Stand Up Meeting

Stand-up Meeting

Reflection on Professional Learning

In this case I needed to bring a large group of teachers together (about 90 people) to reflect on learning from a conference. My goal was to structure meaningful conversations—and limit the meeting time to 20 minutes!

1.     This email was sent to all teachers 2 days in advance of the meeting so that everyone would arrive with a talking point in mind:

On Thursday we will gather in Snyder Gym to reflect on learning from the PAISTA Conference. Here’s what you need to know:

·         This “stand-up” meeting will start promptly at 3:30 and will be brief—20+ minutes.

·         Bring something to write with and I’ll give you something to write on. Or bring your mobile device.

·         Be ready to share your learning on one of the following topics:

o    A new idea or concept

o   A new teaching strategy

o   A reminder of something you already knew, but haven’t thought about or practiced in a while

o   21^st century skills

o   A “disruptive” concept or idea: not sure you agree, but made you think

o   A validation of something you do

o   An interesting person you met

o   A great idea for tech integration

2.    Spaced around the gym were large post-it notes displaying the 8 topics listed above. Also spaced around the gym were the numbers 1-15. Upon entering, teachers were given index cards in case they wished to make note of an interesting idea.

3.    Teachers were instructed to go to the posted topic about which they wanted to share; they were asked to form a circle and share their learning on this topic with an elbow partner (3 minutes). They were then instructed to turn the other way and share with another elbow partner (3minutes)

4.    Next they numbered off 1-15 and moved to the area of the gym displaying their number and formed a circle. Now, in a sort of jigsaw, they shared again with elbow partners on either side.

5.    DEBRIEF:

a.    Raise your hand if you had the opportunity today to talk with someone outside of your division.

b.    Raise your hand if you talked today with someone who was really excited about something they learned.

c.    “It’s been exactly 20 minutes—have a great afternoon.”