@kngiordano Archives

6 Ways to Promote Authentic Reflection

Teach Better TeamMarch 4, 2020Blog, Differentiation, Mastery Learning, Personalized Learning, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: The vitality of authentic, real reflection in our classroom. 6 ways to ensure your students’ reflection is authentic. Reflection is a vital part of the learning process. When we encourage our students to look back on their growth and reflect, we are inviting them to see clearly the progress they have made. We are helping develop their metacognition and … Read More

Preparing Students for Life: How Retakes Help Instead of Hurt

Teach Better TeamFebruary 15, 2020Blog, Differentiation, Grading & Assessment, Lesson Planning

In This Post: A common argument against retaking assessments, and why it doesn’t quite work. The benefits of allowing retakes in your classroom. “You can’t do retakes, they won’t have redos in the real world.” This is one of the most common arguments I hear about allowing for reassessment in our classrooms. And honestly, I don’t think it’s valid. At … Read More

Boost Motivation by Bringing in What Students Love

Teach Better TeamFebruary 11, 2020Blog, Innovation, Personalized Learning, Student Engagement

In This Post: Building intrinsic motivation in our students is incredibly valuable. An introduction to self-determination theory. How to build motivation through students’ loves. Our students, like ourselves, are human beings. And, like us, they have interests, passions, and lives outside of the walls of our classrooms. When we find ways to infuse those outside interests into our content, it … Read More

Using Conferences for Grading Students

Teach Better TeamJanuary 15, 2020Blog, Differentiation, Grading & Assessment, Mastery Learning, Personalized Learning

In This Post The struggle of quantifying mastery with a letter or percent. Grading conferences as a solution to this struggle! Steps to set up grading conferences in your classroom & communicate about them to stakeholders. Feedback from students on grading conferences. In a mastery learning classroom, determining student quarter or final grades can be difficult. How do you assign … Read More