If there’s one question I’ve gotten more now than ever, it’s simply “How do you handle uninterested students?” In today’s classroom, that’s an extremely valid question. Addressing the profound issue of student apathy in our classrooms requires a multifaceted approach, given that this challenge has developed over an extended period. The perception that the COVID-19 … Read more
In educational settings across the United States, from primary school to higher education, the silent epidemic of student disengagement continues to challenge school leaders, classroom teachers, and staff members, leaving many asking the basic question, “Why do students disengage?” This serious student apathy problem affects not only the learning experience but also the future careers … Read more
As we delve into the challenges of modern education across the United States, a critical issue comes to the forefront: the growing apathy among students toward their academic success and overall learning experience. This pervasive lack of motivation is a major problem not just for high school students but for college students as well, reflecting … Read more
A student-centered curriculum is built on the belief that students should have both the choice and the responsibility to determine their learning needs and how to address them. This approach encourages students to dive deeper into content, engaging more thoroughly than they would in a traditional teacher-centered model. Enhanced Knowledge and Engagement In a student-centered … Read more
We know that, as teachers, we often wear so many different hats in the classroom, many of which have nothing to do with the curriculum we are tasked with teaching. Sometimes it is difficult to juggle all of this, and many in education are struggling to find a way to balance it all. The key to … Read more
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, one approach has been gaining traction for its remarkable benefits to students and teachers alike: student-led learning. This educational philosophy puts students at the forefront of their own learning journey, allowing them to take ownership, make choices, and drive their education forward. Let’s explore what student-led learning entails, its … 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
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
When people first begin thinking of the concept of Brain Breaks, they often think of children in an elementary school classroom playing some type of silly game. The fact of the matter is brain breaks are effective for anyone at any age, especially high school students who need short breaks just as much as anyone. You … Read more
The best part about teaching primary school students is that for those first years, so many of them are excited about learning. Every day is a new adventure and it isn’t as difficult to get student buy-in for whatever silly lesson you have planned for that day. This doesn’t mean that lesson planning for the … Read more
Utilizing small group instruction is not a new concept in education. However, in terms of student learning, there is often a grey area about what the best practices are for making this education model effective for individual students and lesson objectives. Using small group planning and instruction consistently serves a bit of a different purpose … Read more