The Teacher’s Role in the Grid Method

Meghan DeeganBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Personalize Student Learning Better

TL;DR: One teacher’s experience using the grid method. A focused look at the role of the teacher in the grid method. “So you don’t really teach anymore.”  “The students teach themselves.” “When will I get to see you teach?”  In implementing the grid method, I’ve heard them all and I’ve heard them a lot.  So what is teaching and what … Read More

How Creative are You? Can You Create Better?

Debbie TannenbaumBlog, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Personalize Student Learning Better

TL;DR: A reflection from Adobe Creative Educator Day. Lessons on improving creativity for yourself AND your students. At the end of February, I got the opportunity to attend the Adobe Creative Educator Day. I  thought I understood creativity before that day, but it turned out that I only understood a small aspect of it. This was an entire day dedicated to … Read More

Promoting Student Engagement and Collaboration using Breakouts

Meghan DeeganBlog, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: An introduction the many ways breakouts can be used in your classroom. A “how to” for planning and implementing a breakout in your classroom. As a middle school teacher, I’m always looking for fun new ways to engage my students.  Their current favorite? Breakouts!  Planning a breakout can seem overwhelming, time consuming, and daunting.  I’m here to help walk … Read More

The Power of Place Based Education

Kathleen DeckerBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: Helping children to truly learn about their community and to engage in their own learning. Leveraging partnerships within the community to create these learning experiences can transform learning and can yield higher levels of learning for students. How do you create authentic learning experiences in schools? There are several ways to help students experience learning beyond the classroom. At … Read More

Inquiry Focused Classrooms

Chad OstrowskiBlog, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: An introduction to inquiry-focused classrooms. 3 simple questions educators can ask to determine the inquiry level in their classroom. Quick suggestions to increase inquiry in the classroom. What’s an Inquiry-Focused Classroom? While the term “inquiry” is pretty popular in education, I think sometimes it gets a bit overcomplicated. Inquiry learning can be a powerful tool that supports many other … Read More