Maintaining Rigor Through Distance Learning

Chad OstrowskiBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Mastery Done Better

TL;DR: It’s okay to put out activities quickly when first switching to a distance learning model. Once you’ve made the shift, take time to ensure you’re promoting deep thinking and learning. First and foremost… Maintaining rigor is something that’s absolutely important, but may not be the immediate focus or a top priority of your planning. As you shift or begin … Read More

Tech Tools and How to Use Them: Distance Learning Edition

Teach Better TeamBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Tech Better

TL;DR: Distance learning has shifted our focus toward more technology. A curated list of tech tools for recording videos, communicating with stakeholders, and formative assessment. Transitioning from a classroom to distance learning can be quite the change, especially when it feels like it happens overnight. Fortunately, there are many tech tools available to help you make this new transition as … Read More

6 Ways to Promote Authentic Reflection

Teach Better TeamBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Mastery Done Better, Personalize Student Learning Better, Reflect Better

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 TeamBlog, Differentiate Better, Grade Better, Lesson Plan Better

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