*This+I+Believe

Kim's- This I believe – Critical thinking cannot occur without factual information about the problem at hand. With our current technological overload, one of the most difficult pieces of the process is knowing for sure what is fact, and knowing what data is valid. We must be careful not to jump ahead, whether at the elementary level or at high school or beyond; we should not assume that students have valid data. Just because they have ACCESS to factual data doesn’t mean that they use it – too often, they rely on each other, or perhaps something a parent or teacher has said, rather than really investigating their sources. This is a big problem, and unfortunately the popularity of collaborative learning and jumping to the top of Bloom’s pyramid as quickly as possible does not encourage students to check the facts before they make a decision. Comment from Melissa : I agree, Kim and this is a big part of what school librarians do. I've been talking to journalists and professors lately and that really makes you check your sources for "people say" kind of data - which until it is verified, is just hearsay.
 * This I Believe

Lisa's- I have been reading Tony Wagner's book and feel recharged for this project. I believe the project has to have "real life" relevance, independent work and a collaborative piece. I hope we can incorporate something where it is okay to fail, as long as they can share their thoughts/ what they have learned. The one thing I am "hung up" on is how we will create a rubric/grading portion for the project. As I am sure that will be a coworkers first question. (Which was already the case as I was sharing what I have been up to!)

Since the last meeting- I have put a great deal of thought into how I could be more cognizant of encouraging students to try things their way and fail before I "safe" them and show them the "right" way. (As teachers don't have time in our day for students to fail.) I would like to give students more options to encourage them to share their thought process.

Lisa, I think we absolutely HAVE to have time to let children fail. . that's where we gain much! [|Why You Need To Fail] got this on Twitter this week, and found it pretty interesting. Janelle's- I believe: **

Education is dynamic...
=== I believe that education is a dynamic process within a community of learners. This dynamic process must involve a set of core skills that transcends all disciplines, standards, and cultures. This dynamic process must involve all learners, teachers and students, in both traditional and nontraditional educational environments. I believe the core skills for all learners must include, but are not limited to: assessing and analyzing information, problem-solving, making informed decisions and taking appropriate risks, abilities to adapt, willingness to learn from mistakes, communicating effectively, and enjoying the freedom to use imagination and to create. ===

Education requires engagement...
=== As an educator within the Albemarle County Professional Learning Community, I believe educators must engage all learners in a variety of experiences, both authentic and deliberate, to acquire and develop the core competencies. We must also guide and assist in the development of basic skills that enable all learners to have the foundations needed to grow exponentially and deeper. As educators, we must utilize and reflect on effective pedagogy and best practices, analyzing what is effective and striving to grow as a life-long learner. Adapting, collaborating and stretching should be the norm. ===

Education is ubiquitous and never-ending...
=== As educators, we must put forth thoughtful effort to provide strong learning environments. l believe that pertinent educational growth takes place where curiosity, questioning and imagination are encouraged within the environment. However, I also recognize that creative and innovative ideas often happen within environments where necessities arise. Educators that offer relevant and rigorous experiences, within any environment, that develop critical thinking skills, while providing security, love and mutual respect, will bring forth citizens that leave a positive imprint on the world .===

3 words from July 15 that I want to remember... Inquiry - Analysis - Reflection