Thing 11 (2): DIY

Furthering My Pedagogical Practice

In preparing for facilitating a dialogue group for a conference, I came across this site:

https://www.cultofpedagogy.com

While the site very much reminds me of what this Cool Tools PD is teaching/compiling/sharing, I decided to subscribe and tour the site as well as use some of the resources it offers.   :)

The site was started by Jennifer Gonzalez who taught English for 16 years.  Basically, the site offers many "how-to" posts, articles, videos, and other resources.  I was very impressed with Gonzalez's "Big List of Discussion Strategies".  The list is presented in a very user friendly format as Ms. Gonzalez breaks the strategies into 3 different categories: high prep, low prep, and ongoing.  Instantly I felt that this person "gets" teaching.  Additionally, she provides her opinion as to what each discussion strategy would work well in certain situations.  Her comfortable diction is open and allows followers to feel their own opinions are valuable as well.

As I scrolled through the list of discussion strategies there were many things I liked.  Within each listed strategy, there is a step by step process on how to employ the strategy.  Jennifer incorporated short, yet informative, videos for some of the activities on the list.  Another thing I really like about Jennifer's site and postings (one gets the feeling she would prefer the first name basis...) is that when she finds these resources and posts/posts about them, she gives credit up front to her source.  Suffice to say, I found a low prep discussion strategy that will work quite well with my up-coming dialogue group as part of a college readiness conference.

As I wandered around the site I found a section called "Go Deep" that included a "Learning Theory" blog.  I was very happy to see that many of the postings consider issues, about which I (and many others) happen to be currently passionate.  After visiting many sites over the last few years I can honestly say that I have never come across one page of one site where almost everything posted not only held my interest but gripped it!  I only wish I had more reading time at present.

https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/category/learning-theory/

There are 12 different blog categories and they seem to cover the gamut of what pedagogically mindful teachers care to investigate.  Jennifer seems to incorporate others' posts, research, and inquiries as well as her own which keeps the site inclusive rather than exclusive (realizing that she does have final say as to what to include).  Of course, these are my first impressions but the site seems to be pro-pedagogy and not pro-bias.  Is it actually redundant to specify that pro-pedagogy at least tries to avoid bias?  I think somewhere, in a good, well deserving pedagogical model, it would be redundant.  Certain characteristics do not, in fact, belong to the true goal of the discipline such as ego...  Anyway, I digress.

Ms. Gonzalez provides a podcast section on the site.  I like podcasts.  I'm not sure of anyone who very much doesn't like podcasts.  I think it is a matter of what one selects to listen to that determines liking or not liking. With all the podcasts out there, I should think anyone could find something they like, especially if they drive.  ;)

As of now, there are 66 episodes on her podcast list.  Upon listening to one I discovered that Jennifer is a good host.  She speaks loudly, clearly, and cohesively which is what I expected from her writing.  I definitely enjoyed listening to the podcast and I plan to listen to more in the future.  I especially want to hear about how curation should be "our" next big project.  When I started teaching 20 years ago, portfolios were in fashion.  Then, as the pendulum swung, portfolios were no more.

I see that curation of student work is now the trend and I am wanting to get on board.  With the advances of technology, it is evident how portfolio-keeping has evolved into curation.  The remainder of this school year doesn't allow me time to put the project together but I plan to use it with my students next year.  I'm finding that as I get deeper involved with incorporating more mindful metacognition into my teaching (both for my students and for myself), I feel strongly about using curation as a central tool for metacognitive learning.

So, back to the site.  :)  The "Videos" tab includes videos regarding instruction and assessment,  technology, and classroom management.  Finally, the "Teaching Materials" tab promotes Gonzalez's store on Teachers Pay Teachers but she does include a few of her more popular resources on this page.

Overall, I am impressed with the site.  I predict I will use it at least once a week until late June.  During summer break I will use it more often provided I am not traveling.