182 Days of Learning

Day 107: Andie Shaffer, Samia Kaddoura, Kerry Warner, Ryan Cancilla, Teachers, Central Memorial High School

2/25/2016

Particles

What started out as a water cooler discussion of Radiolab’s podcast Elements turned into the catalyst to fuse the disciplines of art, science, and English. This idea became a meaningful, collaborative task that brought together the three parts of Particles, an interactive digital book blending science, English, and art. Our area of focus was on the Periodic Table of Elements. Students were broken up into groups and assigned a specific element to explore. Science students were asked to become experts of their chosen element by focusing on scientific properties unique to it, the scientific history, and how it is used in our society. This group of students then shared their understanding to inform the work of the humanities students who wrote a short story personifying the element, and also completed a research project that highlights its historical importance. The art students synthesized the information to create a unique visual representation of the element. Throughout the process, author and broadcaster Jay Ingram provided invaluable feedback to help students actualize their ideas.

On Friday, March 11th students from all three classes will be hosting a book launch at Telus Spark to celebrate their achievements with a large group of junior high students.

One of the most rewarding elements of this task was observing the connections made between students that may not have otherwise occurred if not for the opportunity to create in a collaborative learning environment.

Samia Kaddoura (@samkadd28) is the Learning Leader of High School Success at Central Memorial High School. She is a self-described chemistry nerd, is passionate about her roles as teacher, leader, and mom.

Kerry Warner (@jadekaw) loves visual art, yoga, teaching and the occasional soy latte. She teaches art in the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts (PVA) at Central Memorial High School.

Ryan Cancilla (@ryancancilla) teaches English and social studies and is the Learning Leader of Humanities of Central Memorial High School. He spirals into an existential spiral of despair every time he has to come up with a quick bio.

Andie Shaffer (@andieshaffer1) is a podcast enthusiast (to the extreme), a Learning Leader of Students Leadership and Activities at Central Memorial High School, and has a deep love for learning, collaborating and driving teachers bonkers with her ideas.

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Day 105: Travis Robertson, Learning Leader, Campus Calgary/Open Minds

2/23/2016

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Learning with and from colleagues brings me real joy.

I'm no stranger, then, to Dr. Sharon Friesen's Teaching Effectiveness Framework and the (Principle 5) idea that "teachers [best] improve their practice in the company of peers." So captivated by the changing demands on our profession, and the necessity of collaborating to make it all possible, I even had the unique opportunity to reflect on how our schools and system overcome disconnect in a Pecha Kucha conversation earlier this year.

It's actually amazing where connected learning adventures can take you.

Today, for instance, I bring greetings from Canada's capital, Ottawa. More specifically from the Teachers Institute on Canadian Parliamentary Democracy.

(Photo credit: Laurrie Paddock)

Here, I'm representing Campus Calgary/Open Minds and the Calgary Board of Education. In this photo, taken yesterday, I'm one of a few Calgary teachers privileged to meet with Senator Elaine McCoy. I'm seeking every opportunity to hear from colleagues --70 across Canada-- about how learning, as it relates to civic understanding, can be brought alive. Less than half way through our week long program, I've had many conversations about experiential learning and have heard about learning opportunities taking place across the country. In fact, I look forward to continuing many conversations when I return through friendships formed, and the ever helpful Twitter (and yes, even old fashioned e-mail).

It turns out big questions like How do we build community?, How are technologies changing democracy?, or our theme question for our week, How does geography impact Canada?, probably can't be answered well in isolation. Together, we're building a fuller more deeper understanding of this country's relationship with teaching and learning. And it's because of that together aspect of this week, I will return--as cheesy as it might sound--changed.

But I also know I don't have to be in Ottawa to know what it's like to learn together.

(S. Kesler and J. Gallant; Photo Credit Ita Kistorma)

February has been a month of teaching and learning together. More accurately, 2016 has been a year for collaboration. Over and over, I realize that our work is now too complex to do alone and the work we do together is so much more rich and enjoyable anyways. Collective professional knowledge and the creativity it can afford is inspiring.

Here are two teachers, that if you let them, will tell you about some exciting community embedded work happening in their classrooms at two different ends of our city. These two represent a room full of incredibly thoughtful educators: you'll see passion in their eyes and you'll hear happy tears in their voices as they share where this year has taken them. This was at a professional learning evening sharing where Campus Calgary/Open Minds weeks fit within year-long inquiries. The story, though, was no different at our Teachers Conventions sessions. Or our High School Focus Group. Or in our co-planning time.

I didn't want the evening pictured above to end. I don't want this week to either.

When it comes to learning, that's a pretty nice way to feel. So thank you colleagues, near and far. I love being in your company. I'm so glad to be doing this important work with you! And I look forward to a career of learning with you.

By better connecting with others we better connect with those at the heart of our work: our learners. It's pretty exciting to realize what is possible together!

Travis Robertson (@travisrobertson) is a learning leader with Campus Calgary/Open minds (ccom.cbe.ab.ca; @yycCCOM). Passionate about community, he believes that learning opportunities should invite, engage, and empower!

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Day 104: Amanda Hansen, Teacher, Belvedere Parkway School

2/22/2016

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Multidisciplinary Work at Belvedere Parkway School

As teachers, we often talk to our students about working together and seeking expertise when necessary—sometimes, we remember to take our own advice. One of the best things about the CBE is the number of learning leaders, advisors, and specialists who are eager to work with teachers to create vibrant and meaningful educational experiences.

This year, my colleagues from Belvedere Parkway School and I have been working with three such individuals—Paul Kelba, Stephanie Anastasiadis, and Barbra Horsefall—to plan a year-long series of interdisciplinary experiences which centre around outdoor education and indigenous perspectives. Since September, our classes have taken on orienteering and scavination challenges, played raccoon games, interacted with indigenous artifacts, learned cross-country skiing skills, and attended the CBE’s Circle of Nations Museum.

On Friday, February 5, months of planning and preparatory activities culminated in an adventure at Bowness Park, which is a short walk from the school. Under the general direction of Kelba, students had the opportunity to cook bannock over an open fire and to build “micro” shelters (big enough to house and protect a Lego man) from foraged materials. In addition, Anastasiadis and Horsefall led the students in a drumming circle inside the yurt Kelba erected in the park.

This field experience brought indigenous culture and outdoor education together, and, in doing so, provided the students with a real-life, hands-on understanding of the history of our piece of southern Alberta.

We look forward to more exciting opportunities with Kelba, Anastasiadis, and Horsefall in the coming months.

Amanda Hansen, on behalf of Dolores Gillon, Karen Loor, Deb Dunham, and Erin Bodner

Amanda Hansen teaches Grades 5 and 6 at Belvedere Parkway School.

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Day 107: Andie Shaffer, Samia Kaddoura, Kerry Warner, Ryan Cancilla, Teachers, Central Memorial High School

Particles

Day 105: Travis Robertson, Learning Leader, Campus Calgary/Open Minds

Day 104: Amanda Hansen, Teacher, Belvedere Parkway School

Multidisciplinary Work at Belvedere Parkway School

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Day 107: Andie Shaffer, Samia Kaddoura, Kerry Warner, Ryan Cancilla, Teachers, Central Memorial High School

Particles

Day 105: Travis Robertson, Learning Leader, Campus Calgary/Open Minds

Day 104:﻿ Amanda Hansen, Teacher, Belvedere Parkway School

Multidisciplinary Work at Belvedere Parkway School

Archives

Categories

Day 104: Amanda Hansen, Teacher, Belvedere Parkway School