Blog Post #5
How do you model and explore new opportunities for learning in your own practice? How do you model and explore new opportunities for learning in your own life? (hobbies, organizations, etc.) Do you give your students opportunities to see you acting as a life-long learner. If so, how? If not, why not or how could you?
How do you model and explore new opportunities for learning in your own practice? How do you model and explore new opportunities for learning in your own life? (hobbies, organizations, etc.) Do you give your students opportunities to see you acting as a life-long learner. If so, how? If not, why not or how could you?
ReplyDeleteBy continuing to take classes and sharing tidbits of what I'm learning with students, I share the importance of continued learning. I often search how to videos to complete home projects I haven't had to be responsible for before, like winterizing a camper. Researching and learning about new recipes and cooking tips is another way that I continue to learn in my personal life. When going through new curriculum, I tell students we are learning together. In addition, I use morning slides that have fun facts. Often times, we will look further into the fact and learn more about the topic together.
I explore new activities by shadowing another teacher every quarter to watch them teach. I also talk with students often about things I'm new to "this is my first time teaching this, be patient with me if I have to go back and reread something quick" or "I messed that up and would like to try again, help me out here". I also express during our classroom community circles how often I enjoy that they're patient with me.
ReplyDeleteHow do you model and explore new opportunities for learning in your own practice?
ReplyDeleteI am currently taking classes (book studies) to help with new opportunities. Each year our school offers book studies as well that I chose to take. I really like those in person ones because we meet as a group to discuss the chapters we have read. We end up having some really good conversations about things and connecting the book to students, teaching and our everyday lives.
How do you model and explore new opportunities for learning in your own life? (hobbies, organizations, etc.)
I recently got a Kindle for Mother's Day and I have been trying to take the time for myself to sit and read different books. I feel as though this allows me some me time away from school, work and my family. I think it helps and allows me to relax and be more at ease with things as well.
Do you give your students opportunities to see you acting as a life-long learner. If so, how? If not, why not or how could you?
I allow my students to see what I am doing especially lately now that I am taking classes. If we have any down time throughout the day I am reading my book while students are working. This shows them that I am still trying to grow in the teaching world as well.
One way to explore new opportunities for learning in my practice is to attend or participate in classes and/or workshops. I participated in a colored pencil class last summer that was helpful in revisiting some basic techniques to use and different ideas for projects that can be done in some of my art classes. In my personal life, I also like to attend local workshops or creative events that are held. There is a local printmaker who puts them on regularly, or painting nights led by a couple different people in town. I also just like to create things if and when I have the chance, which is not as often as I’d like. I think my students are able to see that I am learning with them on different occasions. For example, I like to try projects that I’ve never done with students before so I am learning with them. The creative things I do outside of my classes, I enjoy sharing with my students.
ReplyDeleteHow do you model and explore new opportunities for learning in your own practice? How do you model and explore new opportunities for learning in your own life? (hobbies, organizations, etc.) Do you give your students opportunities to see you acting as a life-long learner. If so, how? If not, why not or how could you?
ReplyDeleteMy school district offered ongoing professional development opportunities to classroom teachers on gaining clarity in the classroom. I attended both trainings and I was able to transfer my learning from both trainings into the classroom such as making learning more visible in the classroom, but making sure that students have clarity in what they are learning.
In my own life, I explore new hobbies such as playing pickle ball. I studied up on the rules of the game and then I was able to practice playing pickle ball. At first, it started slow with putting the game into motion with the rules, but as I’ve played it more, it has become more of a hobby that I enjoy. I’m able to play with friends and family - I’m able to teach family and friends about the game and how to play.
In a lesson that I’m teaching, if I make a mistake, I let them know that I’m still learning or that I need time to think. I’m in my third year of teaching, but first year in first grade. All the lessons that I teach are all new to me and there are times that I make mistakes. I let me students know that I did make a mistake and that is part of the learning process.
For me, new opportunities for learning usually start with a need. Something is not working, a new tool shows up, or my students ask a question and I realize I either need to learn it or I am going to fall behind. Switching from Geography to computers has forced that in a good way, I have had to learn new platforms, new skills, and honestly a new way of teaching.
ReplyDeleteIn my teaching, I model learning by trying things, messing up, and adjusting. I will watch a quick tutorial, test it myself, and then bring it to class. That has been especially true with AI. I am not pretending to be an expert, but I am learning how to use it the right way, not as a shortcut, but as a tool that still requires thinking.
Outside of school, I do the same thing with our shave ice and mini donut business. Whether it is marketing, improving our setup, or finding ways to run things smoother, I am always learning something.
I do give students chances to see me as a lifelong learner. I will tell them when something is new to me, I will model how to troubleshoot, and I will say out loud, “Let’s figure this out.” If anything, I can keep getting better at being more intentional about it, naming the learning process as it is happening so students see that learning does not stop, it just changes.
My new opportunities for learning and showing come when I take more classes to learn toward my teaching certificate. I show my family that I want to keep up my certificate and my learning of teaching. When I was teaching , my students would ask questions that I didn't know the answer to. I would always tell them that I would get back to them with the answer. I would do my research and found the right answer.
