Visible thinking through talking

Week 4: Term 3

Visible thinking through talking.

Feeling so successful this week as I can see that my learners are developing/gaining cofidence to share through talking. Have been introducing Talk moves and speaking frames into our learning space especially in maths. I am seeing huge improvement in learners expressing their ideas.  Giving learners speaking frames is very powerful, especially second language learners

Reference :  Talk moves and Speaking Frames

Reflection

Today at the Leaders PLG i was affirmed and reminded to refer to the wealth of resources that we have within the Manaiakalani, such as Class on Air, the MIT, CoL Inquiry, Research from Wolfisher etc. Having watched Rob’s recount lesson was evident of this.  I was amazed what I learn from it and what really affirmed my practise.

In addition, in the group discussion, we share a common understanding of using dialogic approach in our learning spaces. It is encouraging our learners to make their thinking visible through talking. This is what I am trying to do this term is to encourage the talking using speaking frames.

Week 3: Term 3

Staff meeting this week was sharing on our journey as Teaching  Inquiry.  I had to lead the discussion and have to post the question that Graeme Aitken: asked at the Leader of Learning in Term 2.  “What are we trying to achieve?” (in our learning spaces). The discussions with our small staff was thought provoking and reassuring that we have shared the same understanding as Dr Aitken, even though not in exactly the same words.

Achieving those is what we inquire into our teaching.  It was evident that talk moves. The rich conversation we had and my hope that each of us will take it forward.

From Dr Graeme Aitken

My Inquiry so far...

Reflecting on my journey so far, I encountered  a huge challenges due to various factors. First, the class size was too huge. The learning needs on my students is too wide.  The Aiga philosophy worked at certain situation but mostly a struggle.  I felt that the learners are too casual and are too familiar with each other and often bring their social discussion to our learning space. I felt at times heading onto a brick wall.  However, term 2 came and I introduced daily reflection. This was great as we have set time in the day to reflect.  This helped with keeping us focus.
From the Gloss and Probe test I realised the huge need to focus on our thinking and talking as a visible way of sharing our thinking. Roll in term 3.

Empowerment and Ownership

Student-led conference : Empowerment and Ownership

Putting students in the driver's seat of their parent-teacher conferences creates opportunities for reflection, engagement, and agency.

Had been involved in this Student/Parent/Teacher conference since the turn of tide. This year with my inquiry focus, the SPT conference really made think of this powerful situation for the students. Students taking charge of the 10 minutes meeting.

It was very important to spend time to prepare learners for the conference. It made them feel in control of the situation.

However, this situation needs to transfer to the daily activities in our learning space. Still some learners struggled with taking their learning seriously.  I looked for support from the management. I am overjoyed with  the positive response that I will co-teach with Mrs L for literacy and numeracy. I look forward for this change.