TL;DR: Teachers of argument should encourage students to lean out of their comfort zone and explore different points of view. Listening to things we don’t readily agree with actually helps us become more informed about our own values and ideas. Several strategies like believing/doubting, belief continuums, and confirmation bias assessment help students become better at argument writing and speaking. Have … Read More
Students Want Adults Who Care
TL;DR: Students don’t want adults who dispense information. They want adults who care. Create thought-provoking learning experiences for students and avoid lecture-style teaching. Make learning relevant for students by connecting what they are learning to the real-world. If building relationships with students is difficult for you, start by talking to students about their lives. I sat speechless in a grade-level … Read More
Career and Technical Education Starts in Elementary School!
TL;DR: Career and Technical Education (CTE) should start in elementary school. Create clubs that connect students to interests they already know they have. But more importantly, clubs that connect students to interests they don’t know they have yet. I just had the distinct honor and privilege of being a guest on a great new podcast called BridgEd. It is hosted … Read More
Blended Learning: My Fear for the Future
TL;DR: It is important that educators don’t mistake the model of learning in the past year as true blended learning. When blended learning is implemented properly, educator stress levels will decrease and student success levels will increase. I began teaching with a blended learning approach before anybody really knew what it was. I had always been intrigued by flipping my … Read More
Outdoor Learning Opportunities
TL;DR: Not all classrooms have to be inside a traditional building. Connect outdoor learning to the curriculum by using natural elements to teach, documenting the learning, and collaborating and co-creating with your students. I love teaching outdoors here in Canada! Escape from the busy life of a classroom and school climate to create mindful learning moments. Embrace the weather changes … Read More
