At its core, problem-based learning is an approach that offers students an authentic, open-ended, complex problem to solve, which requires applying curricular content. While there are many definitions of project- and problem-based learning, let me define them for the purpose of this blogpost. A “project” does not necessarily have to be open-ended; there is often […]
From Best Practices to Systems Practices
Albert Einstein is credited with saying, “I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they learn.” This speaks of the shift from teacher as the purveyor of information to that of an architect of a complex environment in which students learn; a shift from “teacher as ferry” to “teacher […]
Break the Cycle: Shifting the “How” of Math Instruction
In spite of mounting research on how the brain learns, math instruction often falls into the category of “we’ve always done it this way.” Guest blogger Shané Beauford shares her experiences in shifting math instruction . . . A mother is cooking a ham dinner. She cuts off the end of the ham, places the […]
Executive Function May Be the Missing Link
revised 11/29/23 For too long, executive function has been a term used primarily among special education professionals to discuss deficits, overlooked by mainstream educators as the path to achievement for all. Simply put, academic engagement that focuses on higher-order thinking and application is a door-opener for students! If students can thrive in academic rigor, they […]
Starting the School Year: Priming Plan vs. First ALU
Note: If you click on a link to the IDEportal and are a subscriber, log in; otherwise, click demo mode. The goal of engagement should be “minds-on” passionate entanglement with the task at hand. In the Learner-Active, Technology-Infused Classroom, we achieve engagement through the use of real-world, problem-based tasks to launch a unit. Given a […]