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Toni coaching Bonnie

 

Bonnie Barnes has joined the chat.

Toni McAfoos has joined the chat.

Toni McAfoos: Hello Bonnie!!!!!

Bonnie Barnes: Hi Toni

Toni McAfoos: So, how are you?

Bonnie Barnes: I'm glad I'm not the only one confused with this course!

Bonnie Barnes: so what do you think we need to discuss?

Toni McAfoos: so, since you know what your teacher is doing, do you want me to coach you first?  I will just use the questions I already designed.

Bonnie Barnes: sure

Toni McAfoos: Ok, I'm looking for my questions.  The first one would be, so what is the lesson and what is the goal of this lesson?

Bonnie Barnes: ok i need to find the lesson to answer.

Toni McAfoos: k

Bonnie Barnes: i'm on my home computer rather than my work laptop where I keep most of my stuff. I guess i will use the CSI lesson.

Toni McAfoos: doesn't matter, I suppose.

Bonnie Barnes: my main goal or objective is to have the students learn problem solving by analyzing the hair samples. They will then document their data, summerize and come to a conclusion or prediction.

Bonnie Barnes: don't know if i stated that correctly... i have it on the lesson plan.

Toni McAfoos: Sounds good to me.  As you progress through this lesson, how will you know that the students understand what it is you are trying to get across?

Toni McAfoos: Another question is, more specifically, what are your students looking for in these hair samples

Bonnie Barnes: I will observe them with the data gathering and recording. Then we will have a discussion on our findings. They will write down their summary & conclusion besides discussing it. I have a lab data sheet.

Bonnie Barnes: the students will be looking for the difference in thickness, color and the end of the hair... cut, pulled, burned, etc. I have a powerpoint from the FBI for them before.

Bonnie Barnes: we will have discussed the difference between animal & human hair using dna pictures and look at the thicknesses.

Toni McAfoos: So, what I'm hearing is that as your students are working, they will gather data and record their findings on a data sheet.  After they write it all down and it is discussed, they will come to a conclusion.  My question is what is

Toni McAfoos: the purpose for this, will the students know before they start?

Toni McAfoos: Is this like a forensic class?

Bonnie Barnes: this is a regular science class but my unit is about forensics. i also cover fingerprints and footprints.

Bonnie Barnes: students will know before they start the purpose.

Toni McAfoos: what is the purpose?

Bonnie Barnes: i did the lesson with 4th & 5th grade already. i will be doing it with high school now.

Toni McAfoos: I hear you say students will be analyzing hair for data, but why?

Toni McAfoos: Is this like a "who dunit" unit?

Bonnie Barnes: the hair analysis lab meets TEKS 1 A for scientific processes... field and laboratory investigations.... also 2 A-E... scientific inquire methods, 3 A-E for critical thinking and scientific problem solving... also some LA TEKS

Bonnie Barnes: yes, it's like a "Who Dunit"... we already had a video field trip with Ft. Worth Crime Lab.

Toni McAfoos: Cool!

Bonnie Barnes: it was boring

Bonnie Barnes: the guy just talked monotone to the kids

Bonnie Barnes: he had boring powerpoints, too.

Toni McAfoos: ha, ha

Toni McAfoos: you are funny

Bonnie Barnes: Thanks... my teachers say that, too!

Bonnie Barnes: i like to have fun!

Toni McAfoos: Your goal is to get students to analyze information?

Toni McAfoos: You will know this by the data sheets and the discussions. Right?

Bonnie Barnes: yes and to think about gathering data and summarizing for a conclusion.

Bonnie Barnes: the data sheets and discussions help both visual and auditory learners. the gathering of the data & analyzing under magnifying glass and digital microscope help the tactile learners.

Toni McAfoos: How does this goal/lesson fit in with the rest of the science teams? I don't know if this is a good question.

Bonnie Barnes: there is only one science teacher... i work with REALLY small schools!

Toni McAfoos: So you've included all learning styles in this lesson, you'll know your lesson was a success how?  I think I've asked this.

Bonnie Barnes: yes, i am very big on including all learning styles in my lessons... that's why i love project based learning. i usually know that the lesson is a success because the students will have an assignment completed correctly.

Bonnie Barnes: for measurement data... grades. discussions are informal assessment but i give participation grades. classroom management is the hardest part.

Toni McAfoos: what are your strategies on that?

Bonnie Barnes: i found that covering expectations in the beginning helps.... rules about stations for observation. then do group setup... partnerships and rotate to the stations and also a timer for changing stations.

