Engagement Based Teaching and Learning
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snappy links, resources and other oddities around motivating and engaging today's learners
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Rescooped by Mary Perfitt-Nelson from iGeneration - 21st Century Education onto Engagement Based Teaching and Learning
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Simplified! The Ultimate Guide To Infographics: | Edudemic

Simplified!  The Ultimate Guide To Infographics:   | Edudemic | Engagement Based Teaching and Learning | Scoop.it

Really love this!  An infographic is data, sorted, arranged and displayed!  : )


Via Tom D'Amico (@TDOttawa)
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600 Other Ways To Say Common Things: Improving Student Vocabulary

600 Other Ways To Say Common Things: Improving Student Vocabulary | Engagement Based Teaching and Learning | Scoop.it
Your students are bright, but they don’t always sound like it. Their diction is full of cliche and emaciated language that doesn’t reflect their inner voice, nor does it indicate their vocabulary level.
Mary Perfitt-Nelson's insight:

Vocabulary is vital!  

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Why And How Teachers Are (And Aren’t) Using Technology

Why And How Teachers Are (And Aren’t) Using Technology | Engagement Based Teaching and Learning | Scoop.it
We often talk about iPads in K-12 classrooms, the availability of information on the web for college students to access, and a host of other similar topics in too many categories to mention.
Mary Perfitt-Nelson's insight:

"

93% of teachers use a desktop or laptop computer43% use tablet computers52% of teachers report that their students use technology five days per week in the classroomTeachers report using mostly a blended method of teacher guided and student guided activities using technologyFor those not using technology, funding was the major concern, followed by teachers reporting that their program did not allow them to use technology with the students.  Additional comments:  parents don't want us using technology and "there is no added value"
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Rescooped by Mary Perfitt-Nelson from Essential Questions
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Learners Should Be Developing Their Own Essential Questions

Learners Should Be Developing Their Own Essential Questions | Engagement Based Teaching and Learning | Scoop.it

"Having essential questions drive curriculum and learning has become core to many educators' instructional practices.  Grant Wiggins, in his work on Understanding By Design, describes an essential quetion as:  

A meaning of “essential” involves important questions that recur throughout one’s life. Such questions are broad in scope and timeless by nature. They are perpetually arguable – What is justice?  Is art a matter of taste or principles? How far should we tamper with our own biology and chemistry?  Is science compatible with religion? Is an author’s view privileged in determining the meaning of a text? We may arrive at or be helped to grasp understandings for these questions, but we soon learn that answers to them are invariably provisional..."


Via Beth Dichter, Karen Compton
Beth Dichter's curator insight, March 28, 11:35 PM

Why should we teach students to develop their own essential questions? Perhaps because they may be able to develop questions that are engaging and of interest to them. 
Gerstein explores this issue by sharing a variety of resources that look at question, including Jamie McKenzie who describes "what actually happens in most schools and classrooms in terms of questioning", Paul Harris who "argues that questions occupy a more central role than we realize in childhood cognitive development", and others.

In addition there is information on how to help students generate their own essential questions (additional information in the post):

* Begin a New Unit with Students Developing Questions

* Create a Taxonomy of Questions

* Ask Students to Create Questions as Homework

She also shares information on the QFT (Question Formulation Technique) which has six steps, beginning with "Teacher Design a Question Focus" and immediately moves to "Students Produce Questions" and then to "Students Improve Question" and finishes with "Students Reflect on What they have Learned." For more information (and steps 4 and 5) check out the post!

Claudia M. Reder's curator insight, May 22, 12:31 PM

Remember the saying, "Children come to school as question marks and leave as periods (Neil Postman).  Let's help students learn the value of questioning and being a questioner.

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Botany Without Borders: Mindfulness and Nature

Botany Without Borders: Mindfulness and Nature | Engagement Based Teaching and Learning | Scoop.it
This is the conundrum: building in time for reflection after engaging teaching and learning.
Ivon Prefontaine's curator insight, May 21, 6:21 PM

We need to be mindful of the ways we use and consume.

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What Happens When You Turn Your Back In A 21st Century Classroom

What happens when you turn your back in a 21st century classroom? BYOT, indeed.
Mary Perfitt-Nelson's insight:

Funny....BUT there is a moderate viewpoint that involves TEACHING kids to do this WELL

 

Some tips:  

 

http://www.aplatformforgood.org/blog/entry/transforming-learning-with-byot

 

http://byotnetwork.com/

 

 

Gordon Scobbie's curator insight, May 20, 7:13 AM

Very true. When the public, customers and employees have greater access to up to date information than ever before, what does this mean for leaders of organisations in the private, public and 3rd sectors? 

