Greg Mullen’s Post

Teaching is not equal to Learning !!! I have been lucky enough to spend much times in live classroom in last few years. Just sitting there on last bench and just observe. Listen what teacher is speaking. Try to visualise what kids are listening. Try to understand how much kids can grasp from what they listen. From that what they can understand. Actually connect to their life and can use learning somewhere. And most of times, even if teacher is amazing, sounds with all educational fundamentals, great experience then also fail to make sure each and every child will be able to connect learning in real life and will able to use somewhere. If not going to use, at least understands where it can be used. Its not about teacher, only single human being cannot make sure that 30-40 kids can learn everything effectively. Smart teacher is one who knows this and understand that I only cannot make change. Teacher who use resources - physical materials, digital content can make this more effective. By making learning more engaging, fun, exciting - it becomes easier to make children participate actively. Various teaching learning strategies can make teachers not only to teach but have real time monitoring of everyone and do immediate personalised remediation. Various classroom routines, classroom management strategies, students behaviour techniques, print rich environment, motivation surroundings - these all need to be taken care of. Again, teachers are human being, so need other teacher to assist them in effectively taking care of all these. And again they have limited duration... 5 hours/day and again may be 150 days/year won't be sufficient for to have visible outcomes as most of time will be spend on subject teaching - transferring knowledge and completing syllabus. To focus on skills and values among this is another adventure. And for this, teacher need support of parents, of community. Learning outside school campus plays major role in this. How is environment at home, how much parents are involved in holistic progress. How much parents are ready to take accountability of kids they have brought to world. And how neighbours, relatives, friends are consciously making sure that child is growing for happy and peaceful life. Schools have started talking about skills but hardly in any families, they are talking were child is lagging behind and what they can do. Schools and specially teachers are over burdened for everything and thats why, may be, at the end learning outcomes are not visible even after 1000% effort from teachers. Its time, we need to start schools for parents, for communities and let everyone know what is goal of human lives. How to determine level of child, how to support child to overcome that. Its time, parents and community need to be accountable. I just wish parents to visit schools again - but not complaining to teachers that what children not able to do but discuss how they can help in this and say big thank you to all teachers.

It's no secret. I LOVE hats! I always have, and I try to find as many opportunities as I can to put one on. And, it's not just one particular kind of hat either. I love a variety of shapes and colors. When I think about the differences between the many different hats, I have to think about our students. Just like hats come in different colors and styles, so do our students. Our students are not all the SAME. As a result, we have to vary our teaching styles to fit the different learning styles of our students. Classrooms today are more diverse than ever. Our students coming from varied backgrounds and possessing different learning styles, abilities, and interests. And, in truth, today’s students are far different than the ones from my time or even yesterday😆! Differentiated instruction helps create an inclusive classroom environment where all of your students, regardless of their starting point, have the opportunity to succeed. It ensures that your students who need more support receive it while those who are ready for more advanced work are challenged appropriately. By tailoring instruction to meet the interests and needs of students, teachers can make learning more engaging. When students see the relevance of what they are learning and feel that their individual needs are being met, they are more likely to be motivated and invested in their learning. And, trust me, our students don’t mind asking about the relevance of your lesson to them. So, how do you differientate instruction? Understanding the unique needs, strengths, and interests of each student is the first step in differentiated instruction. This can be achieved through assessments, observations, student surveys, and one-on-one conversations. You should also differientate the content of your class. This involves varying what students are expected to learn. For example, teachers can provide different reading materials on the same topic at varying levels of difficulty or use videos and other multimedia resources to present information in multiple ways. Teachers can use a variety of instructional strategies such as small group work, learning centers, or tiered assignments to accommodate different learning styles and paces. The physical and social environment of the classroom can also be differentiated. Flexible seating arrangements, quiet areas for independent work, and spaces for collaborative activities can help meet the diverse needs of students. Continuous assessment is crucial in differentiated instruction. Formative assessments, such as quizzes, observations, and student reflections, provide valuable information that teachers can use to adjust their instruction and ensure that all students are progressing. To learn more about how to differentiate your instruction, be sure to check out my post: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom https://lnkd.in/gbshBWWD

