The Bumpy Road of AI

Betsy SpringerBlog, Connect Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: There are parallels between off-roading and teaching in the age of AI. Students are motivated to use AI and work proactively to tackle the issues. This post shares practical tips for educators to embrace AI tools in their teaching. “You may delay, but time will not.” — Benjamin Franklin I recently went off-roading with my husband. Now, we are not … Read More

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches and Getting In a Rut

Alex T. ValencicBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: Routine and order don’t mean doing the same things the same way every day. We can provide voice, choice, and possibility within established structures. Going back to basics is just as important as pushing the envelope. I love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  Nearly every day of elementary school, my lunch consisted of the same basic elements: a peanut … Read More

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

The Heart of Education: Taking Risks

Jennifer WaldvogelBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Personalize Student Learning Better, Reflect Better, Teach Further, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Taking risks makes teaching more exciting and fulfilling. Start small with change to accomplish more in the long run. Risk-taking is easier for students when we build them a safety net. Failure is natural. Show students it’s okay to fail as long as we try again. Growing up, we’re taught to be careful: to wear helmets and knee pads … Read More

Audience Awareness: Shaping Student Writing Beyond the Classroom

Catherine DorianBlog, Connect Better, Innovate Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: Students primarily write for teachers in academic settings, but they also engage in real-world writing. Teaching audience awareness helps students understand their readers and write more effectively. Using a reader profile fosters a shift from self-centered writing to audience-oriented writing in various genres. Audience Awareness: Teaching your students to think about the reader behind their writing. When it comes … Read More