What Affects Learning Effectiveness: 7 Important Factors
While teachers’ lives would undoubtedly be easier if the learning playing fields were always “level,” that will never be the case. No matter how passionate and dedicated the teacher is, how modern and equipped the school is, or even how affluent the community is, some factors affect learning on an individual level that are difficult […]
Engaging With Students in Academic Conversations About Race
Academic conversations about race can be challenging for teachers to lead and manage, especially in today’s divisive political climate. Classroom dynamics, socioeconomic differences, geographic locations, and school administrations are some contributing factors regarding how race is addressed in school. For any classroom teacher, even the most experienced and seasoned, fostering academic conversation skills about race […]
What Is Mindful Learning & How to Implement It in the Classroom
Anyone who has worked in education in recent years, even if for only a short time, is familiar with the increased focus on mindfulness or mindful learning. While it may be tempting to lump it into a list of “buzzwords,” mindful learning is much more than that. First, let’s dig in and explore what mindful […]
Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices: 6 Strategies for Educators
Educators in the 21st century are more focused on implementing culturally responsive practices and strategies in the classroom than ever before. These practices emphasize diversity, inclusiveness, and empathy and are also tied to desired learning outcomes and academic achievement. Every student feels valued and seen in a culturally responsive learning environment, leading to higher engagement […]
How Culture Affects Learning – And Not Just for Students
It is impossible to escape the connections between culture and learning, which seem to be a key area of focus for educators and a hot topic in education right now. While there have been some controversial and volatile stories around education and culture, the fact of the matter is that in order to best serve […]
7 Strategies for Managing Challenging Classroom Behaviors
No matter how talented, engaging, or beloved teachers may be, they will always encounter challenging classroom behaviors. This is a reality of working in education, and it is a consistent challenge for educators across all grade levels and across all contents. Time spent managing behavioral issues distracts everyone: the teacher, the students in question, and […]
How to Establish Active Learning in the Classroom
One of a teacher’s most significant challenges is keeping students engaged, whether wrangling kindergarteners in from recess and trying to focus their energy on an art project or holding the attention of high school seniors in the spring when daydreams of the newfound freedom of life after high school occupy their minds. The best way […]
10 Growth Mindset Examples to Develop Success in School
Educators who help students develop growth mindsets can change the trajectory of a student’s academic and personal success. This is an incredibly important undertaking for any teacher, helping young people understand their potential and shed the doubts and anxiety that may be holding them back. Carol Dweck, Ph.D., developed the theory of a growth mindset […]
7 Mindfulness Questions to Encourage Mindfulness in the Classroom
The benefits of practicing mindfulness in the classroom are far-reaching for teachers and students. Focusing on mindfulness can yield a more productive and engaged classroom and help individual students overcome some anxiety they may feel in school or with their peers. Mindfulness is successful when applied consistently, day in and day out. Think of it […]
9 Quick Relationship Building Activities and Games for Teachers
Relationship building is one of the most important tasks for any teacher, though it can sometimes feel difficult to prioritize. Students who feel connected to their peers and teachers will have greater success in the classroom, become more engaged and willing to participate, and have better communication skills. Students who develop strong bonds with their […]