Catlin Tucker

JULY 30, 2024

Do you feel like our current approach to teaching and learning is working for either teachers or students? If you answered, “no,” we are on the same page. This belief is what drove me to develop my TEDx Talk titled “ Education Reimagined: Student-Led Learning.” Right now, we are facing an educational crisis with more teachers leaving the profession than new teachers are entering the field.

Education 284

Education Learning Students Discussions 284

Catlin Tucker

JUNE 25, 2024

As someone who regularly works with teachers on topics like blended learning, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and student-led learning, one recurring theme I encounter is control. There’s a pervasive fear among educators when it comes to releasing control and allowing students to take more ownership and responsibility for their learning. This begs the question: Why don’t we trust our students?

Students 195

Students Motivation Blended Learning Critical Thinking 195

Catlin Tucker

JULY 23, 2024

I am excited to announce the launch of a new video series on YouTube called “Virtual Coaching.” I have the privilege of working with thousands of educators every year who are expanding their teaching toolboxes to include blended learning models , UDL , and student-led instructional strategies. I understand how challenging it can be to shift practice.

Coaching 222

Coaching Questions Blended Learning Feedback 222

Catlin Tucker

MAY 20, 2024

Imagine you’re at a new, highly recommended restaurant, eager to try what you’ve heard is an exceptional dining experience. As you sit down and open the menu, your excitement dims—you realize it’s a fixed menu with no options for substitutions or alterations. You’re vegetarian, and all the courses feature meat. You speak with the server, hoping for flexibility, but there are no alternatives that accommodate your dietary needs.

Lecturing 195

Lecturing Reading Knowledge Attention 195

Catlin Tucker

JUNE 4, 2024

In this second installment of our “Would You Rather?” series , we will delve into strategies for facilitating meaning-making in the classroom. Once students have had an opportunity to acquire information, how can we support them in transforming that information into deep, personal understanding? How can we ensure that every student, regardless of their background or individual learning preferences, has the opportunity to connect with the material in a meaningful way?

Knowledge 195

Knowledge Participation Discussions Writing 195

Catlin Tucker

JUNE 16, 2024

The first and second blogs in this series focused on providing meaningful choices when students are acquiring information and making meaning. In this third and final installment of our “Would You Rather?” series, we will explore how we can provide students with choices that enable them to transfer and apply their learning effectively. Understanding that not all students express or communicate their understanding in the same way is crucial.

History 382

History Art Essay Physical Education 382

Catlin Tucker

MAY 4, 2024

In the newest episode of The Balance , I chat with Ben Cogswell and Jenn Dean about their new book, EduProtocol Field Guide: Primary Edition. These two are a powerhouse of passion when it comes to educating young learners! Ben is a kindergarten teacher in Salinas, California. He was awarded Teacher of the Year, Computer Using Educators (CUE) Blended and Online Educator of the Year, CUE’s Gold Disk Award, and KSBW’s Crystal Apple Award.

Writing 383

Writing Feedback Learning Spaces Activities 383

Catlin Tucker

MAY 13, 2024

Shifting from teacher-led to student-led learning requires that teachers equip students with the skills necessary to assume responsibility for specific learning activities in the classroom. It also necessates that teachers release some of the control in a lesson and trust that with the right scaffolding and support, students can drive the learning experience.

Teaching 392

Teaching Critical Thinking Discussions Questions 392

Catlin Tucker

APRIL 3, 2024

Choice boards are a fantastic tool for honoring learner variability and providing students with meaningful choices. Not every student enjoys the same task, so giving them options is critical to maximizing their motivation and focus in a lesson. Choice boards allow us to honor our students’ preferences, needs, and interests, making their learning experience more engaging and effective.

Blended Learning 195

Blended Learning Math Exams Attention 195

Catlin Tucker

APRIL 15, 2024

A teacher recently asked me whether students always need to attend every station in a rotation. The short answer is “no.” Our classrooms are composed of diverse groups of students with different skills, abilities, preferences, language proficiencies, and academic needs. Given that variability, it makes sense that not all students would need to spend time engaged in the same learning tasks or activities.

