Collaboration

I really struggled with this topic from start to finish.  I have to admit I'm much more comfortable with cooperative learning.  I guess that's the scientist within me.  We work in cooperative groups each knowing what our role and job is.  Don't get me wrong, we have to think critically about our role, but just like a sports team we trust that our teammates are doing their job too.  So I'm just going to say instead of trying to hurt my head any further I spent some time reading and researching additional articles on Collaboration in the Classroom and have provided a list of them below.  As far as collaboration goes I'm still a work in progress:)

1. Deeper Learning: A Collaborative Classroom Is Key
2. What is a Collaborative Classroom?
3. Fostering Student Collaboration with Google Docs
4. How Technology Can Encourage Collaboration
5. Teaching Communication and Collaboration in Elementary School
6. Collaborative Learning: Group Work

Mindfulness

The topic of Mindfulness seemed to bring together a number of the concepts that we have discussed throughout this course.  It has been exciting to take this journey over the past six weeks and to think about how much of what we do as leaders comes naturally.  That may be in fact why we are the leaders we are.  However, it has also been good to realize that in order to remain the relevant leaders that we must remain mindful of our own thoughts and action as well as those of others around us. 

As a leader that has chosen to remain in the classroom up to this point rather than leaving for an administrative role, I find that trying to aid my middle school students in their own mindfulness can be challenging and exciting.  As the only rational human being in my classroom at times, staying focused on all the emotional issues and hormones raging can be a challenge.  I pride myself on building “honest” and “transparent” relationships with my students, friends and family.  People that know me say that with me, “What you see is what you get.”  I’m predictable and I think that makes for a “safe zone” for my kids. 

I wish I had more time in my class to help my students become more mindful of their own feelings, reactions and emotions.  We have one counselor in our school for 600+ students and she is in charge of scheduling, testing, and counseling.  So needless to say she does not have enough hours in the day.  I try to work with my students to address emotions and I often will take time out to share stories of how I have taught my own children to deal with difficult emotions and interactions.  They love it and I believe often can glean some value for themselves.  I had a senior tell me just today at lunch when he saw me after church, “Mrs. Smith remember when you made me do a “hug circle” in class like you made Daniel and Ellie do when they were younger”(my children).  “I still remember how stupid it was that I got so made a Kylie.”  He told me he hoped I was still doing that with kids. 

It’s been so reassuring throughout this module to realize that much of what I do on a day-to-day basis has a name, mindfulness, and that it is effective, researched and works for teachers and the students they love.