What an amazing summer of learning I have had! I just finished the second semester of a doctoral program in Teaching and Learning. Much of what I learned challenged my previous assumptions or understandings about learning. At times, the conversations in class became uncomfortable as we pushed each other to explain or defend our current practices or the reasons behind them. That is the mark of powerful learning!
Even though my courses focused on learning and cognition, the deeper message that I took away was how to apply these methods and theories to my students who are really struggling-my ELLs. The information presented in my courses through discussion and readings (Love the work of Luis Moll!) gave me a new perspective on understanding and working with English Language Learners. I had always thought that I needed to work to compensate for their lack of exposure or background in traditional experiences and vocabulary. What a small view of the world I had! After lots of reading, I realized that these learners come to school with so much valuable knowledge about the world. Their knowledge just happens to be different than what is common in our schools today. The takeaway here is to discover their "Funds of Knowledge" and then build upon them to create relevant, meaningful learning! So, I'll definitely be busy collaborating with my ESL teachers, but boy am I excited!
The other huge "AHA!" was attending my first NBCT Conference- Reboot! Teaching Transformed! It So many influential voices in education together in one place for one purpose-to continue to improve teaching and learning for our students. I was inspired by the technology theme, so inspired that I've created a Twitter account, created a KidBlog for my students, and started a professional blog as well. Whew! That's a lot of innovation for only 8 weeks of summer break! I've always enjoyed using technology myself and with my students in the classroom, but these new outlets will push my students and I to the next level.
It's exciting and a little bit scary! Wish me luck!
Karen
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