HTH GSE Conceptual Framework: Reflection
* Connect theory and practice so that each informs the other.
* Take action and reflect on that action to improve teaching and learning.
* Develop and articulate a personal philosophy grounded in the HTH design principles.

 

Learning to Walk with "Chalk Talk"

Throughout my journey with the HTH GSE, a continuing practice that I value tremendously is the usage of Inquiry Journals to collect our thoughts and record Fierce Wonderings.  I have taken this practice into my classroom, in an attempt to better connect my students with their voices.  This reflection describes the struggles my students encountered with their first attempts at reflective writing; as a solution to their struggles I implemented the "Chalk Talk" protocol to provoke personal responses and to scaffold their ideas in a supportive environment.

 

Journal Reflection: The Need for Change

In this reflective writing , I discuss the overwhelming frustrations that are taking over my "traditional" school and I argue for the need to stand up and revolt against the "Teach to the Test'" methods that are being instituted.  The battle between being selfish and becoming an agent of change pulled me into a direction that guided me to do what is right for ALL children, causing not only my students, but all the students at Finney to be inflected with the HTH bug.

 

Fumbling Practice: An inside view of a teacher's journey with Project-Based Learning

This reflection will take you through my first fumbling steps with Project-Based Learning.  As neophyte to this practice, I was incredibly blessed to pull resources and information from Rob Riordan, Ron Berger, and my fellow graduate candidates from the HTH village.  Coming from a "traditional" school that relies heavily on using textbooks to teach our children, PBL presented multiple challenges, from finding enough project work time to empowering my students to trust themselves with innovating and experimenting.  The end result of my journey has lead me to creating more projects with my students, pushing us to find a way for PBL to reside at Finney full time.