Learning Unleashed

Leander ISD learners are empowered to be Skilled Communicators & Collaborators who listen to understand, express ideas with empathy, and work collectively toward shared outcomes. What does this look like for our earliest learners all the way through our LISD staff? Check out the Graduate Profile "I Can" statements.

Ideas and resources to help develop the skills of listening, self-expression, and teamwork:

• 5 Strategies to Improve Students' Listening Skills
• Getting the "Think-Pair-Share" Technique Right
• Strategies for Supporting Students' Speaking and Listening Skills
  
• 3 Ways Middle and High School Students Can Pursue Clarity Through Collaboration
• Video: Encouraging Collaboration With a Scientists Circle
• 3 Keys to More Effective Collaboration in an Inclusive Classroom
• Structuring Group Work So Every Student Pulls Their Weight
• Video: Cooperative Learning Roles

Did you know that Canva has hundreds of templates that engage students in collaboration? From the writing process to the scientific method, you can customize a design that works for your needs!

1. Collaborate as a class on Whiteboards

2. Create Individual Graphic Organizers

3. Collaborate in Small Groups

💡 Quick tip: in any design, type S on your keyboard to add a sticky note with your name on it. This makes for an instant collaboration tool for students!

Skilled communicators and collaborators fits the profile for every member in our school system. In Education is a Team Sport, George Couros talks about having high expectations for ourselves. It’s great to want to excel; however, sometimes it’s harder “to be happy with a job simply well done.” As a newer educator, much of these first years in the classroom are trail by fire. That doesn’t mean great things aren’t happening. Take time to reflect and celebrate a job simply well done! It can be discouraging to demand high expectations of ourselves in every detail day after day if completed on our own. You may continue to hold high expectations of yourself and your students while leaning into the expertise of the accomplished educators around you. There truly is power in collective efficacy! We are at our best when we are willing to collaborate, share our talents, and borrow from the strong skills of others. “Teaching, it turns out, is a team sport, where teachers make each other better fastest by building culture & sharing insights.” (Doug Lemov, 2015)

Did you know you can collaborate with and visit Learning Leaders from across the district?

They have opened their classrooms up for others to observe student learning in action! Check out the Learning Leader Observation Classroom process.

For more info, visit the Learning Leaders website.

1. Access the 2023 STRAW POLL at: https://cic2023.sched.com/

2. LOGIN with your LISD Google Account, using the "Sign In with Google" button.

3. Browse the sessions in a variety of ways – explore the site by clicking on the colored categories and filters to the right, such as Target Audience, Learning Model, and LEADS, or by scrolling down and hovering over the various titles.

4. Cast your 10 STRAW POLL votes:

• Add a checkmark in the circle next to the session title or using the “Add to my SCHED” button when viewing session details. These actions will mark that session as one of your Straw Poll “votes.”
• Continue to add up to 10 sessions to your SCHED as your STRAW POLL votes.
• You can click on your user icon (the circle with your initials or picture) just left of the “Schedule” tab to view the choices you have made.

Please make your choices by Sunday, October 15. At that time we will deactivate the event and begin scheduling sessions based on your votes.

Check out past editions of Learning Unleashed.

Let us know what you think about this edition or what you'd like to see in future editions of "Learning Unleashed."

For more opportunities for professional learning provided by Leander ISD, check out Eduphoria Strive.

Email: professional.development@leanderisd.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/leanderisd.org/professional-learning/home
Phone: 512.570.0209
Twitter: @LISD_IPL