Attribution Errors in America’s Classrooms

Cause and effect aren’t always clearly and correctly paired in America’s classrooms. Teachers don’t always have the time, energy, or awareness to properly attribute underperformance. Is a disengaged student sleeping at his or her desk being lazy or suffering from lack of sleep? Is disruptive behavior the reflection of student boredom or a cover for not understanding the material? Is a sudden drop in academic performance really indicative of intelligence or simply a need for reading glasses? Are poor test scores more a reflection on the teacher’s failings or a lack of support and encouragement for students at home? Fundamental …

What is the Difference Between Problem, Project, and Challenge Based Learning?

With all the buzzwords in education, it can be difficult to keep certain concepts straight. Problem, project, and challenge-based learning are all popular methods that can be easily confused. However, these are three different approaches. Problem-based learning starts, as the name suggests, with a problem. In this model, students are presented with an open-ended problem. Students must search through a variety of resources, called trigger material, to help them understand the problem from all angles. In problem-based learning, there is no one right answer to the problem. Instead of working towards one “right” answer, students exercise critical thinking skills and …

Four “Not to Miss” Education Conferences for EdTech Leaders

The field of education has a plethora of conferences and assemblies where educators and industry leaders gather to learn about emerging developments, instructional trends and market disruptors. If you are interested in attending a highly beneficial education conference to share, learn, and find new solutions to current challenges, consider these four “not to miss” conferences that stand out with effective programming and networking opportunities. The EdNET Conference – September 17-19, Scottsdale, AZ Hosted by MDR, EdNET2017 provides senior executives from PreK-12 education companies the latest information on market trends, business partnering opportunities, funding sources, new technologies, and activities for key …

The A-Z of Education Blogs: Letters TH-Y

In this multi-part series, we are profiling the best of the best education blogs, in alphabetical order. In the previous article, I introduced letters TE and in this one, I will discuss letters TH-Y. Click here to access all of the articles in this series. The Innovative Educator Lisa Nielsen’s daily blog posts focus on ways to make education more relevant for students by embracing technology and channeling their passions. Recent topics include how to teach students to evaluate the accuracy of the news, and how to tell if your students are digital learners. Score: Activity 20, Originality 19.5, Helpfulness …

The A-Z of Education Blogs: The Letters TE

In this multi-part series, we are profiling the best of the best blogs in education, in alphabetical order. In the previous article, I introduced letters S-TC and in this one, I will discuss the letter TE. Click here to access all of the articles in this series. Teach From online teaching tips, to the latest research on the effectiveness of homework assignments, this blog is an incredible resource for any teacher. The topics are varied and relevant. Teach is actually a blog owned and operated by 2U Inc, which enables leading colleges and universities to deliver their high-quality degree programs …

The A-Z of Education Blogs: Letters S-TC

In this multi-part series, we are profiling the best of the best blogs in education, in alphabetical order. In the previous article, I introduced letters M-Q and in this one, I will discuss letters S-TC. Click here to access all of the articles in this series. Science Cheerleader This blog scores top points for originality – it’s a blog by cheerleaders who work in science. The blog features interviews with different cheerleaders, which serves to inspire more girls to join the field of science. It’s not exactly the kind of blog you’d use to implement new classroom strategies, but you …

The A-Z of Education Blogs: Letters M-Q

In this multi-part series, we are profiling the best of the best blogs in education, in alphabetical order. In the previous article, I introduced letters I-L and in this one, I will discuss letters M-Q. Click here to access all of the articles in this series. Magical Maths What started out as a blog about maths has become a blog for teachers to post various opinion pieces, as well as practical ideas and exercises to implement in the classroom. Score: Activity 18, Originality 18, Helpfulness 20, Authority 25 Total Score: 81 Twitter: @magicalmaths MiddleWeb MiddleWeb provides resources for the middle …

The A-Z of Education Blogs: Letters I-L

In this multi-part series, we are profiling the best of the best education blogs, in alphabetical order. In the previous article, I introduced letters F-H and in this one, I will discuss letters I-L. Click here to access all of the articles in this series. IIE Opening Minds The focus of this particular blog is on the various international learning experiences, such as studying abroad and latest learning theories around the globe. It takes a unique look at how to open minds through higher education on the international stage. Score:  Active 16.9, Original 23, Helpfulness 22, Authority 24 Total: 85.9 …

The A-Z of Education Blogs: Letters D-E

In this multi-part series, we are profiling the best of the best education blogs, in alphabetical order. In the previous article, I introduced the letter C and in this one, I will discuss letters D-E. Click here to access all of the articles in this series. Daily Edventures Anthony Salcito is the Vice President of Education for Microsoft Corporation’s Worldwide Public Sector and he’s the man behind Daily Edventures – a 365-day look at global heroes in education. You will find thoughts about education and technology from teachers all over the world on this blog, which is a unique and …

Understanding Academic Language and its Connection to School Success

Carlyn Friedberg, MS, CCC-SLP, Assessment Specialist, Lexia Learning Alison Mitchell, Ph.D., NCSP, Director of Assessment, Lexia Learning Elizabeth Brooke, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Chief Education Officer, Lexia Learning As students progress through school, they are expected to demonstrate increasing levels of sophistication in their language and reading skills across all content areas. In order to gain knowledge through independent reading and participate in meaningful discussions in the classroom, students must master the complex words and phrases that characterize the language of school. Proficiency in these skills, otherwise known as academic language, is critical for reading comprehension and overall academic success. Across the …