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20 Strategies to Use Right Now for Teaching Middle School

Educational Data Systems

Middle school is all about the moment, and when you’ve got a toolkit of strategies to use, you’ll be ready for anything.

These twenty strategies will get you started.

Instruction

  1. Keep a supply of Post-it notes handy. Use them to create impromptu bar graphs, create a “parking lot” for questions, or as notes on which to write answers for an “exit ticket.”
  2. Be yourself. Kids will love you if you show that you’re human.
  3. Share your excitement. If you’re passionate about what you’re teaching, your students will be excited, too.
  4. Allow for choice. Ask your students to do the even problems or the odd ones. Let them pick the writing topic or determine whether to create a slideshow or a video.
  5. Rely on routine, but add novelty. Middle-schoolers still need predictable routines, but they also love surprises. Rewards, stories, and small treats fit the bill.
  6. Plan your lessons, but always have one perfect lesson to fall back on when things don’t go right.
  7. Take advantage of the middle school student’s need to socialize by encouraging 60-second conversations with an “elbow partner.” Ask an open-ended question related to the lesson and let them discuss it.
  8. Read aloud to your students. Middle school students still like being read to. Try a poem, a quick anecdote or an expository paragraph. Model the way you want them to experience the text.
  9. Teach using multiple modalities. Middle school students tend to be kinesthetic and tactile learners, so create activities that get kids moving.
  10. Use games to review before a test.
  11. Allow students to add doodles and drawing to their notes. These pictures help the visual learner retain information.
  12. Be random. Add a surprise picture to a slideshow you use in your instruction. Kids enjoy seeing sports figures, celebrities, and even animals doing crazy things.
  13. Give feedback. Not every assignment may require a grade, but students need to know you’re evaluating their work, or they’ll quit doing it.

Classroom Management

  1. Have one reliable attention-getter, and use it consistently. Try cues like “If you can hear the sound of my voice clap once” or count backward to silence from five (5, 4, 3, 2, 1 . . . Shh!)
  2. Provide the plan. Middle school students like to do things on their own, but they need to see the steps you want them to take. Show each phase of a project or give specific directions for an assignment.
  3. Allow for laughter. Life is funny. So is middle school. Find and enjoy the humor, as long as you don’t let anyone laugh at another person.
  4. Get kids moving. Students at this age need to move as much as they need to socialize. Have everyone stand up/sit down when answering questions.
  5. Find positives and share them. Please take a few minutes each day to call parents and let them know something good about their child.
  6. Soften the lights, especially the day before holiday break or during inclement weather. By avoiding the use of fluorescent lighting in your classroom, you’ll help students feel less agitated.
  7. Enforce your rules consistently. Model the behavior you want from your students. If they aren’t supposed to yell in the classroom, you shouldn’t be doing it, either.

With these tips, both your students and you will enjoy class and get more out of the lessons.

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Empathy-building ideas for your classroom

It’s not always easy to see someone else’s perspective. Anyone who tries to see from another viewpoint has to take into consideration another person’s past experiences and current emotions.

Understanding what another person is going through requires empathy, which is a learned characteristic.

Recognize types of empathy

Psychologists recognize two kinds of empathy, affective and cognitive.

  • Shared emotional response: Laughter, tears, and high-fives are forms of empathetic shared response. When one person experiences an emotion and elicits a response to that emotion, and another person mimics the same shared response, they have exhibited affective empathy. The experience is often visceral and spontaneous.
  • Perspective taking: Cognitive empathy takes place when a person can imagine what it’s like to be in the shoes of another person. When someone else laughs, cries, or celebrates, an empathetic person who takes their perspective understands why the other person is experiencing those emotions.

Here’s how to develop empathy in your students:

Teach students how to interpret facial expressions

Young children often have a difficult time with empathy. Children who do not learn how to read faces accurately may be less likely to learn how to show empathy as they grow older. They do not understand that particular emotions may cause physiological changes. For example, emotions can cause changes in heart rate, pupil size, and even body temperature.

