In this article, we’ll touch on neuroscience insights about the brain’s attention-getting system. Understanding this process allows teachers to use specific techniques to capture students’ attention when introducing new topics. The brain evolved to facilitate survival. Every second, millions of sensory messages from receptors in the eyes, ears, viscera, skin, and muscles enter the brain’s […]
Despite a national focus on the science of reading, states, including California, are not doing enough to support and train teachers to effectively teach literacy, according to a report released Tuesday by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCQ). Over the past decade, 32 states have passed laws or implemented policies related to evidence-based reading […]
Increasingly, schools are helping students to engage in their own learning through initiatives that build agency, voice, and instructional input. Student agency requires that every student has a sense of belonging in all classes and activities. True student agency also relies on rigorous teaching and learning and on understanding each student in a “whole person” […]
I asked ChatGPT the following question: Considering the size and speed of the construction of Mount Rushmore, why is the Crazy Horse monument not yet complete? ChatGPT shared, “The historical significance of Mount Rushmore was a contributing factor in its development.” This leads people to believe that Mount Rushmore is more important than Crazy Horse. […]
In my career teaching introductory chemistry, chemical nomenclature has been the most challenging topic for students. Students needed prior skills in naming elements and ions, and in classifying bonds. Most importantly, students must approach the process algorithmically, first categorizing the elements in a formula to determine the class of bonding and then using naming rules […]
What does it mean to be a thermostat instead of a thermometer? It’s a thought-provoking analogy from Martin Luther King, Jr. Think of it this way: A thermometer simply reports the temperature around it; a thermostat plays a role – it actively regulates and changes the environment. Becoming a thermostat is an empowering mindset, especially […]
As second grade teachers, we know that our students are exploring new relationships, changing social dynamics, and feeling the emotional burdens these interactions can bring. Our students often encounter conflict as we ask them to take risks, stand up for their beliefs, and share their thoughts and opinions. With this in mind, we created and […]
For nearly two decades, education reformers have trumpeted the need to create rigorous curriculum, standards, and learning for our students. The results of all these reforms have been lukewarm at best and hurtful to children and teachers at worst. It’s time to abandon the idea of “rigor” and the damage it causes, because it’s the […]
When your child is an English language learner, it can be hard to understand if they are learning the language properly and what they need to do to be reclassified as fluent and proficient. Here’s a quick guide to how schools classify students as English language learners, what they must provide for students to help […]
It’s often assumed that long hours of studying are the best way to become an exemplary, top student. However, research shows that highly successful students actually spend less time studying than their peers-they simply study more effectively. Teachers can help all students use their study time more effectively by sharing research-proven techniques. Learn less, learn […]
