Dinner Party: A small-group theatre project in which middle and high school students use questions about visitors and who would attend the dinner party to construct a guest list based on their learning curriculum. It may be used for any information.

Electronic Alphabet Books: A teaching concept in which alphabet-themed writing is written electronically and packed with in-depth study on the subject.

In My Mind’s Eye: A teaching concept in which students choose a content-related topic, discuss their project with the instructor, and photograph or video their thoughts.

Lyric Summaries: A teaching strategy in which students list the essentials they have learned in small groups. Each group summarizes their list, which becomes the new lyrics to their selected song. The class then hears the group sing their Lyric Summary.

Meeting of the Minds:  A small-group theatre practice where players are interrogated by a “host” who is generally competent in history, science, mathematics, or literature. It may be used for any information.

What is Rapping for Review?: It is a teaching method in which students produce rap songs to demonstrate their understanding and opinions about the material they have learned.

Repeated Phrase Collaborative Poems: A sort of poem composed by students, generally in small groups, using three brief excerpts from a book chapter or a content-related novel that they found particularly relevant. The students write a repeating phrase that they place after each paragraph they choose.

Snapshots of History: It is a teaching concept in which students use an image of a historical event to create a tableau—a portrayal of a scene with groups of individuals who are stationary and silent—and then write a narrative in the first-person from the viewpoint of a specific person in their tableau.

Student-Authored Electronic Informational Books: A teaching method in which students write books to convey their concepts rather than submitting standard reports. For example, the students may investigate a significant area of their present studies and communicate their findings in a novel way—by writing a book.

Student-Created Electronic Picture Books: A teaching concept in which students use their knowledge and creativity to create non-traditional forms such as Electronic Alphabet Books and Student-Authored Electronic Informational Books to convey their views and topic area research.

What did we overlook?

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One of the benefits of using 1:1 technology in the classroom is that it allows students to have more individualized instruction. This can be particularly beneficial for students who are struggling in class or who need more individualized help.

1:1 technology can also be useful for students who need more practice with a certain subject. With 1:1 technology, teachers can provide more individualized instruction and help students to practice specific skills.

Overall, 1:1 technology is a great way to improve student learning. It can provide more individualized instruction, help students to practice specific skills, and provide support for students who are struggling in class.

The post Using 1:1 (One-To-One) Technology In The Classroom appeared first on The Tech Edvocate.

1. Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a technique used by educators to reinforce positive behavior in students. This technique involves rewarding good behavior and ignoring negative behavior. Positive reinforcement can be as simple as verbal praise or a sticker. This type of reinforcement is an effective way to improve the behavior of students.

For example, if a student is constantly participating in class, a teacher might praise that student’s behavior by saying, “I’m really impressed with your participation. Keep up the great work!” This will encourage the student to continue participating in class.

In addition to this, positive reinforcement can also be used to build relationships with students. It helps create a positive and supportive classroom environment that encourages students to thrive.

2. Redirection

Another classroom management strategy is redirection. This technique involves redirecting a student’s attention to something else when they are exhibiting negative behavior. This can be done by changing the subject, asking a question or providing a task or activity that will keep the student engaged.

For example, if a student is talking loudly during class, a teacher may redirect their attention by saying, “Can you help me pass these worksheets out to the class?” This will keep the student engaged in a task and help them refocus their energy.

Redirection is an effective technique for teachers because it allows them to address negative behavior without disrupting the learning environment. It also helps students build a sense of responsibility and self-control.

3. Consistency

Consistency is another important classroom management strategy that teachers must practice in order to create an organized and effective learning environment. Consistency involves setting clear expectations and consequences for behavior and ensuring that they are consistently enforced.

For example, if a teacher has a rule that students should not use their phones during class, they need to consistently enforce that rule. This means that every time a student is caught using their phone, there should be a consequence. This will send a clear message to students that the rules are important and will be consistently enforced.

Consistency helps create a sense of order and structure in the classroom, which can lead to improved behavior and academic performance. It also helps students understand what is expected of them and how they are expected to behave.