To teach students how to read faces, show pictures of faces expressing different emotions. Discuss the similarities and differences. Then ask students to make the same faces and notice how the faces make them feel.

Use project-based learning

Sterile assignments with little to no real-world relevance will not encourage empathy. It’s difficult to feel a connection with a random name or event used in a worksheet.

Journalism advisor Michael Hernandez has discovered that real empathy develops from authentic learning experiences, like those in project-based learning. That’s why he took his student to Cambodia. He designed the trip to hone their journalism skills and teach social justice. As a result, students developed greater empathy for those around them.

You don’t have to take your students overseas to develop empathy. Look for opportunities in your own community.

Teach point of view

A new perspective can be what your students need to develop empathy. Not everyone in the world thinks the same, nor do they have the same feelings in similar situations.

To show your students how people see things differently, teach point of view. Diverse perspectives can be found in narratives, poems, and songs. They appear in literature and art. You’ll find them in other content areas as well, including mathematics, social studies, and science.

Model the empathetic behavior you want to see

One of the best ways to teach empathy is to be empathetic. By modeling your concern and compassion for others, you are showing your students what it’s like to be empathetic. That means having positive regard for others in and out of the classroom. Discuss the feelings of characters in the stories you read together, find common ground, and provide a safe environment for expressing differences.

Children who develop empathy are more likely to develop strong relationships with others. They adapt more easily in a variety of social situations, and they are more likely to be problem-solvers.

Empathy is a skill our students cannot do without.

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Can Robotics Teach Problem Solving to Students?

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential to success at university and in later life. However, the traditional classroom model has done a poor job of imparting these skills to students. The way children have learned in the classroom for generations has focused on lectures and worksheets. Past generations would depend on group sports, clubs and teenage jobs to impart these vital skills onto students.

However, new ideas suggest that robotics may hold the key to teaching problem-solving skills to students. Using robots to teach real-world skills may be a strange concept, but is it worth exploring? We think so and here’s why.

How Robotics Influences Problem Solving

The inclusion of robotics coursework in school requires students to understand fundamental problems and how to overcome them. This is done through brainstorming in a group setting or trial and error for individuals. Applying the concepts of math and science to real life applications is an important concept for students.

Much like in real life situations, students are taught to use their explorative mind. Instead of memorizing theorems, and answers they are encouraged to find new ways to solve the same equations. Additionally, the incorporation of team exercises helps children understand how enlisting others can lead to resolutions.

In real world application, problems are often solved through a combination of approaches. No one formula will be universally helpful. For that reason, it’s imperative for students to master the skill of problem-solving to succeed in higher education and their career paths.

Results of Studies

According to a June 2017 article on Roboterra, robotics courses serve many practical purposes in education. From engaging students in active learning to promoting problem-solving skills. Students are instructed how to analyze data and design trials to work towards a goal. Additionally, group exercises require students to value cooperative thinking and learn how to present their ideas to peers.

The views represented in that article are supported by findings of a 2012 study on the effects of robotics on students’ problem-solving skills. The study showed that before undertaking the course, only 40% of students would work on a difficult problem until resolution. Meanwhile, over 75% of students would work until a problem was solved after completing a robotics course.

A December 2015 report published by Taylor & Francis Online, explored the efficacy of teaching problem solving before programming in Robotics. The study group found the course rated highly for student satisfaction, over 92%. It was suggested that further exploration of problem-solving skills would garner better results. Thus cementing the idea that Robotics and problem solving are co-dependent of each other.

Incorporating Robotics into Your Curriculum

Accepting the idea that robotics can help teach problem-solving to students is one thing. However, how do we utilize that information? The key is developing a curriculum which encourages children to think creatively and come up with unique solutions.

The first key to this model of teaching is formulating your expectations. Students need to understand that there can be more than one correct answer to any given task. It’s paramount to encourage students to experiment with ideas. If one fails, they need to be instructed how to extrapolate information from that failure to steer them towards future success.

