Ownership of Teaching
As our conversation about learner ownership comes to a close, we have some questions for you. In particular, how do you take ownership of your teaching?
Who owns classroom conversations?
This week we look at learner ownership in our classroom conversations. Refining our use of questions might encourage learners to take more ownership.
Stifling Ownership
Melissa starts our new series with a bit of humor. Then, over the next few weeks, we’ll consider learner ownership from different perspectives, including the Master Teacher’s.
Involve me, and I understand
We’re starting a new series today focused on designing and implementing activities. Melissa starts us off with some comparisons between involvement, engagement, and empowerment.
Collaborating toward Growth
It’s week 7, and we’re exploring ways to collaborate with colleagues toward growth as a teacher. It’s our final step toward professional development…in this cycle, but the journey is ongoing.
Inviting Feedback
It’s week 6, and we’re talking about feedback. Specifically, we’re talking about you inviting your mentor to give you feedback and showing how both of you can overcome any affective concerns.
Questioning for Reflection
This week we’re taking step 5. What questions would support your professional development? Which ones would encourage collaboration between you and your mentor? How could you answer them reflectively and with critical self-awareness?
Contextualizing the Journey
During week 4, we’re looking at the contexts within which you teach. You and your mentor will consider how culture, society, education systems, and individual differences influence your classroom context. How do they also shape your steps toward professional development?
Deciding on Destinations
It’s time for step 3 toward professional development. This week, you and your mentor have a chance to write outcomes or essential questions that take you toward the benchmarks you identified last week. Then, what’s the final destination?
Identifying Starting Points
It’s week 2 of stepping toward professional development. You and your mentor have a chance to identify your starting point by looking at some benchmarks for teachers. And so the journey begins.
Stepping toward Professional Development
For the next 7 weeks here on Master Teaching, we’re taking steps toward professional development by completing tasks with a mentor. This week, identify and invite a mentor. Then, come back with your mentor next week for step 2.
A Teacher Support Group
Have you ever participated in a teacher support group? Melissa shares some of the gains from participating in a Teachers English Corner with her colleagues.
Master Teaching 