In conclusion, understanding and implementing classroom management strategies is essential for any teacher. Positive reinforcement, redirection, and consistency are just a few of the many techniques that can help create a positive learning environment and improve student behavior. By using these strategies, teachers can create a classroom that is organized, supportive, and conducive to learning.  

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These aspects have become greatly influenced by the interactions in the classroom environment. It is therefore critical that teachers be aware of this fact and that there is something that can be done to ensure that students are happy and satisfied in the classroom. You can introduce a relatively new strategy in learning, known as positive psychology.

Psychology Today defines positive Psychology as a “branch of psychology focused on the character strengths and behaviors that allow individuals to build a life of meaning and purpose – to move beyond surviving to flourish.” Positive psychology focuses on fulfillment and seeks to give a sense of purpose to one’s life.

An effective classroom discipline model with room for student engagement creates room for an optimistic approach to progress. Students thrive and produce the best results in a solid classroom structure where they feel safe and included. Positive psychology is a strategy that aims at unlocking one’s full potential.

Here are ways in which we can exploit positive psychology to get the best possible outcomes in the classroom;

To successfully implement any strategy is a firm structure. For the best possible results, there needs to be an established classroom management model that actually works. Otherwise, introducing positive psychology will not have the intended outcome.

A positive approach to discipline- normalizing positive reinforcements such as rewarding disciplined students and those that make an extra effort in the classroom to encourage a culture of positive behavior in the classroom.

1. Giving the students room for expressing themselves creatively, encouraging them to pursue their interests alongside academics through class projects, etc. 
2. Give students a say in classroom matters to make them feel included.
3. Promoting social skills through coming up with group assignments, encouraging oral expressions, and essay writing. This should be done to encourage students to connect with the teacher as well as their peers.
4. Teaching students to be aware and appreciative of one another as well as the present moment. Instilling mindfulness in children is believed to contribute positively to their emotional and social wellbeing. 
5. Understanding each child, knowing their needs, strengths, and weaknesses, and putting emphasis on their strengths. Getting involved in their progress and encouraging them through each step.

All these strategies should be undertaken consistently to ensure that students get the most out of their time in the classroom and consequently thrive.

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Teaching and running a classroom are two very different tasks, both of which complement each other and contribute greatly to the overall academic performance of the class. New educators may feel well-prepared for the challenges that come with the job, and they may even come with their preformed doctrines and opinions of how a classroom ought to run. Just like life, not all things go as planned. Educators make mistakes, get overwhelmed by the harsh realities, and learn from these situations.

Oftentimes the goal of any educator is to academically nurture their students to become the best they possibly can be. Classroom discipline plays a significant role in achieving this. Not much can be done without this aspect. With a range of discipline models to choose from, it boils down to personal values. These models are only as good as those implementing them

Models provide a guide to how a classroom should be managed. The model selected should be objective and inclusive. It is important for educators to learn themselves, their students, and also from other educators in order to understand their position as well as to establish the best possible discipline model. 

Interaction between the teacher and the students gives more insight into what works better for the classroom. It also makes students feel more included, creates room for conversation, and establishes trust. Students are more disciplined in an environment where they feel heard and seen as opposed to an authoritarian classroom dynamic.

Educators who have been at it for a while may be of great help to new teachers, providing guidance and discipline strategies that may have previously worked for them. It also helps to do a little research into various approaches to classroom discipline and their possible outcomes.

Running a classroom also entails keeping records of indicators of a lack of discipline such as; not paying attention, low-level disruptions, as well as aggression, determining the root cause of these incidences, and identifying ways to deal with the situations in the most nurturing way. The strategies employed to deal with classroom indiscipline should be well thought out and the impact examined. These strategies could take the form of

1. Positive punishment, which may include counseling and extra assignments
2. Negative punishment such as taking away the student’s privileges such as recess
3. Negative reinforcements oftentimes involve taking away the cause of distraction, for example, the student’s phone.

Educating and running a classroom is a tasking and delicate affair which involves a lot of learning, patience, and commitment. The rewards, however, make the work all worth it.

The post Learning From Your Mistakes and Building Classroom Discipline appeared first on The Tech Edvocate.

If you are tempted to jump on this bandwagon, you will need to decide how you plan on incorporating technology into your lessons. This article will discuss 4 models of blended learning that you could consider for your classroom. 