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What Questions Did You Ask Today?

"The average five-year-old asks 65 questions per day, most of them starting with "why." The average 44-year-old manager only asks six questions per day; most of them starting with "when," "where," or "how much."

The number of questions we ask per day doesn't increase until retirement. Why retirement? Because that's when we start asking, "Where are my keys?" and "Why did I walk into this room?" 

In this animated three-minute video, Chic Thompson the author of What a Great Idea!, will help you "jump start" your question asking ability."


Via Ariana Amorim, Les Howard
Mary Perfitt-Nelson's insight:

Fabulous!    

 

Jonas Salk:  "The answer to every problem pre-exists.  We need to ask the right Questions to reveal the answers."

 

Great tips...........Parents:  instead of asking "what did you learn today?", ask "what questions did you ask today?"

 

Desinging learning, we need to ask HOW last.  What and why first.  "What is the result we want to see, feel and hear."  Then:  Why do you want to achieve these results.  LAST:  How will we do it.  

 

 

The BioSync Team's curator insight, May 17, 5:02 PM

“At the end of the day, the questions we ask of ourselves determine the type of people that we will become.”
Leo Babauta

Ariana Amorim's comment, May 17, 5:03 PM
@Joan Cansdale- That's a very good question, Joan ;-) I've been googling to see if I could find some studies on that particular effect, but I haven't found nothing yet.
Jean-Philippe D'HALLUIN's curator insight, Today, 1:45 AM

Great questioning vidéo !

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Creating Environments for Learning: Essential Readings

Creating Environments for Learning:  Essential Readings | Engagement Based Teaching and Learning | Scoop.it
Shared with Dropbox
Mary Perfitt-Nelson's insight:

Seven essential articles to get you thinking about the Cultural Force:  Environment.  The environment can be improved, inexpensively, to create more opportunities for thinking and learning.  

 

This packet was given to participants at the Culture of Thinking (Cohort 2) learning event by Ron Richhart on May 18, 2013 (Bloomfield Hills, Michigan).  For more information:  http://blog.oakland.k12.mi.us/cot/

 

 

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Authentic Education - What Is an Essential Question?

Authentic Education - What Is an Essential Question? | Engagement Based Teaching and Learning | Scoop.it
Mary Perfitt-Nelson's insight:

A question is essential when it: 

causes genuine and relevant inquiry into the big ideas and core content;provokes deep thought, lively discussion, sustained inquiry, and new understanding as well as more questions;requires students to consider alternatives, weigh evidence, support their ideas, and justify their answers;stimulates vital, on-going rethinking of big ideas, assumptions, and prior lessons;sparks meaningful connections with prior learning and personal experiences;naturally recurs, creating opportunities for transfer to other situations and subjects.Essential questions are essential to lesson design!
Adrian Bertolini's curator insight, May 16, 5:50 PM

Nice definition of what is actually and essential question

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Through My Eyes with CSI » Cultures of Thinking

Through My Eyes with CSI » Cultures of Thinking | Engagement Based Teaching and Learning | Scoop.it
Mary Perfitt-Nelson's insight:

Reflections from a walk thought and observation of a 2nd grade classroom using the Color, Symbol, Image routine

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My New Favorite Whiteboard

My New Favorite Whiteboard | Engagement Based Teaching and Learning | Scoop.it
When I became a principal, the first thing I did to my office was take down the giant whiteboard behind my desk.
I’m an iPad guy, no doubt about it. No one wants school leaders to take advantage of cutting-edge technology more than yours truly.
Mary Perfitt-Nelson's insight:

Perfect!

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10 Digital Citizenship Tips From Your Mother

10 Digital Citizenship Tips From Your Mother | Engagement Based Teaching and Learning | Scoop.it
While 'the internet' and 'manners' don't tend to pop up in the same sentence very often (at least not in the positive sense), there are a number of ways that manners really do matter when you're interacting online.
Mary Perfitt-Nelson's insight:

Cute reminders!  

