During a recent 45 minute webinar session with James Nottingham and Graham Watts I made notes and took photographs of their slideshow as it was happening using Evernote on my iPad. I really like the easy way Evernote works. The notes and photographs became a great support to my lessons. I also use Evernote to record my students when reflecting on their learning.
James Nottingham talked about challenging students thinking and teaching them how to think. He talked briefly about taking them down into the pit of confusion. I think I will need to buy his book to learn more about his ideas. I felt a bit of relief hearing about the pit of confusion because I am often wondering around that pit. Surely that is evidence of my great ability to think extensively! J
Graham talked about a set of tools he has developed combining literacy and thinking. On the webinar he demonstrated a box model of thinking. I really liked this so I used it today in class to brainstorm ‘what is learning’. It was a great way to start the term.
Learning is combining with others.
Madison, Maddy, Lilly, Lani and WaiWai
Learning is using your senses.
Sam, Harding, Reihana, Matthew and Ben
Learning is thinking with other people or by yourself to get more knowledge.
Cody, Caitlin, Kole, Stephan and John
Learning is using your brain and things you know and combining your ideas with other person’s ideas. Learning is finding out more facts.
Abby, Corien, Honey, Kelsey and Anahira
Learning is perseverance.
Hannah, Emily, Tessa, Renee and Sophie.
Learning is combining lots of ideas to learn something new.
Dylan, Taelyn, Jayde, Amy and Sarah.
This is the result of our brainstorming. As I reflect on their ideas and what James Nottingham said I am wondering if the final idea I got from each group isn’t enough. I think I might challenge them with the exercise again to see if we can explore our ideas further.
So What Now What 