15 Ways To Help Kids Learn Anything
We all want our kids to learn and do well at school. We also want our kids to be passionate and engaged in their learning. When it comes to student engagement strategies, I’m sure there are times when you’d like to help your kids with their schoolwork, teach your kids something new, or tap into or ignite their passions. Do...
LMS: 8 Essential Features
As blended learning is gradually becoming the norm, schools around the world are progressively using a Learning Management System (LMS) for all aspects of the teaching process: to enroll students, to deliver lessons, to assign homework, to assess learning, to track progress, to produce reports and grade books.‘LMS’ is a broad term that covers a wide range of software applications,...
Using Smartphones in the Classroom [20 Amazing Ideas]
I have spent a great part of my teaching career teaching young ESOL students. Sadly, a substantial part of that trying to police and prohibit using smartphones in the classroom.Eventually I have to concede that it was a pointless exercise and a missed opportunity. I could have done all the things I am talking about below.There is a myriad...
MOOC, Learners Community, Technology and Collaboration
I moved back to Finland less than two years ago to continue with my studies. Master’s studies and thesis are now accomplished – Phew! Whilst studying I was trying hard to figure out how to put together the iron, technology and the pedagogy that goes with it.First time I heard about MOOC was couple of years ago and my...
Gamification: How Can Teachers Use it?
In the previous post, What is Gamification?, we described the basic principles of gamification in the classroom and some of the main elements that teachers can use.To create a specific action plan, we need to explore first the similarities between games and the learning experience, and how we can capitalize on them.How are games similar to the learning experience?They...
What is Gamification?
‘OK, whoever finds the correct answer will get 5 points and a sticker. I’m writing the names of the students with the most points on the board. Let’s see who will be on the top!’ If you regularly set up in class mini competitions like that, you are already using gamification techniques in your teaching. In fact, you are employing...
The Top 20 Education Blogs of 2015
Now that 2015 is over, let’s see who were the ones that really made a difference in the year that passed.There are countless education blogs worldwide, focusing on teaching practices, methodology, or educational technology. We all have our favourites, but some managed to stand out from the rest in 2015, garnering a hefty following in the process.So, did your...
A Dazzling Christmas GIF for your School Website [in 5 Steps]
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and if your school has an online presence with a school website, ‘tis also the season to be looking for some good quality content to share. A Christmas GIF is a great and easy idea.Whether on social media, in a newsletter, on a blog or school website, why go for the same old-fashioned...
Project Based Learning [A Definitive Checklist]
Teachers who want their students to develop confidence in the real world, integrate Project Based Learning ideas in their teaching routine. Because Project Based Learning takes the classroom out into the world involving students in an authentic learning experience. Why is it authentic?First of all, because it is student-centered. Students are working on a topic of interest to them,...
Parent Involvement in Schools [14 Expert Ideas]
Recent surveys among teachers have revealed that about 25 percent of them consider their relationships with parents as a capital cause of stress in their jobs. This is certainly a lot.Ideally, the teacher should be parents’ best ally in the education of children. This is why, strong communication is fundamental to this partnership and to building a sense of...