Empowering Education: Unleashing the Power of Project-Based Learning (PBL) in K-12 Classrooms In the dynamic landscape of education, the quest for innovative teaching methodologies that engage students and foster lifelong learning has never been more critical. One approach gaining widespread recognition for its transformative impact is Project-Based Learning (PBL). Today, we explore the myriad benefits of PBL for both students and educators, paving the way for a more engaging and effective educational experience. Real-world Application: Project-Based Learning immerses students in real-world challenges, providing a context for learning that extends beyond the confines of textbooks. By tackling authentic problems, students develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and a deeper understanding of how academic concepts apply to the world around them. Collaboration and Communication: PBL encourages collaboration among students, fostering teamwork and communication skills. Through group projects, students learn to work together, share ideas, and appreciate diverse perspectives. These collaborative experiences mirror the professional environments they will encounter in the future. Intrinsic Motivation: Engagement is a cornerstone of effective learning. PBL taps into students' intrinsic motivation by allowing them to explore topics of interest and relevance. When students are personally invested in a project, they are more likely to take ownership of their learning, leading to increased enthusiasm and a genuine desire to excel. Problem-Solving Skills: In a rapidly evolving world, the ability to adapt and solve complex problems is invaluable. PBL cultivates these skills by presenting students with challenges that require critical thinking, creativity, and perseverance. These problem-solving abilities extend beyond the classroom, preparing students for success in various facets of life. Teacher Empowerment: For educators, PBL is a powerful tool that enhances professional satisfaction. It allows teachers to move from the role of knowledge provider to that of a facilitator and guide. Witnessing students actively engage in their learning and take ownership of their education is immensely rewarding, creating a positive impact on the teaching experience. Assessment Reinvented: PBL transforms the assessment process by shifting the focus from traditional exams to authentic evaluation methods. Teachers can assess students' understanding through project outcomes, presentations, and reflections. This holistic approach provides a more comprehensive view of students' abilities, going beyond rote memorization. In embracing Project-Based Learning, K-12 educators open doors to a transformative educational experience. Students become active participants in their learning journey, developing skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Supporting and integrating PBL into the curriculum can lead to a more dynamic and responsive educational environment.

Educators, do you need to enhance student engagement and achievement in your classroom? "10 Ways to Incorporate Student Choice in Your Classroom" by John Spencer is a fantastic read that delves into innovative strategies for infusing student choice into our instructional plans, ultimately fostering a more dynamic and impactful learning environment. We've incorporated the power of student choice in our instructional strategies for teachers and coaches. From empowering students to take ownership of their learning paths to ignite their intrinsic motivation, we understand that educators serve as guides promoting student agency. Our Classroom Education Plan (CEP) prioritizes student agency, recognizing that every learner is unique and thrives in different environments. By offering teachers instructional choices in the assignments, projects, and learning resources they provide students, we're not only catering to the diverse way students learn but also supporting teachers as they nurture their students' critical thinking skills and creativity. The CEP's instructional strategies offer educators the following to better serve their students: 1️⃣ Flexible Project Options: Providing students with a range of project choices allows them to pursue topics of personal interest, fostering deeper exploration and enthusiasm. 2️⃣ Varied Assessment Formats: By offering alternatives such as presentations, written essays, or multimedia projects, students can showcase their understanding in ways that resonate with them. 3️⃣ Personalized Learning Paths: Utilizing tools like differentiated instruction and learning contracts, we tailor learning experiences to individual student needs and preferences. 4️⃣ Student-Driven Inquiry: Supporting teachers to encourage students to pose questions and pursue answers through guided inquiry projects cultivates curiosity and a sense of ownership over their learning journey. These are just a few examples of how we're integrating student choice into the CEP, paving the way for enriched learning experiences and enhanced academic outcomes. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eMrxve38 #StudentChoice #Education #ClassroomInnovation #EmpowerLearners #Empowereduators