ReplyDeleteOutside of school, I learn a lot with my business accounting program that I do for our farming. I am constantly learning new things.
I was always very transparent with my kiddos especially when I went from teaching 3rd to 5/6/7th. If a student raised a question about something we were learning, I hooked up my computer to the smartboard and we researched the answer whether it was a simple sentence or we watched a short clip. I would attend several professional development workshops throughout the school year and summer to help me learn more about various skills or content that would help me in the classroom. I was always eager to try it out! If I was ever going to be gone to a professional development event I would tell my kiddos where I was going and why because I think its important for them to know I am a life-long learner too. I used to have my college diploma and teaching certificate displayed on the wall for them to see. I used to think I needed to have all the answers to all the questions raised by students and I have since come to realize that it is okay not to know something. It is better to be honest with your students and admit that you are learning something along with them then to give them an incorrect answer.
ReplyDeleteHow do you model and explore new opportunities for learning in your own practice? How do you model and explore new opportunities for learning in your own life? (hobbies, organizations, etc.) Do you give your students opportunities to see you acting as a life-long learner. If so, how? If not, why not or how could you?
ReplyDeleteI talk to them constantly about how I am learning everyday. In fact they hear me saying in class—“HeYyyyyyy I learned something today!” Or I get to class and am bursting to tell them: “Guess what I learned this weekend!”
It’s important to me because I want them to be excited about learning. And I tell them constantly that life is all about adapting and learning to transform as they grow into adults. Adulthood is really just a continuous process of learning too.
I also model my own process of writing in class. We write together. They watch me mess up and rewrite. They watch me misspell. They watch me try to word something right and feel messy. That’s important. We talk about how writers are never perfect. We just choose a point where we decide to just release it when we feel we have made it as good as we can get it for where we are right now as a writer.
How do you model and explore new opportunities for learning in your own practice? : I love to shadow other teachers and also pick their brain on new ideas for my classroom. Communicating with other teachers constantly helps me learn every day
ReplyDeleteHow do you model and explore new opportunities for learning in your own life?: I love hearing other people's stories- where they came from, what they believe in, what they practice. I love learning about how other people think- especially when I am traveling to new countries. It is very wholesome to learn the different ways people choose to live their lives- and in the end I think it just makes me smarter and more well rounded!
I definitely give my students to see me as a lifelong learner. I am constantly asking them questions about their own life. For instance many students at my school are practicing Ramadan. I love hearing about their culture and learning more about what it entails.
In my practice as an early childhood special education teacher, I model and explore new learning opportunities by trying out new strategies, materials, and technologies in the classroom. For example, I experiment with hands-on learning activities, sensory-based tools, and collaborative projects to see what engages my students most effectively. I reflect on what works, adjust as needed, and share successes with colleagues, showing that learning is an ongoing process. In my personal life, I pursue hobbies and interests that challenge me, such as reading about diy projects, machine maintenance, sustainable farming practices and lifestyles. These experiences keep me curious and motivated, and I often bring insights from them back to my teaching. I make it a point for my students to see me as a lifelong learner. I share when I try something new, talk through my problem-solving process, and invite them to explore alongside me. For instance, if we are learning a new science concept or trying a new activity, I model curiosity, ask questions, and show that it’s okay to make mistakes while learning. This helps students understand that learning doesn’t stop with school—it’s a lifelong journey.
ReplyDeleteIn my role as a School Counselor, I model and explore new opportunities for learning by actively seeking out professional development, attending workshops and webinars, and staying current on counseling strategies, mental health practices, and educational trends. I try to integrate these new ideas directly into my practices as a School Counselor. Whether it’s using new ideas in social-emotional learning, experimenting with new ways to support college and career readiness, or connecting students with resources they haven’t seen before there are always new opportunities. I intentionally share these experiences with students and families when relevant and beneficial to them, showing them that growth and learning don’t stop once you leave the classroom.
ReplyDeleteIn my personal life, I continue to explore learning through hobbies and involvement in organizations. I continue to take an online courses, volunteer and join community groups, and read books outside my professional field. I talk with students about these experiences when appropriate, sharing how I’m learning new skills or perspectives. This allows them to see firsthand that being a lifelong learner isn’t just something adults say but rather they do. By modeling lifelong learning, curiosity, openness to new ideas, and a willingness to take on challenges, I hope to inspire students to approach their own learning with the same mindset and confidence.
How do you model and explore new opportunities for learning in your own practice? How do you model and explore new opportunities for learning in your own life? (hobbies, organizations, etc.) Do you give your students opportunities to see you acting as a life-long learner. If so, how? If not, why not or how could you?
ReplyDeleteI model learning by trying new drills, new games, coaching techniques, and using tools like video to improve both my skills and my athletes’ performance. Outside of school, I stay active in fitness, test new training methods, and attend workshops to keep learning. I make sure my students see me as a lifelong learner trying new lifts, new games, refining skills, and figuring out strategies, so they know growth doesn’t stop just because you’re the teacher.
