Doom, Despair, and Agony on Me!

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Konrad Glogowski on October 17, 2007 at 7:47am

Kim,

I think I know the type! There always seems to be at least one in every school or workshop. My strategy is as follows. I always try to understand why the teacher feels reluctant to try to enrich his or her classroom practice. I think it helps to know what motivates the resistance. Sometimes, I find that it is laziness, complacency, a sense of self-importance. These teachers tend to think that since they have been successfully using the same strategies and practices for years, there is no reason to change. The response often is, what's the point? They already have their handouts and tests that they have been using for years and do not see why they need to be changed. Technology often seems to them to be just a frill. They do not see how blogging, for example, or collaborative activities built around a wiki, can enhance student learning.

My approach, once I know what causes the reluctance is to show that today's learners are different, much like the world in which they live. I try to show that the strategies that we've been using for years were created for a very different type of learner and a very different type of classroom/school. So, in other words, they were certainly valid and thoughtful but may no longer apply.

I also find that asking them to describe their most effective or favourite strategy or class activity also helps. It engages them in a conversation about their own practice. Then, once they finish telling me about their favourite teaching activity, I try to point out how easy it would be to modify it to make it appealing to today's students.

In short, I find that when confronted with reluctance, we must first find out what causes it and then build upon the strengths and the experience that these teachers possess. This can be a very empowering process! They are often under the impression that everything that we blogvangelists and technophiles have to say about teaching and learning undermines years of their valuable experience. I always try to show them that their experience is valuable, that what makes a good educator is not a blogging classroom, a class wiki, or a podcast. What makes a good educator is creativity and a willingness to listen to the learners and adapt teaching strategies to their needs. It's important to start that conversation by focusing on their strengths and then attempt to show how easy it would be to translate those skills into a more participatory and interactive approach.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Let's keep this conversation going - it's an important one.

- Konrad

Permalink Reply by Deloris Eure-Nutt on January 5, 2008 at 8:09pm

Konrad,
Thank you for sharing your strategies and approach on getting a reluctant teacher when we ask them to try something different then using handouts and test that they have been using for so many years. I sit in the teacherwork room and observe the teachers getting fustrated with a copier because it frequently jams. I make several alternative suggestions and instead of saying "That's a good idea. Can you show me how?, I get several excuses on why they can't implement something out of their comfort zone.

I agree with your statement about today's learners. They are very different and the strategies that we've used for many years are not very effective or motivating. This would explain the changes in the behaviors that we see in the classrooms today. All the teacher want to do is complain about the behaviors and how the learners are not learning the information instead of trying something different that would help today's learners comprehend and maintain the information being taught as well as engage and motivate today's learners.


-Deloris

Permalink Reply by Bill Gaskins on January 20, 2008 at 4:40pm

Thanks for the idea! This is a great approach.. I will give it a try.

Permalink Reply by ruthokoye on November 4, 2007 at 2:50pm

We're having a similar discussion over in my ISTE Capstone class. I do a lot of "let's be friends" type of stuff with these type of folks. I send emails, put stuff in their school mailboxes, and give away a lot of stuff (both tech and non tech). I try to get folks to see me as an instructional resource, then once they start asking me about other things, I slip in some technology discussion. Once I've build relationship with teachers, I find that they are more likely to allow me to push some technology at them. One thing that has been really great has been the installation of 5 Promethean whiteboards in the building. Many people have been struck with the "green eyed monster" and hae approached me to find out how to be considered for a classroom upgrade. Since the IT department installs them and not the school, they know I am able to make some placement suggestions. I try to keep at it 'till I wear them out. It's taken 2 1/2 years to get a few of them ready to play ball, but they are looking for me to come in their classrooms and teach with them. That's the other carrot...I'll co-teach with them if they need it. Some just need the extra set of hands, and if it means that they have to use a United Streaming clip or powerpoint to get me in the room - or to get someone else (me) to plan the lesson - they'll do it.
Ruth

Permalink Reply by Brian on December 7, 2007 at 8:00pm

I work with Ruth, and one of her many excellent traits is that she ENCOURAGES and gets people EXCITED about integrating technology. Last year at NECC when she talked about blogging, it went in one ear and out the other. However, Ruth shifted "into fifth gear" and kept singing the praises of Web 2.0. And, guess what? Everyone in our I.T. department was given a blog account! I asked her to come to my office and show me what a blog was, and her ENTHUSIASM and ENCOURAGEMENT won me over. The rest of my family is asleep right now, and what am I doing? Searching Classroom 2.0. Ruth is an excellent example of great leadership!

Permalink Reply by ruthokoye on December 8, 2007 at 5:46am

Thanks B!!

Permalink Reply by Deloris Eure-Nutt on January 5, 2008 at 8:06pm

I also work with Ruth and everything Brian writes is true. She is an inspiration to me. We are very blessed. She is amazing with her knowledge about everything. I am so glad that she is in our I.T. department.

Deloris

Permalink Reply by Bill Gaskins on January 20, 2008 at 4:37pm

I wish I had the answer. I feel I just another part of their checklist of things to do. It is time to make my rounds again and it will go well until I leave their classroom. I am in a situation where there is no vision from the principal.

Permalink Reply by Tricia on April 4, 2008 at 3:01pm

I help to train full-time teachers to be technology coaches within their buildings. We take a lot of time to practice coaching skills - effective listening, communication, and relationship-building. Coaches choose 1 or 2 collaborating teachers (who volunteer) with whom to work throughout a school year. They begin where the collaborating teacher is right now - no judgements, just support and encouragement.

Many of the educators who have responded to this question have described excellent strategies to work with reluctant teachers. I find that fear is often the bottom line - of stepping out of one's comfort zone; of too much extra work without the payoff; of failure. Our technology coaches are taught how to "be there" in whatever capacity is needed. Many collaborating teachers have applied to be coaches in subsequent years.

Permalink Reply by Marie on April 12, 2008 at 6:58pm

If teachers see what other teachers are doing, it will inspire them.

Marie

Permalink Reply by Brandy Milson on July 7, 2009 at 1:12pm

I once sponsored a students/teacher forumn where students encouraged thier teachers to use more technology and not for just boring powerpoints. We also had an expert come in and explain the correlation between highly engaing lessons using technology and low classroom managment issues.