Couros present 8 “Look Fors” on p. 118 and pictured above, if you look at your classroom are they present? What do you see as strengths in your instruction? weaknesses?
Voice
Learning from other’s and communicating their learning (Couros, 2015) happens regularly in my classroom. This can come in many forms but mostly happens during turn and talks, small group collaboration and class reflection, as well as strategies such as jigsaw puzzles where small groups work together to create presentations to share with the rest of the class.
Choice
Choice in the classroom can sometimes meet Couros’ s requirements. Choice in what students learn is much less prevalent than choice in how they learn. Teacher’s are required to follow the curriculums provided by the district (Baltimore County) and choice as to what students learn about is mostly relegated to projects where they have choice as to what they want to write about. Even then, choice is limited by the available databases approved by the county or provided by the curriculum. For instance, we just completed writing persuasive paragraphs for language arts. Students were allowed to choose among seven places in our community. While choice was not completely open, I do see the advantages of empowering students with choice. I even let students research and write about places not on the list if they ask. One issue with too much choice in second grade is pacing. Students can be overwhelmed when they are not given a list to choose from. Choice in how they learn is given to them on a regular basis, especially how they choose to learn after they have completed their assigned work. This sounds a bit hypocritical, and it is, but that is what I must work with.
Time for Reflection
I admit that I fall into the group of teachers that has issues with time. Not because I “feel” like there is not enough time, but because most days there truly is not time. When I can work it in, however, reflection time is extremely valuable for students. We don’t write because of time constraints but we do hold small group and class discussions and reflect on what went well and what we struggled with. I also reflect on my lessons on a regular basis, leaving notes for myself in my presentations for the next time I teach the lesson. This has proved very beneficial in the subsequent iterations.
Opportunities for Innovation
I think that this is a place that I can use major improvement. I agree that innovative mindsets should be the norm and not the exception in the classroom (Couros, 2015). I also believe that I should provide regular opportunities and encourage the pursuit of innovative ideas (Couros, 2015). I really need to think inside and outside of the box to find ways to do this. Perhaps I find a way for students to pursue a passion outside of school. I need to think about this one.
Critical Thinkers
I am constantly looking for, and thinking aloud with my class, ways to do things better. I challenge my class to challenge all of us to think about how we do things and if they can find new ideas to help. This includes both with learning and classroom routines. I know this has had a positive influence on my students as they have the confidence to respectfully challenge me and each other. Even today, we were discussing a math strategy for adding two-digit numbers with regrouping. As I discussed breaking apart the numbers before adding, a student suggested that using a number line might be a better approach to the problem. We did it both ways and learned that it was, in fact, a better approach for about half of the students. The other half preferred breaking numbers apart.
Problem Solvers/Finders
I think that this is a weakness in my classroom with the exception of working together to solve issues with class routines. Even then, I can find myself leading students toward what I believe to be the best solution. I feel like I should create a regular time to consider what problems they may be experiencing and guiding them through discussions from a procedural perspective. Then guide students to work together to find solutions. I think this at least would be a good start.
Self-Assessment
Students in second grade are at an early stage of self-assessment. Still, students complete editing checklists when writing, check their math by solving problems in a different way, and using resources in the classroom to confirm their understanding. I do keep portfolios for the students but it would be more empowering for them to keep their own (Couros, 2015). This is also something that I plan to implement with my students.
Connected Learning
This is another weak spot in my classroom. The only example that I can come up with is having conversations with employees at the Maryland Zoo about the different animals when we went for a field trip last month. How amazing would it be to have an author of a certain genre come to speak with the students?
Conclusion
Overall, I feel like my classroom meets a fair amount of these look fors but there is much room for improvement. I look forward to any feedback or suggestions you may have for me.
References
Couros, G. (2015). The innovator’s mindset: Empower learning, unleash talent, and lead a culture of creativity. San Diego, CA: Dave Burgess Consulting, Incorporated