Learning Lab In Review
Introduction
Our team gathered the morning of April 20, 2016 at Sunset Ridge to collaborate around the teaching practice of holding a "Grand Conversation." Our goal was to experience a "learning lab" as a method to study a high leverage teaching practice with real kids. We appreciated this experience! Here's the story of our morning.
Participants
Kari Buer, Kindergarten @ Sauk Trail
Jacki Greene, Instructional Coach @ Sauk Trail
Wendy Judd, 1st Grade @ Sunset Ridge
Karen Murphree, Instructional Coach @ Park and Sunset Ridge
Val Weiss, 2nd Grade @ Park
Pre-Brief
- Reviewed Learning Outcomes
- Established Norms
- Explored Learning Lab Concepts
- Discussed a Pre-Read Article About Grand Conversations
- Co-Planned a Focus Lesson
- Reviewed Note Taker and Look Fors
Focus Lesson
Karen taught the focus lesson to a group of first graders. She read Oliver Button is a Sissy followed by a Grand Conversation. Others captured evidence of student learning on a note catcher that included lesson look fors. The lesson was videotaped for future reference.
De-Brief
- Shared Observations of the Focus Lesson
- Each Teacher Determined Her Own Next Steps
- Determined Future Group Communication
- Compiled a Book List for Subsequent Lesson
- Reflected on the Learning Lab Process
Exit Slip Feedback
As a result of your experience with this Learning Lab would you be interested in participating in another Learning Lab? Why?
YES! It is a rejuvenation for my teaching. As teachers, we need to be growing and this is a very supportive way to do that.
Exit Slip Feedback
What else would you like to share with us?
I hope other teachers give this a try at all levels. I see great benefits in growing a deeper understanding, conversation and thinking about a text.
Overall Take Aways
- Great teacher feedback!
- We envision replicating this process with other best practices.
- Voluntary participation is the way to go.
- Establish cohorts of learners so the professional learning continues beyond one session.
- This is true job-embedded professional learning!