Teach, Learn, Lead: Building Community For

All

Victoria A. Oglan Ph.D.

“Education is not only a process of student learning and progress, it is

also one of continual growth of teacher expertise and classroom and

system improvement.”Fullan (1999)

Take a moment and jot down your definition of community.

Good teachers have long understoodthe value of creating a supportive,

caring community for learners.

When a classroom functions as acommunity, children can feel safeand accepted and make positive

connections with others.

The opportunity to participate as acontributing member of a communityhelps children to become successful

learners, problem solvers, and decisionmakers.

Community-building is a viable and essentialgoal for educators at all levels . Our societyneeds to foster the growth of individuals whoare skilled in personal and interpersonalrelationships, who learn to function as part ofan increasingly complex world community.

A community shares a culture.

Culture = shared values, beliefs and actions.

School Models

As Edward Fiske (1992) states, “publicschools are nineteenth-century institutionsbecause they were organized around anindustrial model that prevailed at the turn ofthe century” (p. 25).

The Factory Model Teacher is authority Classroom is teacher-centered Focus on worksheets Uniformity Competition Sequenced curriculum -> learning is linear Focus on product not process Emphasis on skills in isolation Learner / learning passive

The Factory Model Memorization is a learning strategy Collaboration not encouraged Silence is encouraged Basal readers Packaged curriculum programs Testing is the primary assessment tool Skill and drill is a learning strategy Part -> whole

 

The Community Model Teacher is collaborator Classroom is learning centered Focus on authentic engagements in reading and writing Strategy instruction Embracing diversity Collaboration not competition Curriculum is planned based on needs of learners Focus on process and product

The Community Model

Emphasis on strategies and skills in context Learner / learning active Student voice is key Student choice is key Packaged curriculum not necessary Assessment and evaluation are diverse and purposeful Whole -> part -> whole

Jot down the things you do in your classroom to build

community…

Jot down the things your administration does to build community in your school…

Build community with middle school students by providing them with opportunities for

responsible actions.

Community Helpers:In order for a community to run efficiently, there arejobs that must be filled by its members. Think aboutyour strengths and select the job that best suits you.At the end of the job, number your preferences from1 – 5, with 1 being your top choice.

I am _______________________ , and I would liketo be the:

Community Helpers1. Office Assistant: takes notes and picks up

items from the office.2. Courier: takes messages or items to other

teachers3. Guide: greets guests and gives a tour of

our community

Community Helpers4. Supplies Managers (2): maintains and

inventories the publishing supplies [Partner -___________________________]

5. Time Keeper: signals the end of Workshop6. Literacy Board Manager: posts items on the

board7. Web Site Editors (2): post writings to the IMS

website [Partner – ______________________

Community Helpers8. Community Newsletter (2): compile and create

the bimonthly newsletter [Partner - _________________________]

9. Computer Assistants (2): assist classmates and teacher in publishing via computer [Partner - _____________________]

10. Chairs Manager: supervises the use of the folding chairs

Community Helpers10. Chairs Manager: supervises the use of the

folding chairs11. Substitute Teacher Helpers (2): conduct the

class activities in my absence [Partner - __________________________]

12. Attendance Monitor: checks and records daily attendance on the computer and class log

Community Helpers13. Make-Up Work Tutor: meets with absent

students upon their return to go over activities

14. Librarian: maintains records of books checked out from the Community Library

~ A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared

to take the helm. ~ ~ Henrik Ibsen