The next idea to incorporate into your method is how you determine success. Students should be graded on their application of theory, teamwork, communication of ideas, and the development of their solutions. This isn’t a course where the robot’s functionality will harm your students’ grades.

Another consideration is that students will be unfamiliar with robots. Starting small with building projects and models will allow them to gain comfort with the problem-solving portion of the course. Once you have covered the foundations, you can move to simple robots.

The last tenant to employ in your classrooms is group review. After each project, examine the progress, discuss the process, and brainstorm possible solutions for issues. This suggests to students that the task is not over and was not a failure.

Overall, to succeed in life children must be willing to try multiple solutions to one problem. The use of robotics in school can elevate understanding of problem-solving techniques and eliminate the fear of failure for students.

Have you used robotics in k-12 education? What is the best beginner robotics lesson you’ve had? We want to hear your experiences!

I don’t see were you transition from the introduction to the body of the article.

 

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Should Your Child Repeat Kindergarten?

By the end of their first year of formal schooling, your child should have a solid grasp on a few key concepts. Unfortunately, many parents aren’t always aware of what those benchmarks are at the end of the year. Some children could benefit from having another year to better develop some of these social and academic markers.

If you have some hesitation regarding whether your child is truly ready for the next stage of schooling, you will want to know these kindergarten-specific milestones.

Independence

Most children already have an increasing grasp on independence as they enter into formal schooling. If your child struggled with independence at the beginning of kindergarten, it’s time to reevaluate whether or not he has really improved. Your child should easily be able to dress themselves and go to the bathroom without an adult’s help.

Perhaps more significantly, a young child going into the first grade should be able to have some separation from their parents or caregivers. A child who still cries incessantly and refuses to be comforted following parental separation probably isn’t emotionally ready for the next step. An extra year to develop this skill could prove helpful.

Improved Social Skills

They may not have made lifelong friends at this stage, but a child heading into the first grade should be making headway on key social skills. Sharing and taking turns are both critical as children advance in grade level, but less common things should be taken into account also. For example, does your child recognize and respond to feelings in other individuals?

As the kindergarten year comes to a close, try spending time in your child’s classroom to evaluate their social skills. Speak with their teacher if volunteering isn’t an option for you. Make sure that they’ve made significant gains when it comes to making friends and socializing. If socialization is a struggle for your child, holding them back for another year may be a good idea.

Following Directions

By the end of kindergarten, your child should be able to move from following simple one-step directions to obeying two-step instructions. Their communication skills should also be growing as your child learns the proper way to hold a conversation with teachers and peers. Consistent confusion when it comes to following two-step directions should be a sign that retention is necessary. Similarly, muddled conversations are also a telltale sign that your child could benefit from an extra year in kindergarten.

Letter, Number, Shape, and Color Recognition

Everyone will ultimately learn at a different pace in these beginning stages of education. However, there are some fairly firm guidelines about what kindergarteners should know by the end of the year. Your child should recognize letters (both capital and lowercase), know letter sounds, and be able to count to ten or higher. Other core skills include recognizing shapes and colors.

Spelling and reading skills may begin to develop during kindergarten. Writing their name should be considered an essential skill, even if they still struggle with sight words.

Fine and Gross Motor Skills

Some children naturally have more athletic ability than others. At a basic level, all children leaving kindergarten should have some basic fine and gross motor skills though. Essential fine motor skills include the ability to hold a crayon or pencil properly and to cut with scissors. Pasting and gluing should also be possible for your child.

When it comes to physical education, your child doesn’t need to be the fastest runner or the strongest athlete. They should be able to hop up and down on one foot to demonstrate some basic balance and coordination. Running and jumping are good indicators of how well gross motor skills are developing. If either area seems lacking compared to peers, you may want to consider holding your child back a year.

Kindergarten retention isn’t an uncommon practice. All children will develop at their own rate with some being more advanced than others. Giving your child an extra year to catch up to their peers will give them a better chance at success socially and academically. First grade can wait an extra year until your child has better building blocks for the future.

