Admin Meeting

Dale had asked Vicki and I if we would speak to the administrative team about our work with Choice Theory in our classrooms. We were both thrilled to have the opportunity and put together a powerpoint presentation that included an informal discussion with some of our students. After giving them an overview of Choice Theory we asked 6 of our students to join us. The discussion that followed was absolutely mind blowing.

Vicki and I had met with the 6 students on Monday to go over the format and ask them some questions about our classes. That 30 minute lunch session was great. I was surprised by their openness and honesty. All six agreed that this year is much better than the previous years. They all felt that they are doing so much more "real" learning in our classes than in the past. One student said that while he wasn't sure he would ever use the chemistry we have been learning, he found it more valuable than learning about bird calls, which he had to do last year in science. He also liked the assessment process. He no longer has to memorize useless facts of information for a test, just to forget it as soon as the test is over. The rest of the students agreed with him on this point. Learning for them is more fun because they get to choose how and when they learn the information. They also like that when they ask me questions I don't give them the answer. I ask them more questions to keep them thinking. Then when they realize the answer I applaud their thinking skills and ask another question or two to make sure they really do "get it". One student referred to these as her "light bulb" moments.

They also like the fact that they really learn on topic. They don't just skim over the surface and have to use their problem solving skills to find the information. It is not just given to them to "sit and get". All of the students felt that they were more successful this year than in the past and felt that they would do OK next year at the high school in more traditional classrooms because they know how to do what needs to be done, even if it means going back to memorization and completing homework every night for a grade. More than anything, they felt that our classrooms were helping to prepare them for life long learning. They realize that once they get beyond high school no one will tell them to learn this for this test and that for that test, they will have to know how to find the necessary information and apply it, which is what they are doing right now.

Two of the students in the group were identified as gifted and talented and they were absolutely thrilled that they were being challenged without being removed from the classroom and without having to do extra work. They are free to learn about topics in depth, while others may not. They can then use their knowledge to help others. They were quick to point out that this didn't mean giving the answers, but meant giving them the chance to ask questions that would help others understand the information.

We asked them how they felt about homework and they loudly and unanimously agreed that most of it is wasted time. They particularly didn't like things like crossword puzzles, word searches, and coloring assignments (yes, they still had coloring assignments in their worlds!) They also like that they don't have to do the assignment if they already understand the concept. They can do it if they choose to, but ultimately they get to decide if they understand it well enough to demonstrate understanding to us. We also discussed my A, B, no grade policy and how they felt about it. Some admitted that at first they didn't really like it because they were used to getting A's but after working with it, they feel that when they earn an A for us they really have demonstrated "understanding" not just their ability to recall stuff for a test.

I was so impressed with my students. They were so honest and open about what is going on in my class. They also surprised me with their level of understanding of Choice Theory and my competence based classroom. I also really needed to hear it. I was beginning to wonder if what I was doing was making any difference to my students. I found out that it is and they really are learning more than they felt they had in the past. I hope that they are able to carry the lessons learned with them into high school and life.....