Bring on the mentors

One of the trade publications that arrived in my mailbox (the real physical one) last week suggested that the "guide on the side" which has been the bumper sticker summation of the pedagogy of choice (among progressive educators) for a generation should be replaced. Of course guide on the side replaced safe on the stage (which is still the pedagogy of choice for way too many "educators").

Mentor in the middle is the new bumper sticker worthy encapsulation of pedagogy. This seems a good model because as presented, the mentor in the middle plays a central role in guiding the studies of learners. Mentors play six roles in classrooms:

Facilitator- designing the course and syllabus

Coach- to identify necessary skills and ensure learners develop those

Artist- to combine traditional approaches and new insight into new creations

Critical reflector- to encourage metacognition

Model- to demonstrate

Scholar- to reflect the structure of the discipline



As I think back on the best teachers I had, I see these roles. As I think forward with these in mind, I am beginning to see a more sophisticated "individualized" education than we have known.

At the heart of formal education is the assumption that "this person has certain skills," and the skills are based in the accepted experience of the education. (I earned a PhD, do the assumption is that I can navigate the dissertation process which is about persistence as much as scholarship.) A criticism (which is often deserved) of guides in the dude is that those fundamental experiences are lost in interest-based education. (As a science teacher, I may be able to create a high- interest course on UFO's but it is likely to lack the grounding necessary to be called science.)

If educators accept the mentor role and all six of the roles it entails, I see a greater role for the curriculum. We no longer read and write and do math for our own pursuits but we become skilled in applying these skills to relevant and real problems, and we observe our teachers engaged in using those as well. That engagement by teachers in what they claim to be teaching (as a necessary skill) is the change captured in our transition from guide to mentor.


-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Fwd: Weekly update from NELMS

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Begin forwarded message:

From: nelms@nelms.org
Date: September 26, 2013 at 8:54:00 AM EDT
To: "Dr. Gary L. Ackerman" <gary@hackscience.net>
Subject: Weekly update from NELMS
Reply-To: NELMS <nelms@nelms.org>

Member Benefit - Autumn MidLines is now online.

For NELMS members the latest edition of MidLines is now online. Go to www.nelms.org/midlines and enter the user name and password you were given for MidLines. Hope you enjoy it!

 

Call for Presenters 2014

Looking for educators interested in presenting at the
NELMS Annual Conference, March 31-April 1, 2014
If you are interested or would like to know more click here.
 

Rick Wormeli is returning soon

How to Assess & Grade in an Optimum Learning Rich Environment

October 22 & 23, 2013
Radisson Hotel Manchester Downtown–Manchester, NH

For more information and/or to register click here.

Tiering Strategies for Classroom Instruction & Homework:
A Plan for Student Success

October 24 & 25, 2013
Holiday Inn Enfield/Springfield–Enfield, CT

For more information and/or to register click here.
 

Keys to Literacy - The Key Writing Routine

November 6 & 7, 2013
Holiday Inn Enfield/Springfield–Enfield, CT

For more information and/or to register click here.

Keys to Literacy - Keys to Argument Writing

January 9, 2014
Holiday Inn Enfield/Springfield–Enfield, CT

For more information and/or to register click here.

Keys to Literacy - The ANSWER KEY Routine for Extended Response

February 5, 2014
Holiday Inn Enfield/Springfield–Enfield, CT

For more information and/or to register click here.

 

 

Join us on Facebook and Twitter

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Usability of Technology

The usability of technology has come to my attention recently. The idea is simple, if users perceive technology to be easy to use, then they will use it. Notice the word "perceived."

As a technologist, I may find a solution works:

> My system is secure.
> Installations are easy for me.
> The system is highly centralized, thus cheap.

But if those characteristics of my network make it difficult for end users, then it will not be used. (No matter how much I claim it works.)

At the same time, we as technologists must be careful about what we allow users to do. With some easy steps, we can limit permissions so users cannot make changes that result in technology that is more difficult to use.

