Ed Tech Tips with E. Mosier
Make your classroom more E-fficient!
Developing a Teaching Resolution for 2018
Overview
Now that we are safely into 2018, you may or may not have created a New Year's Resolution. But, what about creating a "resolution" for your teaching profession? There are several ideas out there, whether it's creating a mission statement, or just selecting one word that embodies what you'd like to accomplish this year, you can shift the focus to your students with a resolution quite easily. Below are a few ideas that you can do as a teacher and that you can do with your students so that you both may set goals and reach a high level of success for 2018.
Mission Statement or Just One Word?
As Matt Miller writes in his book, Ditch That Textbook, having a mission statement solidifies your end goal for the year. He suggests creating a Teacher Mission Statement. That can be a 30 word goal that you have for the school year. Or, if you want to narrow it down, you can simply select one word that characterizes your desired accomplishments. What is it you want to achieve professionally as an educator? What do you want your students to be able to do? What do you envision for them? These are a few questions to spur your thinking moving forward.
Post a Question in Google Classroom
If you decide to do this activity with your students, there are a few different tools they can use. The simplest is Google Classroom. A teacher can post a Short Answer question on the Google Classroom page and have students respond that way. They could create simple Student Mission Statements, or simply have them select a word and explain why they chose that for themselves moving forward. This could be recorded in this cohesive list on Google Classroom.
Create a Forum on Todays Meet
If you'd like a "background" response to this question, you might use a tool like Todays Meet. This is known as a "back channel" site where the responses occur in real time and simultaneously with the lesson, but it is not the focus at the moment. Allowing students to freely post what they'd like in this chat-like forum could have major positives for your students selecting goals.
Digital Post-It Notes with Padlet
Additionally, if you're wanting to collect a large amount of information in a short amount of time, Padlet may be a better tool. As mentioned in previous newsletters, this is similar to a digital Post-It note forum where students can post on a blank space and create a collage of notes with what they've created. This would not only allow students to create a mission statement or their one word, but it would also be a visual representation of those ideas.
Vocal Explanations with Flipgrid
Yet another amazing use to amplify your students' voices, Flipgrid is another terrific tool. Set up a Topic for your students' mission statements or word. Then, they could have a designated amount of time (set by you) to explain their word or statement, why they chose it or included what they did, and demonstrate their goals using their individual devices.
What is your One Word?
A Twitter (and real life) friend of mine, Sean Fahey from Indiana created a fantastic resource for you to use in addition to the previous tools. He created a "One Word HyperDoc" that can be shared with your students where they can choose their word and explain their thinking. If you'd like to use this in your classroom, simply click the link and click "Use as Template" in the upper right hand corner. Huge hat tip to Sean for creating this and sharing this out for educators everywhere!
Share it Out!
If you've decided to select the One Word for the school year, share it out! I'd love to hear from you by simply filling out this Google Form. Also, don't forget to post it on Twitter using the hashtag, #OneWord2018. If you'd like to tag me (@emosier3) or Sean (@seanjfahey), please feel free! Here's to making 2018 a more goal-centered, focused, and successful teaching year!
Contact Mr. Mosier!
Have a question about a tip, trick, or tool? Have an idea for a future Ed Tech Tip newsletter? Send it along!
Email: mosiere@davenportschools.org
Website: www.davenportschools.org/sudlow
Location: Sudlow Intermediate School, East Locust Street, Davenport, IA, United States
Phone: 563-445-5150
Twitter: @emosier3