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How Does Multitasking Change the Way Kids Learn? | MindShift

How Does Multitasking Change the Way Kids Learn? | MindShift | Engagement Based Teaching and Learning | Scoop.it
Using tech tools that students are familiar with and already enjoy using is attractive to educators, but getting students focused on the project at hand might
Mary Perfitt-Nelson's insight:

"So here’s the takeaway for parents of Generation M: Stop fretting about how much they’re on Facebook. Don’t harass them about how much they play video games. The digital native boosters are right that this is the social and emotional world in which young people live. Just make sure when they’re doing schoolwork, the cell phones are silent, the video screens are dark, and that every last window is closed but one."

 

I would add to this:  Make sure that when social interactions are happening, the phones are down.  

Ivon Prefontaine's curator insight, May 9, 8:33 PM

“I don’t care if a kid wants to tweet while she’s watching American Idol, or have music on while he plays a video game. But when students are doing serious work with their minds, they have to have focus.” This is important.

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Reaction To My Article About Multitasking And Learning « Annie Murphy Paul

Mary Perfitt-Nelson's insight:

Part two

 

I agree that we need to determine what is "complex" and in need of full concentration.  The number of tasks that need this are substantial, but I suspect much smaller than most people want to believe.  

 

I also think that linear,sequential thinkers concentrate deeply on all details at all times.  More global thinkers are waiting for the big ideas to emerge before they get intensely focused on concepts and then analyze the details.    The down time for global thinkers is HUGE.  It is important for linear thinkers not to assume everyone has the same needs.  : )

 

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How Can Students Get Better At Something They’re Never Asked To Do?

How Can Students Get Better At Something They’re Never Asked To Do? | Engagement Based Teaching and Learning | Scoop.it
There’s been a lot of talk lately of college- and career-readiness for high-school graduates, notes Amanda Paulson in the Christian Science Monitor.
Mary Perfitt-Nelson's insight:

I'm not completely sure I agree here.  Indeed, writing more is a step in the right direction.  I also think writing WELL with multiple drafts and lots of constructive feedback is also needed.  

 

As I have repeatedly said, the need to "cover" seems more imperative than going deeply and reflectively.  Real learning doesn't happen unless there is time for thinking, drafting, and reflecting.  

 

It isn't just about writing more.  Learning to write WELL is what is needed.  

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10 Axioms for Learning Design (and just what IS an axiom, anyway?) | Global Learning Partners

10 Axioms for Learning Design (and just what IS an axiom, anyway?) | Global Learning Partners | Engagement Based Teaching and Learning | Scoop.it
At Global Learning Partners, we are energized by our work with a diverse range of clients worldwide, and are driven by a desire to effect lasting global change towards peace and justice.
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Rescooped by Mary Perfitt-Nelson from Essential Questions
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A Four-Phase Process For Implementing Essential Questions

A Four-Phase Process For Implementing Essential Questions | Engagement Based Teaching and Learning | Scoop.it
A Four-Phase Process For Implementing Essential Questions

Via Karen Compton
Mary Perfitt-Nelson's insight:

"In other words, inquiry by design, not mere teacher rhetorical questioning, makes an EQ come to life and go into depth. The texts, prompts, rules of engagement, and final assessments provide the key elements needed for the design to succeed, in light of the just-noted criteria: an intriguing and key question, inherent ambiguity, clearly differentpoints of view, and shades of gray that will require careful questioning and discerning observation and research."

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Explanations: Top Ten Teaching Tips

Explanations: Top Ten Teaching Tips | Engagement Based Teaching and Learning | Scoop.it
“There is no pleasure to me without communication: there is not so much as a sprightly thought comes into my mind that it does not grieve me to have produced alone, and that I have no one to tell i...
Mary Perfitt-Nelson's insight:

I have not read an article specifically about giving explanations before!  This one give ten great tips to ponder when we are attempting to explain to others.   May favorite is the last:  "check for understanding"!  

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10 Expectations From Students

10 Expectations From Students | Engagement Based Teaching and Learning | Scoop.it

Carolyn Cameron, one of the most open and progressive principals I have ever known (she was also my former boss), shared the following video regarding student expectations for school.

Mary Perfitt-Nelson's insight:

Students share 10 big ideas around THEIR expectations for learning.  

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How Mind Maps Can Inspire Collaborative Learning - Edudemic

How Mind Maps Can Inspire Collaborative Learning - Edudemic | Engagement Based Teaching and Learning | Scoop.it
Some of the most popular tools that are revolutionizing the educational field and not only are the so called “collaborative learning tools”.

