Catlin Tucker

NOVEMBER 29, 2020

When I ask teachers, “How would you describe a successful online or blended learning course? ” Most teachers include some form of the word “engagement” in their answers. So, it makes sense that teachers are frustrated when they feel like students are not engaging. What would that look like?”

Learning Spaces 545

Learning Spaces Student Engagement Learning Students 545

Catlin Tucker

MAY 4, 2020

One of the primary roles that a teacher plays in an online class is the facilitation of learning. Facilitation is the teacher’s ability to clearly communicate learning objectives and support learners as they make progress toward those objectives. This presents myriad opportunities to engage students in active learning online.

Discussions 546

Discussions Student Engagement Participation Students 546

Catlin Tucker

OCTOBER 29, 2020

Online discussions offer an avenue to connect students online and facilitate knowledge construction; however, many teachers are frustrated by a lack of student engagement online. Too often, a teacher’s questions in a video conferencing session are met with long silences. Preparing for Online Discussions.

Discussions 546

Discussions Participation Questions Assignments 546

eSchool News

NOVEMBER 15, 2024

As classroom teachers, one of the many challenges we face is student engagement. For our purposes, we are going to say that student engagement is the ability for a teacher to draw the attention or interest of students for the sake of learning. You must believe in your ability as a teacher to create or find engaging lessons.

Student Engagement 306

Student Engagement Teachers Students Attention 306

Catlin Tucker

OCTOBER 29, 2021

” I used that Chromebook to design a collaborative online station to complement my teacher-led and offline stations. It was exciting to see how the addition of a single device enabled my students to drive their learning and engage in meaningful student-centered learning activities. I thought, “What the heck?

Blended Learning 535

Blended Learning Critical Thinking Communication Participation 535

Catlin Tucker

OCTOBER 10, 2021

Teachers got a crash course in creating video content when schools shifted online. As teachers transitioned back into classrooms, many abandoned video in favor of live instruction. However, if teachers are going to say the same thing the same way for all students, I encourage them to make a video.

Multiple Choice Questions 543

Multiple Choice Questions Blended Learning Discussions Art 543

Catlin Tucker

JANUARY 13, 2020

Can teachers who are teaching an AP course use blended learning models and cover the extensive curriculum? Each station rotation is designed to provide a balance of online, offline and teacher-led activities. Tips for Teachers Using the Station Rotation Model. My answer is a resounding “Yes!”

Blended Learning 546

Blended Learning Learning History Social Studies 546

Catlin Tucker

DECEMBER 20, 2020

I worry that instead of articulating the value of a powerful blend of online and offline learning, teachers are receiving the message that they “must” adopt blended learning to meet the demands of the moment. Yes, blended learning can help teachers navigate the challenges of teaching at this moment.

Blended Learning 545

Blended Learning Learning Online Learning Activities 545

Catlin Tucker

FEBRUARY 21, 2021

Time is a luxury most teachers do not have right now. Instead of a choice board with nine options, teachers can provide students with at least one choice between two options during the learning experience. When I work with teachers, I encourage them to treat their classrooms (physical or virtual) like a laboratory.

Laboratory 543

Laboratory Motivation Fairness Participation 543

Catlin Tucker

APRIL 1, 2020

As teachers embrace their new roles as designers, instructors, and facilitators of online learning, many are grappling the details associated with teaching remotely. When learning moves online, teachers have to think about their Google Classroom or the Learning Management System as their virtual classroom.

Teaching 545

Teaching Assignments Discussions Communication 545

Catlin Tucker

MAY 18, 2021

I am concerned about the impact that the imbalances in education have on teacher engagement and job satisfaction. I know firsthand the toll that the imbalances caused by traditional workflows in education can have on a teacher. First, I do not want the teacher to do the lion’s share of the work in the lesson.

Blended Learning 519

Blended Learning Feedback Learning Beliefs 519

Catlin Tucker

OCTOBER 5, 2021

When I work with teachers shifting to blended learning, I strive to establish the WHY driving our work together. I want teachers to understand the purpose and value of the shift to blended learning. In training sessions, I ask teachers to think about why they use this model. Blended learning is not a reaction to a moment.