Today I led the second of four workshops for international school teachers on metacognition and self-regulation in partnership with Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Our focus for this workshop was goal setting and planning for learning. Here are my key takeaways: Metacognition is often divided into three phases: planning, monitoring, and evaluating. While all are essential, the planning phase sets the stage for success. This is where students: Set Clear Goals: What do they want to achieve? Choose Strategies: How will they reach their goals? Allocate Resources: What tools or support will they need? When students actively participate in this process, they become more invested in their learning journey. Practical Strategies for the Classroom Here are some strategies you can introduce to your students: Goal-Setting Exercises: Guide students in creating SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound). Have them break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. Strategy Exploration: Present a variety of learning strategies. Discuss the pros and cons of each. Encourage students to experiment and find what works best for them. Resource Inventories: Help students identify the resources available to them – textbooks, online materials, peers, teachers, etc. Teach them how to access and utilize these resources effectively. Learning Plans: Have students create detailed learning plans outlining their goals, strategies, resources, and timelines. This can be a simple worksheet or a more elaborate project. Reflection and Revision: Regularly review learning plans with students. Encourage them to reflect on what's working and what's not. Have them adjust their plans as needed. Example: Tackling a Challenging Maths Topic Imagine a student struggling with algebra. Here's how they might use metacognitive strategies: Goal: Understand the basic concepts of algebra and be able to solve simple equations. Strategies: Attend extra revision sessions, watch online tutorials, form a study group with classmates, seek help from the teacher, practice problems daily. Resources: Textbook, online resources (e.g., Khan Academy), classmates, teacher. Learning Plan: Create a weekly schedule with dedicated time for each strategy. By actively planning and adapting their approach, this student takes ownership of their learning and increases their chances of success. Key Takeaways for Teachers Model the Process: Share your own learning plans and demonstrate how you adjust them. Provide Guidance: Offer scaffolding and support as students develop their skills. Celebrate Success: Acknowledge and reward student efforts in using metacognitive strategies. Let's Chat! How do you teach your students to plan and develop their own learning strategies? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below! #metacognition #studentlearning #teachingstrategies #education #edchat

🧠 Let's flip the script on traditional education! 💡 Schools need to move beyond a fixed curriculum and empower students to steer their own learning journeys, equipping them for the ever-evolving world we live in. Check out this insightful read on developing self-directed learners: [link to the article] 🎯 Prioritize Self-Directed Learning: It takes a village to cultivate the essential skill of self-direction—no solo acts here! 🏫 The Ramsey School District's innovative approach sets the stage. 🔍 Identify Key Skills: Self-directed learning isn't a magic trick; it's a set of skills waiting to be unlocked. 🗝️ Discover how schools can map out and target these skills effectively. 🎓 Teach Skills Explicitly: From goal setting to reflection, there's a method to the self-directed learning madness. 📚 Explore practical strategies to nurture these skills in students of all ages. ✨ Provide Opportunities: It's time to break free from the "teacher knows best" mindset. 🤔 Encouraging student agency fosters engagement and independence, setting them up for success in an unpredictable future. 💡 Ready to rethink education and empower the next generation of self-directed learners? Dive into the details of this transformative approach! 🚀 https://lnkd.in/eJqNi8Em

