TL;DR: The author’s favorite unit focuses on imparting practical job skills in an Exploring Careers course, acknowledging the universal need for employment preparation. Using the Grid Method, the unit progresses through levels, starting with basics, incorporating real-life examples in level two, and culminating in assessments and simulations at level three. Emphasizing the importance of real-world connections, the author encourages educators … Read More
Tapestry of Formative Assessment
TL;DR: Formative assessment is vital for effective teaching, offering real-time insights into student progress. Tom Schimmer advocates for diverse approaches, including thoughtful questioning, Socratic seminars, and one-on-one conferencing. Peer reviews, interactive technology, and strategies like think-pair-share enrich formative assessments, promoting collaboration and critical thinking. Tapestry of Formative Assessment Formative assessment is a tapestry and the heartbeat of effective teaching, offering … Read More
Teaching Students to Tackle Problem-Solving
TL;DR: Teach problem-solving through engaging challenges in middle school career technical education. Daily prompts require students to restate problems in their own words before attempting solutions. Shift from large projects to 1 to 2-day mini-challenges, enhancing student engagement and managing activities more effectively. One of the skills I’ve noticed that many students struggle with is problem-solving. Often, when you give … Read More
What On Earth Is Career Technical Education?
TL;DR: Career Technical Education (CTE) explores interests & builds skills for students in middle and high school. CTE offers diverse electives and prepares students with certifications for various careers. Encouraging CTE allows students to explore passions beyond traditional college paths. So often when you meet new people one of the most common questions is, “What do you do?” Usually, I … Read More
Why Educators Should Podcast
TL;DR: Educators should podcast despite the saturation in the field; it’s a platform for personal connections and networking, fostering professional relationships with like-minded individuals interested in educational improvement. Podcasting allows you to define and share your unique perspective, offering a fresh take on crucial educational issues. Your voice could be the catalyst for inspiring others’ thoughts and actions. Despite existing … Read More