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Get advice from educators on how to build a positive climate for learning, improve student curiosity, and enhance classroom collaboration.

Personalized Learning and the School of One

EdutopiaJune 11, 2010

Tags Classroom Management, Dropout Prevention, Integrated Studies, Primary (K-2), , Technology Integration, Upper Elementary (3-5), New York

Personalized learning has been a lot on our minds at Edutopia lately. We just launched some major coverage on Forest Lake Elementary School in Columbia, South Carolina -- a kind of "little school that could" for differentiated instruction. It's an earnest, humble place (except for the slew of awards touted on the façade) full of earnest, humble people who are simply determined to teach each child as a unique individual. Through strong leadership, dogged grant-writing and constant collaboration, they've done it.

How Do You Handle Difficult Situations with Students?

Ben JohnsonMay 19, 2010

Tags Classroom Management, Teacher Development, High (9-12)

"So do you have a problem with me?" the student asked.

"Yes I do." I testily answered. "You need to be quiet and listen to the teacher!"

"What do you care? Just keep fixing that computer!" replied the student.

Unfortunately, I was only a visitor in the classroom that day (there to fix the computer). The above exchange occurred when I just couldn't stand it any longer and turned and looked for the student who was making all that noise while the teacher was trying to teach high school biology.

The Kentucky Derby, Springboard to Lessons in American Culture

David MarkusApril 30, 2010

Tags Place-Based Learning, History, Kentucky

May 1st is the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky, known around the globe as "the most exciting two minutes in sports." For my money, it's also a treasure chest of inspiration for social studies and other interesting class discussions.

Why Celebrate Earth Day?

Jason FlomApril 21, 2010

Tags Environmental Education, All Grades

Editor's Note: After nine years teaching upper elementary school, today's guest blogger Jason Flom is quite adept at getting schooled by 21st century learners. Fortunately, his years as an outdoor educator at The Mountain Institute and North Carolina Outward Bound School gives him one advantage over his students -- an awareness that such a thing as nature existed. As a result, Jason levels the playing field through Service projects both near and far. His students often have over 100 hours of community service during the year with projects ranging from longleaf pine ecosystem restoration to water testing.

Why do we celebrate Earth Day?

1. Because we can.

2. Because we should.

3. Because it's fun.

How to Engage Young Students in Historical Thinking

Elena AguilarApril 8, 2010

Tags Primary (K-2), Student Engagement, Teacher Development, Upper Elementary (3-5), History

Last week over breakfast, my six-year-old son declared, "George Washington was a good president."

Building a National Archive of Student Work

Ken EllisApril 5, 2010

Tags Comprehensive Assessment, Dropout Prevention, Professional Development, Student Work Examples, All Grades

Ron Berger has been lugging a 100 pound black suitcase around the country for the past 20 years. It contains his personal treasure: a collection of poems, art work, scientific studies, field guides, and books created by K-12 public school students. Now Berger, Chief Program Officer of Expeditionary Learning Schools, is seeking to lighten his load by digitizing his personal collection and other outstanding examples of project work.

What Makes a Learning Experience Unbelievably Satisying?

Ben JohnsonMarch 29, 2010

Tags Primary (K-2), Project-Based Learning, Student Engagement, Teacher Development

"How was school?" I asked Mercedes, my middle school-aged daughter. I have learned to not ask yes or no questions, but she still gives me a one-word answer.

Guest Blog: What's the Best Way to Teach "At-Risk" Students?

Betty RayMarch 18, 2010

Tags Achievement Gap, Student Engagement

Mary Beth Hertz (@mbteach on Twitter) emerged as a leader in the afternoon #edchat, where forward-thinking educators from around the world connect and discuss different issues of the day. Her tweets during the chat reflected her knowledge and passion for at-risk youth and further revealed her fluency in the issues and challenges of at-risk students in the classroom. Here's her opinion and summary of this week's edchat.

--Betty Ray, Community Manager (@EdutopiaBetty) and Elana Leoni, Social Media Marketing Coordinator (@elanaleoni)

Liven Up Your Lessons by Giving Students Choices

Ben JohnsonJanuary 9, 2010

Tags Student Engagement, Teacher Development, All Grades

Last summer, I went to the Fourth of July celebration at a lake in San Antonio, Texas. While my family and I waited on the shore for the darkness to signal the start of the fireworks displays, we were intrigued by an enterprising young man working his way through the people sitting in folding chairs and on picnic blankets.

Should We Redefine Classroom Management?

Betty RayJanuary 7, 2010

Tags Classroom Management, Teacher Development, All Grades

We've been very impressed with the collaborative movement that's happening on Twitter, where you can find a weekly open forum discussion called #edchat. Each week, educators from around the world debate, ruminate, and brainstorm on the top issues of the day.