I walked into my first classroom in 2007, and if there’s one piece of advice I now give to new teachers during their first week of professional development, it’s this: your classroom walls are not your décor; they are your co-teacher. For a long time, I fell into the trap of treating my bulletin boards … Read more
Though we know our administrators constantly mention its importance, there are often gaping holes in their explanations regarding the importance of child-centered education. There is a multitude of reasons why this teaching methodology is not only important but extremely effective. However, often the importance of child-centered education is overlooked as soon as a teacher tries … Read more
Here’s what I know about student engagement goals after almost 20 years in various classrooms: they’re almost always too small. We set goals like “increase participation” or “get through the curriculum without losing them.” But I’ve watched too many teachers, myself included, confuse compliance with connection. A quiet room isn’t necessarily a learning room. Raised … Read more
The 2020-2021 school year irrevocably altered the educational landscape. A primary casualty of this period was the term “blended learning,” which, for many, became synonymous with the stressful, chaotic remote learning plans of pandemic-era school buildings. In countless districts, it described a frantic hybrid environment…some students virtual, others in-person…that led to educator exhaustion and inconsistent … 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
When I first started exploring student engagement tools years ago, I thought the technology itself would solve my problems. Find the right platform, download the right app, and suddenly, students will care. It took failing in front of real classrooms to learn the truth: engagement isn’t about the tool…it’s about what the tool unlocks in … 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
As another vacation slips away from us, it is hard to realize that we are already at the point to welcome to back to school all our students for another year of learning and fun. I hope all of you had a good, safe summer with plenty of time to relax, enjoy friends and loved … Read more
Adaptive learning technology is transforming K-12 education by offering personalized instruction that meets each student’s unique needs. Unlike traditional teaching methods that follow a fixed pace for all students, adaptive learning systems utilize artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics to modify lessons in real time. This ensures students receive precisely the support they … Read more
Learned helplessness is a psychological condition where individuals, after repeated exposure to uncontrollable events, develop a sense of helplessness and stop trying to change their circumstances, even when opportunities arise. This concept was first introduced by Martin Seligman and Steven Maier in the late 1960s at the University of Pennsylvania through experiments with dogs in a shuttle box. The dogs subjected to inescapable shocks eventually stopped trying to escape, even … Read more
Education is undergoing a significant transformation as traditional teacher-centered classrooms, where students passively absorb information through direct instruction, are being replaced by dynamic student-centered learning environments. This shift is supported by extensive research from leading organizations like the Nellie Mae Education Foundation and Education Evolving, as well as systematic reviews published in the International Journal … Read more
In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, teachers face unique challenges, including student apathy, diverse learning needs, and the demand for critical thinking and problem-solving skills. To address these challenges, educators must adopt innovative teaching strategies and create effective lesson plans that foster meaningful learning experiences. The best practices for lesson plans and teaching strategies that … Read more