Toni McAfoos: As your coach, what would you like for me to do that could help you know that you've obtained your goal?

Bonnie Barnes: i have the teacher or principal come in after the powerpoint as the "victim" and fall on the ground.... that is fun but is challenging in keeping the lesson going on task.

Bonnie Barnes: as my coach, you could probably help me out with more classroom management techniques. that is my weak point.

Toni McAfoos: ha, ha.  So, you want to improve your classroom management techniques.  What do you think you could do to deal with these issues?

Bonnie Barnes: also organization and whether results really reflect the actual learning.

Toni McAfoos: I am only here to gather data for you so that you know you've improved or succeeded in your lesson.

Bonnie Barnes: any input helps me. i don't have a lot of experience with primary grades.

Toni McAfoos: Are you asking this for real?

Toni McAfoos: Do you think that working in groups, and having each student in the group have a specific assignment that contributes to the whole would work?

Bonnie Barnes: yes... i want to make sure that i am covering the correct TEKS in the correct manner. i guess that is the data that i should collect?

Bonnie Barnes: does that make sense?

Toni McAfoos: You've told me your weak points are classroom management and organization.  My question would be, how would I quantify your covering the TEKS in the "correct" manner?

Toni McAfoos: It would be easier for me to observe how the children respond to your questions, etc.

Toni McAfoos: I could write down data.

Bonnie Barnes: yes, observation would be easy. would a rubric be a good way to quantify this lesson?

Toni McAfoos: Yes.

Bonnie Barnes: that's what i was thinking.

Toni McAfoos: Can we end for now and pick up at 1:00 pm

Bonnie Barnes: yes, i was thinking that you need to go now. i will be back on at 1 p.m

Toni McAfoos: K.  We'll finish this, and then set a time to do me then.  Okay?

Bonnie Barnes: sounds good... try at 1 p.m.

Toni McAfoos: Great talking to you, bye.

Bonnie Barnes: bye.... have fun!

Toni McAfoos has left the chat.

 

 

1 p.m.

Bonnie Barnes has joined the chat.

Toni McAfoos: I'm in heaven!

Bonnie Barnes: hi! how was your massage?

Bonnie Barnes: good!

Toni McAfoos: There should be a law that says we have to get a massage once a week!

Bonnie Barnes: i agree! i've had my lunch... cottage cheese & pumpkin pie... the slim-slow diet!

Toni McAfoos: I've picked up taco bell.  Not so slim.

Toni McAfoos: My son's request

Toni McAfoos: I got the salad, however.

Bonnie Barnes: sounds better, though.... both my sons' favorites, too. salad is good.

Toni McAfoos: Ok, where'd we leave off?

Bonnie Barnes: i was able to copy the text and save it.

Toni McAfoos: Yeah!!!!!

Toni McAfoos: a rubric for me as the coach to quantify my observation of whatever it is you want me to observe.

Toni McAfoos: Right?

Bonnie Barnes: i haven't made a rubric for that class but thought it would be a good idea.

Bonnie Barnes: i like rubistar... have you used it?

Toni McAfoos: I don't think I'm supposed to give you an opinion, but rubrics are great and YES I have used rubistar!

Toni McAfoos: I teach classes that aren't always quantifiable.  I teach journalism.  With writing, you have to have a rubric to grade

Bonnie Barnes: i think it's ok to give an opinion. i agree that rubrics work well with writing and projects.

Toni McAfoos: So a rubric that you design, would better help me and the students know what you are looking for on performance and on the project objective.

Toni McAfoos: Great idea!

Bonnie Barnes: yes, i think so. what about the observation? are we supposed to videotape the class?

Toni McAfoos: I think that is somewhere down the line, but I don't think it is of the class.

Bonnie Barnes: ok... that part makes me nervous... i'm used to being behind the camera... i was a journalist out of high school.

Toni McAfoos: If you go in the REGXIMTTC folder on the Channel1-1001 desktop, you will be able to go into other grad classes folders and view what they have done.  I found this last night and it has helped me understand what we are supposed to b

Toni McAfoos: e doing.

Toni McAfoos: I haven't viewed a video yet, but that was on my list of things to do.

Bonnie Barnes: i feel comfortable with all that we've covered in this coaching session for myself. i started looking at the other folders, too.

Bonnie Barnes: what kind of lesson are you doing?

Toni McAfoos: Ok,  I still have questions.  I'm not done yet, hee hee

Bonnie Barnes: darn!

