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Musings from a Corner Classroom

Musings from a Corner Classroom

By Chris Miraglia

Welcome to Musings from a Corner Classroom, the latest in trends in middle school history education and a little bit of pop culture as well
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Remote Teaching 2020: The First Three Weeks

Musings from a Corner ClassroomSep 04, 2020

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11:39
Episode 8 Trials and Tribulations of Remote Teaching

Episode 8 Trials and Tribulations of Remote Teaching

This episode features my colleagues  Alan Hoffmann and Patrick Chang as they discuss their own teaching experiences during the past five months sharing both successes and challenges.

Jan 13, 202124:11
Episode 9 Student Production is Key

Episode 9 Student Production is Key

In this first episode of the new year, Chris explores the concept of student production as key to student engagement. After taking courses through Adobe Education in which creativity was an underlining theme the focus on having students produce at the end of each week became a vital component of the remote learning process. 

Jan 13, 202110:39
Episode 7: Trials and Tribulations of Remote Instruction Part II

Episode 7: Trials and Tribulations of Remote Instruction Part II

This episode I continue with the theme of remote learning. Long-time colleague Greg Dennis is my guest as he details the challenges and successes of the online instructional experience.

Dec 13, 202024:22
Episode 6 The Trials and Tribulations of Remote Learning: Part 1

Episode 6 The Trials and Tribulations of Remote Learning: Part 1

In this episode I talk to colleague April Salas about the challenges of remote learning, finding positives amongst the stress, and how instruction may change when the pandemic is over. 

Dec 04, 202023:10
Episode 5: Teaching during the Elections

Episode 5: Teaching during the Elections

Teaching during the elections is always a challenge as a teacher tries to remain unbiased as possible and at the same time present factually accurate material. This past week was no different. However, Chris' students took the reins as election results trickled in and present their own analysis. 

Nov 07, 202010:33
Episode 4: Online Learning Successes and Challenges

Episode 4: Online Learning Successes and Challenges

As distance learning continues experimentation with different types of lessons are  in the forefront as the ongoing challenge of student engagement moves forward. Listen as Chris discusses what has worked over the past week. Also the issue of grades has become a talking point for his district. How does one go about grading students in this environment? What is fair? What about students who don't do any work?  All of these questions are addressed in the episode.

Oct 31, 202013:07
Episode 3: The Ongoing Struggles of a Teacher with Distance Learning

Episode 3: The Ongoing Struggles of a Teacher with Distance Learning

Join me as I take a look at the ongoing challenges of remote learning.  The theme of mental and emotional exhaustion has become prevalent among teachers providing distance learning and I am no exception. Also the daily grind of preparing lessons, the lack of authentic face-to-face interactions with students takes a toll as well. What is working and what isn't? 

Oct 25, 202013:51
Five Weeks into It: Distance Learning Challenges and Successes

Five Weeks into It: Distance Learning Challenges and Successes

Join Chris as he discusses the challenges of distance learning while exploring what has worked. Scaling down expectations, tapping into the amazing teachers who post work on Twitter, and taking time to talk to students individually have been successful, while the daily challenge of disconnectivity presents a educational dilemma as well as equity issues for his students. 

Sep 21, 202015:06
Remote Teaching 2020: The First Three Weeks

Remote Teaching 2020: The First Three Weeks

Join in as I explore the challenges of remote teaching and learning during the first three weeks of instruction. We will explore the issue of connectivity, managing a Zoom classroom, instructional paradigm shifts and ideas for engaged learning. 

Sep 04, 202011:39
Spring Break: Assessing Where I am At with Emergency Distance Learning Instruction

Spring Break: Assessing Where I am At with Emergency Distance Learning Instruction

This episode will be devoted to assessing how distance learning is going. Primarily I will be looking at the issue of student work and how much is too much and what is relevant work. Also I will read excerpts from student journals as well as tackle the issue of boredom and self-care.

Apr 07, 202012:49
Safe At Home: A conversation with a colleague and student.

Safe At Home: A conversation with a colleague and student.

Today I talk with Michael Covey, colleague and ELA teacher at Mendez and with Jose a student of whom we have in common about the similarities between the Anne Frank play and students staying at home. In addition we talk about Harriet Jacobs, the female slave who escaped and spent a couple of years in her grandmother's attic avoiding detection. 

Apr 01, 202012:02
How Does One Go About Planning?

How Does One Go About Planning?

Faced with the dilemma of doing virtual teaching for the long term what are the key questions to consider when planning instruction for students who are shut in most of the day?  What should be graded? How long should the lesson be? How many times a week should I e-mail the students? All of these are part of our new reality as teachers.

Mar 29, 202005:28
What does a Teacher do at home during COVID 19?

What does a Teacher do at home during COVID 19?

Many teachers are now relegated to teaching remotely at home. I review my first two days along with students insights of what it is like to be shelter-in-place. 

Mar 19, 202008:15
 Talking Google Presentations and Google Draw
Feb 06, 201909:10
Episode 10 Beyond Google Slides

Episode 10 Beyond Google Slides

In this episode Chris explores how Google Slides can be used beyond those boring presentations as inspired by Matt Miller's 101 Ways to Ditch that Textbook with Google
Dec 05, 201808:13
Episode 9 An Old Dog Learning New Tricks

Episode 9 An Old Dog Learning New Tricks

Looking at ways to engage students in an ever changing educational environment
Dec 04, 201808:51
Episode 8 Student Problem Solving

Episode 8 Student Problem Solving

The dilemma of developing student problem solving
Sep 21, 201809:54
Episode 7 Developing Student's Historical Skills

Episode 7 Developing Student's Historical Skills

A look into student's thinking as they develop the skills of sourcing and corroboration
Aug 31, 201809:25
Winding Down

Winding Down

Reflections on student survey of my teaching and looking forward to next year.
May 18, 201807:38
Almost the End of the Year Reflections

Almost the End of the Year Reflections

Looking back at the year past and trying to come up with some new ideas for the school year. Current events, less tech and more old school note taking are some thoughts.
Apr 26, 201806:18
Now Inspired, Taking Action

Now Inspired, Taking Action

Inspired by the CCSS conference and the technology integration, I take the challenge and try some new things in class with some success.
Apr 02, 201807:07
Episode 1 -What an Old Teacher Needs

Episode 1 -What an Old Teacher Needs

Even a veteran teacher needs inspiration. Attending a conference provides a well-needed shot in the arm to reviewing how I teach, the need for networking and student empowerment
Mar 25, 201805:16