I don’t know kids but I like tests to know more about kids I think tests are best (The anonymous corporate reformer who ate Dr. Seuss) Tests are preparing to descend upon us. The are being discussed in training, warnings, plannings… But once in a while you get to be with colleagues and plan […]
Posted inEducational Apps, Technology
Using Web 2.0 Tools to Increase Student Engagement
“I couldn’t come up with an idea.” “I didn’t have a chance to talk to my group!” “What was the homework?” “I was confused…” “I’m not sure if my students understood the lesson today.” “Where can my students best showcase their work?” These are all questions and excuses I’ve heard from students and teachers, and […]
Posted inUncategorized
Taiwan Is a Great Place to Teach English
Rewind two years ago I would have never thought I would be in Taiwan teaching English to students. However 10 months into my experience, I’m convinced that Taiwan is a great place for Americans to get a break from home and experience a vibrant culture and education system. Culture of Appreciation for the Teaching Profession– […]
Posted inHigh School, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy, Middle School
Literature Circles: Empowering Students
Ideally, by the fourth quarter, I want to be unnecessary in my classroom; I hope that my students are so self-sufficient that I can partner with them instead of lead and coach. To me, this idea is the mark of true learning; the control baton has passed from me to them. I need three-quarters to […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher, Common Core, Educational Apps, From the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum, Technology
Creating Excitement In The Classroom With Hyperdocs
Have you explored using hyperdocs in your classroom? I hadn’t either, until I attended the CUE Conference in Palm Springs, California. The CUE Conference is the largest (this year topped 7,000 attendees) and oldest (35 years and still going strong) conference for educators interested in using technology to make a positive impact in their classrooms […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured, Instructional Strategies
Teaching in a Time of Coercion
Last week, my fellow TER writer, Jessica Classen, wrote about being kinder to our students in the classroom. It reminded me of some research that came out a few years ago about how the levels of depression and anxiety rise in societies that have higher levels of coercion. I have been thinking a lot about how we […]
Posted inFeatured, Teacher Burnout
I am a Tired Teacher
I am tired. I find myself yawning at work by 2PM almost daily. If I am able to stay asleep until 4AM these days-it is a surprise. One I am thankful for, to be sure. It seems that I just can’t quiet my mind and if I wake up just a little as I roll […]
Posted inHow to Fix Education, Uncategorized
Special Needs but No Special Resources
In Taiwanese society, the “group” is more important than the individual. This is very salient in the classroom. At my school, students are given IQ tests to measure their academic abilities against their fellow peers (because here, everyone needs to be on the same level) and when students perform subpar they are often classified, quite […]