Cognitive Student Engagement in 2023

Suzanne RogersBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Explore the evolution of student engagement in the post-COVID-19 educational landscape. Do this with a focus on aligning education with student needs and passions. Gain insights from John Dewey’s philosophy and John Hattie’s research on empowering students in their learning. Learn strategies to enhance student engagement, including building personal connections, setting high expectations, differentiating grading, and giving students control … Read More

How Do You Differentiate Up?

Teach Better TeamBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: When you differentiate, what are you doing for students who need more of a challenge? You must differentiate up as well. When we hear the term differentiate, we often think this means differentiating to support kids who are struggling. It might mean taking a complex task and chunking it into more easy-to-digest pieces. It could be scaffolding a lesson … Read More

Looking Back on 20 Years in K-12 Education

Dana GoodierBlog, Connect Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Read a reflection on some pieces of Dana’s journey in K-12 education. There are many people to thank over the course of 20 years. This week, in early August, I recall it being exactly 20 years since I first came to Colorado and began my journey in K-12 education. World Traveller Context I lived in Quebec City, Canada for … Read More

Classroom Spaces

Teach Better TeamBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Students respond better to classroom spaces that are interactive and encourage exploration, movement, and collaboration. Students learn science better through instruction that allows them to have access to the entire classroom space when inspiration strikes. Consider taking the time to honestly reflect on your classroom space to make it more engaging to your students. How are you using your … Read More