Desktop Learning Adventures

I have found the best way to engage learners is to make it real for them. The five teaching strategies listed below offer varying levels of independence and exploration for kids. And really, it makes teaching so much more fun to see kids fired up as they make connections in their learning.  1. Cooperative Learning/Group Investigations Characteristics A teaching activity in which the teacher purposively uses small group interaction to forward new learning and accomplish academic and social skills. My Recommendations Groups should be flexible, ideally, 3-5 students, created by a teacher, students, or needs-based. It's important to set group standards and have students self-reflect on their participation and the group's function. Benefits: Collaboration among students; deeper thinking and understanding; enhanced feelings of empathy for others. 2. Differentiated Instruction Characteristics Student-centered, whereby teachers provide appropriately challenging learning experiences for...

One year I had a student teacher who was a former lawyer and wanted to leave law to become a classroom teacher. ... I'll let that sink in for a moment. ... OK... moving on. I had just graded an abysmal group of math papers where it felt like I was grading number roulette. Clearly, they didn't understand the concept, and I needed to reteach. No problem. That happens a lot with new concepts. But this was an ongoing problem with this particular group. OK, truth be told, it was a problem almost every year. Learned behavior - If I turn in a paper with something written on it, it's good enough. There was no ownership. That was about to change. The next math period, I gave them a problem to solve, first in group work and then on their own. Instead of our usual closing discussion, I threw them a curveball. I told them, "Today, class, you are all Math Lawyers. You must defend your answers and convince me that you are correct." What?!? Is she serious? What does ...

Classroom games are a powerful resource in my teacher toolbox. I begin every new year from day one, teaching at least one new game. As opportunities present themselves, I'll continue to add additional games to our repertoire. Before long, I have built a working library of games to use for the rest of the year! There are many beneficial reasons to use games in the classroom. Games make great icebreakers. They are one of the quickest ways I know to grab kids' attention and change the classroom dynamic. Check out how I used a simple game to build community in a potentially challenging situation. It was the end of a school year, and I had just been hired at a school where I’d always wanted to teach. Naturally, I jumped at the chance when the principal invited all new-hire teachers to visit. I knew this was a great opportunity to set the tone for next year. I would be replacing a well-loved teacher, and I knew I would only get one chance to make a good first impression. After intro...