 

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Should Your Child Repeat Kindergarten?

By the end of their first year of formal schooling, your child should have a solid grasp on a few key concepts. Unfortunately, many parents aren’t always aware of what those benchmarks are at the end of the year. Some children could benefit from having another year to better develop some of these social and academic markers.

If you have some hesitation regarding whether your child is truly ready for the next stage of schooling, you will want to know these kindergarten-specific milestones.

Independence

Most children already have an increasing grasp on independence as they enter into formal schooling. If your child struggled with independence at the beginning of kindergarten, it’s time to reevaluate whether or not he has really improved. Your child should easily be able to dress themselves and go to the bathroom without an adult’s help.

Perhaps more significantly, a young child going into the first grade should be able to have some separation from their parents or caregivers. A child who still cries incessantly and refuses to be comforted following parental separation probably isn’t emotionally ready for the next step. An extra year to develop this skill could prove helpful.

Improved Social Skills

They may not have made lifelong friends at this stage, but a child heading into the first grade should be making headway on key social skills. Sharing and taking turns are both critical as children advance in grade level, but less common things should be taken into account also. For example, does your child recognize and respond to feelings in other individuals?

As the kindergarten year comes to a close, try spending time in your child’s classroom to evaluate their social skills. Speak with their teacher if volunteering isn’t an option for you. Make sure that they’ve made significant gains when it comes to making friends and socializing. If socialization is a struggle for your child, holding them back for another year may be a good idea.

Following Directions

By the end of kindergarten, your child should be able to move from following simple one-step directions to obeying two-step instructions. Their communication skills should also be growing as your child learns the proper way to hold a conversation with teachers and peers. Consistent confusion when it comes to following two-step directions should be a sign that retention is necessary. Similarly, muddled conversations are also a telltale sign that your child could benefit from an extra year in kindergarten.

Letter, Number, Shape, and Color Recognition

Everyone will ultimately learn at a different pace in these beginning stages of education. However, there are some fairly firm guidelines about what kindergarteners should know by the end of the year. Your child should recognize letters (both capital and lowercase), know letter sounds, and be able to count to ten or higher. Other core skills include recognizing shapes and colors.

Spelling and reading skills may begin to develop during kindergarten. Writing their name should be considered an essential skill, even if they still struggle with sight words.

Fine and Gross Motor Skills

Some children naturally have more athletic ability than others. At a basic level, all children leaving kindergarten should have some basic fine and gross motor skills though. Essential fine motor skills include the ability to hold a crayon or pencil properly and to cut with scissors. Pasting and gluing should also be possible for your child.

When it comes to physical education, your child doesn’t need to be the fastest runner or the strongest athlete. They should be able to hop up and down on one foot to demonstrate some basic balance and coordination. Running and jumping are good indicators of how well gross motor skills are developing. If either area seems lacking compared to peers, you may want to consider holding your child back a year.

Kindergarten retention isn’t an uncommon practice. All children will develop at their own rate with some being more advanced than others. Giving your child an extra year to catch up to their peers will give them a better chance at success socially and academically. First grade can wait an extra year until your child has better building blocks for the future.

 

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5 Major Benefits of Blended Learning

Modern classrooms are slowly taking a new approach to imparting wisdom and knowledge to the upcoming generation. Traditional classroom teaching techniques are giving way to a new system of blended learning. Teachers who are embracing this new classroom style are easily reaping the benefits of having their old methods enhanced with the use of new technology. Overall, it’s the students who will benefit from this unique method of academia.

Are you still unconvinced that blended learning is the way of the future? Take a look at these five major benefits of blended learning that are certain to change your mind.

Blended learning is more efficient.

Years ago, a teacher may have spent days explaining a math concept with an overhead projector. It was difficult to assess student understanding and engagement using these dry methods. Today, blended learning can help teachers to more accurately assess the student’s knowledge and help to teach concepts more efficiently. It is said that blended learning improves the efficacy and efficiency of the entire learning process.

Blended learning makes education more accessible.  

