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While we, as educators
– and our students, as 21st Century learners may be “connected” with the same
anywhere across the world from Bangkok, Thailand to Lincoln, Nebraska…do we
know what is happening on 200 Street at ESMS, or 300, or 400? Do we have any
idea of what is going on in the other side of “our” world – the 500 wing??!
The students we saw
were engaged in their learning through a number of experiences: group work,
read-alouds, math crossword puzzles, graphic organizers, experiments,
reviews, presentations, moving and dancing! They were using computers, iPads,
digital presentations, building supplies, and even plain old paper and
pencils.
The teachers were
great models and their work actually reminded me more of a coach than a sage.
Teachers offered a tremendous amount of positive and constructive feedback,
accessed prior knowledge, and by the way they moved around the room, will
probably need to be buying a new pair of shoes soon.
The debriefing process
that occurred at the conclusion of our visits had the purpose of focusing on
how our great teachers were using formative assessments and what the evidence
of that would look like. We summarized
that the impressive use of highly effective questions by the majority was a
definite way to informally gain access to student understanding and serve as
a basis for differentiation, review, or enrichment.
ESMS has a fine
collection of dedicated, caring, professional educators that know the hows
and whys to make valuable learning experience for their classes. They continue to instill the love of
learning in various ways. Thank you for
all you do to make this a great place to learn and work.
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