Via Les Howard
Mary Perfitt-Nelson's insight:

"Is your learning style efficient? Do you have any learning preferences which you left untapped? If you have already benefitted in your teaching and learning activity from using a collaborative learning tool could you share what made your experience successful?"



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Play Crop It!

Play Crop It! | Engagement Based Teaching and Learning | Scoop.it

Crop it is a thinking routine used to analyze details . Learners are asked to observe a portion of an image closely and develop a hypothesis . New information is revealed and learner is asked to reassess initial interpretation.

Mary Perfitt-Nelson's insight:

Use Crop It! to help students develop visual literacy, by thinking and revising thinking about an image. This activity can be done in the classroom using construction paper cut in the shape of two Ls to create a cropping tool and printing out images for each student. Teachers can create a unique online Crop It! learning activity for their students by logging into My Portfolio and choosing My Online Activities.

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Designing 20% Time in Education

Designing 20% Time in Education | Engagement Based Teaching and Learning | Scoop.it
A.J. Juliani is a co-founder of Education Is My Life. He currently is a K-12 Technology Staff Developer overseeing a 1:1 initiative. There is a movement happening in education right now. Maybe you’...
Mary Perfitt-Nelson's insight:

Tips and tricks for everyone, no matter how willing you are to embrace this kind of change......

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CoT Oakland! » Cultures of Thinking

CoT Oakland! » Cultures of Thinking | Engagement Based Teaching and Learning | Scoop.it
Mary Perfitt-Nelson's insight:

Cultures of Thinking in Oakland County, Michigan!  

 

This is the history of CoT in our county.  

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Kids and their phones!

Kids and their phones! | Engagement Based Teaching and Learning | Scoop.it
cc licensed ( BY SA ) flickr photo shared by goodevilgenius
True story…
I had an interesting conversation with a fellow educator the other day about how students are so connected to their mobile devices.
Mary Perfitt-Nelson's insight:

Good point, George.  HOW did we live before all of this?

Ivon Prefontaine's curator insight, May 13, 6:47 PM

It is not the kids. It is a lack of effective boundaries and adult role models. I see this behaviour from adults all the time. What else can we expect from our children?

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"Stop Over-explaining Too Much"

"Stop Over-explaining Too Much" | Engagement Based Teaching and Learning | Scoop.it
Mary Perfitt-Nelson's insight:

I was reading an article by Larry Ferlazzo (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/guest-bloggers/videotaping-teachers-the-right.html) and came across a statement made by a student:  ""Mr. Ferlazzo has to stop over-explaining and talking so much.""


This made me think about all the hoopla around "multi-tasking".  I suspect overexplaining is something many teachers do often.  I think those teaching adults ALSO do this often.  


When I am learning at a PL of some sort, my need to multi-task increases exponentially when the presenter/facilitator does this.  They give the info.  They give an example.  They give another example.  Then they circle the crowd to have them show that they know.  


How many times do we need the info?  How many examples are necessary?  What is the purpose of having the crowd also give the info?  


Lesson design is something we need to spend more time on, generally.  What is the purpose?  How can we maximize engagement and meet the goal without overtalking and overexplaining?  


If you see lots of multitasking (and less engagement), you might want to ask "why"?  




Ivon Prefontaine's curator insight, May 10, 7:09 PM

The article makes excellent points about tamping down the explanations and allowing some single tasking.

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Reaction To My Multitasking Article: The Teenagers Speak « Annie Murphy Paul

Reaction To My Multitasking Article: The Teenagers Speak « Annie Murphy Paul | Engagement Based Teaching and Learning | Scoop.it
Mary Perfitt-Nelson's insight:

And now the kids speak.  My favorite is Taylor's who says:  " In my experience, teachers get distracted, too, by weird stuff like a pen on the floor across the room. Kids don’t get distracted any easier than adults."   Maybe teacher's distractions cause the need to occupy time (and hence multi-tasking?) 


And now Tamar: "

This article actually doesn’t surprise me because I’ve heard it all before. A lot of adults think that we don’t know that what we’re doing is wrong, but we do. When I multitask, my logic is, “At least I’m getting it done.” If teenagers really want to get some work done, we’ll get it done while resisting distractions. And yes, we text in class, but if my grade in that class is and A or a B I don’t see why it’s a problem."

 

 

 

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