Toni McAfoos: ha ha

Bonnie Barnes: ok... shoot!

Toni McAfoos: Okay, what would you like to take away from this lesson?  It could be better classroom management, if that is what you want.

Bonnie Barnes: yes, that's a big one for me... also how to improve on the lesson... i always try to "reflect" on how I can improve.... how's that for using the lingo?

Toni McAfoos: reflect, I like it!

Toni McAfoos: What are you learning about yourself in this process?

Bonnie Barnes: i've learned how to use the terminology working for the Service Center

Toni McAfoos: ????

Bonnie Barnes: i've also learned that i need to have a better attitude in this process

Bonnie Barnes: i work for the Service Center... where Connie works..

Toni McAfoos: so when you say terminology, you mean the science terminology or the technology terminology?  What a mouthful

Toni McAfoos: you work with Connie?

Bonnie Barnes: the "educationize"

Bonnie Barnes: yes... but not in the same location... i am a field consultant

Toni McAfoos: how fun!!!!  When we're done, I'll ask you to explain.  Now on to completing this coaching.

Bonnie Barnes: this is part of my "staff development"

Bonnie Barnes: let's finish

Toni McAfoos: What do you think about this coaching process?

Bonnie Barnes: i think that having someone ask you questions about your purposes makes me more accountable.

Bonnie Barnes: my purposes

Bonnie Barnes: sorry about the grammar!

Toni McAfoos: I would agree.  How has the data gathered (using your rubric) helped you in your teaching?  No problem with grammar on my end.

Bonnie Barnes: i can better quantify or measure results.

Toni McAfoos: What have you learned from all of this as a teacher?  What worked, what didn't?

Bonnie Barnes: i know that i do a good job but having something tangible is important for the powers above.

Toni McAfoos: I agree.

Bonnie Barnes: i learned that setting the expectation up front helps, organization and setting time limits also helps. By doing those two, class management is easier, too.

Toni McAfoos: How will you commit to making what you've learned a reality in your classroom?

Bonnie Barnes: i am going to expand the lesson with more to the CSI unit and document the results. i'm a believer in success stories and photos so i take photos of the projects and do small success stories for the school newsletter.

Bonnie Barnes: does that answer your question?

Bonnie Barnes: i get off target at times... my brain works strangely... not so logically at times!

Toni McAfoos: You are so good!! Yes,  Last question, what do you think of this type of coaching process?  Have you ever been coached like this?  You said that this type of coaching makes you more accountable and thoughtful - about expectations,

Toni McAfoos: etc. Correct?

Bonnie Barnes: yes, i have been coached before. it was more of an observation... but i always ask the teachers to coach me before and after lessons.

Toni McAfoos: Was it the same as cognitive coaching?  Or did they "judge" you and then give you tips, etc.?

Bonnie Barnes: i had some observations this last semester where it was more judged and then given tips.... by the teaching program from a college here. the cognitive coaching is different.

Bonnie Barnes: i think your questions are good and make me think about why i

Bonnie Barnes: i'm doing something rather than just the process.

Toni McAfoos: I was trying not to insert my opinion in anything you were saying.  I think it is important for the coach to not say that is good or bad, but better to get the teacher to say whether she thinks it is good or bad.

Bonnie Barnes: very good point.

Toni McAfoos: As Connie has said, it is not for us to judge, but to help the mentee judge if she is going where she wants to go.

Bonnie Barnes: constructive criticism is hard to do... but i think of a cognitive coach as still being a leader, too.

Bonnie Barnes: like a sports coach... they need to lead the teacher into the right direction, too.

Toni McAfoos: So much in the world is opinion.  I find it difficult to judge others based on what I think.  Who am I?  I think helping a person reach where they want to go is best.  Maybe pumping them up on the way too.  Okay, I think I am done.

Toni McAfoos: I know you have to go to a game.  When do you want to meet again?

Bonnie Barnes: you're right.... motivation is probably the best quality of a good coach.

Toni McAfoos: teaching one to believe in themself.

Bonnie Barnes: exactly! i can meet again anytime this afternoon or evening or tomorrow after church.... it's chat with you or clean house.

Bonnie Barnes: i'd rather chat.

Toni McAfoos: Hmmmm, choices, choices.

Toni McAfoos: Me too

Toni McAfoos: Okay, how about around 4:00?

Bonnie Barnes: yes, 4 is fine. see you then.

Toni McAfoos: bye, thanks!

Bonnie Barnes: bye

Toni McAfoos has left the chat.

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