In this day and age it’s common—and in some schools and districts even mandated—to allow students to make up anything and everything they want. Not happy with your test grade? No problem, just take it again. Forgot your homework? Turn it in whenever you … Read more
Warning: This article describes a strategy that is controversial. It’s not controversial for us here at SCM. It’s something we’ve been doing and recommending for many years. However, the education establishment is aghast at our approach. For example, the standard advice when a student … Read more
19th Century psychologist and Harvard professor William James believed so strongly that teaching was a mutual process that when his students’ participation waned he would lie down in class as if to take a nap. Perhaps you can relate. Active participation is crucial to … Read more
“I shouldn’t have to entertain my students.” “I don’t have all day to lesson plan.” “I can’t compete with video games and social media.” These are common teacher frustrations. I’ve heard them a million times. And they’re all true. But here’s the thing: You … Read more
According to a recent article in New York magazine, nearly every student is using AI to cheat their way through college. It’s happening in high school and lower grades too. Sad and troubling, of course. But here at SCM we accept what we cannot … Read more
The importance of having high expectations for students is thrown about so often that it’s lost any real meaning. It rolls off the tongue like a royal decree. “Thou maketh high expectations!” On cue, everyone nods along—Oh yes, yes, so important—while afraid to ask … Read more
The culture of teaching demands that you correct every wrong answer for every student for every assignment AND ensure they understand what they did wrong. It’s on you. This is, of course, time-consuming. It’s also stressful and frustrating given that most students don’t seem … Read more
Many years ago, my 4th grade class took part in a school-wide science fair. There were awards for best projects per grade level, best projects overall, and various other categories. The teachers acted as judges. A boy named Seth had what I believed to … Read more