Blended Learning 544

Blended Learning Metacognitive Skills Learning Motivation 544

eSchool News

SEPTEMBER 7, 2022

Teachers, the majority of whom are women, are struggling under the immense pressure of pandemic schooling. Teacher retention rates were already declining pre-pandemic, and the shortage of educators across roles may be widening. School and district-based staff are understandably wary about the new school year.

Teachers 300

Teachers Beliefs Study Participation 300

Catlin Tucker

MARCH 23, 2020

They make it possible for teachers to maintain a human connection with their students and guide their learning from a distance. Teachers can host a series of short Zoom or Google Hangouts sessions throughout the day focused on different skills or topics. 1 Small Group Instruction. TeachingVideoConf. 3 Conferencing with Students.

Learning 546

Learning Students Discussions Textbooks 546

Catlin Tucker

NOVEMBER 18, 2021

While coaching teachers this month, several expressed a desire to include review and practice activities in their station rotation lessons to help students prepare for end-of-the-semester assessments. Teachers who love Kahoot! questions that the teacher can use to create a variety of review activities.

Blended Learning 520

Blended Learning Students Exams Study 520

eSchool News

APRIL 23, 2025

Charlotte, NC Discovery Education , the creators of indispensable K-12 learning solutions used in classrooms around the world, today announced an exciting new slate of standards-aligned educational content and instructional resources for Back-to-School 2025 that will inspire teachers and engage students.

Laboratory 197

Laboratory Social Studies Education Middle School 197

Catlin Tucker

SEPTEMBER 18, 2023

Who decided that grading and assessment should be the exclusive responsibility of teachers? It promotes ownership of learning, motivating students to be more engaged, active participants in their education. Why should the responsibility of checking accuracy and thinking about student progress fall solely on the teacher?

Evaluation 426

Evaluation Assignments Failure Discussions 426

eSchool News

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Competitive and networking events: Students can participate in competitions at the local, state, and national levels, where they can gain feedback from education professionals and build connections with peers. Hire teachers who love to teach Great teachers often inspire future educators.

Teachers 277

Teachers Education High School High School 277

eSchool News

APRIL 29, 2025

While I used to be deeply involved in CTSOs as an advisor and teacher, stepping into an administrator role has allowed me to continue engaging with students in a new way–judging events and witnessing their enthusiasm firsthand.

Middle School 270

Middle School Middle School Elementary School Elementary School 270

eSchool News

MARCH 25, 2025

We also teamed up with Leading Educators , a nonprofit organization that supports high-quality instruction, to transform professional learning for our teachers. This sense of purpose around a shared strategic goal has elevated our principals, teachers, and students alike. Here are three key lessons weve learned throughout this process.

Teachers 262

Teachers Coaching Students Math 262

Catlin Tucker

NOVEMBER 2, 2021

As I work with leadership teams, many are struggling to engage their teachers in professional learning this year. Unfortunately, substitute teacher shortages combined with teacher fatigue are presenting challenges when it comes to offering and engaging teachers in professional learning.

Blended Learning 539

Blended Learning Coaching Learning Feedback 539

Catlin Tucker

APRIL 22, 2024

Formative assessment helps teachers gauge how effective their instruction has been at helping students learn concepts and apply skills. When teachers share formative assessment data with students, it becomes a powerful tool for goal setting, progress monitoring, and reflection.

Feedback 428

Feedback Quizzes Coaching Discussions 428

k12 Digest

MAY 19, 2025

Her career spans roles as an elementary teacher, instructional coach, mentor, special education administrator, and elementary school principal. Dr. DiTullio was a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) and is an esteemed member of both PDK International and the Pi Lambda Theta International Honor Society.

Science 130

Science Education Motivation Lecturing 130

Catlin Tucker

JULY 2, 2023

Feedback is one of the most powerful tools a teacher has to support students in achieving standards-aligned goals. Encourages engagement and active participation in the learning process. Fosters effective communication and dialogue between teachers and students. Builds confidence and self-efficacy in learners.

Feedback 420

Feedback Metacognitive Skills Blended Learning Beliefs 420

Catlin Tucker

JUNE 13, 2023

As a speaker, trainer, and coach, I have had the privilege of working with thousands of teachers. In my experience leading the shift to blended learning, the only way to truly engage students in learning is to allow them to actively lead the process, make decisions, and pursue learning through a lens of interest.

