Today I hiked up to one of my favorite mountain spots and found myself thinking of all that has changed in my career as an educator over the past ten years. It just so happens that about a decade ago I had climbed up the same mountain to gather photos to share with my students about relief or the highs and lows of the Earth's surface.
What Has Changed?
I've realized that the most powerful change that I have made is completely removing whole class direct instruction. By using short, interesting and engaging videos to provide instruction when needed, I am able to focus my attention to small groups or individuals in class who need feedback and help. Being freed up during class to circulate amongst the students allows formative assessment to be continually in place and timely quality responses to student answers. To contrast the growth in this area, see the video made from the hike:
What Have You Improved?
I'll conclude with a challenge. It is no longer good enough to do the same things more efficiently or more easily using technology. We must push ourselves to re-tool our instructional practice to increase student interest and engagement. By doing this their understandings will most definitely follow. Sharing these changes together will allow us to improve more completely, our students are worth it!