Metacognitive Skills 344

Metacognitive Skills Math Blended Learning Quizzes 344

Catlin Tucker

APRIL 22, 2024

As students move through a lesson, some acquire information and skills more quickly than others. Some students will need additional support, scaffolds, feedback, or reteaching to understand key concepts and apply specific strategies, processes, or skills. We must collect formative assessment data in each lesson to understand our students’ progress and respond to their needs.

Feedback 431

Feedback Quizzes Coaching Discussions 431

Catlin Tucker

MARCH 19, 2024

Written by Noelle Gutierrez Educators know the importance of academic vocabulary instruction. Student knowledge of academic words and phrases has a direct impact on their ability to acquire and comprehend information, which is why it should be a part of every subject area and class. As an instructional coach and administrator, I regularly observed teachers providing direct instruction using explicit vocabulary routines.

Writing 374

Writing Coaching Knowledge Activities 374

Catlin Tucker

MARCH 25, 2024

Let’s start with a quick review of the playlist, or individual rotation, model for those who have not heard of it. A playlist is a sequence of learning activities designed to move students toward a desired result. Most playlists culminate in a performance task or artifact intended to demonstrate students’ ability to transfer or apply what they learned working through the playlist.

Teachers 481

Teachers Art Feedback Writing 481

Catlin Tucker

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

In my last blog post titled “ Part I: Maximize the Impact of Explicit Teaching with Blended Learning ,” I explored the benefits of shifting from explicit teaching as a whole class experience to a differentiated small group experience. I wanted to highlight how teachers can use blended learning models , like the station rotation, to differentiate their instruction and modeling sessions better to meet the needs of small groups of learners.

Blended Learning 195

Blended Learning Teaching Metacognitive Skills Learning 195

Catlin Tucker

FEBRUARY 12, 2024

In my work helping teachers to shift from whole group, teacher-led lessons to differentiated small group student-centered learning experiences, I am asked questions that seem grounded in the belief that students cannot learn without the teacher. When I work with teachers designing lessons using the station rotation model, for example, some teachers struggle to understand how students can start at a station and complete an activity before they receive instruction.

Critical Thinking 195

Critical Thinking Knowledge Beliefs Participation 195

Catlin Tucker

FEBRUARY 19, 2024

Math is a linear subject, with each concept building on the one before. Math teachers are also responsible for covering a large number of standards in a school year. Most math curricula are designed for a whole group teacher-led lesson where the teacher is expected to cover a new concept or process every day. This, combined with the reality that designing lessons with a new instructional model may feel scary or daunting, can make it challenging for math teachers to understand how to use the stat

Math 195

Math Attention Beliefs Knowledge 195

Catlin Tucker

MARCH 4, 2024

In my last blog post, Using the Station Rotation Model in Math , I wrote about the benefits of shifting from a whole group, teacher-led lesson design to small-group differentiated instructional sessions. I make the case that the whole group, teacher-led approach to instruction limits opportunities for individual exploration and deep engagement with mathematical concepts.

Math 198

Math Metacognitive Skills Writing Activities 198

Catlin Tucker

MARCH 11, 2024

At a recent workshop, a teacher posed a compelling question about the effectiveness of small-group versus whole-group instruction. This inquiry always prompts me to reflect: How many educators gather pre-assessment data before crafting their lesson plans? Such preliminary insights, whether through pre-assessments, diagnostics, or activities aimed at accessing prior knowledge, can illuminate the diverse range of skills, abilities, and needs within a classroom.

Blended Learning 375

Blended Learning Coaching Writing Knowledge 375

Catlin Tucker

JANUARY 3, 2024

At this point in the school year, you have had time to establish classroom routines, nurture your relationships with students, and design and facilitate entire units of study. It’s the perfect time to ask your students for feedback. Employing a simple feedback strategy like “keep, start, stop” helps you quickly take the temperature of the class and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the rest of the year is as productive and positive as possible.

