Both
Ornstein (in Chapter 31) and Tomlinson and McTighe (in Chapter 10) mention this
idea of a "think big, but start small" approach to incorporating new
ideas and teaching strategies into one's classroom. How do you interpret that
statement and how does it apply to you in the classroom? Do you agree with these authors? And finally,
what would be your advice for new
young teachers be as they begin to ‘think big and start small” in their own classrooms?
Once again Google mail decides it's not my friend, so let's hope the second time I post I can remember what I said ten minutes ago......the "think big, start small" approach used by the authors means that a teacher should always have a long-range goal in mind, whether that be year-long, semester-long, etc. but should use incremental steps in achieving that goal. When I teach writing to underclassmen, the goal is to be able to write a five-paragraph essay concisely by Christmas vacation. However, we start out one paragraph at a time. This process is easy to implement and applies across all disciplines. As a supervisor/administrator, I would advise first or second-year teachers to use this approach: they should formulate in their minds what they would like students to learn by the end of the year or semester and then take "baby steps" toward reaching that goal. This will cause the classroom to be a much less stressful environment for both the teacher and the student.
ReplyDeleteWhen I see the statement “think big, but start small” the following ideas come to my mind. Teachers should be able to be creative with their lessons. Teachers should also challenge themselves throughout their career. Teacher can have great ideas to implement into the classroom but it is not the best idea to do them all at the same time. You should do the simplest projects with the students then move into bigger and more adventurous ideas. This also reminds me about relationships between colleagues in the workplace. From my experience, I believe it is important to stay to yourself and in your own classroom at the beginning of your career. Once you have established your job and you are comfortable with your surroundings, then you are able to think big and socialize with others.
ReplyDeleteMy advice for new teachers coming into the classroom would be to learn all the different aspects of the classroom. It is important as a new teacher to learn the correct techniques early in your career. By doing this, it will allow teachers to be able to differentiate their teaching strategies in order to accommodate the students’ needs. Also, if there are workshops to expand their talents, then they should sign up for them. This will give them the opportunity to learn the basics before implementing their skills. The job of a teacher is a very difficult one, so start small, take it day by day and before they know it, they will have many years of experience.
Thinking Big and starting small. This concept starts off again year for teachers. Over lunch today I was chatting with a colleague and we were discussing the difficulty of coming back to the “thinking small.” After wrapping up the previous year enjoying student success in June it can be frustrating returning to the starting line and baby steps of a new school year.
ReplyDeleteIt is important to return to the baby steps in the beginning of the year in order to start fresh with a new crop of students. It is so easy to forget that the way last year’s students reached success is from all the baby steps guide students through in the beginning of the year.
The concept of thinking big but starting small reminds me of the schedule a runner uses while training for a marathon. Bit by bit the runner accomplishes the mileage needed for the big race.
My advice for a new teacher is to plan each unit in those baby steps. Have a clear goal defined but approach that goal with inch by inch. Incorporate plenty of formative assessment to make sure the students understand the steps and foundation needed en route to your goal or “Big thought.”
“Think big, but start small” means to me that teachers should start with a smaller concept and have an end goal in mind. Teachers should always challenge themselves to be better and teach better throughout their school years. The ideas or lessons can start small but should always lead to bigger understandings.
ReplyDeleteMy advice for new teachers is to make sure that you learn from all of your fellow teachers. You should ask questions when you need to and try to learn as much as possible from the veteran teachers. They may not have the same ideas as you do but you can learn from their experience and expertise. It is also important to attend all workshops offered by the school to learn as much as you can. Getting more schooling in your field would not be a bad idea either.
Now, I know what Mike is talking about, because this messaged never posted on here and it was put up hours ago. So here it is retyped I may add :-) “Thinking big, start small” is something I think of everyday especially being a first year teacher. I want my kids to be able to accomplish all the goals I have set for them but I understand getting to that point is very difficult especially in kindergarten. Many of my students did not go to Pre-K so this simple routine is difficult for them. I have so many points I have to cover in this school year, but I have to do it step by step. If I started big with the students and bombarding them with all this work right away, I’m doing a disadvantage to them. So, I believe this is what our authors were trying to explain in the big that teachers should think big about the whole picture, set expectations for themselves, and set reasonable objectives everyday to make sure these points are carried out in the most effective way. Children should be able to see everything step by step so they are not overworked. I know for my class, I have to have frequent breaks because I will lose their focus after some time. They need to be able to take that little break, perhaps play a game of some sort, to keep their bodies moving.
ReplyDeleteAs for being a new teacher, I’m still feeling out the waters in the school. It’s hard enough to try and understand all forms of the new curriculum and use them the right way. I can’t believe how many resources are available to us with the curriculum, It’s fantastic but very demanding at the same time. And because of all the paperwork and work we need to do as teachers, I have to assume everything must be perfect so I don’t drop my guard my first year. Everyday I come to work, it’s a life lesson, especially with children so young
I believe "think big, start small" can be used in all areas of life not just the classroom. It is always nice to have some sort of idea or goal of what you want out of the big picture, I do believe the best way to achieve that is with small steps. This way there is not as much pressure on the teacher/students/ situation. The only way to eventually get to the big goal is by learning/mastering the small steps correctly. After reading Mike's entry it makes sense to start by teaching one paragraph and doing it correctly than to assume the students will understand and master a five-paragraph paper. Again, I believe this way of thinking can adapt towards all aspects in life. When I begin the school year with my new students I have a goal in the back of my mind to where I want my students to be and know by Christmas vacation, spring break and then at the end of the school year...BUT these students are new to my classroom, my way of teaching, and I am new to them (how they learn, what they already know, who they are, etc.) It's not a fair situation on either end and the expectations will eventually only leave a teacher feeling disappointed to some aspect. Therefore, I do agree with what the authors are saying and how to go about running a classroom.
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