Respect and understanding are always
intertwined.
The question I always ask myself is,
"What is the logic behind this teaching?" When we respect the teacher, everything will
eventually make sense. That is an important idea to keep in mind as we
consider the stance and attitude we will have as we work with teachers. Our job is not to criticize, but to work to understand
the teacher's logic, finding out what has happened previously, as well as what
is planned for the future. Start with
the stance that the teacher is brilliant and everything they are doing makes
sense, even if it isn't what you would do in the same situation.
It's
amazing to see how conversations and perspectives unfold when you start with a
respectful stance. Because the teachers
we work with have thought about their students and their curriculum with such
care over long periods of time, their plans are deep and thoughtful. There is logic in all teachers do, and we
can see it if we begin with respect and take the time to understand their
choices.
When
using the GIR coaching model, we acknowledge
the funds of knowledge* that teachers bring to any learning situation. The coaching path (shown in the GIR model by the
curving line) depicts teachers’ previous knowledge and experience by starting
above the “0-0” position on the axis.
The model also illustrates the belief that teachers will continue to
learn and grow in their profession by having the line end below the upper
corner. As we respect teachers’ logic
and where they are now in their thinking, our coaching evolves so that it aligns
with teachers’ changing needs. That is the value
of taking a respectful stance.
*
Moll, L., Amanti, C., Neff, D. & Gonzalez, N. (2001). Funds of knowledge for
teaching: Using a qualitative approach to connect homes and classrooms. Theory into Practice, 31(2), 132-141.
This week,
you might want to take a look at:
Get
the Math, a site that has videos showing how math is used
in careers like video game design, fashion, sports, and music (great for
answering the question, “When will I ever use this?” for students young and old). There are also interactive challenges full of
algebraic reasoning for older students.
Find it at:
http://www.thirteen.org/get-the-math/
http://www.thirteen.org/get-the-math/
Math
+ Reading = Fun
Integrating
Math + Literacy: Going on a Shape Hunt
For
those of you who still have time left in the school year, check out these ideas
for the last weeks of school:
Ideas
for ending the school year strong from The
New York Times: (specifically targeting English Language Learners, but good
for everyone!)
That's all for this week. Happy Coaching!
No comments:
Post a Comment