About the Author: Jenn Breisacher
In recent years, education has undergone significant shifts, moving away from the traditional teacher-centered model toward more dynamic, student-centered approaches. This transformation is driven by the need to prepare students for the complexities of the real world, where critical thinking, communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential. Student-centered learning places the student … Read more
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, fostering a classroom environment that encourages student success is a top priority for educators. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by incorporating open-ended prompts for student behavior into your teaching strategies. These prompts not only promote critical thinking and creative thinking but also help address challenging behaviors and build strong connections with students. To put … Read more
Every school year, teachers take pride in creating an inspiring learning space for their students. The right classroom supplies can transform your room into a dynamic, student-centered environment. From bulletin board sets to flexible seating, research shows that thoughtful classroom decorations and layouts significantly impact student engagement and success. Instead of searching for “teacher stores … Read more
Many educators wonder, “What are brain breaks in the classroom?” Brain breaks are short breaks that give students (and teachers!) a chance to reset, recharge, and refocus. Research shows that students who take movement breaks perform better academically, manage stress more effectively, and stay more mindful. Brain breaks are short, intentional pauses during tasks that offer significant … Read more
From our earliest years, we’ve been taught the importance of being thankful, yet as educators, we often overlook integrating this powerful practice systematically into our teaching practices. The field of education increasingly recognizes gratitude not as a seasonal sentiment but as a foundational element for creating strong relationships, fostering positive attitudes, and enhancing academic success on a daily basis. Teaching gratitude in the classroom is … Read more
Classroom STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or STEAM (which includes the Arts) education has gained significant momentum in recent years. This interdisciplinary approach fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills…essential competencies for the real world. Why STEM Learning Matters A STEM classroom is dynamic, student-centered, and often noisy because students are actively engaged in … Read more
Transitioning to student-centered learning represents one of the most significant paradigm shifts in modern education. Whether you’re in your first year of teaching or have years of teaching experience, this shift can feel daunting. Many educators, whether new teachers or veteran teachers fall into three specific common teaching mistakes when trying to move away from … Read more
If you’ve ever been in the middle school classroom you will know that being a middle school teacher is not work for the faint of heart. There is a wide range of students who sit before you, hormones are flying, and you may or may not have a weird smell issue. But in this time … Read more
Click above to listen to the podcast episode: “Clarifying Student-Centered Learning Prep with Rocio Gonzalez“ A student-centered classroom is a dynamic learning environment where students take an active role in their own learning process. Unlike the traditional teacher-centered classroom, this instructional approach emphasizes student agency, allowing students to explore their own interests and fostering critical … Read more
In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, classroom teachers are increasingly moving beyond rote memorization to foster deeper understanding and lifelong skills. The inquiry-based approach, particularly inquiry-based learning (IBL), has emerged as a student-centered method that transforms classrooms into dynamic hubs of exploration. At its core, IBL nurtures students’ curiosity, develops critical thinking skills, and helps … Read more
Transforming education through a student-centered approach represents a significant shift from traditional teacher-centered methods, emphasizing a more engaging, interactive, and personalized learning experience. In this educational philosophy, the classroom setting is reimagined to put students at the forefront, making them active participants in their learning journey. This paradigm shift in teaching style, from direct instruction … Read more
When I first encountered learner centered education, it felt like a trial by fire. The concept was introduced, but the practical implementation remained unclear, a challenge many educators face. Over time, I discovered the transformative power of learner-centered education and committed to refining my approach. When lessons succeeded, students thrived, engaging more deeply than in … Read more