Learning and trying new things is something I love to do. I enjoy having new challenges in front of me and am always looking for ways to improve or change how I do things. I love hearing about different ideas through these book studies and TED talks and implementing in my classroom or school. I have seen too many teachers keep doing the same things year after and I don't want to fall into that rut. I always want to keep things new and fun and I am not afraid to say to my students, this is my first time doing this so we are learning together today! It's so important for students to see this and be a part of it, even when things don't go as planned. I also love learning so I would definitely consider myself a life-long learner. I try to make it a point to say when I do not know things and then take the time to look those questions up so students can see that we can always learn something new everyday.
ReplyDeleteI love new ideas and learning new things. Sometimes it is very difficult to just try something new so I really need to be pushed into it. I love it when my students are excited about the things that they learn and can put it into practice to see the value of information. Students love computers but learning from them is the goal, I do see how computers can be used just as entertainment and not as a tool, so it is really fun when you can share the this and push them to learn on their own as well.
ReplyDeleteHow do you model and explore new opportunities for learning in your own practice? How do you model and explore new opportunities for learning in your own life? (hobbies, organizations, etc.) Do you give your students opportunities to see you acting as a life-long learner. If so, how? If not, why not or how could you?
ReplyDeleteI explore a lot of new opportunities for physical education. For example, these class are one way that I am expanding my knowledge in teaching. I also utilize social media. There are actually so many cool games that can be found on Tik Tok!
After having my 3rd baby in November, I have been trying to learn more about my eating habits and exercise that will help me stay healthy and give me more energy. it has been a good learning experience not only for me, but for my family as well.
I really don't tell my students that I am continuously learning, this is something that I could work on, especially being the PE teacher, letting my students know that all teachers (no matter what are job title is) strive to learn more.
How do you model and explore new opportunities for learning in your own practice? How do you model and explore new opportunities for learning in your own life? (hobbies, organizations, etc.) Do you give your students opportunities to see you acting as a life-long learner. If so, how? If not, why not or how could you?
ReplyDeleteI literally try to say the phrase 'I learned something new today' every single day in one of my classes. I am open with students that I'm always learning something, and I listen to a lot of podcasts to learn about new things. I post in my classroom books I have recently read (usually nerdy stuff!) and I actively ask students questions about things they are talking about. Even if I couldn't care less about (fill in the blank topic here), the students see me modeling curiosity. If I'm on my game, I'll follow up a few days later with a revisit of the topic, or I'll do a little surface research so I can add something to the conversation. I'm sort of a master of acting like I know nothing about a topic and letting the kids be the experts. I think it's important that they understand that I don't know everything but I'm willing to learn!
My own children are well aware that I'm always learning something and it has encouraged them to read, listen, and be curious about things as well. They've seen me sitting at the dining room table revising class materials, learning a new unit, finishing a paper for a graduate class, reading and highlighting articles...they know I'm not afraid to learn, and neither are they.
As a high school history teacher and coach, I try to model learning by being willing to try new approaches in my classroom. Whether it’s adjusting how I run discussions, changing assessments, or incorporating new tools, I make it a point to step outside my comfort zone. I also bring in new videos from the internet or social media, along with current articles or novels that students are actually interested in, to keep content relevant. I try to be transparent with students when something is new or not perfect, so they can see that learning is an ongoing process, not something you “arrive at.”
ReplyDeleteIn my own life, coaching has been one of the biggest ways I continue to grow. I enjoy sports, so coaching is a great way for me to merge my interests with my profession. Each season brings new challenges, different athletes, and situations that force me to adapt and improve. I’m constantly learning new strategies, reflecting on what works, and making adjustments—just like I do in the classroom. That mindset carries over into other areas as well, whether it’s staying current with technology or finding better ways to connect with students.
I do believe I give my students opportunities to see me as a lifelong learner. I share when I’m trying something new, ask for their feedback, and reflect openly on what is working and what is not. At the same time, I know I can continue to improve by being more intentional about showing that learning process, not just doing it behind the scenes. The more students see that growth is ongoing, the more likely they are to adopt that mindset themselves.
I love to read and watch videos to learn new things. When opportunities arise, I try to learn from my students as well. They love to teach me about pop culture or recent events that are important to them in their worlds. When I ask my classroom to choice read, I make a conscious effort to also take out a book and read alongside them. I also share with my students that I still take classes to further my education. They are always surprised to learn that I am still “in school” and have assignments that I need to work on too.
ReplyDeleteI model learning in my practice by being honest when I don't know something. I show students how I research answers or troubleshoot new tools in real time. If a lesson fails, I discuss the changes I’m making so they see my work as a constant work in progress.
ReplyDeleteIn my personal life, I stay a learner through gardening and pottery. Both hobbies involve a lot of trial and error. Whether I am figuring out why a plant is failing or practicing a new wheel-throwing technique, I am regularly in the position of a beginner who has to practice to improve.
I give my students the chance to see this by sharing stories of my projects and my mistakes. When they see me working to master a new skill outside of school, it helps them realize that learning is a permanent mindset rather than something that ends at graduation.