Rotation Model Of Blended Learning

Students will have to move between classroom-based learning modalities or stations in a rotation model of blended learning. The groups could involve students working in pairs, individually, or with the teacher. 

For example, one station could involve a section of the class being taught work by the educator. Another station could involve students completing practice activities on computers or tablets. And lastly, the final station could involve the students watching a video based on the work. 

Flex Model Of Blended Learning

The flex model of blended learning is the most expensive method as it involves most, if not all, of the students in the class owning their own electronic device. This enables the students to complete all class activities, homework assignments, and exams on the devices. 

Educators can use online textbooks and digital worksheets to teach lessons. However, it is essential that they still communicate and go through the work with the students. In other words, students should not be completing assignments by relying solely on technology, and without the help of teachers. 

A La Carte Model Of Blended Learning

The A La Carte model of blended learning incorporates online learning with physical schooling. Students can enroll in additional online classes, offering them more flexibility and convenience. 

In this model, teachers offer their students extra virtual classes to solidify the understanding of work. There are plenty of resources that can be used to supplement this style of education. For example, the new Pedagogue app will allow educators to teach their students via video conferencing calls and audio chats. If you would like to learn more about Pedagogue, you can visit their online website. 

Enriched Virtual Model Of Blended Learning

The enriched virtual model of blended learning allows students to be taught work during face-to-face lessons. They can then complete any practice activities or assignments while at home or anywhere outside of the classroom. 

There are plenty of advantages and disadvantages to this model of blended learning. While students have much more flexibility and convenience when it comes to their work, they will also not have the guidance and assistance of an educator when there is a problem. 

Concluding Thoughts

If you are thinking of incorporating blended learning into your classroom, you will need to decide on a model. 

The rotation model of blended learning involves students moving between classroom-based learning modalities or stations. The flex model involves most students in the classroom having their own electronic devices – they can then use them to complete any work assignments. 

The A La Carte model allows students to enroll in additional online classes. Lastly, the enriched virtual model of blended learning will enable students to complete all of their school work in their own time and away from the classroom.

The post 4 Models Of Blended Learning To Implement In The Classroom appeared first on The Tech Edvocate.

Educators Don’t See It as Necessary

Many of the educators of today are still the educators of yesteryear. And, really, yesteryear isn’t that long ago. Our world has changed a lot in a small number of years. As such, these educators believe that technology in the classroom is more of a hindrance than a help. This is a correct assumption in a few cases. However, EdTech, as I said, goes a long way toward improving the learning of our students today.

So what can be done about this? Administrators need to help their teachers to understand that technology is slowly transforming the classroom as it transforms our world. Educators need training on the benefits of technology in the classroom. At this point, they will see it for the asset it is. 

However, educators do need to be trained on how frequently to use technology and when not to use it. EdTech can become a hindrance if used incorrectly and at the wrong times. At this point, it can become an obstacle rather than an asset.

Educators Receive No Training

Many educators find themselves in a classroom where they are told, “Use this technology,” yet they are not trained on how to use it or are trained insufficiently. Training takes money, and schools are strapped as it is.

Rather than merely throwing new EdTech at teachers and expecting them to throw it back out at the students, the administration needs to invest the time in training their teachers in the technological advances as they happen. Administrators can do this through staff meetings, one-on-one, or through an LMS.

Educators Receive Inadequate Training

The educators who do receive the much-needed training on new technology often receive it in the means of “this is how to work this piece EdTech.” They learn where the “on/off” button is, how to make images appear, and how to reset it for another student’s use when what they need is training in how to use it to teach their students. This, of course, leaves the teachers grasping for answers as to what they are to do next.

Those training the teachers should be pedagogical experts rather than technical gurus. This way, the teachers can receive instruction and examples on using the technology in the classroom. During the training sessions, the teachers should also have time for hands-on learning to practice using the new technology in an educational setting.

The Technology Isn’t Integrated

Many educators who have the proper training are reluctant to use technology in the classroom because their syllabus doesn’t incorporate the EdTech into the curriculum. Instead, they must find extra places to stick it, adding extra work on the students and adding extra time in where there is no time to spare.