Wild idea: Let's talk about great classroom instruction? Too often, in the pursuit of the next innovative thing, we take our focus off the foundation of all student learning: Instruction John Hattie's Visible Learning study makes it clear that there are proven methods that have a more significant impact on student learning than others. As leaders, it's our responsibility to unpack buzz words into practical application for teachers. By demystifying these factors, we increase the likelihood that our teachers will implement transformative pedagogical practice consistently. First up: Collective Teacher Efficacy. This a prerequisite for all other factors. Simply put, it's the collective belief of all adults that their students can and will learn rigorous material. With it, nearly all things are possible. Without this belief, nearly nothing is. This is easier said than done, but creating collective teacher efficacy is the first job of a school leader. Now, let's dive into the next 3 strategies: Clear Learning Intentions and Success Criteria What? Defining clear objectives and success criteria for students. Why? Helps students understand what they need to learn and how they will be assessed, improving focus and motivation. How? - Learning Goals: Start and end each lesson with clear learning goals - Criteria Checklists: Provide learning checklists to guide students - Rubrics: Use detailed rubrics in history projects to outline success criteria. Reflection Question: What tools can I use to communicate success criteria effectively? Cognitive Task Analysis What? A method used to break down and analyze the cognitive processes involved in completing tasks. Why? Helps teachers understand the mental steps students must take to complete tasks, allowing for more targeted instruction. How? - Step-by-Step Problems: Break down problems into smaller, manageable steps. - Science Experiments: Detail each step of the scientific method and the reasoning behind it. - History Analysis: Guide students through analyzing primary sources, focusing on sourcing, context, and corroboration. - Essay Writing: Break down the process of writing an essay into stages: planning, drafting, revising, and editing. Reflection Question: How can I break complex problems into smaller, more discreet steps? Conceptual Change Programs What? Instructional approaches designed to change students’ preconceptions and misconceptions about a topic. Why? Helps students replace incorrect or incomplete understandings with accurate and comprehensive knowledge. How? - Misconception Checks: Regularly check for and address misconceptions explicitly - Show Wrong Work: Use wrong work to present common misconceptions and discuss why they are incorrect. - Debunk Myths: Create activities in to debunk common myths - Concept Mapping: Use concept maps to visually represent and correct misconceptions. Reflection Questions: How can I design activities to challenge and change common misconceptions?

Have you ever paused and wondered why you ask questions in the classroom? As educators, we often have our own reasons for posing questions, but these questions hold a much deeper significance in the teaching and learning process. During today's professional development session, I had the privilege of learning from Michael Chiles of the National College through a webinar on Effective Questioning for Enhancing Engagement. The session highlighted how intentional questioning can foster a culture of participation, promote active engagement, and elevate student learning. To be truly effective, questioning needs to be planned in advance and aligned with the content being taught. When questions are well-designed, they offer opportunities for reflection, stimulate deeper thinking and encourage the application of knowledge in various contexts. In essence, good questions promote self-discovery, deepen understanding, and stimulate critical thinking—key components of authentic learning. However, for questioning to have its desired impact, teachers must move beyond surface-level questions and strategically incorporate higher-order/deep-level questions. Mastering the art of questioning opens up space for students to share their thoughts. The more students vocalise their learning, the better they solidify that knowledge in their memory and are able to articulate it confidently in writing. Effective questioning helps dispel misconceptions, embrace diverse perspectives, and build learner confidence. It strengthens teacher-student and peer-to-peer relationships, creating an inclusive classroom environment. But why do some students shy away from asking or answering questions? Research suggests that while children begin asking questions at age 2, many students begin to limit their questioning as they progress through school. They may avoid answering surface-level questions because they already know the answer.This underscores the importance of asking more profound questions as students mature. Additionally, personality traits and class dynamics can influence student participation, so it’s vital to use strategies that accommodate the needs of individual learners. Fear of failure is another barrier that prevents students from engaging in questioning therefor the need to be intentional in teaching students that intelligence is not fixed and that errors are a normal part of the learning process. Cultivating a growth mindset and creating a safe space for mistakes is essential. It’s important to closely observe students during lessons to understand their individual needs and help them overcome these barriers. I’ll leave you with a quote from Michael Chiles’ book Powerful Questioning: Strategies for Improving Learning and Retention in the Classroom (2023): "Asking questions is a staple feature of teachers' toolkit. Every day our classrooms are filled with questions. It is the heartbeat of our classrooms." #EffectiveQuestioning #ClassroomEngagement

