I’ve seen education fads come and go. Too often, educators (or perhaps administrators) want to rebel against traditional teaching methods in hopes of finding some kind of pedagogical golden egg. But there isn’t a golden egg. What we have are some great methods that have been rigorously tested and studied. Right now we’re caught up […]
Why Traditional Teaching Methods Still Matter in Modern Education Read More »
It’s the end of the school year, and my patience is wearing thin. Looking around at other teachers, I envy their seemingly calm demeanor. But when we chat, I realize they feel the same end-of-year fatigue as I do. It seems the summer itch has struck early this year, or perhaps it’s just my perception.
Can Classroom Priming Activities Boost Student Focus? Read More »
I get it. I’m an old, boring English teacher—the kind that kids will look back on when they’re older and think, “Wow, that guy was bor-ring!” But listening to To Kill a Mockingbird on an audiobook isn’t very thrilling for fifteen-year-olds. It’s not even my fault; I’m told to teach that sleeping pill to students
How to Wake Up a Sleeping Student: 10 Fun & Funny Methods Read More »
Lately, I’ve become fascinated by the idea that seemingly irrelevant activities at the beginning of a class might lead to improved student outcomes. Two ideas have stood out so far: using some variation of a hypnotic script and psychological priming activities in the classroom. In this blog post, we’re going to explore the latter. The
New Potential: The Power of Classroom Priming Activities Read More »
Teaching for almost two decades brings a lot of changes and reflections. Some things get better, some… not as much. Like many teachers, I’ve been shifting towards a differentiated approach over the past few years. The traditional skill-and-drill had its place, but I felt like something was missing – a way to make deeper connections
Why Differentiate TKAM? For Better Student Engagement! Read More »
The Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) recently announced that it is updating the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines. The CAST team has spent years researching and receiving input from various stakeholders and has finally released its proposed UDL updates. These changes reflect the understanding that educational environments must evolve to support every learner
Embracing Inclusive Education: Understanding the UDL Updates Read More »
Welcome to a journey that transcends the boundaries of traditional learning! In this lesson, we’ll explore the transformative power of a seemingly small word: “yet.” As we navigate through various subjects and life lessons, we often encounter hurdles that seem insurmountable. However, by understanding and applying the concept of “yet,” we unlock a world of
Unlocking The Potential of Yet in Learning and Growth Read More »
Memory skills are essential tools for academic success and everyday life. Educators can significantly improve student outcomes by teaching memory techniques. In the next several Brain Builders Workshops, we will focus on developing memory skills for middle school students. These will primarily be in the form of classroom lessons that provide direct instruction on how
The Vital Role of Memory Skills in Middle School Success Read More »
The landscape of education continues to evolve, largely pushed by responses to equity concerns and technological advancements. Below we will focus on the ten most important education trends of the year with a focus on how these innovations and changes shape how students learn. From inclusive classrooms to the rise of artificial intelligence, these trends
Key Educational Trends in 2024: What’s Shaping Learning? Read More »
Welcome to the resource hub for Brain Builders Workshop: Teaching Motivation to Middle School Students! Here, you’ll find the downloadable / print-ready documents and handouts associated with the Brain Builders motivational lessons. These resources are tailored to complement the strategies and insights you’ve gained from the book and various blog posts, providing practical tools to
Motivational Handouts for the Brain Builders Workshop Read More »
