In the Classroom

Creating a good lesson objective can seem daunting to many educators. However, it’s a fundamental step in the course design process that can significantly enhance student learning. Effective learning objectives serve as a clear guide for both teachers and students, outlining what learners are expected to achieve by the end of a lesson or course.  … Read more

There is a distinct stereotype about what school is supposed to look like, and it generally includes direct instruction from a teacher. If not for this, how else would students learn the basic foundation of their curriculum? The flipped classroom approach turns all this on its head, and once it is fully implemented in the … Read more

When it comes to the concept of student-led conferences, I never had a full first-hand experience with one until we moved to the current school district my children attend. As a high school teacher, we never had set parent-teacher conferences like younger grades do. I would, however, have traditional parent-teacher conferences when it was necessary … Read more

Intrinsic motivation, a fundamental concept in human motivation and behavior, stems from an internal desire to engage in activities for their own sake, driven by personal satisfaction, a sense of accomplishment, and the pure enjoyment derived from the task itself. This type of motivation contrasts sharply with extrinsic motivation, in which actions are driven by … Read more

In the realm of education, there are numerous methods for crafting curricula and designing courses, each with its own merits and applications. However, few approaches rival the depth and efficacy of backward design, a framework developed by Jay McTighe and Grant Wiggins. This innovative methodology has revolutionized the way educators conceptualize and implement their teaching … Read more

The foundation of a well-managed classroom lies in establishing clear classroom management routines and procedures. These strategies are crucial at every grade level, from elementary school to high school, and across all subjects. An effective teacher understands that implementing specific routines from the beginning of the school year sets the tone for a secure, positive … Read more

It’s interesting to consider how the pillars of student success have changed over the years. Today my family was out taking a bike ride around our neighborhood. We live on a big, three-mile loop, so there are always people exercising. I mentioned to my husband that, while we were both working the other day (we … Read more