For years we heard that teachers were the “sage on the stage” lecturing students as the primary mode of instruction. As we learned more about pedagogy, we began to hear that teachers were the “guide to the side” collaborating with students as a primary mode of instruction. In the expression-driven classroom, the teacher takes on … Continue reading Teacher as Facilitator
The importance of the adult-child relationship cannot be underestimated. Countless studies point to the conclusion that students who have a positive relationship with at least one adult in the school have higher attendance and achievement levels than those who do not have such a relationship. It’s important to remember that ANY adult – teacher, aide, … Continue reading Relationship-based Learning
One of the most well known television game shows in the history of the genre is Family Feud. If you’re not familiar with the show, it goes something like this: a survey group asks one hundred people a question like, “Other than a birthday, what’s a good reason to throw a party?” Contestants are then … Continue reading Survey Says . . .
As a band director, I conducted my fair share of performances. In case you’re wondering, it does involve a little more than just standing in front of the musicians flapping my arms! Creating a beautiful performance involves knowing how all the parts work together to achieve the musical goals of the composer. All of the … Continue reading SCORE with Student Engagement
One of the most well known possibility thinkers of the 20th century was Robert H. Schuller. He dedicated his life to building up others through expressions of hope and encouraging others to imagine the possibilities and pursue them. Dr. Schuller would often ask, “What would you do if you knew you could not fail?” and … Continue reading Helping Students Imagine the Possibilities
Students want you to care, and they have developed a sense of whether or not a teacher truly cares based upon their prior experiences with adults in and out of school. Researchers Jamia M. Thomas-Richmond and M. Caroline O’Quinn conducted a study to determine student’s perceptions of caring and respect. They published their findings in … Continue reading Showing Care in the Classroom
Think of your refrigerator at home. What do you see? If you have children in your home (or have had children in your home), it is likely that you see a large appliance decorated with hand-made artwork, crafts, report cards, photos, and other meaningful creations. The picture you see today is my refrigerator at home. … Continue reading Where Is Your Classroom Refrigerator?
The development of positive relationships with students is absolutely critical in the learning process. Regardless of the content you teach, it is important to remember that you teach real life, flesh and blood people. As such, it is imperative that you connect with them in meaningful ways, so that you have the greatest opportunity to … Continue reading Growing Positive Relationships With Students
If you ask an agronomist about ideal growing conditions, you will likely receive a detailed answer that includes information about soil types, soil nutrition, moisture, temperature, sunlight exposure, and other similar matters. Each of these items plays a specific and significant role in creating the proper environment for the complex nature of seed germination and … Continue reading Ideal Growing Conditions
If you have ever had to buy sandpaper, you might have found yourself overwhelmed by the many types available. You may not have known that the particles on sandpaper come in a variety of sizes and in a variety of material types. You may not have known that each size and material type is used … Continue reading What Type of Sandpaper Do I Use?
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