In This Post: The problem with time-based learning and why we should move away from it. A solution to make time more flexible and learning more important. How Mastery Learning can help you (and your school) make this shift & worry less about unplanned days off. Missed Days are Coming Depending on where you live (I live in the Northeast), … Read More
3 Things Principals Should KNOW In Your Classroom Observation
In This Post: Tips to always be ready for a principal observation! The three important questions your principal (or anyone) wants answered in a classroom visit. The importance of regular procedures for your classroom and your students. Ways to help students be aware of their learning goals, assessment, and procedures. That moment when… It’s last period, you’re fighting off a … Read More
Cue the Encore: When Things Don’t Go the Way You Planned
In This Post: Bouncing back from an unsuccessful lesson, in real time! Tips and strategies to turn a lesson around due to broken items and student pacing. An idea to head off misconceptions before they occur. If you’ve been in the classroom 1 year or 30 years, I’m sure you’ve had a lesson plan completely flop. Or you’ve had a … Read More
Dear Desk, It’s Not You, It’s Me: Promoting Student Agency
In This Post: After removing a desk from our learning space, my students reacted with excitement. My realization was that I was too focused on how I saw things, and not on how THEY see them. This lead to 5 pedagogical shifts to promote student agency. In a lonely corner of an elementary classroom stood an oversized wooden desk. Its … Read More
5 Ways to DESTROY Intrinsic Motivation in your Students
In this post: Intrinsic motivation is a powerful tool. Intrinsically motivated students are typically more able to overcome challenges Here are a few ways you can destroy intrinsic motivation in your classroom: Not providing students with ownership Not removing fear from your classroom Not being authentic Not building relationships Not focusing on learning Intrinsic motivation is a powerful tool that, … Read More