The upcoming new ibook by Kathleen Cushman, “The Motivation Equation,” stands to expand on her pioneering work in leveraging students’ voices in shaping learning environments, pedagogical practices, and transforming how we talk about learning. And thank goodness. Often missing from our education discourse is, ironically, the most important element of our education system: the learners. In this newest endeavor (you … Read More
How Youth Learn: Ned’s GR8 8
This video needs no introduction. Just watch it and then file it under — “When Student Voices Align With Research From the Science of Learning.”
Year at Mission Hill, Chapter 10: The Freedom to Teach
This chapter opens with the voices of alumni, looking back on their experiences as students of Mission Hill and distilling the wisdom they gained from it. A short collection of the alumni voices below: I learned how to be a critical thinker. I learned how to play off my strengths. . . I had teachers who were here to care … Read More
Year at Mission Hill Chapter 8: The World of Work
This chapter, “The World of Work,” offers a look at applying a school-wide theme through integrated projects. Teachers organize opportunities for authentic experiences based on the ideas and recommendations of the kids in an effort to allow students to “see their ideas actualized.” This practice for building student agency works because it helps them develop confidence in the value of their … Read More
5 Characteristics of Learner-Centered Teaching
Maryellen Weimer (whose bio includes: Penn State Professor Emeritus of Teaching and Learning and Editor-in-chief of Teaching Professor) addresses the wide spread use of the term “learner-centered” in her post, “Five Characteristics of Learner-Centered Teaching” on The Teaching Professor Blog at Faculty Focus. At the heart of her concern is this: “With widespread use comes a certain definitional looseness.” To … Read More
The Importance of Student Voice
The following is a guest post by Mark R. Boyer, Assistant Superintendent for Learning, Singapore American School. I was recently approached by a high school student who asked, “In order for student voices to be heard, should student evaluations of teachers be mandatory and used in the teacher’s performance review? Furthermore, is there a way to make sure that student feedback is … Read More
The Student Quest: Choose 2 Matter
If you ever have a chance to meet Angela Maier, you’ll know who she is immediately.While probably not the tallest person in the room, in a hall of 5,000 she may well be the most energetic. A former teacher turned consultant, author of two books, including “Classroom Habitudes” and now Chief Instigator, Angela has amassed a global, passionate network at … Read More
A Year at Mission Hill, Chapter 2: Beginning the Year
Chapter 2 of A Year at Mission Hill takes us to the start of the year, or as many educators see it, the laying of the foundation. While educators recognize the importance of reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic, many see the first days of school as tone setters. In this, the educators at Mission Hill work to build community amongst themselves … Read More
“To This Day” Project (Amazing Video)
Shane Koyczan — spoken word poet, writer, and performer — was the first Canadian to win the National Poetry Slam in 2000. That success portended the recent virality of “To This Day,” an emotional and passionate exploration of bullying, victimhood, and the ongoing struggle to heal wounds so as to not be defined by them. One of the many beautiful … Read More
