The Impact of Music in the Classroom

Stephanie JeretBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Music improves memory retention, aiding comprehension and language skills in students. Music demands precise attention to details, enhancing auditory skills and focus. Music fosters connection and collaboration, helping students develop better social skills. Kids and adults alike enjoy listening to music. Did you know that introducing music into the classroom can enhance students’ learning experiences and overall development? When … Read More

3 Keys To Supporting Learner Agency

Steven WeberBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Learner Agency involves students setting goals, reflecting, and applying skills in new contexts, with productive struggle enhancing retention and deeper understanding. Scaffolding, Project-Based Learning, and amplifying student voice through interactive methods are key strategies to foster learner agency and self-regulation. Focusing on employability skills such as analytical thinking, creativity, and resilience, education must shift to more engaging, independent, and … Read More

Edcamp-Style Faculty Meetings

Steven WeberBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Lead Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Originating in 2010, Edcamp flips traditional conferences by allowing attendees to choose session topics, fostering engagement and shared learning. Encourage problem-solving, resource-sharing, and collaboration among educators, elevating teacher voice and promoting ownership of learning. Staff propose and vote on topics, fostering engagement and addressing relevant issues. This participant-driven approach fosters trust and respect, crucial for teacher retention and professional … Read More

Fostering Classroom Culture with Student Engagement: A Reflection

Stephan HughesBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: A student asked about using ChatGPT for book summaries, initially innocently. The situation escalated as it’s revealed some students use ChatGPT to study. The teacher reflects on a missed opportunity for positive classroom discussion about AI use and maintaining a respectful atmosphere. “Sir, is it okay if we use Chat GPT to read the summaries of the book?” The … Read More

How Can We Fight Censorship?

Daniel LindstromBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: Book challenges in the US nearly doubled in 2022, focusing largely on children’s and young people’s books. Response to censorship includes President Biden’s plan to appoint a federal coordinator to address book bans, along with efforts from educational organizations, librarians, and publishers like Penguin Random House. Various groups, such as the Great Books Foundation, are actively fighting censorship by … Read More