Catlin Tucker

MAY 2, 2025

Facilitating meaningful discussion in a physical classroom is challenging enough. Discussion plays a vital role in building social presence, or the sense of being seen, heard, and valued, in an online course. Why Prioritize Online Discussions? Provide every student with the opportunity to participate.

Discussions 195

Discussions Students Participation STEM 195

Catlin Tucker

MARCH 23, 2020

It is essential to build in time for them to discuss information and ask questions. 2 Facilitate a Small Group Discussion. Ideally, I would suggest teachers provide the discussion questions ahead of time to allow students to think about them before the conversation. TeachingVideoConf. 3 Conferencing with Students.

Learning 546

Learning Students Discussions Textbooks 546

Catlin Tucker

NOVEMBER 29, 2020

Breakout rooms provide a synchronous virtual space for students to connect, discuss, collaborate, and share. Establish clear expectations for behavior and participation ahead of time, so everyone knows what is expected of them when they work in a breakout room. Zoom or Google Meet Breakout Rooms. Encourage self-assessment.

Learning Spaces 545

Learning Spaces Student Engagement Learning Students 545

Catlin Tucker

APRIL 1, 2020

If you regularly engage students in discussions about the reading, videos, or current events, leverage your LMS’s functionality to create that experience online. For example, a single lesson in a classroom may be composed of direct instruction, a class discussion, and individual practice.

Teaching 545

Teaching Assignments Discussions Communication 545

Catlin Tucker

JULY 9, 2020

I cannot say I am surprised given the lack of clarity about expectations for participation online, the “no harm” grading policies adopted by many districts during school closures, and issues around equity and access. The students in group A will unmute and engage in a discussion or talk through the problem. Online Fishbowl.

Active Learning 546

Active Learning Activities Learning Students 546

Catlin Tucker

FEBRUARY 21, 2021

My children love “would you rather” questions. Would you rather go to the beach or the snow? Would you rather eat a cookie or a brownie? Would you rather watch a movie or read a book? They enjoy being presented with two options and getting to choose one. Would You Rather?

Laboratory 543

Laboratory Motivation Fairness Participation 543

eSchool News

MARCH 20, 2025

These 10 questions can help prospective students make an informed decision and choose a college where they will thrive academically, socially, and financially. Some students prefer the energy of large lecture halls, while others thrive in small, discussion-based classes. The key is knowing what to ask.

Questions 258

Questions Students Study Textbooks 258

Catlin Tucker

JANUARY 13, 2021

We also discussed the challenges of building community when learning is happening in part, or exclusively, online. If students are not participating in discussion or group work in breakout rooms, that may indicate that they are not feeling comfortable asserting themselves online. 3 Go Deeper with a Dialogic Interview Format.

Beliefs 494

Beliefs Discussions Assignments Blended Learning 494

Catlin Tucker

OCTOBER 5, 2021

I ask them to brainstorm and discuss with colleagues the benefits and challenges of teaching using the whole group, teacher-led, teacher-paced model. Below is an image of teacher responses to the following questions: What are the benefits and challenges of the whole group, teacher-led model from your perspective?

Blended Learning 544

Blended Learning Metacognitive Skills Learning Motivation 544

Catlin Tucker

OCTOBER 29, 2021

They responded in kind, asking questions, making comments, and leaning into the learning. Teachers have the time and space to facilitate differentiated small group instruction, engage learners in interactive modeling sessions, facilitate small group discussions, and provide real-time feedback on work in progress. I was hooked!

Blended Learning 535

Blended Learning Critical Thinking Communication Participation 535

Catlin Tucker

SEPTEMBER 18, 2023

It promotes ownership of learning, motivating students to be more engaged, active participants in their education. In pairs or groups, students can compare their answers to an answer key or a strong exemplar and work together to check, correct, and discuss their questions.

Evaluation 428

Evaluation Assignments Failure Discussions 428

eSchool News

APRIL 29, 2025

Not just general practitioners–these middle schoolers aimed high and discussed specialties like cardiology, neurosurgery, psychiatry, plastic surgery, and anesthesiology. While their ambition is inspiring, it raises important questions for educators, such as: What are alternative careers in a students field of interest?

