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

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Social and Emotional Techniques That Help Students Focus on Academic Progress at Mount Desert Elementary

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How to Thank a Teacher

Blogs on World Language Learning

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Fostering Relationships in the Classroom

Larry FerlazzoMay 16, 2012

Tags Classroom Management, Diversity, Primary (K-2), , Student Engagement, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), World Language Learning

Students and teacher need to develop positive and trusting relationships in an effective classroom. It is also critical that all students, especially English-language learners, develop trusting and enriching relationships with each other. There are many activities which can be used for both introductory purposes and throughout the year to build and maintain positive relationships in the classroom. Some activities which work well to introduce students to each other and to the teacher can be used again at later points in the year as students' interests change and as they gain new life experiences. While this is certainly not an exhaustive list, it contains several suggestions we have found successful and which could easily be adapted for use with different levels of students.

Six Affirmations for PBL Teachers

Andrew MillerMay 3, 2012

Tags Curriculum, Primary (K-2), Professional Development, Professional Learning Network (PLN), Project-Based Learning, Teacher Development, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), English Language Arts, Geography, History, Math, Science, World Language Learning

All great teachers do great work. And not only that, but they also do different work. Great teachers are always looking to improve practice, steal ideas and try new things -- all in order to meet the needs of their students. PBL teachers are no exception. Any teacher who is truly doing PBL would also agree that it's different. There is something about being a PBL teacher that requires different work, and work that is especially capitalized when implementing a PBL project. Because I work with so many PBL teachers, I feel there are some things that PBL teachers should specifically be proud of. I present them in these six affirmations.

Telling Isn't Teaching: The Fine Art of Coaching

Dr. Richard CurwinApril 4, 2012

Tags Lesson Plans, Professional Learning Network (PLN), Student Engagement, Teacher Development, Drama, All Grades, Math, Music, Physical Education, World Language Learning

I have the greatest respect for coaches; not every coach of course, but those who care more about their players than about winning. I include those who coach drama, choir, band and all those who spend so much of their time and energy on helping children far beyond the confines of the classroom. Good coaches make great teachers.

Neuroscience and the Bilingual Brain

Judy Willis MDMarch 22, 2012

Tags Brain Research, Comprehensive Assessment, English-Language Learners, Global Education, Parental Involvement, , English Language Arts, Math, World Language Learning

A selective attentive focus and the ability to block out distraction are seminal executive functions that are minimally developed in youngsters. These functions gradually become stronger throughout the years of prefrontal cortex maturation, which last into the twenties. It is with regard to these executive functions that research about the "bilingual brain" is particularly exciting.

A selective attentive focus and the ability to block out distraction are seminal executive functions that are minimally developed in youngsters. These functions gradually become stronger throughout the years of prefrontal cortex maturation, which last into the twenties. It is with regard to these executive functions that research about the "bilingual brain" is particularly exciting. Read More

Do's & Don'ts For Teaching English-Language Learners

Larry FerlazzoMarch 12, 2012

Tags Achievement Gap, Best Practices, Comprehensive Assessment, Differentiated Instruction, Diversity, English-Language Learners, English Language Arts, World Language Learning

The number of English-Language Learners in the United States is growing rapidly, including many states that have not previously had large immigrant populations. As teachers try to respond to the needs of these students, here are a few basic best practices that might help. We have found that consistently using these practices makes our lessons more efficient and effective. We also feel it is important to include a few "worst" practices in the hope that they will not be repeated!

Three Ideas for 21st Century Global Curriculum

Terry HeickMarch 12, 2012

Tags Classroom Technology, Curriculum, Global Education, Project-Based Learning, Technology Integration, All Grades, Geography, World Language Learning

Now over a decade into the 21st century, there is tremendous pressure for education to "globalize." What this means exactly isn't universally agreed upon.

In major world markets, the business world globalized decades ago, expanding beyond domestic markets in pursuit of more diverse audiences and stronger profits. And while major players in business continue to experiment and find their way in markets whose culture and buying practices diverge from those domestic, the "field" of education has been slow to follow suit.

Twelve Ideas for Teaching with QR Codes

Andrew MillerDecember 5, 2011

Tags Biology, Classroom Technology, Lesson Plans, Project-Based Learning, Student Engagement, Technology Integration, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), English Language Arts, Science, World Language Learning

As mobile learning becomes more and more prevalent, we must find effective ways to leverage mobile tools in the classroom.

Fifth Graders Go Global with Holiday Card Exchange

Donna RomanNovember 14, 2011

Tags Classroom Technology, Global Education, Project-Based Learning, Student Engagement, Technology Integration, Upper Elementary (3-5), Geography, World Language Learning

I shut off the lights to my classroom and lock the door behind me with a smile on my face. It's 8:00 pm in our town of Geneva, IL and we just wrapped up a video Skype call with students in Chi Yi City, Taiwan.

Game-Based Learning Units for the Everyday Teacher

Andrew MillerSeptember 26, 2011

Tags Biology, Brain Research, Game-Based Learning, Teacher Development, Technology Integration, Chemistry, Drama, All Grades, English Language Arts, Geography, History, Math, Music, Physical Education, Science, Visual Arts, World Language Learning

Game-based learning (GBL) is getting a lot press. It is an innovative practice that is working to engage kids in learning important 21st century skills and content. Dr. Judy Willis in a previous post wrote about the neurological benefits and rationale around using games for learning. She also gives tips about using the game model in the classroom. James Paul Gee has long been a champion for game-based learning in speeches, blogs, and books. Quest to Learn, located in New York City, infuses technology with game-based learning, where entire units utilize missions, boss levels, and the like for learning important standards. Here is the next step: taking these great rationales and examples and making it work for the everyday teacher.

Twenty Ideas for Engaging Projects

Suzie BossSeptember 12, 2011

Tags Classroom Technology, Curriculum, Project-Based Learning, Teacher Development, Technology Integration, All Grades, Science, World Language Learning

The start of the school year offers an ideal time to introduce students to project-based learning. By starting with engaging projects, you'll grab their interest while establishing a solid foundation of important skills, such as knowing how to conduct research, engage experts, and collaborate with peers. In honor of Edutopia's 20th anniversary, here are 20 project ideas to get learning off to a good start.