Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! The False Dichotomy of Memorization and “Higher-level Learning” I’ve noticed a trend in recent professional development sessions I’ve attended. There’s an uptick in the use of phrases like “higher-level learning” and “productive struggle.” Of course, all teachers want to […]
pedagogy
Posted inPedagogy
We Put “To Kill a Mockingbird” on Trial
Books Are Meant to Be Discussed, Not Banned Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! Last summer, I served on the jury of my first murder trial. We heard all kinds of griping testimony, viewed extensive forensic evidence, and witnessed dramatic outbursts from the defense lawyer, […]
Posted inOpinion
Could AI Finally Kill Homework?
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! It may feel as though the world is changing faster than ever, and that is because it is. “An analysis of the history of technology shows that technological change is exponential. So, we will not experience 100 years of […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
Why You Should Be Celebrating Religious Freedom Day in Your Classroom
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! Religion is a touchy subject in most American classrooms, especially for those of us working in public schools. It is a slippery slope that many teachers navigate very carefully; no one wants to offend a student, parent, or co-worker […]
Posted inPedagogy
Use the World Cup to Score Higher Engagement with Middle Schoolers
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! Studies have shown over and over again that students learn best when they find the content relevant and engaging. Lately, I’ve found my middle school students to be super engaged with the World Cup. Rather than repeating, “Guys, please […]
Posted inPedagogy
Teaching Central America Week Is October 3rd-October 9th
Here’s Why You Don’t Want to Miss It And How to Get Started Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! Across the USA, it’s National Hispanic Heritage Month. Here in San Diego, my class and I are celebrating the contributions of great artists and courageous leaders like […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Yes, You Can Use Movies as a Teaching Tool
How to Use Visual Texts in the ELA Classroom Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! I’m sure they’re out there, but I have yet to meet the student who insists on reading the book rather than watching the movie version of a story. That said, […]
Posted inPedagogy
How to Incorporate Social-Emotional Learning Into Any Content Area
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! Whether it’s unregulated and disruptive behavior or an overall malaise with regard to school, it’s clear that many kids are not all right, and parents and educators are taking notice. Some students are struggling to compensate for losses sustained over nearly […]