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Educators Highlight Small Teaching Moves to Boost Student Engagement and Learning

Educators Highlight Small Teaching Moves to Boost Student Engagement and Learning

A recent discussion among educators has highlighted the impact of small teaching strategies on student engagement and learning outcomes. Professors Doug Fisher and Nancy Frey from San Diego State University emphasize the importance of greeting students at the door, a simple act that can significantly increase classroom engagement and reduce problematic behavior. Research in middle school classrooms showed a 20% increase in engagement and a 9% decrease in problematic behavior when teachers greeted students personally. Other educators, like Irina McGrath and Cheryl Abla, advocate for quick reviews of previously learned material and personalized feedback to reinforce learning and motivate students. These strategies are designed to be easily integrated into daily routines, requiring minimal preparation but offering substantial benefits in terms of student participation and learning retention.

Educators Call for Revamp in Teacher Professional Development to Enhance Learning

Educators Call for Revamp in Teacher Professional Development to Enhance Learning

A recent article highlights the growing concern among educators regarding the effectiveness of current professional development (PD) programs for teachers. The piece reflects on personal experiences of attending PD sessions that often fail to engage or empower teachers, instead relying on lecture-heavy, compliance-driven formats. The author recalls a more effective model experienced through Edcamp, an 'unconference' that emphasized teacher-led discussions and choice, fostering a more dynamic and engaging learning environment. The article argues for a shift from traditional PD to more interactive and teacher-driven professional learning opportunities that respect educators' time and expertise.

Schools Implement Smartphone Locking to Enhance Student Focus

Schools Implement Smartphone Locking to Enhance Student Focus

The Heartwood Learning Trust has implemented a policy across its six secondary schools to lock away students' smartphones in pouches during school hours. This initiative, affecting 5,000 students aged 11-16, aims to reduce classroom distractions and improve student engagement. The policy follows guidance from the Department for Education, which allows schools to prohibit phone use during lessons. The use of Yondr pouches, costing £75,000, has reportedly led to better concentration among students and fewer disruptions. Students like Charlie and Daniel from Vale of York Academy have noted increased engagement and reduced distractions. However, the cost of these pouches poses a challenge for some schools, with alternatives like phone confiscation still in use at institutions like Kettlethorpe High School.

The Tech Interactive Seeks STEM Learning Product Designer to Enhance Educational Offerings

The Tech Interactive Seeks STEM Learning Product Designer to Enhance Educational Offerings

The Tech Interactive, a prominent educational institution in San Jose, California, is seeking a STEM Learning Product Designer to join their team. This role is pivotal in designing and developing innovative learning products and experiences, particularly for The Tech Challenge, a flagship program aimed at fostering problem-solving skills among young learners. The position emphasizes the use of design thinking, learning science, and creativity to create engaging and accessible educational tools for students from low-income and historically marginalized communities. The role involves collaboration with various departments to ensure the continuous improvement of educational products, aligning them with the needs of students and the institution's goals.

Rod Paige, nation's first African American to serve as secretary of education, dies at 92

Rod Paige, nation's first African American to serve as secretary of education, dies at 92

Rod Paige, the first African American to serve as U.S. secretary of education, has died at 92

Hachette Book Group Invests $200K in Raising Readers Campaign to Combat Decline in Children's Reading

Hachette Book Group Invests $200K in Raising Readers Campaign to Combat Decline in Children's Reading

Hachette Book Group (HBG) has announced a $200,000 investment in its Raising Readers campaign, marking the 200th anniversary of its parent company, Hachette Livre. The campaign, originally launched in December 2024, aims to address the decline in children reading for pleasure. In 2026, HBG plans to enhance its efforts by providing curated classroom libraries to 200 underfunded schools, mobilizing 200 volunteers for literacy support, and launching 200 Little Free Libraries in book deserts. Additionally, the initiative will include 200 author visits to classrooms and investments in evidence-based literacy programs. HBG CEO David Shelley emphasized the importance of this initiative in light of the reading crisis, stating that the bicentenary of Hachette Livre is an opportunity to deepen their commitment to promoting reading among children.

OBBBA Implementation: A Call for Bipartisan Cooperation in Higher Education Reform

OBBBA Implementation: A Call for Bipartisan Cooperation in Higher Education Reform

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) represents a significant overhaul of federal higher education policy, focusing on institutional accountability, loan limits, and Pell Grant reforms. Despite its passage along partisan lines, successful implementation requires bipartisan collaboration. A new report from Inside Higher Ed highlights the need for cooperation across political and institutional lines to address key areas such as student outcomes, financial accountability, and support for high-value training programs. The report emphasizes the importance of aligning efforts to ensure the bill's objectives are met effectively.

Point Park University Launches AI Teaching Endorsement and Certificate Program

Point Park University Launches AI Teaching Endorsement and Certificate Program

Point Park University in Downtown Pittsburgh is introducing two new programs focused on artificial intelligence (AI) in education. The university will offer an AI in Education Endorsement and an AI Certificate starting in January. These programs are designed to equip future educators with the necessary skills to integrate AI into their teaching practices. According to Virginia Chambers, Dean of the School of Education, the programs aim to enhance teachers' understanding of AI, which is increasingly important in modern classrooms. The endorsement program, certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, covers AI foundations, literacy, leadership, and ethical issues. Both programs are fully online, making them accessible to a wide range of participants.

Higher Education Reform Requires Bipartisan Efforts for Effective Implementation

Higher Education Reform Requires Bipartisan Efforts for Effective Implementation

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) represents a major overhaul of federal higher education policy, necessitating bipartisan cooperation for successful implementation. The act focuses on institutional accountability, new loan limits, and reforms to the Pell Grant program. Despite partisan differences, there is consensus on the need for accountability and support for high-value training programs. Challenges include tight timelines, data infrastructure needs, and the Education Department's transition. A new report from Inside Higher Ed explores these issues and highlights areas where left-right collaboration is crucial for maximizing student success and postsecondary value.

Educators Highlight Small Teaching Moves to Boost Student Engagement

Educators Highlight Small Teaching Moves to Boost Student Engagement

A recent article discusses the impact of small teaching strategies that can significantly enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. The focus is on simple actions such as greeting students at the door, which has been shown to increase engagement by 20 percentage points and reduce problematic behavior by 9 percentage points in middle school classrooms. Other strategies include personalized feedback, quick reviews of previously learned material, and the use of 'wait time' to allow students to think critically before responding. These methods are designed to be easily integrated into daily teaching routines, requiring minimal preparation while fostering a positive learning environment.

Delta College Unveils Renovated Computer Science Wing to Enhance Hybrid Learning

Delta College Unveils Renovated Computer Science Wing to Enhance Hybrid Learning

Delta College has unveiled a $6.7 million renovation of its computer science wing, enhancing its facilities to support hybrid learning. The renovation added 4,750 square feet to the existing K Wing, which now includes expanded cybersecurity classrooms, shared computer science labs, and study areas. This upgrade aims to provide students with the flexibility to choose between in-person and virtual classes, catering to the growing demand for cybersecurity education. The project was partially funded by $2.4 million in state funding, secured with the help of local legislators. The renovated wing is expected to strengthen Delta College's programs in computer science, administrative assistance, and information technology, while also supporting high-demand fields like data science and mechatronics.

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31 Universities With Campus Views So Stunning Youll Want to Enroll

31 Universities With Campus Views So Stunning Youll Want to Enroll

Universities arent just places for lectures and labstheyre living, breathing environments where nature, architecture, and academic ambition come together in stunning harmony.