With traditional teaching methods, educational materials were only available during classroom hours. Students may have been able to take their textbooks home with them, but they didn’t have a way to actually interact with or engage the material. With new learning apps and other technological advances, they have more flexibility to access and engage academia from home. This accessibility could translate to a much greater interest in learning and more successful outcomes.

Students can pace themselves.

Blended learning that uses apps, games, or measurable programs to teach concepts allows students to engage the material at their own pace. This helps to balance a classroom that contains both quick and slow learners. Every student can practice and tackle new material with timing that is perfect just for them. It can promote deeper learning, reduce stress, and increase student satisfaction.

Teachers can become more engaged with their students.

Blended learning presents an increased opportunity for students to connect with their professors and teachers. They can connect via email, through progress reports on the program, or on message boards. This learning style promotes a number of effective means for teachers and students to become more engaged with one another. In the end, both parties can benefit from this shift in the relationship. Teachers can stay in touch with student progress, while students can ask more questions and gain deeper knowledge.

This method is more fun for everyone.

Students used to dread the lengthy lectures and boring seminars that comprised their academic day. Now, they find that learning can be more fun which is extremely advantageous to all involved parties. An entire generation of students who discover that blended learning can be fun could shape the future of education. Students may be more apt to pursue higher education if they have a positive experience with learning in their formative years. Fun shouldn’t be underestimated as one of the many benefits of blended learning.

Changing the norm of traditional teaching tactics can be challenging, particularly for seasoned teachers. However, the new blended learning experience has some extremely advantageous properties. Find out what your students could be missing out on without this teaching tactic. In the end, it is better for both students and teachers to make good use of all the technology available in a modern classroom.

 

 

 

 

 

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10 Must-Have Apps for Families

If you are like most families, your schedules are jam-packed. Keeping track of all the needs of your family members is an overwhelming task. Recognizing the constant struggles parents face daily, app makers have created tools to make your family life pleasant. With these apps, your family will be more organized and connected.

  1. Cozi

Cozi is a top-rated organizational app that can be synced across numerous devices. It keeps track of everyone’s calendars, to-do lists, grocery lists, and more. For example, parents can easily see who is taking which child to which after-school activity.

  1. Remember the Milk

Remember the Milk app is a list app that works for busy people making shopping and planning easier. It can be synced across multiple devices, as well as set up to send family members notifications and reminders.

  1. Mint

Along with all the shopping families do, the Mint app is a must-have because it helps families manage their money by creating budgets, keeping track of spending and paying bills.

  1. LaLa Lunchbox

For parents struggling with packing lunches for their kids, LaLa Lunchbox is a great app that allows both parents and their children to plan healthy meals. Your kids will enjoy “feeding” the monster, and you will enjoy seeing them eat healthy meals.

  1. Choremonster

Choremonster is a fun technological approach to the old-fashioned chore charts. The fun app allows parents to manage their children’s chores and rewards.

  1. Winnie

Winnie is a must-have app for families because it is specifically designed to help families find places and events that are kid-friendly. Unlike other online maps, Winnie focuses on parks, playgrounds, and family-friendly restaurants.

  1. Life 360

For families with older children, Life 360 is an excellent app for keeping up with your loved ones’ locations and communicating with them. The app shows the family a map and the location of the family members in their private circle.

  1. Kids Media

The Kids Media app is developed by Common Sense Media, which is a website that provides parents reviews of movies, television shows, books, apps, video games, and websites. In addition to the reviews, it also includes clear rating systems for parents to help them decide which materials are appropriate for their families.

  1. Babysitter Pro

The Babysitting Pro Activity Log app is a must-have for parents who utilize babysitters, nannies, or other childcare services. It allows parents to communicate with their child’s caregiver, as well as recordinformation for parents and caregivers to see.

  1. Tweekaboo

For parents who want to share pictures privately with family members, the Tweekaboo app is a smart choice. The app includes a journal and photo diary, and it can create scrapbooks instantly that you can print.

