If you have ever pondered why classroom management is important (realistically), you are certainly not alone. At its core, good classroom management transcends merely keeping students quiet; it is the foundational framework that enables student learning and academic achievement. A well-managed classroom is not an accidental occurrence but the result of intentional classroom management practices … Read more
The phrase “classroom management” often makes high school teachers, especially new teachers, cringe, conjuring images of rigid control and constant discipline battles. However, the reality is that effective classroom management is the cornerstone of a positive learning environment where student learning and academic achievement can flourish. High school students are young adults with diverse individual … Read more
Walking into a middle school is like stepping into a whirlwind of energy, growth, and discovery. For students, these years are a profound journey from childhood into young adulthood, a time of exhilarating and often confusing change. For the teachers who guide them, the challenge is both immense and deeply rewarding: how to harness that … Read more
One of the most frequent and pressing questions I hear from educators, from elementary school to higher education institutions, is for strategies for increasing student engagement. We’ve all faced the quiet room, the glazed eyes, and yes, the challenge of that “one kid” who seems impervious to our best efforts. While no method is a … Read more
As a teacher, you know how magical it is when all of a sudden you realize that every student in your classroom is actively participating in the lesson you have crafted. You know that on that day, you won the battle, and the information is sticking as you watch the class engagement all around you. … Read more
When March 2020 arrived, schools around the world closed their doors. Learning from a computer screen became the sudden norm. Teachers worked hard to provide instruction during a time of great uncertainty. They used digital tools to reach students. This period created a major misunderstanding. Many people called this “virtual learning” or “blended learning.” In … Read more
What school has looked like has changed substantially over the decades that public education has been in existence. What started as a way to mold citizens into good factory workers is now the gateway to the entrepreneurial systems we are living with today. As society changes, education needs to ebb and flow with the needs … Read more
Creating a dynamic and effective learning environment hinges on a teacher’s ability to foster genuine student engagement. This concept of student engagement is multifaceted, encompassing behavioral engagement (actions and active participation), cognitive engagement (critical thinking and the struggle for a correct answer), and emotional engagement (investment and connection to the subject matter). A well-considered plan … Read more
Let’s be honest, education can feel like an endless pendulum swing. But while philosophies come and go, one thing isn’t swinging back: our world’s deep dive into technology. It’s staggering to think that just ten years ago, the computer in your pocket was a futuristic dream. Now, it’s as commonplace as a pair of sneakers. … Read more
It seems to sneak up on many of us…all of a sudden it is the perfect time to be purchasing unique teacher appreciation gifts for one (or many) of the educators that are involved in our daily lives. Sometimes we get to know those teachers well and immediately have an idea of an appropriate teacher present. Other … Read more
Click above to listen to Podcast Episode 48: “What is Student Engagement (and why is it alluring now)?“ The term “student engagement” is ubiquitous in educational circles, yet its definition often remains elusive. For teachers, administrators, and parents, having a clear, actionable understanding of this concept is the foundational first step toward improving student success. … Read more
Click above to listen to Podcast Episode 56: “How to Spot Behavioral Engagement in the Classroom“ Student engagement stands as one of the most critical, yet complex, constructs in the field of education today. It is a multidimensional construct widely recognized as the cornerstone of effective learning and a primary driver of academic success. For … Read more