Technology 432

Technology Blended Learning Students Coaching 432

Catlin Tucker

NOVEMBER 5, 2021

My work focuses on supporting leaders, coaches, and teachers in transitioning from traditional teaching practices to blended learning. Blended learning is the combination of active, engaged learning online and offline. Teacher-centered instruction vs. Student-centered blended learning. What is psychological safety?

Blended Learning 506

Blended Learning Feedback Coaching Achievement 506

eSchool News

APRIL 17, 2025

This new offering integrates AI Assist, an advanced tool designed to save teachers time and elevate student engagement through AI-generated quiz-based activities and assessments. Monster Quiz and Team Quiz : Game-based activities that foster collaboration and competition as students work in teams to answer questions on their devices.

Multiple Choice Questions 208

Multiple Choice Questions Quizzes Technology Teachers 208

Catlin Tucker

APRIL 5, 2023

As teachers, we know that the physical environment of a classroom can have a significant impact on how students engage with the material and each other. By strategically positioning desks, chairs, and other pieces of furniture, we can create an environment that promotes collaboration, active engagement, and independent thinking.

Motivation 479

Motivation Learning Outcomes Communication Coaching 479

eSchool News

AUGUST 2, 2024

The company announced last week that it is offering elementary educators nationwide the unique opportunity to participate in the development of its latest product, Mystery Writing by Discovery Education , through a free, year-long trial. This approach aims to keep students engaged and actively involved in their learning process.

Writing 312

Writing Feedback Schools Science 312

eSchool News

OCTOBER 21, 2022

One of the many reasons I love working for Van Andel Institute for Education is that I get to be a teacher Fairy Godmother. But every Fairy Godmother needs a magic wand to work her wonders, and for my part, there’s no better resource to meet teacher needs than project-based learning. What is project-based learning, anyway?

Learning 348

Learning Knowledge Participation Activities 348

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. Second, teaching students how to engage with media in a meaningful way can free teachers from the front of the room.

Teaching 389

Teaching Critical Thinking Discussions Questions 389

Catlin Tucker

MARCH 23, 2022

Teachers have three primary roles – designer, instructor, and facilitator. When I facilitate blended learning workshops, I ask participants to think about these three roles and identify the role they spend the most time and energy in. I encourage teachers to consider the following question.

Blended Learning 496

Blended Learning Feedback Learning Instructors 496

Cult of Pedagogy

APRIL 27, 2025

In the 10 years since I chose a book called Make it Stick for a book study in the summer of 2015, I’ve been encouraging teachers to add more retrieval practice to their teaching. She advises teachers to emphasize the importance of struggle and mistakes as part of the learning. The strategies are summarized below.

Multiple Choice Questions 77

Multiple Choice Questions Teachers Writing Questions 77

Catlin Tucker

OCTOBER 16, 2019

In my blog post titled “ 3 Ways to Build Student Agency into Your Lessons ,” I encouraged teachers to design lessons that allow students to make key decisions about their learning. Student agency is one of the easiest ways that teachers can begin to personalize learning.

Students 420

Students Learning Motivation Participation 420

eSchool News

JANUARY 10, 2025

As a fourth-grade teacher, Ive seen how gamification can transform a regular lesson into something my students look forward to. “Games are among childrens favorite activities, especially for primary school students. This choice element gets students invested in the activity. Ive used Gimkit for math and science review.

Gamification 306

Gamification Multiple Choice Questions Motivation Social Studies 306

Catlin Tucker

JANUARY 13, 2021

Last week, my class of teacher candidates explored the topic of building an online learning community. As teachers in a blended or online learning landscape, it’s our responsibility to help students to develop their social presence or the ability to assert their social and emotional selves online. So, what can we do? #1

Beliefs 492

Beliefs Discussions Assignments Blended Learning 492

Catlin Tucker

MAY 4, 2024

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. Jenn is a first-grade teacher at Desert Sands Unified School District. I jumped at the chance!

Writing 381

Writing Feedback Learning Spaces Activities 381