Archive
component:how.instruction-and-facilitation
Next-Gen Models Break New Ground, Promote System Redesign
The 20 breakthrough school models recognized by the Gates Foundation funded Next Generation Learning Challenges (NGLC) took on the turnaround challenge, leveraged higher education partnerships, and improved the performance and sustainability of school networks (as outlined inpart one of this three-part series). They also illustrate how blended learning supports and extends experiential learning (part two).
Ed.gov Advocates for New Approaches to Capturing Evidence
Expanding Evidence Approaches for Learning in a Digital World is a new report from the EdTech Office at the Department of Education. "The report discusses the promise of sophisticated digital learning systems for collecting and analyzing very large amounts of fine-grained data ("big data") as users interact with the systems," said Karen Cator, the outgoing EdTech Director. "It proposes that this data can be used by developers and researchers to improve these learning systems and strive to discover more about how people learn. It discusses the potential of developing more sophisticated ways of measuring what learners know and adaptive systems that can personalize learners' experiences."
New Paper on Student Supports in Competency-Based Environments
In December 2012, CompetencyWorks released The Learning Edge: Supporting Student Success in a Competency-Based Learning Environment. The paper delves into the fourth element of the definition: Students receive timely, differentiated support based on their individual learning needs.
Blended Learning Philanthropy
What’s been on my mind: new learning models, role of philanthropy, practice and policy (including new accountability)… all student-centered.
6 Innovations in Social Emotional Learning
Social emotional learning "teaches the skills we all need to handle ourselves, our relationships, and our work, effectively and ethically," says Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). CASEL was formed almost two decades ago started by CEO Roger P. Weissberg who is also professor at UIC. In addition to Weissberg, CASEL's agenda has been influenced by Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence.
Education Leaders & Policymakers Meet in D.C. for FEE National Summit
Education policymakers and leaders meet in Washington D.C. November 27-28 for the Foundation for Excellence in Education's (FEE) fifth annual Excellence in Action National Summit on Education Reform.
4 Ways to Empower Students Through Collaboration
If you want students to collaborate it is imperative that educators establish this as a norm at the beginning of the school year. Great teachers leverage group work and collaborative activities and projects in their curriculum and instruction, but oftentimes teachers “push-back” with the difficulties of having their students collaborate. I agree, it is a daunting task, but I always respond, “How have you taught them to collaborate and providing scaffolding of that skill?” This is the key! If you want your students to collaborate effectively, you must give the opportunity to do so, as well as give the necessary instruction in skills and scaffolding.
Q&A: College Guidance Counseling, For Free!
By: Jaclyn Norton. College Mapper, an online college counseling service, recently launched to provide support for students and parents in the college application process. CEO Susanna Cerasuolo sets out to increase access to higher education for all people through this free service. See below for Cerasuolo’s thoughts on the current-day process of college admissions, and ever changing nature of higher education.
School Coach David Ginsburg on the Common Core & Teacher Support
Ginsburg advocates for student-centered education and on-the-job support for teachers. "Whether it’s integrating technology or improving behavior management, teachers can only make meaningful changes if they get practical support where it matters most: in the classroom."
In the Future, Teachers Remain Key to Student Success
New technologies and 21st century students will change tomorrow’s classrooms but quality instruction will remain the most important indicator of student achievement, which is why we must invest in professional development for teachers today.