Evolving
As this is my last assignment (yay) I’m attaching links that serve as backing to theories, research, and conclusions. This is only the beginning and what is transpiring from this is truly beautiful. It is an honor to be a part of an illustrious program with a superb group of individual’s I’ve met along the way. My students and findings along the way have propelled me into a direction that is most certainly astounding. This is not the end-it’s only the beginning of something that will shape, mold, and sharpen minds. Ultimately, I’m here and ready for the task of bringing forth a game changer within my community. I will continue to give this world my all and enjoy the process!
Below are links that connects all major points of this portfolio.
Afterwards are two video vlogs that summarize what we stand for here at Social Blocks and also, what’s next. Enjoy!!
-CHAMP
In order to deliver the best method for students to embrace the COVA method, I went into detail of a “flipped classroom” within the COVA section of my portfolio. To view this aspect of the portfolio, click here https://champcorey.wixsite.com/website/cova-1-1. The benefits will enable pupils to enhance student learning with the introduction of various methods of learning.
As I started to gain more understanding of the method, it was time to readjust by incorporating this strategy into teaching. It was not a hard adjustment given how much I utilize creativity daily. I’ve always embraced the arts and learned early in life the importance of independence through creativity. Being independent came easily and being creative came easily as well. I simply applied both methods in teaching and didn’t realize I was exhibiting the COVA method in various ways throughout my life and throughout teaching as well.
Once this realization was understood, designing and fostering ways other students could benefit became top priority. Not everyone has that natural independence or creative aspect, well, some just have not learned how to tap into it. I believe we all have similar traits and others unlock such traits at different moments in life and some traits remain dormant through lack of understanding or experience. I choose to bring as much within a short period of time for every student to at least have a shot once they step foot into my classroom.
This will allow for a successful adjustment and transition for myself and students alike. Upon entering my classroom on the first day of school, students are taught that it’s not just academics they’re about to learn, they’re also learning how to function in a social setting. As this adjustment occurs, learners will be able to understand classroom rules, social rules, social cues, and social etiquette. This format in conjunction with academics makes for a unique experience in the classroom. Knowing how much choice and ownership is the focal point of a learners’ education, the COVA method is perfectly aligned with my style of teaching. Couple that with my learning experience in the DLL program and this is the reason for a major success!
I found it to be quite reassuring that this method and my style of teaching coexisted with the learning style our professors wanted us to adopt. Through this process, my voice was quickly found and it has flourished ever since. What aided towards finding my voice within the COVA method was the understanding of the “Growth Mindset”. For further enhancement of the growth mindset approach, click here https://champcorey.wixsite.com/website/growth-mindset-1 .
The growth mindset format taught me how to be open to criticism, opinions of others, and always finding ways to challenge myself because after all, this is life-long learning. Also, being aware of a fixed mindset causes further harm to one’s growth and development from an intellectual standpoint. If we as students think we know everything there is to know – we have defeated ourselves in the process. Knowing the difference between growth and fixed mindset will save learners from becoming complacent towards their learning. Also, knowing that part of failure is actually growth. If we do not experience failure, how can we possibly overcome and grow? Questions like this are included in a short growth mindset video in the link above as well.
As for leadership, a growth mindset is needed as well. Being able to take risks for the greater good of an organization is a part of being a superb leader. This program has taught me to also take risks in leadership. Having choice and ownership is not just for learning, it is for leading as well. Each class taken has molded me into a better leader. Within the classroom, I’m not afraid to push the boundaries because in my mind, there are no boundaries. There’s no limit towards how much we can learn and how much we can teach. Having this mindset aids towards challenging instructional formats professionally. As I venture to the administrative aspect of education, taking risks and not being afraid of those risks will separate the weak from the elite. I want the best for my students and if I’m not willing to, push beyond expectations, how can I expect students to do the same?
To get colleagues in the same mindset, PLN’s come to mind. In the link, I have a few Professional Learning Networks to help educators not be afraid to take risks by implementation of new strategies (https://champcorey.wixsite.com/website/about-2-1-1). Being a successful leader is not just leading, it’s also bringing everyone together. The closer staff and students are, the better we move collectively as a unit.
Aside from PLN’s, I quickly learned, the focal point of the DLL program was more about growth opposed to how much work an individual can produce. Once this occurred, I started to embrace and have fun with every class, project, discussion post, blog, and vlog. In return, I was learning, connecting with people, learning about new networks, and accomplishing tasks that I never thought of. I believe this is the true essence of the program, "connectivity with educators alike". We learned so much from one another and added those traits and findings to our personal lives and in our classrooms as well. Thanks to one of my students at my new campus, discovering my vlogs on YouTube, it has been spreading throughout the campus like a wildfire. I decided to keep the vlogging going by creating science experiments with students (with parents’ permission) random reflections to aid student growth, and a place where they can see their teacher doing what I love best. All of this wouldn't have been possible without this program and letting go by having fun and allowing growth to happen.
In return, authenticity throughout the entire portfolio is present. I naturally lead and it’s deemed necessary on my behalf to bring forth changes in our organization. Every tool, advice, ah-ha moment, Ted Talk, and instruction are all strategically embedded in this portfolio. I designed and will continue to design this portfolio for parents, students, and educators to learn from. Students want not just educational videos, but random topics as well. As mentioned earlier, they enjoy seeing me outside of the classroom and the vlogging aspect I believe is going to be the strongest aspect of the portfolio. As this occurs, a personalized connection will be established between the community and me.
This leads to creating a significant learning environment. I feel that the COVA approach and Creating Significant Learning Environments (CSLE) align with my learning philosophy. For this reason, I provide blended learning and enforce every aspect of blended learning. Providing multiple ways of teaching and learning will create the perfect CSLE. There’s no set way towards educating students and there’s no one perfect way to learn. By providing various ways of educating learners, more students will be connected and buy into the blended aspect of learning.
To learn more about blended learning, click here https://champcorey.wixsite.com/website/growth-mindset-1.