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Blog 'tagging'I love learning something new.... Apparently, I’ve been tagged. The rules, as explained by the tagger, are as follows: 1. Pick up the nearest book. 2. turn to page 123. 3. find the 5th sentence. 4. post the next 3 sentences. 5. tag 5 people. So, I happen to be at the annual California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) Conference, and the nearest book is the convention program (yes, it's over 123 pages!). Here's the appropriate quote: "This interactive workshop will explore the use of reader's theater with EL stuents by sharing the research on this strategy and havign participants practice and present short reader's theater presentations for the group.... This presentation will answer the question: How do experienced Kindergarten teachers conduct Read Aloud sessions in Title 1 schools with high numbers of EL students? Teachers, especially those new to the profession will walk away from this presentation with specific strategies on how to plan, execute and differentiate Read Aloud sessions in order to make them more comprehensible for their EL students." Hmmm.... I am glad the kindergarten teachers aren't executing the students....Not quite sure who to "tag" back, but maybe I can get my colleagues into updating their blogs.... You're it Gil, Amy, Heather, Suzanne, and Marissa! | ||||
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The Power of Reflection (and Metacognition)The bottom line came down to REFLECTION, and TIME to REFLECT. The amazing part about this to me, is that when we discuss, promote, and train on STUDENT eportfolios, my big soapbox is on the power of REFLECTION and METACOGNITION. However, once again, I found myself rarely practicing what I preach. Now I could go into the disclaimers about a hectic schedule back in the office, or some such (all very valid). However, my point, and one I'm hoping to remember, is that if ANYONE is given time and tools of reflection, that person is then able to IMPROVE, SYNTHESIZE, and ultimately LEARN. Thankfully, I plan to be a lifelong learner and look forward to many more opportunities to reflect and grow from that reflection. This blog is one tool that I believe will help me in that process. By journaling and therefore processing my thoughts on the topics of literacy, coaching, and technology (and how they often overlap), I hope to make time to reflect and grow personally (and perhaps provide entertainment/food for thought for other readers). I'd love to hear your comments/reflections on the power of metacognition.... | ||||
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Web 2.0So, anyway, I’m thinking that typing my notes (the way I best process new information) may also benefit other interested individuals who may be reading. First of all, David is one of a new trend of presenters that use their blog/webpage to guide the presentation rather than a traditional, bulleted PowerPoint presentation. Slides are used sporadically and when text needs to be read by all in the audience. However, to model and share examples, he goes live to the Internet and navigates straight from his blog. One of the benefits of this, is that all of the presentation resources are accessible to everyone (in the audience and out). You may access his at http://handouts.davidwarlick.com David Warlick quotes (as exact as possible): • “Blogging is about reading, and thinking and writing…it is a literacy engine.” • “It’s stopped being a writing assignment, it’s a communication assignment…it becomes a conversation.” More to come in future…. | ||||
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Starting a BlogThe concept of reflecting is not new, however, and many research studies have shown this to be an effective tool in the classroom. As the teacher reflects aloud, students learn and even "see" the process behind-the-scenes. This is a great way to "apprentice" our students to think critically and master whatever content is being taught. I am a strong supporter of the "Reading Apprenticeship" model developed by West Ed. This model incorporates metacognition not only from the perspective of the teacher, but also having the students use metacognition. They "think aloud" and "talk to the text." This is a great way for them to practice this powerful skill and also helps the teacher to monitor and check for understanding (i.e. "Oh, that's why they're coming up with this answer on the test...."). | ||||
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**Comments from Robert Perkins** | ||||