Middle School 255

Middle School Middle School Elementary School Elementary School 255

Catlin Tucker

MAY 13, 2024

Instead of simply listening to a teacher explain a concept, unpack a text, or model a strategy, students are challenged to ask questions, think critically, experiment and explore, and collaborate with classmates to learn. In addition to those questions, teachers may not want students staring at a screen all class period (legitimate concern!).

Teaching 392

Teaching Critical Thinking Discussions Questions 392

Catlin Tucker

APRIL 22, 2024

Teachers can use observations with a checklist when students are: Engaged in group activities or discussions to monitor individual participation and contributions. Teachers might include the following items on a checklist: Participation: Is the student actively engaged in the activity/discussion?

Feedback 431

Feedback Quizzes Coaching Discussions 431

Catlin Tucker

JUNE 21, 2021

Over a series of three meetings, my architect asked me countless questions about what I wanted in a home and how I used the space. lecture, discussion, written responses), there are myriad barriers that may make it hard for students to access information and share their learning effectively. Summer Learning Opportunities.

Blended Learning 518

Blended Learning Learning Lecturing Motivation 518

Catlin Tucker

JANUARY 13, 2020

I get asked this question frequently as a blended learning coach. My online learning activities typically involve the use of short videos, online discussions, student research, podcasts, and various formative assessments. Can teachers who are teaching an AP course use blended learning models and cover the extensive curriculum?

Blended Learning 546

Blended Learning Learning History Social Studies 546

Faculty Focus

MAY 20, 2025

Without adequate reading, students will be reluctant, or unable, to participate in class discussions and conversations for lack of understanding and fear of not measuring-up to peers (Severe, E., Preparing to join classroom discussions requires intentional preparation. Stalnaker, J., Hubbard, A., H., & Bailey, E.

Instructors 89

Instructors Assignments Participation Students 89

Catlin Tucker

NOVEMBER 5, 2021

It’s a place where interpersonal risks feel doable, interpersonal risks, like speaking up with questions and concerns and half-baked ideas and even mistakes.” Students may lose points on homework assignments or practice activities because they answered questions incorrectly. What characterizes a psychologically safe space?

Blended Learning 506

Blended Learning Feedback Coaching Achievement 506

Catlin Tucker

SEPTEMBER 7, 2023

Click here to revisit my last blog in this series on using the “Claim-Evidence-Question” routine. I See, Think, Me, We Thinking Routine The “See, Think, Me, We” thinking routine promotes deeper understanding and encourages discussion. In the think stage, participants move from observation to interpretation.

Metacognitive Skills 360

Metacognitive Skills Discussions Art History 360

Catlin Tucker

NOVEMBER 30, 2021

In each module, participants read the associated chapter, reflect on and discuss the questions at the end of the chapter, and choose one of the resources to explore further. The guide provides a clear structure to ensure your participation in the book club is positive and productive!

Blended Learning 359

Blended Learning Learning Participation Reading 359

Catlin Tucker

OCTOBER 21, 2019

When I facilitate station rotation workshops with teachers using StudySync , I encourage them to consider designing offline discussion stations. There is value in having a small group of six to eight students discuss a text as opposed to facilitating a whole group discussion. Ask follow up questions. Make eye contact.

Discussions 283

Discussions Writing Communication Questions 283

Catlin Tucker

MARCH 23, 2022

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. It is in the moments when students are practicing and applying that they encounter obstacles, have questions, and need additional support.

Blended Learning 498

Blended Learning Feedback Learning Instructors 498

Catlin Tucker

JULY 17, 2023

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

eSchool News

JANUARY 10, 2025

It allows you to create or search pre-made question sets and host a variety of games that students can join. Students answer multiple-choice questions on their devices while seeing fun memes, leaderboards, and progress bars. Other question types include fill-in-the-blank, true or false, drag-and-drop, and matching.