When administrators order new technology for the classroom, they also need to purchase new syllabi that have the EdTech integrated into the daily learning schedule in a way that it will help the educator and students to achieve their goals for the day.

There Are Unrealistic Expectations

It’s easy for the EdTech salespeople to give the administration and the teachers the false impression that just placing their technology in the classroom will transform the learners into a classroom full of overachievers. In trying to sell their EdTech, they push the propaganda that the addition of this technology will magically transform education as they know it classroom by classroom.

The truth is that technology will merely give the educators another tool—a better tool, with which to teach their students. It will not magically turn students into super kids. It takes work on the teacher’s side and an understanding of how to properly use the education in the classroom.

Administrators can tackle this problem by being careful not to set these unrealistic expectations. They can also train their educators, helping them to understand the amount of effort that must be put into the use of EdTech to get the most benefit out of it. This way, the teachers will not have unrealistic expectations either.

Conclusion

Yes. Some educators are still reluctant to use technology in the classroom. Given these obstacles, can you blame them? However, there are ways to combat these reasons that I presented in this article. If administrators and educators stand together to tackle the problem, then we can conquer this reluctancy.

The post Why Are Some Educators Still Reluctant to Use Technology in the Classroom? appeared first on The Tech Edvocate.

If you are tempted to jump on this bandwagon, you will need to decide how you plan on incorporating technology into your lessons. This article will discuss 4 models of blended learning that you could consider for your classroom. 

Rotation Model Of Blended Learning

Students will have to move between classroom-based learning modalities or stations in a rotation model of blended learning. The groups could involve students working in pairs, individually, or with the teacher. 

For example, one station could involve a section of the class being taught work by the educator. Another station could involve students completing practice activities on computers or tablets. And lastly, the final station could involve the students watching a video based on the work. 

Flex Model Of Blended Learning

The flex model of blended learning is the most expensive method as it involves most, if not all, of the students in the class owning their own electronic device. This enables the students to complete all class activities, homework assignments, and exams on the devices. 

Educators can use online textbooks and digital worksheets to teach lessons. However, it is essential that they still communicate and go through the work with the students. In other words, students should not be completing assignments by relying solely on technology, and without the help of teachers. 

A La Carte Model Of Blended Learning

The A La Carte model of blended learning incorporates online learning with physical schooling. Students can enroll in additional online classes, offering them more flexibility and convenience. 

In this model, teachers offer their students extra virtual classes to solidify the understanding of work. There are plenty of resources that can be used to supplement this style of education. For example, the new Pedagogue app will allow educators to teach their students via video conferencing calls and audio chats. If you would like to learn more about Pedagogue, you can visit their online website. 

Enriched Virtual Model Of Blended Learning

The enriched virtual model of blended learning allows students to be taught work during face-to-face lessons. They can then complete any practice activities or assignments while at home or anywhere outside of the classroom. 

There are plenty of advantages and disadvantages to this model of blended learning. While students have much more flexibility and convenience when it comes to their work, they will also not have the guidance and assistance of an educator when there is a problem. 

Concluding Thoughts

If you are thinking of incorporating blended learning into your classroom, you will need to decide on a model. 

The rotation model of blended learning involves students moving between classroom-based learning modalities or stations. The flex model involves most students in the classroom having their own electronic devices – they can then use them to complete any work assignments. 

The A La Carte model allows students to enroll in additional online classes. Lastly, the enriched virtual model of blended learning will enable students to complete all of their school work in their own time and away from the classroom.

The post 4 Models Of Blended Learning To Implement In The Classroom appeared first on The Tech Edvocate.

With the help of certain materials, tools, or just room rearrangements, teachers create a new world view through their classrooms. Flexible learning spaces, personalized learning paths, or community partnerships are just a few of their successful approaches.

In one common scenario, for instance, student-centered learning has become quite common. This classroom system promotes student engagement and responsibility for their learning outcomes. In most cases, centers are set up that involve practice and review that are focused around one particular lesson objective. The student engagement within this learning process has shown impressive results, confirming the positive change in the classroom.