I will avoid yelling stories about teachers who fill their computers with adware and spyware and then claim about "how slow this thing is."

I will suggest educators and technologists work together.

1) Technologists build good systems.

2) Then they teach teachers how to use the systems.

3) Teachers then "complain" about the system.

4) Technologists modify the system to meet teachers' needs.

Try it. It works.



-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Who should attend AMLE2013?

Anyone who wants to see Flipped with Purpose, my 75-minute session describing strategies and approaches to creating technology-rich classrooms.  

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Begin forwarded message:

From: Association for Middle Level Education <amle@amle.org>
Date: September 25, 2013 at 2:03:48 PM EDT
To: gary@hackscience.net
Subject: Who should attend AMLE2013?

View: Web
Association for Middle Level Education 4151 Executive Parkway, Suite 300 Westerville, OH 43081 www.amle.org l 614-895-4730 l 800-528-6672 l (fax) 614-895-4750     © Copyright 2013 Association for Middle Level Education. All Rights Reserved. This message was sent by the Association for Middle Level Education. Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe from future AMLE e-mails.

3 Big Shifts

This came into my Twitter feed today and my initial reaction was "right on," but then I got to thinking about the climate we all experience today. A focus on testing... decisions being made in offices and board rooms, not classrooms... too restrictive technology policy and procedure... technologically ignorant leaders (apologies to the few who are aware). I am not optimistic that these shifts will ever occur. 

dangerouslyirrelevant.org/2013/09/3-big-shifts.html

Download the official Twitter app here

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Educators Brainstorm Ways To Create Personal Learning Plans

Vermont plans to require Personal Learning Plans for all students in grades seven-12. Reaction has been mixed... I understand the reluctance of some educators... I understand the value of such plans.

http://digital.vpr.net/post/educators-brainstorm-ways-create-personal-learning-plans#.UkGeudnVYaY.email

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Review of Reign of Error

Diane Ravitch's most recent book, Reign of Error, is causing significant chatter on my Twitter feed. Ravitch's challenges much of the rhetoric about the deficiencies of American education and criticizes NCLB and RTTT initiatives. 

This link is an excellent review if the book which is on my "to read" pile. 

hackeducation.com/2013/09/20/reign-of-error-ravitch-invent-to-learn-stager-martinez-review

Download the official Twitter app here

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Fwd: Weekly news from NELMS

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Begin forwarded message:

From: nelms@nelms.org
Date: September 19, 2013, 10:13:44 AM EDT
To: "Dr. Gary L. Ackerman" <gary@hackscience.net>
Subject: Weekly news from NELMS
Reply-To: NELMS <nelms@nelms.org>

Member Benefit - Autumn MidLines is now online.

For NELMS members the latest edition of MidLines is now online. Go to www.nelms.org/midlines and enter the user name and password you were given for MidLines. Hope you enjoy it!

 

Call for Presenters 2014

Looking for educators interested in presenting at the
NELMS Annual Conference, March 31-April 1, 2014
If you are interested or would like to know more click here.
 

Rick Wormeli is returning soon

How to Assess & Grade in an Optimum Learning Rich Environment

October 22 & 23, 2013
Radisson Hotel Manchester Downtown–Manchester, NH

For more information and/or to register click here.

Tiering Strategies for Classroom Instruction & Homework:
A Plan for Student Success

October 24 & 25, 2013
Holiday Inn Enfield/Springfield–Enfield, CT

For more information and/or to register click here.
 

Keys to Literacy - The Key Writing Routine

November 6 & 7, 2013
Holiday Inn Enfield/Springfield–Enfield, CT

For more information and/or to register click here.

Keys to Literacy - Keys to Argument Writing

January 9, 2014
Holiday Inn Enfield/Springfield–Enfield, CT

For more information and/or to register click here.

Keys to Literacy - The ANSWER KEY Routine for Extended Response

February 5, 2014
Holiday Inn Enfield/Springfield–Enfield, CT

For more information and/or to register click here.