Get your family life organized with the aid of these helpful apps. Managing schedules has never been easier.

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How to Prepare for a Parent Teacher Conference

A parent teacher conference is a meeting between you (the parent) and your child’s teacher or teachers to discuss your child’s academic progress and behavior.

At the meeting, you’ll work with your child’s teacher(s) to find solutions to any academic or behavioral issues.

These meetings provide a rare opportunity to talk with your child’s teachers face to face, understand exactly what’s happening at school, and advocate for your child. It’s important to be prepared, and there are several steps you can take to ensure the conference is productive.

Get Informed

Before the conference, gather information about your child’s performance and behavior. You don’t want to be blindsided by new information on the spot.

Check your child’s grades, and ask your child if there’s anything in particular he thinks will be discussed at the meeting. Is there anything in particular he wants you to discuss?

By doing your research and talking to your child, you’ll ensure that you know what to expect at the conference.

Make a List

Write a list of questions or topics you’d like to discuss at the meeting. You can ask for input from your spouse or other people that care for your child as well. In the moment, it’s easy to forget what you want to talk about, so it’s a good idea to bring a list with you.

Is there anything worrying your child or any recent changes in his home life that you think the teachers should know about?

Is there anything in particular you want to know about your child’s strengths and weaknesses, performance, behavior, social skills, or upcoming tests and assignments? You can also your child’s teachers what you can do at home to better support your child academically.

If you have ideas about how your child’s teachers can help him learn and behave better in the classroom, write these down as well. It’s a great idea to collaborate with your child’s teachers to develop an action plan that will benefit your child.

Prioritize your questions and talking points. Mention the most important items at the beginning of the meeting, as it’s possible that you may run out of time.

Set Aside Differences

You may carry negative emotions toward some of your child’s teachers. Perhaps you feel they’ve treated your child unfairly, haven’t been as communicative with you as you’d like, etc.

If that’s the case, it’s appropriate to bring up these concerns at the meeting. However, make sure you do it respectfully. You want to build relationships with your child’s teachers, not destroy them. Ultimately, you are a team who must work together for the good of your child. If you plan to address a disagreement or issue, it’s also a good idea to come prepared with solutions and suggestions as well.

Remember that you want to have a positive conversation in order to further your child’s academic success.

Conclusion

In order to have a successful and productive parent teacher conference, it’s important to be prepared. Get informed about your child’s grades, attendance, and behavior. Write a list of questions and talking points that you would like to address.

Once at the meeting, keep it positive. Work to build relationships with your child’s teachers and develop an action plan for the good of your child.

If you end up running out of time, you can always schedule another meeting or follow up with an email or phone call. By following these tips, you’ll help your child be a more supported and successful student!

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How to Prepare for a Parent Teacher Conference

A parent teacher conference is a meeting between you (the parent) and your child’s teacher or teachers to discuss your child’s academic progress and behavior.

At the meeting, you’ll work with your child’s teacher(s) to find solutions to any academic or behavioral issues.

These meetings provide a rare opportunity to talk with your child’s teachers face to face, understand exactly what’s happening at school, and advocate for your child. It’s important to be prepared, and there are several steps you can take to ensure the conference is productive.

Get Informed

Before the conference, gather information about your child’s performance and behavior. You don’t want to be blindsided by new information on the spot.

Check your child’s grades, and ask your child if there’s anything in particular he thinks will be discussed at the meeting. Is there anything in particular he wants you to discuss?

By doing your research and talking to your child, you’ll ensure that you know what to expect at the conference.

Make a List

Write a list of questions or topics you’d like to discuss at the meeting. You can ask for input from your spouse or other people that care for your child as well. In the moment, it’s easy to forget what you want to talk about, so it’s a good idea to bring a list with you.

Is there anything worrying your child or any recent changes in his home life that you think the teachers should know about?

Is there anything in particular you want to know about your child’s strengths and weaknesses, performance, behavior, social skills, or upcoming tests and assignments? You can also your child’s teachers what you can do at home to better support your child academically.

