Too often, especially technology enthusiasts like me, are excited to try the latest new feature our favorite website or app offers. Whether it is interactive multi-player review games on Quizlet & Kahoot or “advanced differentiated” digital reading programs, we’re always looking for ways to engage our students and improve their learning. Technology can play a powerful
As we near the beginning of the school year, I thought it would be helpful for me to brush up on some strategies and develop a few more tools for the teaching toolbox this year. Below are some guides that I found helpful, see links below. ELLs and Social Studies (NYU) Analyzes difficulties with multiple
Want students to write better? Have more clear organization and forceful arguments? Want them to proofread more carefully? Have them write for an audience: “When students were asked to write for a real audience in another country, their essays had better organization and content than when they were writing for their teacher. When asked to
I wanted to start the year not by talking about the course, class expectations or even much of myself. I feel that we—teachers along with students—rarely wonder what’s the purpose of education. This idea was lingering in my mind all summer and I happened to see a Ken Robinson talk specifically on this topic. So,
A colleague just shared an article by William Cronon on the purposes of a Liberal Education. It eloquently argued what characteristics a liberally educated person should have (not what classes they should take or standards they should meet). The 10 traits Cronon identifies are: 1. They listen and they hear. 2. They read and they
The classrooms are empty, hallways silent and each final grade recorded. Yet, the school year feels incomplete. When I was younger and a student in school I was the type of person who was actually a little sad when school was over for the year. That student is still in my classroom. As sometimes happens,
Dear Students, Parents and Guardians, Throughout the year teachers are constantly sharing what they know with students, learning from students and assessing what students learned. However, rarely do I find (or, more accurately, make) the time to think about and share what I learned. I want to get in the habit of doing that. So,
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJxFXjfB_B4] I just saw this video by Rick Wormeli and found it to be a good refresher on the difference between formative and summative assessment. The most useful insight was the steps to effective descriptive/written feedback: Help student discover or point out what the goal of the assignment was Indicate where the student is
Glazed eyes and drooping heads–bored students are the bane of any teacher’s existence. That is why I read Daniel Willingham’s book with the provocative title: Why Don’t Students Like Schools? I found his suggestions for remembering and teaching skills especially fascinating. STUDENTS: What do you think of Willingham’s suggestions–which of them do you think would
The following are notes from an excellent book by Angeline Lillard on the philosophy and practice of Montessori Education. Learning about Montessori Education made me wonder: Is Montessori Education just good educational practice that all teachers should be applying? What portions of the model should be applied to a high school setting? What are the shortcomings/downfalls