 

 

Join us on Facebook and Twitter

©2012 New England League of Middle Schools.. All Rights Reserved

 

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"Science" and education

In a recent article that appeared on the New Your Times web site earlier this month, Gina Kolata wrote about the growing trend in education of using randomized trials-- real science-- to determine which textbooks are "better" and which software is "useless." As a scientist, I like the focus on data, and real randomized trials in which variables are controlled and large statistically relevant numbers are used to accept or reject null hypotheses.

But this is education... and I am fearful of:

• The incorrect argument that "I am using 'the best' textbook, therefore I my students are learning.
• The false assumption that the measures of "best" used by the scientists are measuring the habits, skills, and knowledge that our children will actually need in the unknowable future.
• Consumers of the research will not pay attention to the limitations of the study which are certainly defined by the researchers if it is peer-reviewed research.
• Consumers will also draw too-broad conclusions.
• The conclusion of this research will support "one-size-fits-all" education.

One of the most skilled colleagues I know attends every training session and jumps on every educational fad that comes along. She jumps on to each fad long enough to understand it, and become familiar with the tools, then she jumps on the next one. When I asked her about it, she said, "Look, these are all different ways of doing the same thing, and the more I know, then the more tools I have." Her comment was verified by observing her classroom: When she encountered a struggling reader, she went to her collection and found a new approach. If that didn't work, she tried another, and another, until one worked.

I like science being applied to education, but we need to understand what science is and what it tells us. We also need to understand that education is fundamentally about each learner, and educators have a responsibility to all children, even those who don't react the same way that experimental samples do.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/03/science/applying-new-rigor-in-studying-education.html

Fwd: In this issue: The Value of Homework

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Begin forwarded message:

From: Association for Middle Level Education <amle@amle.org>
Date: September 17, 2013, 3:06:42 PM EDT
To: gary@hackscience.net
Subject: In this issue: The Value of Homework