Feedback 460

Feedback Students Reading Assignments 460

Catlin Tucker

NOVEMBER 27, 2023

While reading Adam Grant’s new book, Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things , I was struck by his distinction between teaching and coaching. He writes, “Teaching others can build our competence. But it’s coaching others that elevates our confidence.” He describes the “coaching effect” as our confidence in our ability to overcome challenges and struggles after we have helped guide another person through them (pg. 137).

Coaching 195

Coaching Motivation Writing Study 195

Catlin Tucker

DECEMBER 12, 2023

In our newest book, Shift Writing into the Classroom with UDL and Blended Learning , Dr. Katie Novak and I guide teachers in creating the time and space to support all parts of the writing process in the classroom. Not only has the explosion of artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbots created concern about assigning writing, but myriad challenges exist when we send writing home with students. #1 Hard to Motivate After a Long Day at School After spending six to seven hours in a structured, often

Assignments 457

Assignments Writing Feedback Motivation 457

Catlin Tucker

NOVEMBER 6, 2023

Feedback is a powerful tool that can profoundly impact student learning and success. However, not all feedback is created equal; some approaches to feedback can propel students toward growth, while others may hinder their progress. What is the secret to effective feedback? How can educators unlock its power and potential to maximize student growth? How can teachers pull feedback into the classroom to ensure it is timely and actionable?

Feedback 363

Feedback Blended Learning Metacognitive Skills Failure 363

Catlin Tucker

NOVEMBER 12, 2023

Why Would a Teacher Use the Flipped Classroom Model? First, let’s establish the value of the flipped classroom in case you have never used this blended learning model. The flipped classroom was designed to invert the traditional approach to instruction and practice/application. Instead of spending precious class time transferring information live for the whole group in the form of a lecture or mini-lesson, which presents myriad barriers (e.g., auditory processing, attention deficit, lack o

Blended Learning 467

Blended Learning Students Assignments Lecturing 467

Catlin Tucker

NOVEMBER 17, 2023

Last week, I participated in a panel discussion with Jay McTighe and Tony Frontier on leading in an era of artificial intelligence. During the conversation, we discussed AI’s potential to transform education. Despite my optimism about the benefits of AI in education, the buzz online is focused on the exciting new AI-powered education tools and not on the transformative impact those tools could have on how we design and facilitate learning experiences to meet the needs of diverse groups of

Blended Learning 392

Blended Learning Knowledge Feedback Universal Design 392

Catlin Tucker

OCTOBER 17, 2023

Part III: Transitioning from Whole Group to Small Group to Achieve Equity in Education In the first blog post in this series, Time Efficiency vs. Equity in Education , I wrote about the tension between the demands on teachers’ time and the desire to provide equitable learning experiences. In the second blog, Leveraging AI to Save Time Architecting Equitable, Student-centered Learning Experiences , I highlight how teachers can use AI technology to significantly decrease the time required to

Blended Learning 206

Blended Learning Feedback Motivation Assignments 206

Catlin Tucker

OCTOBER 25, 2023

I was recently facilitating a training session on the station rotation model when several educators expressed concern about the noise level of the classroom during a station rotation lesson. They asked how I keep the noise level down at the stations that are not teacher-led. Like most classroom expectations, I spend time directly teaching what each type of station should look and sound like.

Blended Learning 320

Blended Learning Classroom Management Discussions Writing 320

Catlin Tucker

SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

Part II: Transitioning from Whole Group to Small Group to Achieve Equity in Education The first blog in this series, “ Time Efficiency vs. Equity in Education ,” explored two major barriers teachers face when shifting from whole group, teacher-led, teacher-paced model to student-centered blended learning models. Time and control are powerful enforcers of the status quo.

Learning 457

Learning Students Knowledge Math 457

Catlin Tucker

SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

Part I: Transitioning from Whole Group to Small Group In the ever-evolving education landscape, one of the most pressing challenges teachers face is striking the right balance between time efficiency and ensuring equitable learning opportunities for all students. As educators embrace innovative technology-enhanced instructional models , they often grapple with letting go of the time-saving practices inherent in the traditional teacher-led, teacher-paced whole group approach to instruction.

