Scaffolding Quadratics: 2 Things My 8th Graders Taught Me with Student Feedback

Scaffolding Quadratics: 2 Things My 8th Graders Taught Me with Student Feedback

We’re studying quadratics in my 8th grade class. Even the name can strike fear in the heart of the most competent adult. I didn’t want it to be that way for my math kids. I wrote a good lesson plan and then I let students help me modify it. Essentially, they “taught” me how to teach them better through the interaction and feedback we gave to each other during the learning process. We built the scaffold together.

A Real Lesson in Digital Citizenship

A Real Lesson in Digital Citizenship

All of us who advocate for the learning potential of mobile technologies continue to navigate the hurdles of opening up BYOD devices in the unique context of school. My students and I had an “a-ha” moment the other day, in terms of digital citizenship and how we really need to think before we post images to the Internet. Or maybe even before we take the picture.

Technology in the Classroom: Embrace the Bumpy Ride!

Technology in the Classroom: Embrace the Bumpy Ride!

Is using technology in the classroom a bumpy ride? You bet, says primary teacher Kathy Cassidy, who’s gained a worldwide reputation for her work with tools and apps in the primary classroom. “But we need to begin thinking the way our children do. We use technology not just because it is technology, but because of what it can do. It engages us and helps us to learn.” Teaching is always a journey over rough roads, Cassidy says. But we master what matters for kids.

Passion Based Learning (PBL) in the Primary Grades: Who Asks the Questions?

Passion Based Learning (PBL) in the Primary Grades: Who Asks the Questions?

Because we are doing inquiry or PBL (passion-based learning) this year, my students have asked more questions than they ever have before in my classroom. Both the students and I are still learning about this process, but I like this shift. The person who asks the questions is in charge of the learning, and I want my grade one kids to be in charge of their own learning.