TL;DR: Explore the evolution of student engagement in the post-COVID-19 educational landscape. Do this with a focus on aligning education with student needs and passions. Gain insights from John Dewey’s philosophy and John Hattie’s research on empowering students in their learning. Learn strategies to enhance student engagement, including building personal connections, setting high expectations, differentiating grading, and giving students control … Read More
Want a Better Classroom? Get to Know Your Students
TL;DR: Educators face growing challenges engaging a generation with abundant distractions and information. Building meaningful connections with students is essential for their success. Strategies for connecting with students include greeting them warmly, establishing classroom expectations, looking for shared interests, incorporating playfulness, communicating with parents, and attending extracurricular events. Prioritize kindness, respect, and building connections over strict curriculum adherence to foster … Read More
The Power of Finding an Online Community of Teachers
TL;DR: The internet has brought people worldwide together, enabling the creation of online communities based on shared interests, values, and experiences. Joining these digital communities can provide a sense of belonging, support during tough times, and opportunities for personal growth through shared knowledge and accountability. Online communities offer not only personal benefits but also opportunities for networking and professional development, … Read More
4 Ways to Nurture Your Teacher-Student Relationships
TL;DR: Recognition Matters: To ensure students feel valued, learn and use their names correctly from day one. Names are an important part of their identity. Warm Welcomes: Greet students at the door with personalized gestures, like high fives or hugs, setting a positive tone and reinforcing that they are loved. Encourage Expression: Create opportunities for students to share their voices … Read More
Connection Over Compliance
TL;DR: Student engagement goes beyond compliance and involves attention, curiosity, interest, optimism, and passion for learning. Authentic engagement requires establishing connections with students to create a safe and supportive learning environment. Strategies for fostering connection in the classroom include showing genuine interest in students, providing choice and voice, conducting morning meetings, being intentional in planning, incorporating real-life connections to content, … Read More