Blended Learning 419

Blended Learning Education Feedback Fairness 419

Catlin Tucker

SEPTEMBER 18, 2023

Who decided that grading and assessment should be the exclusive responsibility of teachers? Why do we sideline students when it comes to assessment? Self-assessment is a powerful strategy that encourages students to become more invested in their learning journeys. It is a process where students evaluate their work, reflecting on what they’ve learned, how well they’ve understood complex concepts, how much progress they’ve made toward mastering key skills, and where they may need

Evaluation 428

Evaluation Assignments Failure Discussions 428

Catlin Tucker

SEPTEMBER 7, 2023

Part V: Thinking About Thinking Series This is part five of a five-part series focused on using thinking routines to drive metacognitive skill building. Click here to revisit my last blog in this series on using the “Claim-Evidence-Question” routine. To recap, metacognition is a cognitive ability that allows learners to consider their thought patterns, approaches to learning, and understanding of a topic or idea.

Metacognitive Skills 360

Metacognitive Skills Discussions Art History 360

Catlin Tucker

SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

Part IV: Thinking About Thinking This is part four of a five-part series focused on using thinking routines to drive metacognitive skill building. Click here to revisit my last blog in this series on using the “I used to think…Now, I think…” routine. To recap, metacognition is a cognitive ability that allows learners to consider their thought patterns, approaches to learning, and understanding of a topic or idea.

Questions 415

Questions Metacognitive Skills Ethics Math 415

Catlin Tucker

AUGUST 22, 2023

Part III: Thinking About Thinking Series This is part three of a five-part series focused on using thinking routines to drive metacognitive skill building. Click here to revisit my last blog in this series on using the “Connect, Extend, Challenge” routine. To recap, metacognition is a cognitive ability that allows learners to consider their thought patterns, approaches to learning, and understanding of a topic or idea.

Ethics 331

Ethics Metacognitive Skills Culture Critical Thinking 331

Catlin Tucker

AUGUST 15, 2023

Part II: Thinking About Thinking Series This is part two of a five-part series focused on using thinking routines to drive metacognitive skill building. Click here to revisit my first blog in this series on using the “I see, I think, I wonder” routine. Metacognition is a cognitive ability that allows learners to consider their thought patterns, approaches to learning, and understanding of a topic or idea.

Metacognitive Skills 334

Metacognitive Skills Discussions Art Math 334

Catlin Tucker

AUGUST 5, 2023

Metacognition, often referred to as “thinking about thinking,” is a cognitive skill that empowers learners to reflect on their thought processes, learning strategies, and understanding of a concept or subject. By becoming metacognitive thinkers, students develop the capacity to monitor their learning, recognize gaps in understanding, and be strategic when attempting to solve complex problems.

Metacognitive Skills 327

Metacognitive Skills Ethics Critical Thinking Art 327

Catlin Tucker

JULY 30, 2023

Blended learning seamlessly weaves together online and in-person learning experiences to boost student engagement and meet the unique needs of a diverse class by providing flexible pathways through learning experiences. Blended learning aims to lean on technology to do what it does well–information transfer–and free teachers to do what they do well–support individual and small groups of students as they progress toward firm standards-aligned goals.

Blended Learning 229

Blended Learning Learning History English 229

Catlin Tucker

JULY 17, 2023

When first implementing the station rotation model , many teachers express concern about designing offline student-led collaborative stations. Although they understand the benefits of these collaborative conversations in station rotation, including increased self-efficacy, relationship building, and constructing knowledge together, teachers usually feel more comfortable designing teacher-led collaborative stations where they can control the discussion and ensure everyone is on task.

Discussions 247

Discussions Blended Learning Students Questions 247

Catlin Tucker

JULY 2, 2023

How can pulling feedback into the classroom help students develop confidence and improve their self-regulation skills? Feedback is one of the most powerful tools a teacher has to support students in achieving standards-aligned goals. Feedback also Provides clarity on learning goals and expectations. Guides students in understanding their strengths as well as areas in need of improvement.

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Feedback Metacognitive Skills Blended Learning Beliefs 423