Malvern teacher, students stay connected in global event
While today's world is challenging for educators and students during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are unique ways to still make connections and keep a productive learning perspective.
During a WE Global Classroom webinar held Wednesday, Malvern Middle School eighth grade English teacher Claudine James and her students connected with several other educators and students across the globe and explored tools to build resilience, foster meaningful connections and promote overall well-being in class, at home and in all aspects of life.
The Global Classroom is an innovative educational space that removes the typical barriers of a four-walled classroom and puts learning in the hands of students from around the world. James is passionate about the well-being of her students and has always emphasized its importance to have a positive and productive relationship and connection with students. She has received many teaching awards over the years and, this year 2020 she is the recipient of the WE Teachers Award, AHA James Atkinson Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Arkansas History and the Honored National Teaching Award.
James elaborated on her perspective about helpful tools as an educator to help motivate students and teachers to learn and gain skills in the classroom through a pandemic. James believes students lead their own learning through discussion with thought leaders, affected communities, and influencers.
She feels as a teacher it's important to treat her students as if they are her own children— to show they matter and that she cares about them. James mentioned, "This matters a lot and it's very important."
She values this philosophy due to having a passion and love for students as an educator. She's dedicated to creating a platform for learning which can elevate students to where they can believe in themselves and accomplish anything. She also wants to inspire other teachers and students to do the same—with the perspective that students are the leaders for the future.
Through the use of Teams Live Stream technology, students and educators from around the globe are connected for an engaging, intimate, and innovative learning opportunity focused on building resilience and promoting empathy, inclusion and compassion.
Also during the Global
Classroom webinar, students and educators across the globe heard perspective ideas from Dr. Jacqueline Sanderlin with her son Scott Sanderlin on being resilient through a tough time. While having to be home, Sanderlin’s son Scott mentioned staying connected with friends and family to show you care about them and trying new hobbies and being active. They also spoke about being aware of things that are going on in the world through the media and social media.
Sanderlin feels finding ways to stay balanced helps to keep a motivating drive to journey a path for achievement through a difficult time. She emphasizes students are role models and leaders.