Lesson Planning

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing teaching and learning in today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape. But how can educators harness this technology effectively while maintaining their essential role in the classroom? This comprehensive “AI for Teachers” guide will walk you through a practical, step-by-step approach to integrating AI into your…

Do you hear students asking, “Is this going to be a grade, or why do I have to do this?”  It might be time to rethink factors that can influence student motivation. Research indicates that as students’ grade levels increase, school-related intrinsic motivation decreases strongly, suggesting the need for schools to create a more needs-supportive…

Have you ever posed a question to your class, only to be met with blank stares from some students while a few eager hands shoot up immediately? You’ve likely noticed the same students consistently volunteering while others remain quiet, avoiding eye contact. As educators, we’ve all faced the challenge of trying to engage everyone: the…

In Part 1 of this blog series, we explored the benefits of making mistakes as part of the learning process and how this applies to note-taking. While student mistakes have traditionally been viewed as something to avoid, modern research shows that embracing errors—especially when done deliberately—can significantly boost student engagement and retention. Building on that…

As educators, we have all encountered students who struggle with traditional testing methods. Many of us have wondered if there is a better way to assess student learning that goes beyond multiple-choice exams. In the immortal words of cartoonists Bob and Tom Thaves (Frank and Ernest), “School is mostly true-false and multiple choice but real…

In today’s school environment, fostering deep and engaging classroom discussions is essential for promoting critical thinking and student engagement. Traditional question-and-answer formats often limit the depth and engagement of these conversations. Teachers can use specific response strategies to encourage students to elaborate, justify their thinking, and engage in collaborative problem-solving to encourage more meaningful and…

Every new school year, teachers grapple with a crucial question: how to design their classroom for the optimal learning environment. While factors like assigned space and resources can vary, the start of the year offers a unique chance to design a room that fosters focus, engagement, and student success. This goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about…

In today’s classrooms, educators face a constant challenge: differentiate instruction to meet the needs of a diverse group of students. Small group instruction has emerged as a popular solution, promising a way to provide more individualized attention. However, many uncertainties remain: The key to unlocking the true potential of small groups lies in a crucial…

The world is changing rapidly, and the critical thinking skills needed to succeed in the workplace vastly differ from those of the past. Rote memorization and basic recall of facts are no longer enough. Today’s students need to be critical thinkers – able to analyze information, solve problems creatively, and collaborate effectively. Richard Riley, former…

In an ideal world, review isn’t just a pre-exam scramble! Instead, it is a thread that must be strategically woven throughout the school year, providing students with dedicated time for retrieval and practice, whether before end-of-year assessments or after a series of connected lessons. But how do we ensure our review strategies and classroom time…