We are all fully in the swing of things this week. AP Lit students have been working really hard -- and having excellent discussions -- on their Elements of Fiction projects. The role I've taken during this phase of the project was one of facilitator. My objective is to let them work on their own and at their own pace.
Although it is a scary proposition for the teacher, because most experiences lead people to believe teachers should be the one importing knowledge in the minds of students, I have found that students (and people in general) learn better when they are left to their own devices. Of course, guidelines need to be in place and an objective set up so students understand the goals of the project, but once they know the goals they can be released to do the work.
Teaching in the writing workshop mode lets me become part of the academic conversations and participate with the groups. I am able to get excited with them, experience ah ha moments with them, and work together to ferret out obstacles as they occur. It is a true environment of learning and leading that has benefited former students. Kaylee Tait shared that all of the lessons learned in AP Lit have come into play at the postsecondary level and Dakota Camerena also commented in the affirmation of the usefulness of the skills in college as well.
It has been a good week. Until next we meet.
Although it is a scary proposition for the teacher, because most experiences lead people to believe teachers should be the one importing knowledge in the minds of students, I have found that students (and people in general) learn better when they are left to their own devices. Of course, guidelines need to be in place and an objective set up so students understand the goals of the project, but once they know the goals they can be released to do the work.
Teaching in the writing workshop mode lets me become part of the academic conversations and participate with the groups. I am able to get excited with them, experience ah ha moments with them, and work together to ferret out obstacles as they occur. It is a true environment of learning and leading that has benefited former students. Kaylee Tait shared that all of the lessons learned in AP Lit have come into play at the postsecondary level and Dakota Camerena also commented in the affirmation of the usefulness of the skills in college as well.
It has been a good week. Until next we meet.