September 17, 2013 This is your last issue of AMLE Newsletter! To continue to receive this newsletter, simply join AMLE as a no-cost Associate Member or join for just $49.99 to receive loads more benefits, including 9 tablet-friendly and online issues of AMLE Magazine. The Value of Homework Homework or not? This is a dilemma teachers struggle with every year and a topic that is tackled in the September issue of AMLE Magazine.  I think we all agree that homework should not be assigned just to give students something to do.  Homework should have a purpose and align with the goal of the lesson. More. Also on homework from the September issue of AMLE Magazine: Perspectives: Homework – Three middle grades educators share perspectives on the value of homework and whether it should be graded. Join the Twitter event on the Purpose of Homework hosted by AMLE in collaboration with Todd Bloch of #mschat, September 19, 8:00 p.m. Eastern, Event hashtag #mschat What's Hot Here's what people are reading at amle.org: Literacy as the Link: Common Core Standards and Content Area Teaching STEM Across the Middle Grades Curriculum Examining Response to a One-to-One Computer Initiative: Student and Teacher Voices It's Time to Stop Averaging Grades Making Connections with Advisory AMLE Magazine View the September issue of AMLE Magazine. Professional Members can view the full issue and bonus content on the free app for iPad, Android, and Kindle, or login at amle.org/AMLEmagazine. In this issue: School-Family Collaboration, Middle Level Leadership, Project-Based Learning, Dance, Student Leadership, Exploring Science through Fine Arts, Nutrition, Character Analysis and Moral Development Sights and Sounds from the Middle Attention AMLE friends and members!  Tell us your story through a sight or a sound that happens at your school! Be part of AMLE's "Sights and Sounds from the Middle"! Perhaps it's the view from the cafeteria or carpool, the sound of your students talking in advisory or singing in chorus, or the sight of a special event at your school. Every sight and sound in the school house has a story, so share yours! Here's all you've got to do: Record the sound or take the picture. For sounds, record yourself telling the story behind the sound and why it's important to your school and/or middle level education. For sights, write down the story behind the sight and why it's important to your school and/or middle level education. Be sure to include your name and your school's name in the recording ("Hi, this _____ from ______.") or on the written submission. Send the mp3 file (for sounds) or the written document & pic/jpg (for sights) to Dru Tomlin at AMLE (dtomlin@amle.org). Every month, we'll choose a different "Sights and Sounds from the Middle" story to showcase on our website. If your school is a winner, you will receive a $25 voucher for AMLE books for your school's professional library. Questions? Contact Dru Tomlin at DTomlin@amle.org or 614-212-7806. Messages from AMLE Did you know AMLE offers a free level of membership? AMLE believes all middle grades educators can benefit from relevant and practical tools and resources, regardless of their budget. So we offer an Associate Membership with access to some of our best benefits, including this newsletter, at no cost. The latest RMLE Online article, Ohio's Middle Childhood Licensure Study, takes a look at how middle level prepared teachers construct a philosophy arising out of middle level ideals and how they implement their understandings with their students. Do you know a middle grades student who's making a difference through volunteering? The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for America's top youth volunteers. Deadline: November 5, 2013. September is Attendance Awareness Month! Common sense and research tell us that for students to learn, they have to come to school. Join us in learning more about how to reduce chronic absenteeism in your school district. Are you looking for a way to challenge your students to be creative and innovative using 21st century skills? The IWitness Video Challenge is the perfect way to inspire your students to do just that. From the Field Troutman Middle School teacher connects students, STEM careers (September 14, 2013, Statesville Record & Landmark, NC) Students learn science of Diamondbacks baseball (September 14, 2013, The Yuma Sun, AZ)   Delaware school sees benefits from serving a hot breakfast (September 14, 2013, delawareonline.com, DE) St. Paul public schools welcome 6th graders to middle school (September 3, 2013, KARE.com, MN) Featured Advertiser International Bullying Prevention Association The mission of the International Bullying Prevention Association is to support and enhance quality research based bullying prevention principles and best practices in order to achieve a safe school climate and civic responsibility. The Nature of the Middle Level by Dru Tomlin Recently, I spotted this utility marker in the middle of the sidewalk in my neighborhood. The word "COMMUNICATION" was pressed in the center ages ago, and the marker itself has remained fixed in that spot despite obvious changes in the concrete around it. This vision made me think about how we communicate in our middle schools.  In fact, the image brought forth two diametrically opposed viewpoints about communication in education.  More. Featured Resource  Includes DVD! Enriching Comprehension With Visualization Strategies by Jeff Wilhelm Ideas for using visualization strategies to energize students and enrich comprehension before, during, and after readings. Explains how visualization strategies help teachers address the Common Core Standards Includes illuminating student work samples with extras on the DVD Features research that validates the use of visualization strategies to enrich comprehension Includes an overview of technology developments and formative assessment strategies Featured Media  AMLE2013 keynote speakers and Special Olympics ambassadors Danielle Liebl and Jamie Behymer discuss youth leadership, social inclusion, and bullying. Part 1 of 2. Jack Berckemeyer offers some helpful tips for new teachers Podcast:  Middle Level Journeys episode 2 An AMLE original series about the critical work happening in the middle level and the critical lives that make that work possible. Listen as AMLE talks with Melinda, a third year principal, about the hopes she has for her school, her students, and herself as the school year begins. Continue to follow Melinda's journey as we keep the conversation going throughout the school year. About AMLE The Association for Middle Level Education is committed to helping middle grades educators reach every student, grow professionally, and create great schools. We are the leading international organization advancing the education of all students ages 10 to 15, helping them succeed as learners and make positive contributions to their communities and to the world. More.

Association for Middle Level Education 4151 Executive Parkway, Suite 300 Westerville, OH 43081 614-895-4730 • 800-528-6672 (fax) 614-895-4750 www.amle.org Copyright © 2013 Association for Middle Level Education. All Rights Reserved. This message was sent by the Association for Middle Level Education. Privacy Policy. If you would like to unsubscribe, go here to Manage Subscriptions.