Math educator Jerry Burkhart expanded his horizons this summer when he taught a 3-week math exploration course to a class of 22 gifted middle level students from across India. Learn what he discovered about the similarities and differences in U.S. and India math education.
Blending in the arts is not predestined to create a failure of STEM goals, writes noted STEM author and educator Carolyn DeCristofano, who offers four reasons to consider adopting a well-designed STEAM program that protects the integrity of both STEM and arts education.
Although some teaching strategies have been around for a long time, not all the “classics” are actually effective at engaging students in authentic ways. Bryan Harris and Lisa Bradshaw, the authors of Battling Boredom, explain why some common practices just don’t work.
Reader’s theatre helps EL students feel more confident “playing” with English and learning to use fixed expressions, intonation, and gesture, writes teacher-author Alice Savage. Explore her 10 ideas for extending the content or language of a script into engaging lessons.
Book Reviews / Universal Design for Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 06/28/2018 · Last modified 11/14/2019
Offering 365 ways to teach and challenge all learners, Paula Kluth’s Universal Design Daily provides many fresh and tried and true ideas for incorporating UDL into the classroom, says special education teacher Stacy Thorpe. A great resource to share with coworkers.
Is it time for science fairs to make way for STEM fairs? Anne Jolly takes a close look at traditional fairs – the drain on time, equity issues, questionable competition, and curriculum disconnect – arguing that STEM team activities offer a more purposeful fair framework.
After reading “The i5 Approach” to lesson planning, middle grades teacher Joanne Bell can see that better thinking skills not only lead to a deeper understanding of big concepts, they can spark fresh innovations. Bell welcomes the integration of 21st century skills.
Articles / Tech for Teachers / Wide Open Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 06/04/2018 · Last modified 06/22/2020
GIFs are great teaching tools. The brief videos can bring out the ideas and creativity of students too. Megan Kelly shares how kids can make GIFs with a helpful tutorial and where in the curriculum they belong: ELA, science, social studies math, PE – everywhere!
Science and Testing / The Science Lady
by Kathy Renfrew · Published 05/30/2018 · Last modified 11/24/2019
System leaders may say preparation for end-of-year testing is now built into everyday teaching, but science coach Kathy Renfrew still witnesses a “test prep culture” in her middle grades work. What can teachers do to stop stealing learning time for off-topic prep?
Math Dislike / Meaningful Math
by Michelle Russell · Published 05/28/2018 · Last modified 11/28/2019
Michelle Russell has worked to combat students’ negative attitudes toward math, but she had never considered how their attitudes might be affecting her effectiveness as a teacher. It’s been a tough year, but Russell has begun to find some ways to restore her enthusiasm.
