As I have delved deeper into the teaching of math and fifth grade students, I find that my broad lens on teaching pedagogy, new tools, and multiple disciplines has waned a bit. I'm really enjoying this deep focus and the ability to teach each child well with regard to math, but I also want to make sure that I don't lose track of the good tools, pedagogy, and knowledge in other areas.
One structure that has been put in place to support knowledge building is the use of the PLC as a time to share and learn new tools. For example, this week we were introduced to Google Classroom and next week we're going to explore Google Fluency Tools.
Another possible structure that would help is a weekly interactive curriculum update that lists present questions, research, efforts, and resources that the system-wide teachers and learners are focused on. This kind of share would help to engage the whole community in the thinking and questions related to learning. This kind of share could foster greater depth with regard to multidisciplinary and multi-age teaching and learning.
As educators we need to go deep with our work and we also have to stay abreast of the broad arena of education thought and research. This will happen best when systems right their structures, roles, and schedules to this continual evolution towards up-to-date, student-centered, contextual, top-notch teaching and learning.
I'm just beginning to think about this, and if you have any thoughts on the matter, please share.