If you have ideas about how your child’s teachers can help him learn and behave better in the classroom, write these down as well. It’s a great idea to collaborate with your child’s teachers to develop an action plan that will benefit your child.

Prioritize your questions and talking points. Mention the most important items at the beginning of the meeting, as it’s possible that you may run out of time.

Set Aside Differences

You may carry negative emotions toward some of your child’s teachers. Perhaps you feel they’ve treated your child unfairly, haven’t been as communicative with you as you’d like, etc.

If that’s the case, it’s appropriate to bring up these concerns at the meeting. However, make sure you do it respectfully. You want to build relationships with your child’s teachers, not destroy them. Ultimately, you are a team who must work together for the good of your child. If you plan to address a disagreement or issue, it’s also a good idea to come prepared with solutions and suggestions as well.

Remember that you want to have a positive conversation in order to further your child’s academic success.

Conclusion

In order to have a successful and productive parent teacher conference, it’s important to be prepared. Get informed about your child’s grades, attendance, and behavior. Write a list of questions and talking points that you would like to address.

Once at the meeting, keep it positive. Work to build relationships with your child’s teachers and develop an action plan for the good of your child.

If you end up running out of time, you can always schedule another meeting or follow up with an email or phone call. By following these tips, you’ll help your child be a more supported and successful student!

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How Edtech Companies Can Sell To the International Market

Edtech is a growing market, expected to increase by 17% yearly. However, a significant part of that growth is projected outside the U.S. As international schools begin to accept edtech, the market is becoming friendly for companies. Recent changes in the U.S. market have led to a decline in funding and support for edtech, so embracing international sales will be increasingly important for long term sustainability in the industry. Though the sales trajectory admittedly still needs some work for most edtech companies. Targeting and acquiring international clients comes with different challenges than landing U.S. deals.

What research and considerations does your startup need to address for the international market? How can you successfully sell edtech products to schools outside the U.S.? Here is a quick breakdown for any company wanting to make a move to international edtech sales.

Consider Market Demands

Before attempting to make an international sale, think about the market needs of each country. China, for example, is projected to reach $15billion in STEM spending by 2020. While U.S. spending on STEM learning falls, China continues to invest heavily in youth STEM education.

A 2010 German initiative to improve educational performance had a slow start. However, companies looking to target a global market may do well to focus on the developing European market. Germany, as the largest economy in Europe, is a sensible target for edtech entrepreneurs. The region, as a whole, has committed to improving education by 2020. The potential within the EU is even more evident when you take a look at the success of edtech startups in Europe.

For those startups looking to branch into the African or South American markets, funding help by the World Bank may play a significant role. Additionally, edtech companies who target the Persian Gulf can get in on the ground floor of a promising market. Understanding the market potential for the countries you want investment from is imperative to international success.

Understand Educational Goals

Looking at the performance of students on the international market, it’s obvious which countries are currently excelling in science, mathematics, and reading, and which need work. While the U.S. didn’t rank in top 10 for any of the categories, educational policy is making edtech a hard sell in American schools.

Meanwhile, international schools are competing to produce the best workers of tomorrow, and those goals can be exploited by thoughtful edtech companies. The United Nations set education goals for the 2000-2015 period. Unfortunately, only three countries met the expectations. For edtech entrepreneurs, this can mean a chance to make a real contribution for the 2015-2030 period. New goals have been set out, and an increase of $22billion in funding is expected to achieve those goals globally.

The key to success will understand what is lacking in the education system of each country, and how your products can bridge the gaps.

Be wary of International Faux Pas

Even if you’ve done your research and investigated the international need for education products, that doesn’t equate to sales. Selling products internationally, requires an understanding of local culture, customs and business values. Each country is different. So, hiring an experienced liaison with an educational background in your target country can give you a head start to negotiations.

Regardless of your particular product or niche in the edtech sector, the international market is a growing opportunity waiting to be exploited. Have you sold products internationally? What have been your greatest challenges and successes with the global edtech market? We want to hear your experiences!