycle is great for any classroom, from elementary to high education.

Mark Church's style of teaching and learning is very simple- allow students to work together. Mark Church explains that when students work together in groups, not only do students learn the assignment better, they learn gain a variety of perspectives that other members of the team have. Although simple, Church's teaching style allows the students to be better learners.

Sam Pane is an advocate for student safety on the internet because he uses a variety of technology resources in his classroom. In order to teach this to his students, he develops a lesson on superheroes, where the students create an internet safety super hero. The major lesson that Pane teaches, that every teacher should teach, is that the students must be safe, responsible, and respectful when using the internet. If educators emphasize this, students will be able to use the internet in a variety of ways in order to more productively learn.

Dean Shareski uses project based learning to create responsible and educated students. Project based learning engages the students and creates a better understand of the material that is covered. Technology is also used during the projects, and Shareski's form of teaching allows for more time in the classroom. Having more time in the classroom allows students to develop a great product which the student can be proud of. Having students actually care about what they are learning and making the learning process enjoyable is how Shareski creates a successful classroom.

Roosevelt Elementary creates a learning environment throughout the school that is centered around project based learning. Using this form of learning throughout the entire school allows teachers to collaborate with each other in cooperative groups. Students must working together to understand real world problems, and they are encouraged to make decisions individually. This teaches the students life skills that can be used outside of the classroom which students enjoy. Using this form of learning allows students to love learning and that is how teachers need to teach. If the students are enjoying what they are learning, the classroom will be more successful.