Really should do this more often....

It has been a really long time - and someday - I may actually do this on a regular basis.

In my role as a secondary math facilitator, I have had the opportunity to work with numerous teachers on many initiatives ie. teaching through problem solving, Differentiated Instruction, assessment for learning, use of manipulatives, integrating 21st century fluencies, etc.

Currently, I am very excited as a few of the teachers are keen to integrate 21st century fluencies with the development of wikis, google surveys, glogs, online assessment tools, etc.

The wiki is a great place for class collaboration and publication. Students are proud to share their polished material with the world.

Google surveys are great for all of those courses where students are expected to gather data and analyze it. Students are excited to post their survey links on wikis and facebook to collect as much data as they can.

Glogs are new for me - basically an online poster making site. Better than that, glogs can include videos, pics, text, sound, etc . Amazing.

Best wishes to all the brave teachers who are stepping outside their comfort zones to address the needs /learning styles of our digital learners.

oh... the challenges...

It has been just over a year now... I have been working as a math facilitator at the secondary level. To be frank, I miss the excitement and energy of having my own class of students. I miss planning for a specific group with their own unique needs. I miss knowing my students so well that planning was a pleasure.

Working with teachers is also great! It is exciting to share new ideas/strategies with teachers. Better than that, it is great when they share back their positive experiences in the classroom.

Sharing is great. Co-teaching is even better. Learning together... De-briefing the lesson... Planning next steps...

I look forward to returning to the classroom at some point. For now, I will continue to avail myself to those teachers who strive to do more and learn more for the benefit of their students.