A student questioning a grade isn’t a problem. In fact, it should be encouraged. Inquiring why they received a particular grade shows initiative and the desire to do well. Following up with how they believe they deserve a higher grade is, in my book, … Read more
There is a strategy that elite performers use every day. It’s something that takes just a few minutes, yet can be the difference between success and failure. Oddly, it isn’t taught in school. In fact, it’s never mentioned as part of any curriculum, professional … Read more
Narration is a very common strategy, and has been for decades. The way it works is simple. After giving a direction, or signal to begin a routine, the teacher describes aloud the positive behaviors they see. “Jonathan is walking with his hands to himself.” … Read more
It’s thrown around a lot. “You must have high expectations.” “High expectations are the key!” “Keep your expectations through the roof.” But what does it really mean? It seems obvious, but the term has been repeated so often and for so long that its … Read more
There is a common trait among teachers who struggle with classroom management. Not every struggling teacher has it. The vast majority, however, do. I’ve mentioned this trait before and its effect on giving consequences. But the problems actually go much deeper. So deep, in … Read more
In this age of distraction . . . Of smartphones and Instagram. Of texting and Snapchat. Of clickbait and information overload. . . . being able to focus on one thing for an extended period of time is a superpower. It gives you a … Read more
There is a secret to effective teaching very few teachers are aware of. It’s so secret, in fact, that I’ve never heard anyone speak of it. As far as I know, it’s never been written about. It’s never been touted by instructional coaches or … Read more
In observing teachers, one common area of weakness is checking for understanding. Not every teacher, of course. But many. And this is a big issue. Because if you send students off to work independently, and they don’t know exactly what to do and how … Read more