Before the courses began, I was a little perplexed at how learning online would work for me. When I was taking my courses at Hopkins for my Reading Masters, I really enjoyed going to class. I wasn’t sure how we could build the camaraderie that comes from class discussions and group work in an online forum. I needn’t have worried! I do feel like I am getting to know my classmates and not like I am learning in isolation. The checklist feature has been invaluable for me to keep on top of assignments, I’ve begun making checklists for work too!
The topics we have covered so far are instantly applicable to a classroom setting. The debunking of neuro-myths has been eye opening but also reaffirming. I believe students should be taught in a variety of modalities not just the ones they ‘prefer’. My teammate and I are planning our next unit of inquiry using the BTT model and it fits in really well with the Primary Years Progamme (PYP) curriculum that I teach. BT-3 is especially helpful and coincides with the PYP. We start with a central idea that is a broad global statement of what we are to learn about and then conduct our inquiry through specific lines of inquiry that help to focus our study. Then as you mention in BT-3, we utilize brain mapping (with images and words), graphic organizers and data charts to help organize our thinking.
1 comment:
Hi Allyson,
Lucky you! It sounds like school folks are not so obsessed with standardized testing “across the pond.” It’s wonderful that you’ll be able to openly apply the BTT principles. :-) Not everyone can. Right now in many US schools, the curriculum is broken down into tiny testable bits. The students don’t get to see “the big picture.” :-(
I am glad that you and your team are able to work out the time differences. Since you’ll “move through” the program as a part of a cohort, you’ll find that you will come to regard the other students as both trusted colleagues and fun friends. Also in some ways I think online courses are superior to F2G classes because the “writing and reading” format requires everyone to thoughtfully participate. We all know that when you write something down you tend to remember more of the concepts longer.
After viewing some of “The Un-Swiss Miss….” Mosaic, I can only conclude that you have had some great opportunities to see the world. Does the photo “The Stairs” picture the entry to your current apartment in London? If so, what a great way to stay in shape! I look forward to checking out your travels and your ideas!
Best regards,
Sharon
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