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We share evidence-based K-12 learning strategies that empower you to improve education.

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School Transformation Through Arts Integration at Bates Middle School

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Tips for Teaching Grade School Students How to Make Global Impact

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How to Thank a Teacher

Blogs on Project-Based Learning

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Marvin Gaye, Civil Rights, and My Heart-to-Heart with John Legend

Gaetan PappalardoMay 1, 2012

Tags Arts Education, Diversity, Leadership, Project-Based Learning, , Technology Integration, Middle (6-8), High (9-12), History, Music, Visual Arts

Singer Marvin Gaye wrote songs to "touch the souls of men [humans]." Isn't that the same reason teachers become teachers? I've never heard a budding education major say, "I want to be a teacher to make sure my kids pass the test." We become educators to inspire and motivate and to create solid, well rounded humans. I guess we can all reflect on our own classroom and ask, "Am I inspiring? Are my students well rounded? Do they think for themselves, or are they test-takers and memorizers?"

Use Project-Based Learning to Meet the National Educational Technology Standards

Andrew MillerApril 25, 2012

Tags Classroom Technology, Curriculum, Media Literacy, Project-Based Learning, Technology Integration, Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

The ISTE NETS (National Educational Technology Standards) are more than just simple content standards and learning objectives. If examined closely, they truly can foster an educational shift to engaging, relevant, technology-rich learning. In terms of project-based learning (PBL), the ISTE NETS, not only align, but can truly support a PBL environment. After my own examination, I felt we must have a #pblchat on the subject.

Six Examples of iPad Integration in the 1:1 Classroom

Andrew MarcinekApril 24, 2012

Tags 1:1 Implementation, Best Practices, Classroom Technology, Integrated Studies, Media Literacy, Mobile Learning, Project-Based Learning, Technology Integration

There has been a lot of conversation and debate in multiple forums, both online and face-to-face, about schools adopting or already working in a 1:1 environment. While many of these conversations revert back to replacing teachers and what device is best, the real conversation begins with providing our students with the best learning environment possible.

Searching for Voice: The Colossal Failure of Free Writing Analyzers

Todd FinleyApril 23, 2012

Tags Integrated Studies, Lesson Plans, Literacy, Online Learning, Project-Based Learning, , Middle (6-8), High (9-12), English Language Arts

"We want to find a person behind the pen." -- Professional Writing Retreat Handbook

Last weekend I attempted to draft an inspirational message for my English education majors. Maybe because I haven't yet mastered a grownup man voice -- I'm 48 -- or because of the paragraph's naked sentimentality, the passage sounded fake and bloated, like words pushed through a megaphone: too much volume, not enough texture, and a void where there should have been confidence. To find out more about what was missing, I turned to science.

What Are You Teaching Today? Poetry That Inspires!

Lisa Michelle DabbsApril 19, 2012

Tags Arts Education, Curriculum, Integrated Studies, Parental Involvement, Primary (K-2), Project-Based Learning, , Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), English Language Arts, Visual Arts

Reading poetry is inspirational! And teaching it can be even more so. If you haven't thought about using poetry in your daily work with students, I really want you to re-think that whole idea today.

Ideas for Using Minecraft in the Classroom

Andrew MillerApril 13, 2012

Tags Classroom Technology, Game-Based Learning, Integrated Studies, Lesson Plans, Project-Based Learning, Technology Integration, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), English Language Arts, History, Math, Visual Arts

Minecraft in the Classroom is a recent addition to the field of game-based learning. It is a sandbox game where players can create and build, fight off enemies and explore vast landscapes.

Secret to Better PBL? Focus on Problem-Finding

Suzie BossApril 13, 2012

Tags Project-Based Learning, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

On April 22, a billion people around the world are expected to take part in Earth Day 2012 celebrations. Among the anticipated "billion acts of green" will be scores of events for students and schools, from gardening lessons to eco-fairs to solar cooking demonstrations. It could be an ideal set-up for young people to dive deeply into problem solving and creative thinking -- but only if we trust students to figure out which problems they want to tackle.

Celebrating National Poetry Month with Technology

Mary Beth HertzApril 10, 2012

Tags Arts Education, Classroom Technology, Integrated Studies, Literacy, Primary (K-2), Project-Based Learning, Technology Integration, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), English Language Arts

Poetry is one of my favorite forms of writing. As I wrote in a recent blog post, there was a time when poetry was "my grounding force, my way of grappling with the world, questions, uncertainty, joy, sorrow, conundrums, beauty, ugliness and all forms of life that living could throw in my direction."

21st-Century Learning Creates New Roles for Students -- and Parents

Suzie BossApril 3, 2012

Tags Classroom Technology, Global Education, Parental Involvement, Project-Based Learning, Technology Integration, All Grades

How do you remember the classrooms where you spent your formative years? If you're picturing a teacher writing on a chalkboard while kids sit in neat rows, it's time for a refresher course. Not only is that chalkboard a relic from yesteryear, but so are many of the old-school approaches to teaching and learning. Even parents are taking on new roles in today's changing classrooms.

Digital Poetry

Terry HeickApril 2, 2012

Tags Arts Education, Classroom Technology, Integrated Studies, Media Literacy, Project-Based Learning, Technology Integration, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), English Language Arts, Visual Arts

The best definition I've heard for poetry is that it's "the extraordinary perception of the ordinary."

Being a kind of art, poetry eludes strict definitions. The very nature of art is to challenge thinking. Trying to define something artistic simply opens up new ground for exploration by those hoping to challenge convention.