Turning over a new leaf!

Okay, I am really going to turn over a new leaf this year and blog consistantly. I truly believe that reflecting on ones life, work, etc. is a path to personal growth. I KNOW THAT!! I buy into this so much that Ray and I have our new teachers journal every week . There are a few people who complain but overall, at the end, most of them understand the value of reflection. They are also able to see the growth they have made throughout the year by reading past journals. I know how frustrated Karl has been with the lack of reflection in the group and I was guilty as charged.

Karl, meet the new me!

On a professional note, Ray and I were talking and would like to try to find a personal community of Instructional Coaches. Any ideas?

Haters of Homework article

In the Denver Post on Thursday, Sept. 21, there was a great editorial on homework by David Harsanyi. I can't believe how many articles have come out the past few months on homework for school children. It is becoming a widely argumented topic. This particular editorial jumped out at me because he makes his case the first half of the article and questions the use of homework. About half way through, he says "Now comes the tough part. I'm going to try to get an education professional to admit on the record that homework is a waste of everyone's time." After that he quotes a few professionals and their ideas on why homework is needed. I wanted so badly to email him and tell him about our 21 C group here and the work we are doing as well as the questions we are asking. I can't help but think that there are others out there who are also questioning. I am curious why he couldn't find someone to support his ideas or at least somewhat agree. Did he look? He also didn't address the fact that if we did away with homework the parents, for the most part, would be in an uproar at least in our community. There is more to this homework habit than just teachers. I thought the article was thought provoking but would sure love to send a comment back to him. Any takers want to help me?

Are we really listening?

The think that has been on my mind the past few weeks continues to be my Cognitive Coaching training that I attended in August. I am always reminded what a truly poor listener I am. Not only me, but this culture in general. I am trying to remain cognisant of listening to others but it is extremely hard to do. I feel I have so much to share when in reality people don't want to hear what I have to say. They want to be heard, just like I do. Where do we go to be heard? Someone asked me this and I truly had to think about it. I have discussions with colleagues and share with my spouse but to truly be heard with no interupptions is a tough one? I am interested where others go for this? I have 4 more days of training left and can only hope that I will continue to build up my skills to be a good listener and coach.

Reflection

I get so upset when people don't do their assignments and here I am a week or so late on my personal reflection. Should I be more sympathetic to my new teachers and their lack of time or should I be more diligent in my responsibilities and expect others to do so as well? Hmmm...something to ponder upon.

This past summer I went through a training called "Cognitive Coaching". It was 4 days of hard hard work but I left there learing so much. We have to attend 4 more days throughout the year and I can't wait to learn more. The premise behind CC is extremely constructivist. The idea is to listen, instead of give advise which is very hard for me do. If we listen, people will usually answer their own questions thus buy into it more because it came from within. that isn't so say that there isn't a time and a place to consult or collaborate but if a person can buy into it on their own, it is much more likely to make a difference. Can't wait to practice on someone. Any takers?

Amazing Dialogue

The Induction Blog that we started in January with new teachers has surpassed our expectations. The dialogue, the sharing and the questioning that going on has been amazing. Last semester we had to continuously "bug" many people to get their reflective journals in every week. Now almost everyone comments or Posts far beyond the expectations. I think next year we will just start the year out with the option of either blogging or journaling right away. I think it has been beneficial. However, from a managerial point of view it has been hard. Any ideas?

Change-For the Better?

Instead of writing journal entries, new teachers have been given the option of blogging on our Indcution Blog. It is pretty amazing to see the discussions taking place! Part of me wishes I would have done this earlier because the feedback has been outstanding. However, I think most of them would have been too overwhelmed to do this in September. I am glad to see the conversations taking place. They are thoughtful and honest. If you have a chance, please get on and comment...

induction05-06.blogspot.com

New teachers and blogging

Ray and I invited Karl to come in to our last new teacher meeting on Jan. 10, 2006. He introduced blogging to the them. I was suprised that more of them weren't aware of it and what it does. Karl also gave examples of some of your blogs. They were impressed.

Last semester we had all of the new teachers write Reflective Journals. While very insightful, we decided that instead of journaling the old fashioned way, they now have the option of blogging instead. I think they were excited about this. They were also all told of the 21c group and encouraged to apply for a spot next year. Of course we ran out of time so if any of you see them, encourage them to blog and apply.

If you would like to visit and comment on our induction blog, the address is;

induction05-06.blogspot.com

Feeling Out Of It!

I have to say that I was excited to hear about RSS and all of its possibilities. Wow! Technology is awesome! With that said, I am also feeling overwhelmed and out of it because of all of its possibilities. I wonder how I am going to ever understand all of this! I sure hope I am not the only one that feels this way...There is just so much potential and so little time.