Some of the changes occurring within the 21st-century classroom are also seen directly through the furniture. Of course, based on the students’ age, not every trend or set-up would apply; however, the flexible seating allows for various activities, thus giving teachers the possibility to change the learning environment and therefore make it less “detached” and more student-friendly.

With this idea in mind, here are five suggestions which can be a great starting point for modifications to your classroom and improving the learning environment for your students:

•       Bean Bag Seats – The bean bag chair is one of the top popular choices for flexible seating arrangements. However, the bright colors and design won’t pose a distraction for students.

•       Stability Balls – Also known as exercise or yoga balls, the stability balls allow the kids to gently bounce while seated, all while encouraging good posture. Teachers can also get stability balls that have inflatable bases so can keep the balls from rolling away.

•       Cushions or Mats – As every student have a unique way of learning (and even sitting) teachers will often find that a simple mat or a cushion can be a popular choice among students within the flexible seating classrooms. These are also ideal for a reading corner.

•       Standing Desks – Although standing desks are known for their popularity in offices, their presence is growing in schools as well. Since the benefits are numerous while their impact on overall performance tends to be unmistakable, standing desks work well for both the classroom and a lab.

•       AlphaBetter Stand-up Desks – This version differs from the option above because of its built-in storage. These desks also come with a swinging footrest bar that allows students to redirect their excess energy and engage in constant motion.

Along with options for seating, you can also incorporate unique writing spaces such as:

·         Whiteboard Tables—The table-top is covered in material for a dry-erase space for notes, collaborative problem solving, and short written responses

·         Personal whiteboards—Again, these are ideal for vocabulary practice, equations, and other exercises where short responses are required.

As you can see the classroom of the 21^st century hinges on some degree of creativity and a lot of insight into your students’ learning styles and personalities, but in this process, you’ll also find out just how rewarding it can be to create the perfect space where your students can grow, learn, and succeed.

The post Smart Classroom Furniture for the 21st Century Students appeared first on The Tech Edvocate.

Education is one such sphere of society that we are still trying to enhance with technology. As we have made progress, education and classroom learning have been slow to accept change, but it’s getting there. In fact, with the comparatively small amount of progress we’ve made, we are already asking the question – will we even need physical classrooms in the future?

We’ll answer this question by looking at the advantages and disadvantages of e-learning and seeing if it’s something that could replace traditional classrooms. Look here for a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages.

E-learning and the Use of Technology in Education

E-learning is often the first thing people look at when looking to expand beyond the traditional learning environment. It is essentially merging the conventional learning classroom aspects with newer technology, such as social media, video games, and other electronic mediums. Applications and tools such as Pedagogue exist to help in this endeavor by providing educators the tools to create an LMS or Learning Management System.

The Advantages of E-learning

There are some significant advantages to e-learning, especially with these new generations of tech-savvy children and teens. The most notable benefit is personalized learning for many children who would typically find it challenging to traditionally engage and grapple with concepts. E-learning allows you to be more personally involved with your students’ teaching and gives them alternative ways to approach subjects and ideas.

This means that your students are more likely to learn and achieve more thanks to a better learning environment for that particular student. However, e-learning isn’t for everyone, so you need to make sure that your online classes are as accessible as possible.

The Disadvantages of E-learning

While e-learning creates new opportunities for students to achieve, it also presents more opportunities for them not to succeed. First and foremost, among the disadvantages is the accessibility of e-learning. Not everyone can take part in online classes, and not everyone can handle e-learning well. It isn’t for everyone, but it’s always possible to personalize the education for those who aren’t doing well with this medium.

There is also a significant amount of reliance on the student’s responsibility. As a teacher, you have to expect your students to remain focused on their lessons, despite their environment not supporting focus, such as their bedroom. It’s almost an entire shift in the environment, and that can be difficult for many.

Concluding Thoughts

So will we still need classrooms for K-12 students? The honest answer is that there is no way to tell at the moment. The use of technology in education is still a very young concept, so there are still many kinks to iron out. 

However, it is already proving to be an excellent supplementary tool that could mean that physical classrooms may not be phased out entirely. Still, there will be less reliance on traditional learning methods in classrooms.

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