TL;DR: Assessments should be conveyed in various forms appropriate for each student. Getting to know your students is imperative before beginning to design assessments. Designing Assessments According to Learning Styles We are witnessing an age of radical education where teachers are collectively raising their voices to advocate for our students’ benefit. They cry out for transformation, hungry for more autonomy … Read More
Redefining Personalization as a Pedagogy for Humanization
TL;DR: Personalized learning can ensure equitable learning in classrooms. We must reframe personalization not as a pedagogy of individualization, but as a pedagogy for humanization and connectedness. If there’s one thing that’s clear, it’s that the primary purpose of personalization is to ensure equitable learning in our classrooms. We know full well that students come into our classrooms as unique … Read More
Envisioning a “New Normal”
TL;DR: Blended learning promotes student ownership and helps to address the needs of different styles of learners. A successful example of blended learning at Sangamon Valley Middle School offers the best of both worlds. The shortcomings vs. benefits of blended learning are explored. Envisioning a New Normal: Imagine the Possibilities The pandemic has created a great deal of angst for … Read More
The Teacher’s Role in the Grid Method
TL;DR: One teacher’s experience using the grid method. A focused look at the role of the teacher in the grid method. “So you don’t really teach anymore.” “The students teach themselves.” “When will I get to see you teach?” In implementing the grid method, I’ve heard them all and I’ve heard them a lot. So what is teaching and what … Read More
How Creative Are You? Can You Create Better?
TL;DR: A reflection from Adobe Creative Educator Day. Lessons on improving creativity for yourself AND your students. At the end of February, I got the opportunity to attend the Adobe Creative Educator Day. I thought I understood creativity before that day, but it turned out that I only understood a small aspect of it. This was an entire day dedicated to … Read More