AGIS Conference 2024 Potsdam

Creating positive, playful connections within a group motivates and energizes a class to collaborate with trust. Improv Comedy is based on principles of 'group-mind' where everyone works and plays together under an agreed-upon set of rules. This workshop involves actively playing a selection of 'easy-to-learn, easy-to-teach' exercises inspired by the comedy improv mind-set that can be used in the classroom to create rapport, challenge focusing skills and enliven the playful connections between students.
These Ice-breakers and Group Exercises can be used (with adaptations) with students of all ages. Based on Viola Spolin´s seminal exercises in the classroom, theories of Applied Improv and 'Short-form Improvisational Comedy' performance techniques, these games/exercises thrive on soft-skill communication techniques that encourage risk-taking and finding the freedom in creative play where there is no 'right' or 'wrong'; it´s a recognition of the creative child within us who still wants to play and of the teacher´s task of empowering students to connect to each other in non-judgemental ways.
The workshop includes a short discussion addressing the challenges in encouraging reticent students to 'let loose', tools and cuing to control exuberance and how to rein energy in at the end, so that students can focus on the tasks ahead.

In ""The Power of Number Talks,"" participants will explore the transformative potential of number talks in Mathematics instruction. Number talks are brief, purposeful discussions around mental math strategies to build students' number sense and fluency. This session will delve into the theoretical underpinnings of number talks, showcasing their effectiveness in fostering mathematical reasoning, communication, and problem-solving skills among students of all ages.

During the session, attendees will engage in hands-on activities designed to illustrate various types of number talks and their applicability across grade levels and mathematical concepts. We will examine how number talks can be seamlessly integrated into daily instructional routines, offering opportunities for differentiated instruction and promoting a growth mindset in mathematics.

Furthermore, the session will address common misconceptions and challenges associated with implementing number talks in the classroom and provide practical strategies for overcoming them. Participants will gain insights into facilitating meaningful mathematical discourse, fostering a collaborative learning environment, and assessing student understanding through number talks.

This class will help teachers set up a series of Elective classes to allow for the students to have an opportunity to explore areas of learning that they are interested in and/or the school day typically does not provide. Through the implementation of weekly Elective classes, students have agency, engage in activities that they might not otherwise have a chance to do, or do things that they enjoy doing and can show others. This course will help teachers set up Elective rotations, explore ideas for electives, and allow for a chance to create one’s own Elective program.

With the changes in the assessment, this session will help in breaking down internal assessment criteria for DP Business Management, which is crucial for both students and teachers. This workshop will provide a clear understanding of the particular requirements, criteria, and expectations associated with each assessment. This clarity is indispensable for producing top-notch work that adheres to the assessment criteria. Simultaneously, educators can employ this process to confirm that students grasp the assessment rubrics, objectives, and criteria, facilitating more effective guidance.

Ever wonder how to best communicate with parents? As I first became a teacher my most frightening part of the job was speaking to parents about their child. Over the years I have learned to build positive pathways of communication and talk so that parents will listen. In this session I will share examples of ways to build positive communication, how to share difficult news, how to get parents involved, and how to actively listen.

Participants will leave with actionable insights, practical tools, and a renewed perspective on nurturing collaborative relationships with parents. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or parent, this session offers valuable takeaways to enhance the home-school connection and contribute to the development of students. Let's come together to bridge hearts and minds for the benefit of our students.