Demystifying Comprehension |
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What does it really mean for a reader to make meaning of a text? Some might argue it’s the ability to answer questions or write about a text. Others might say comprehension happens when one “gets lost” in a text, or views reading as a lifelong habit. Ever-emerging programs, packages, and research relentlessly offer their opposing viewpoints about what a “good reader” does when making meaning of a text. Even more complex than defining reading comprehension might be how to assess and then teach it in a way that balances a reader’s head and heart.
The course Demystifying Comprehension asks and answers these questions, untangling the complexity that is reading comprehension. The ability to make meaning of a text is a balance of engagement and skill, both of which can be assessed and taught explicitly, and it might not be in the traditional way of leveling readers or designing linear instruction from comprehension assessments. This asynchronous course, including individualized coaching sessions, is rolled out in four week-long modules. Participants gather clarity around the definition of comprehension and then consider the assessments and instruction that best meet those comprehension goals.
Here’s what past participants in the course had to say:
“I can instinctively tell when students are reading deeply, but It was hard to name exactly what they were doing well or what I wanted them to do. Now I’m more aware of the levels so I can explicitly teach strategies to help students achieve deeper reading. Thank you!”
“What I found most valuable in this experience is understanding the strands of thinking when it comes to comprehension. It really made me think about how I view my readers now. I also really benefited from a coaching session and I wish I had time to fit in another one. Jaime was super helpful and encouraging . . .”
“If only all subject area teachers could take a modified version of this class . . .Our kids could grow so much if they were reading SS and science texts, even math word problems, with teachers who understood how to help them grow. Overall this class was just what I have been yearning—thank you for synthesizing so many wonderful resources and pushing us to think hard and apply them!”
Demystifying Comprehension will be offered in both July [Link] and August [Link] for educators grades 3-12, including all content areas! If you’d like more information please contact Jaime Mendelis: jmendeli@btboces.org .
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Using Jamboard to Promote Student Engagement |
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Throughout the year, teachers have been learning about the effective use of the Google tool, Jamboard. This application provides teachers and students with the opportunity to collaborate on a virtual whiteboard that allows text, images, drawings and post-it notes to be added to boards in real time. The interactive canvas enables students to show what they know in a more collaborative manner. Jamboard also integrates easily with other classroom tools such as Google Classroom and Schoology, allowing for ease of use for students when utilizing multiple technology tools. The connection between Jamboard and these other tools also creates a more seamless process for teachers, allowing them to push out a single document to the entire class or make a copy for each student at once.
Most recently on April 14th, teachers from around the region met on Zoom to learn about the features of Jamboard and how it could be used to best support student learning. Below is an example of a Jamboard used for Science instruction. In this example, students are able to move the pictures around to sort the information into the three topics. This allows students to individually, or in groups, demonstrate their knowledge, while giving teachers a nice way to check for understanding.
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Teachers in the region are using Jamboards, like the one seen above, to engage students with the material whether they are in-person or online. Jamboards can be used with individual students, small groups of students, or for the entire class. If you are looking for an easy recommendation for your staff about how to increase engagement, collaboration with peers, or ways to check their students’ understanding, Jamboard is a great tool to do so.
If you have any questions about how to use this application or other instructional technology solutions, please reach out to any member of the PLIC team!
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Throughout the past year, we have learned a lot about effective methods for communicating in a virtual environment. Microsoft Teams has been one tool that has enhanced district, building, and team communication, and will definitely be something that will continue to be used in the future.
It’s more that just chat - Chat is a great feature and probably one of the most widely used features, but the ability to share files and then turn the chat into a video call makes it even better. Have you found yourself chatting or texting with a colleague and then just wanted to talk face to face? The Teams chat makes that easy without switching devices or applications. A quick video call between colleagues during prep periods can help support ongoing collaboration!
Before, during, and after meetings - Keeping organized for meetings can be a challenge, but Teams helps to keep everything organized in one place. You can share files, the agenda, or other notes prior to the meeting and it stays in the meeting chat to access after the meeting. This could come in handy for ongoing department/grade-level meetings, faculty meetings, building/district committees, or any event where you need to share resources that would be helpful to access afterwards.
Fewer emails - Are you sick of too many emails to respond to? Do you ever just want to ask a simple question and not have to compose a full email? Teams is a great solution for this.
Improved collaboration and communication - There are so many great ideas and strategies we can all learn from one another. At the PLIC, we have an ongoing Teams chat to share resources and ask questions of one another. Although we are not always in the same physical location, Teams has improved our collaboration tremendously over the last year. For example, building and district teams could use ongoing chats to stay connected between formal meeting times.
Staying connected, anytime, anywhere - Download the Teams app to your phone and you can stay connected to your Teams on the go. The app allows you to chat, make calls using audio and/or video, join a meeting, and access your Teams even when you are not at your computer - an essential feature for administrators who are rarely at their desks!
Districts that are currently part of the BT BOCES Managed IT Service (MITS) have access to Microsoft Teams for all school staff through the MyApps portal. For more support in using various features in Microsoft Teams, check out the training videos provided by Microsoft here.
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Learn ~ Collaborate ~ Explore ~ Register Today!
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Select image to view our
2021 Summer Catalog
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Reimagining the Future of Learning & Leading Series - May Sessions:
Twitter Chat ~ Brainstorm Session @ #btleads [May 10 from 4-5 pm]
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[June 3]
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Looking for more Professional Learning opportunities?
View our catalogs and calendar here!
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