Embracing Classroom Expectations: A Path to Growth and Success In a world where education is often measured by grades and test scores, it's refreshing to see a different perspective on classroom expectations. Amy Fast, Ed.D., shares a powerful vision that emphasizes personal growth, passion, and community. Let’s delve into her six expectations and explore how they can transform our approach to learning. 1. Have a Vision (Hope and Dream!) Having a clear vision is crucial for both educators and students. It encourages individuals to set goals and aspire to achieve them. This expectation reminds us that dreaming big can lead to innovative ideas and solutions. When students envision their future, they’re more likely to stay motivated and engaged. 2. Be a Learner, Not a Finisher (Growth Over Grades) This expectation flips the traditional narrative of education. Instead of focusing solely on grades, it promotes a growth mindset where the learning process is valued more than the end result. By embracing mistakes and challenges, students can develop resilience and a deeper understanding of the material. 3. Lean Into Struggle (Do Hard Things!) Struggling is a natural part of the learning process. This expectation encourages students to confront challenges head-on, fostering perseverance and problem-solving skills. By leaning into difficulties, students can build confidence and learn that effort is often more important than immediate success. 4. Feed Your Passion (Do Fun Things!) Education should be enjoyable! This expectation highlights the importance of pursuing interests and passions within the learning environment. When students engage in activities they love, they are more likely to retain information and develop a lifelong love of learning. 5. Own Your Education (Invest in Yourself) Taking responsibility for one’s own learning is empowering. This expectation encourages students to be active participants in their education, fostering autonomy and critical thinking. When students invest in themselves, they are more likely to take pride in their achievements and become lifelong learners. 6. Own Our Culture (Help Others Grow) Education is not just an individual journey; it's a collective effort. This expectation emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration. By helping others grow, students contribute to a positive learning environment where everyone can thrive. This sense of belonging can enhance motivation and engagement. Conclusion Amy Fast's classroom expectations serve as a guiding framework for educators and students alike. By prioritizing vision, growth, struggle, passion, ownership, and community, we can create a more enriching and supportive educational experience. Let’s embrace these principles and foster a culture of learning that inspires everyone to reach their full potential.

TEACHING METHODS AND ROLE OF TEACHERS: Teaching methods are a bunch of principles,techniques and methods that are used by teachers to equip their students to become a pillar of the future society. No doubt that some of the teaching methods will equip students to achieve their life goals and let's herein discuss a few of #TeachingMethods CONSTRUCTIVE APPROACH METHODS: This #ConstructivistApproach method towards students is important because Constructivism is an action-oriented approach to learning, requiring students to build upon existing knowledge to understand better and apply new concepts. That’s  #Engage, #Explore, #Explain, #Elaborate, and #Evaluate. This 5E approach helps students build knowledge from prior understandings via context-building activities and differentiated learning. SMALL GROUP TEACHING METHODS: Another  #TeachingMethod is that #SmallGroupInstruction Small-group instruction. This involves teaching three to four students together in a small group. Reinforcement of previously learned skills or new skill development can be emphasized. This decreases the teacher-student ratio and can better meet students' academic and behavioural needs. PROJECT-BASED TEACHING METHODS: Project-Based Learning (PBL) or project-based instruction is an instructional approach designed to allow students to develop knowledge and skills through engaging projects set around challenges and problems they may face in the real world. STUDENTS CENTERED LEARNING METHODS: #StudentCenteredLearning, in this method, students play a more role than a teacher as the learner brings their knowledge, past experiences, education, and ideas – and this impacts how they take board new information and learn. It differs significantly from a traditional instructor-centered approach. INQUIRY-BASED TEACHING METHODS:  Another  #teachingMethod is #InquirBasedLearning is a type of active learning that encourages students to ask questions, conduct research, and explore new thoughts and ideas. This #InquirBasedLearning approach helps students develop critical thinking, reasoning power, problem-solving attitude, and developing research skills at various levels. MONTESSORI TEACHING METHODS: Another one is the #MontessoriMethod of education. It is a type of educational method that involves children's natural interests and activities rather than formal teaching methods. A Montessori classroom emphasizes hands-on learning and developing real-world skills. FLIPPED CLASSROOM LEARNING METHODS: Another #TeachingMethod is #FlippedClassroomLearning A flipped classroom is an instructional strategy and a type of blended learning. In the #FlippedClassroomLearning instead, students encounter information before class, freeing class time for activities that involve higher-order thinking COOPERATIVE LEARNING METHODS: #CooperativeLearning. It is nothing but an instructional method in which students work in small groups to accomplish a common learning goal with the guidance of the teacher.