Branches Learning provides a variety of engaging and interesting virtual courses that are taught by innovative teachers. Anh Duong is one of those virtual teachers who brings her passion, creativity, and care to her middle and high school students.
What classes do you teach virtually?
- English Language Arts, Grade 8
- English Language Arts, Grade 10 AB
- English Language Arts, Grade 12 AB
- Journalism: From Draft to Publication, Grades 6-8, Ace Reporters
- Journalism: From Draft to Publication, Grades 9-12, Correspondents (1 AB)
What is your favorite aspect of virtual learning, and why?
One of the best aspects of virtual learning is convenience. The material is on the screen, and all the students have access to what they need online, all in one place in our Google Classroom. This makes everything easier to keep track of.
How do you collaborate with colleagues to support student learning?
I like attending our collaborative meetings. I enjoy hearing about others’ experiences and celebrating the team’s successes. I especially appreciate getting together to collaborate with the high school teachers when we talk about project-based learning. Helping each other develop new ideas for projects and making connections across disciplines is very meaningful to me.
What is your main focus when creating lesson plans for your virtual classes?
When creating lesson plans, my main focus is always to procure the right materials and resources.
How do you foster a positive and engaging virtual environment?
I do my best to be kind and inclusive to all students, encouraging them to show up as their best, authentic selves. I like to see kids working together to help each other learn.
What do you appreciate the most about teaching virtually for Branches Learning?
I appreciate the leadership and the team at Branches more than anything. Everyone here is capable, kind, patient, and understanding. I take none of that for granted. It is rare to be able to work with such a strong and close-knit group.
What strategies do you use to encourage critical thinking skills in your students?
I like to talk to my students a lot about mud mind vs. clear mind, being proactive vs. reactive, and having an open mindset as opposed to a closed one. Making students aware of their ability to analyze, inside and outside of the classroom, is a great way to encourage critical thinking. Taking a close look at a subject and diving deep into it for an extended amount of time works pretty well.
What is one thing you wish people understood more about journalism?
The world of journalism is vast, especially online. Journalism is all around us, as it comes in so many different forms. New formats interest me most. Crafting unique stories is something that everyone can and should do.
A strong believer in critical thinking, Anh encourages her students to reflect on their mindsets and dig deeper into subjects through extended exploration.
