Developing Curiosity Within Students: My #IMMOOC Response, Week 1

My #IMMOOC Response, Week 1

Below are my reflections on the introduction of the book, "The Innovator's Mindset," by George Couros.  Feel free to read my thoughts about my journey through this new adventure of learning and growing.   #101alag

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I've been sharing with my students about an amazing book study I just joined! #IMMOOC

As I began this journey into the Introduction of George Couros's book "The Innovator's Mindset" this week, a few powerful quotes have jumped out at me and have taken a hold of my thinking.

1. "Change is an opportunity to do something amazing." (pg3)
2. "If students leave school less curious than when they started, we have failed them." (pg6)

Well, this makes me curious...how can we, as teachers develop curiosity. Instead of teaching our "material" TO them, can we help THEM teach themselves, ask questions, search for answers, help one another?

This is a difficult thing for me... to step back.  Is it maybe because I'm a music teacher?  I'm used to being the director of the show, on the stage, up on the podium, right?!  But in class, as we are learning about music, I need to start stepping OFF the podium once in a while and give the power of learning to the students.

On page 4, Couros tells us that it is OUR responsibility to "spark a curiosity that empowers students to learn on their own. To wonder. To explore. To become leaders."

Okay, Couros....I don't want to let go of the reigns...but I'll give it a try.

This week's music lesson for 3rd-5th grade---> I gave the kids a Google Slide about different Tempo terms to complete.  I made a nifty template with lots of bells and whistles that they had to manipulate.  Each got a copy via Google Classroom (thanks, Google Classroom...love ya!).  But, the main goal was for THEM to do the research and come up with their own examples of things in the world that show each specific tempo.  They could add anything to represent their examples: videos, pictures, text, drawings.  I gave a suuuuper quick lesson of how to add images/videos and how to do cool Google-y Slide tricks (moving images across the screen, adding a background, etc)

Then I did something scary.  I stepped back.

If they came to me with a question, I asked the class "Who know's how to do yadda yadda..."  A few hands would go up and those students would go to them for answers.  I was honest when they asked me something I didn't know how to do.  I told them that I bet they could find someone in the room who might know the answers!

It only took a minute.  They were deep into this project.  They were asking each other questions.  They were  curiously searching and learning on their own.  I saw the wonder, exploration and leadership mentioned in the book.  Their slides were absolutely genius too!  They had slides with tempo themes revolving around Superheros, Pokemon, animals, and more.

After 55 minutes in music, it was time to end class.  This is true: I heard these words... "No!".... "I want to keep working!" ..."I'm doing this at home tonight!" ... "Thank you Mrs. Jensen!" ... "That was so fun!"

The icing on the cake were the boys in 4th grade that clung to their chairs when their class lined up.

I'm thankful for my learning this week from #IMMOOC.  "The Innovator's Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity."  I'm hooked! ;)