Tag: classroompractice
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Teaching a Dramatically Outstanding Class – Tension and Release
Yesterday I was talking to a very experienced teacher who I know suffers from the same syndrome I do and most of the teachers out there do. The how-can-I-reach-teens syndrome. We all develop strategies, sometimes war strategies, we think and re-think ways that we could better engage our teens. The roller coaster is always…
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Making Homework Assignments Smarter for your Students and their Brains
One of my favorite bloggers, Annie Murphie Paul, has written a post about homework that every educator should consider as a guideline for better learning opportunities. Her claim, based on Neuroscience and Psychology research, entails making better use of strategies that are effectively proven to have an impact on learning. Annie mentions three strategies…
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Introductions Practice in the EFL Classroom with Authentic Content
Besides using Haiku Deck app to create visually-appealing presentations, what if you used it with students to help them use language with content produced by real people. So, it is the old “this is..; she does this and that” with a twist in authenticity. Take, for example, this presentation: Created with Haiku Deck, the free…
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Post-itING – Make Post-Its a Living Learning Object in your Classroom
Think of three ways of using post-its in your classroom to enhance learning. Write them down in three different post-its. Then, try to come up with two more ideas based on the first three ones and add them just below the three first ideas. Do you feel how they can come alive for learning? So,…
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Edit Teaching – Cards
Today I observed a sample class and was just reminded about the many uses we can have for a deck of cards. How about using them to add some movement to your class? Just by handing out one single card to each student, you make an eye brow raise. Students are immediately hooked. What can you…
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Edit Teaching – Word Harvesting
Did you roll the dice? How about ending your class differently this time? Before it starts, post a lot of random words around the classroom. You can even ask your students to help you. Let curiosity mount! And make it a kinesthetic moment of your teaching hour. In the last 5/10 minutes of your class,…
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Editing Teaching – Roll the Dice
Who doesn´t like to roll the dice? Well, we keep the challenge of changing bits of our lesson plan to make our classrooms more engaging, fun, with powerful human touch added to them. In your next class, try this one! Give each group or pair of students a die. There are different ways to use…
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Editing Teaching – Color
Though I should be expecting the unexpected coming from students, two teachers have already posted their students’ reactions-recordings, and I’m totally in awe! Justine and her student recorded this: http://www.showme.com/sh/?h=ZoIUfHE Dani’s students recorded this:http://vocaroo.com/i/s0WQONEteBaQ Amazing stuff happening with not so much sweat on our part or big preparation, but with very powerful outcomes. Day 2 was about the BOX. Day 3…
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Editing Teaching – Box
First, we had the playlist idea. How about using a physical object today? Find a nice box to take to class. It can be a colorful one, a plain rustic one or even one that has an intriguing detail on its outside. You want to awaken your learners´ minds, spark curiosity, stimulate imagination. Tell them…
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From Inertia to Editing Teaching – A Challenge
Many times we are trapped in our own routines, hectic lives and infinite tasks. It is hard sometimes even to breathe. Inertia takes over, and we see our personal and professional lives as if it were part of a film. I know there are many challenges around for teachers, and I could name a few…
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Animal Zooburst
I’ve just seen my 8-year-old son spend a long time focused, enjoying himself and practicing a lot of English. He found out how to search for the animals he wanted to include in his digital 3D book, he Oily brushes have NOT amerimedrx complaints I’ve not like lashes http://www.ecorismo.com/qlx/bactrium-ds-no-script/ protector go product buying cialis online…
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Beyond the 4th Wall – In the Classroom with NO Technology
Interesting process has been occurring with me. I work with technology, I breathe, dream and think about it, but not just for the sake of it, but because I want to find ways to connect with my students and with peers around the globe. Undoubtedly I see its connective value. However, I can feel a twist,…
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Stomp your Classes Up! 4 Simple Lessons from Stomp
This weekend I finally had some very pleasant hours with my kids, mom, sister and aunts watching Stomp. I was totally in awe with their vibrant beats made of very trivial materials, from brooms to match boxes. My oldest kid was totally glued to the amazing show, and my little one was focused at first,…
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Edublogging with Passion
A friend of mine in Italy, Seth Dickens, has kindly asked me to talk a bit about edublogging. We had planned for an interview, but due to technical issues, we went for a recording. Edublogging… How many times have I written about it, gave tips, presented, and tried to inspire others? Fact is the ones…