Gamification 306

Gamification Multiple Choice Questions Motivation Social Studies 306

Faculty Focus

MAY 18, 2025

Be open and welcome student questions. Create community guidelines for discussions that include intention and impact/anti-bias language. Immediately address ableist /biased remarks in the classroom through discussion. Examine course syllabi to make sure policies (late work, absence, participation grades, etc.)

Accessibility 92

Accessibility Disabilities Learning Disabilities Special Education 92

eSchool News

JUNE 30, 2020

Creating authentic learning experiences such as having your child help prepare meals, shop, and participate in outings to parks or museums can improve literacy. Discussing the content with your student is vital for building reading comprehension and retention. For younger children, that may involve them retelling the story.

Distance Learning 363

Distance Learning Learning Coaching Language 363

Catlin Tucker

AUGUST 23, 2024

Example: Two Teacher-Led Stations – One Differentiated, One Guided Reading and Discussion Reading Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.2 The teacher uses guided reading strategies, asking questions that help students focus on basic elements like characters and setting before discussing the moral.

Teaching 395

Teaching Writing Essay Discussions 395

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. ” I remember questioning how effective those sessions would be at improving teaching and learning.

Blended Learning 392

Blended Learning Knowledge Feedback Universal Design 392

eSchool News

JANUARY 17, 2024

Students from different backgrounds often have their own ways of participating and learning. Instead of yes or no questions, ask questions that encourage students to express their thinking. Create activities that allow MLs to participate without the pressure of speaking in front of the whole class.

STEM 334

STEM English Language Languages 334

eSchool News

MAY 4, 2023

Whether presenting a project, raising a hand to answer a question, or reading a passage out loud in front of others, students are often hesitant to put themselves out there. At Rio Rancho Public Schools in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, we’ve seen how some students can be reluctant to participate and engage in the classroom.

English 286

English Participation Discussions Reading 286

Catlin Tucker

APRIL 1, 2019

NewseumED , a free online resource, is committed to cultivating the First Amendment and media literacy skills they believe are critical to participating in civic life. These lessons are cross-curricular, standards-aligned, and includes video instruction, instructions, materials, downloadable resources, discussion questions.

Evaluation 311

Evaluation Participation Discussions Skills 311

eSchool News

APRIL 5, 2024

Here are three effective strategies: Think-Pair-Share : This strategy encourages active participation and collaboration among students. First, students individually reflect on a question or prompt, then they discuss their thoughts with a partner, and finally, they share their ideas with the class.

Activities 247

Activities Critical Thinking Active Learning Lecturing 247

Catlin Tucker

MAY 4, 2024

I also field a lot of questions from elementary teachers who are curious about how they can integrate technology into their lessons in a meaningful and developmentally appropriate way. The goal is to streamline the teaching process while maximizing student participation, understanding, and skill development. I jumped at the chance!

Writing 383

Writing Feedback Learning Spaces Activities 383

eSchool News

JULY 4, 2022

A significant body of research has found that students who participate in scholastic esports programs benefit from increased emotional regulation, academic achievement, and graduation rates. These benefits only scratch the surface of the positive consequences for students participating in scholastic esports.

STEM 364

STEM Schools Hybrid Learning Game-Based Learning 364

Catlin Tucker

APRIL 5, 2023

If teachers are using their small group time to facilitate discussions, the U-shape seating arrangement encourages student participation. Group seating can also encourage students to take on different roles within the group, such as facilitator, note-taker, or questioner.

Motivation 481

Motivation Learning Outcomes Communication Coaching 481

eSchool News

FEBRUARY 17, 2025

During the November 2024 meeting of CoSNs EdTech Innovation Committee , participants were asked those same questions, and shared their perspectives on what educators should do about the topic. Read on for 10 key takeaways from the discussion. But what is this topic exactly and why is it important for moving education forward?

Schools 287

Schools Ethics Language Languages 287

Catlin Tucker

NOVEMBER 18, 2018

Every time I lead a blended learning workshop, teachers ask me the same question. ” This is a hard question to answer. “How do you deal with students who are off task or distracting other students?” Classroom management isn’t something I have struggled with.

Classroom Management 420

Classroom Management Motivation Blended Learning Feedback 420