Powerful Learning Practice Blog

The Ultimate Education Reform: Messy Learning & Problem Solving

If we can teach kids to solve messy problems before they graduate, they might have better luck solving messy problems when they start running the world, says teacher and instructional technology leader Tim Holt. Problem-Based Learning could be the final education reform.

The Science of Passion Based Learning

Teacher and teacher educator Peter Skillen reflects on the role of passion in learning, highlighting the research and reminding us that emotion energizes the brain. Mesmerize!

Online Teacher Emergency

When an online teacher encounters eighth graders who don’t know much about online technologies, she has two choices: sneak out of the virtual room – or set about discovering what they ARE good at. Welcome to appreciative inquiry.

Parents and the Internet

Teacher and technology coordinator Sister Geralyn Schmidt reflects on the responsibility of teachers to work with parents as they guide their children in safe and productive online activities.

1st Look: Skype Group Video Calls

Teacher Kathy Cassidy has used Skype for years to connect her primary-aged students with the world. So when the company offered free group video to educators, she jumped at the chance. Five classrooms and lots of Lucky Charms to count! Find out what happened and read her “lessons learned.”

Going Deep: STEM in the Connected Classroom

Blending STEM with “connected classroom” strategies is a powerful learning model, says STEM teaching coach Brian Crosby – provided innovative thinking, teacher autonomy and flexible scheduling are present. These essential components of “going deep” with teaching and learning have been eroded away in the last decade, he says, and will have to be revived.

Virtual Classroom Visit 2– Open Invitation

Occasionally, Powerful Learning Practice likes to share great opportunities that we are doing with our Year Long Connected Learner Experience with others. We have decided to invite the public to our second of three - Virtual Classroom Visits. Alan Fletcher is a middle...

Reflecting on Reflection

It’s like John Dewey told us. Positive professional growth and positive student growth will not happen without learning and practicing the art of reflection, says Rachel Small. It’s a process we must trust. It’s time we must invest.