Facilitate Real Learning by Networking with Experts in the Field - Part 1

One of my favorite classes in high school was American Legal Systems. We studied various aspects of the criminal justice system. What made the class interesting was how REAL the activities were.  As mentioned in previous posts, REAL stands for relevant, engaging, authentic, and lasting and is often a subject within the work of globally recognized author and speaker, Eric Sheninger.  The teacher was Mr. McConnell.  He was a Vietnam veteran and also a part-time police officer for the Easton Police Department.  Not only did he integrate a constant flow of real-life stories into his instruction, but he also invited at least one guest speaker for every unit of study, sometimes even more.  Mr. McConnell invited law enforcement agents from the local, state, and federal levels into the classroom.  These speakers helped me see the content and skills come to life.  I saw learning as going beyond the boring textbook.  These experts also made the content exciting because we could interact and ask questions.  I loved the K-9 unit that came in, and I also enjoyed the FBI speakers.  I took this class right after the 9/11 terror attacks. We also went on a field trip to Rahway State Penitentiary, toured the prison, and spoke with guards and prisoners.   For the signature assignment in this social studies elective, we each selected a police department from any of the major US cities.  Our job was to become the new police commissioner, assemble a task force and create a community action plan to reduce crime. We were required to use actual data and investigate real problems occurring in our selected cities. Along with the research paper, we were also required to present to our fellow police commissioners, who would offer advice and further discussion.

I remember this course like it was yesterday, but that was about 15 years ago.

Two questions are on my mind as I write this week's technology tip.

1. What was your favorite class during your primary, secondary, and post-secondary school experience? What made it special? 
2. What is your legacy as a teacher? What learning activities are relevant, engaging, authentic, and lasting for your students? 

The story I shared above illustrates how Mr. McConnell's use of experts in the field transformed the traditional learning experience for me.  Regarding the second question, I think of legacy often as a teacher. I hope my relationship building, wisdom, stories lessons and learning atmosphere are what students remember. There are days where my instruction is me doing much of the work and the students are doing very minimal work. I don't think they will remember those days. I've been using Skype and Google Hangouts in the classroom for about nine years.  It wasn't until the spring of 2016, that global collaboration projects and networking with experts in the field changed the trajectory of why and how I teach. More about that in a later post. 

To help reinforce why and how to facilitate real learning in the classroom, please watch one of our esteemed MASH Earth Science teachers, Jen Bandura, as she discusses how she helps students see science in action.

I am encouraged by Jen in so many ways.  Her communication with parents through weekly emails allows for science conversations to carry on outside of school. These emails also allow Jen to find possible guest speakers for her classroom. The "six degrees of separation" certainly applies here. There always seems to be someone who is a friend of someone you might be looking for to chat with your students. I am also inspired by the diverse mix of speakers she brings in through Google Hangouts and Skype.

Thank you for the video, Jen!

What else did you take away from her video? If you are interested in networking with experts in the field, please feel free to contact Jen or I.  Here's an additional Google Slides resource regarding ISTE standard #7, Global Collaboration, I shared at the Shippensburg University School Study Council in April, 2017.  Included in these slides are a few stories and connections, specifically with 2017 Teacher of the Year, Mike Soskil.  Mike is the teacher who continues to inspire me to empower students to change the world.  I plan to share more related resources and contacts in an upcoming post.

Looking forward to learning more ways to facilitate real learning in the classroom. Have a great week.