Cognitive Student Engagement in 2023

Suzanne RogersBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Teach Happier

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

Audience Awareness: Shaping Student Writing Beyond the Classroom

Catherine DorianBlog, Connect Better, Innovate Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: Students primarily write for teachers in academic settings, but they also engage in real-world writing. Teaching audience awareness helps students understand their readers and write more effectively. Using a reader profile fosters a shift from self-centered writing to audience-oriented writing in various genres. Audience Awareness: Teaching your students to think about the reader behind their writing. When it comes … Read More

Want a Better Classroom? Get to Know Your Students

Dan ThomasBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better

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 Home Visits

Suzanne RogersBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: Home visits benefit students by improving behavior, academic performance, and test scores while fostering trust and respect. Parents benefit from home visits through reassurance, trust-building, and consistent communication about their child’s progress. Teachers experience positive changes in student attitudes, increased confidence, and personal fulfillment, leading to stronger relationships with both students and parents. At LISA Academy, we believe that … Read More

Meaningful Lessons: Scientific Wisdom vs. Scientific Facts

Tim StephensonBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: There is a need for more relevant science education in the 21st century. This post emphasizes the importance of teaching wisdom and context alongside facts. Teachers should engage students by making lessons meaningful and applicable. Ok, let’s hit the reset button on my podcast, Science360, for a moment.  Let’s talk about why I bring the type of episodes that … Read More