Catlin Tucker

FEBRUARY 26, 2023

Why should teachers use rubrics to assess student work? Rubrics are valuable assessment tools that provide clear and transparent expectations about what constitutes quality work. Rubrics identify specific criteria relevant to the assignment, along with corresponding levels of performance that allow for more precise grading. Using rubrics helps teachers stay focused during the grading process and ensures that grading is objective, consistent, and fair.

Fairness 545

Fairness Assignments Feedback Evaluation 545

eSchool News

MAY 11, 2023

As a principal, you have the privilege of leading a school and making a positive difference in the lives of countless students. You have the power to create an environment of education, respect, and integrity. You are also responsible for ensuring that your students receive the best possible education and that their educational and social outcomes are improved through your leadership.

Communication 363

Communication Activities Schools Education 363

Catlin Tucker

APRIL 10, 2023

Spend less time preparing for tests! Generating high-quality review materials and engaging review games takes time. It is also a cognitively challenging task since it requires thinking about the key concepts in a unit or learning cycle and producing a collection of questions to guide students in recalling information and developing a deeper understanding of the material.

Teachers 487

Teachers Exams Feedback Students 487

Catlin Tucker

MAY 20, 2023

How can formative assessment data help students to develop their metacognitive skills? Formative assessments are ongoing assessments embedded throughout the learning process. These informal assessments provide information to the teacher about students’ understanding of the material being covered and the skills being introduced. This data allows the teacher to identify where students are struggling, where they are excelling, and where they need additional support.

Metacognitive Skills 481

Metacognitive Skills Universal Design Blended Learning Evaluation 481

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. From the color of the walls to the lighting and temperature, every aspect of the room can contribute to a student’s ability to feel comfortable and stay focused. Have you considered how the furniture placement in your classroom can either reinforce or distract from the specific tasks we are asking students to do?

Motivation 479

Motivation Learning Outcomes Communication Coaching 479

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 465

Blended Learning Students Assignments Lecturing 465

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 456

Assignments Writing Feedback Motivation 456

Catlin Tucker

MARCH 28, 2023

What barriers make designing for deeper learning in schools challenging? In today’s rapidly changing educational landscape, educators face numerous challenges when designing instruction that promotes deeper learning for all students. Recently, I had the privilege of meeting with a group of international educators in Dubai grappling with these challenges.

Blended Learning 458

Blended Learning Universal Design Learning Motivation 458

Catlin Tucker

APRIL 28, 2023

In my Art of Blended Learning Online Course this week, we continued our work on the playlist model. I began our synchronous session by addressing frequently asked questions about this model. In this post, I will share answers to some of those questions. Q1: How Long Should Students Work on a Playlist? The length of time required to complete a playlist can vary depending on the scope of the playlist.

Blended Learning 434

Blended Learning Feedback Universal Design Art 434

Catlin Tucker

JUNE 13, 2023

As a speaker, trainer, and coach, I have had the privilege of working with thousands of teachers. There is a recurring issue that needs to be addressed–the reluctance to relinquish control to students. 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

JUNE 18, 2023

As the landscape of education continues to evolve in response to global disruptions and digital advancements, blended learning models have surged in popularity. Among these is the flipped classroom model , a strategy that leverages video instruction to mitigate potential obstacles that make it challenging for students to access information presented live.

Lecturing 431

Lecturing Knowledge Assignments Writing 431

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 426

Evaluation Assignments Failure Discussions 426

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.

Feedback 420

Feedback Metacognitive Skills Blended Learning Beliefs 420

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 417

Blended Learning Education Feedback Fairness 417

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 413

Questions Metacognitive Skills Ethics Math 413

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 389

Blended Learning Knowledge Feedback Universal Design 389

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 362

Feedback Blended Learning Metacognitive Skills Failure 362

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 359

Metacognitive Skills Discussions Art History 359

eSchool News

FEBRUARY 10, 2023

Hate it or love – technology in education is here to stay. Parents can feel it, and the numbers back them up. Edtech is booming, with 40 times more venture capital invested in the sector in 2021 than in 2010. There is no question that edtech has brought new ways to support the learning process and was used extensively by schools to connect remotely to students who could not attend classes in-person during the worst parts of the pandemic.

Learning 363

Learning History Internet Textbooks 363

eSchool News

OCTOBER 24, 2023

Key points: Destigmatizing STEM fields is the first step in building a STEM pipeline Students are more likely to pursue STEM when they see STEM educators who look like them See related article: 3 essential tools to make elementary science easier For more news on STEM learning, visit eSN’s STEM & STEAM page The demand for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals outweighs the supply.

STEM 354

STEM Science Exams Testing 354

eSchool News

JANUARY 30, 2023

With the start of a new year and education conference season just beginning, educators and industry leaders are discovering the biggest education trends for 2023. The past few years have seen a significant transformation for education and edtech, and 2023 will continue to bring new ideas and emerging technologies. This year, schools are placing a focus on supporting students’ individual needs and recovering pandemic learning loss.

Education 358

Education Motivation Game-Based Learning Assignments 358

eSchool News

JANUARY 16, 2023

Cybersecurity is at the forefront of IT issues to be addressed over the next year. Nearly every list of major IT or educational technology issues for 2023 includes the need to further harden educational systems and infrastructure. More than 20 educational organizations–including AASA, the American Association of School Administrators (the primary superintendents’ association)–have asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to expand E-rate to cover advanced firewall technology

Accessibility 356

Accessibility Exams Communication Attention 356

eSchool News

APRIL 17, 2023

Critical thinking is plainly in decline. Everywhere we look, people are uncritically consuming and spreading information that is distorted, misleading, and sometimes intentionally deceptive. Conspiracy thinking is rampant–QAnon, Alex Jones and the Sandy Hook shooting, Pizzagate, and unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud are just a few of the most notorious examples.

Critical Thinking 352

Critical Thinking Skills History Internet 352

eSchool News

SEPTEMBER 13, 2023

Key points: When students are given choice in their learning, they are more empowered to achieve Student agency is a critical part of personalized learning See related article: Will, skill, & thrill: How learner agency accelerates innovation In my more than 20 years of supporting students on their academic journey, I’ve realized there are no “magic” solutions in education.

Students 348

Students Motivation Achievement Assignments 348

eSchool News

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Each year, we share our 10 most-read stories. Not surprisingly, many of this year’s Top 10 focused on equity, edtech innovation, immersive learning, and the science of reading. This year’s 6th most-read story focuses on the science of reading for older students. This story was originally published by Chalkbeat , a nonprofit news organization covering public education in communities across America.

Reading 345

Reading Science Middle School Middle School 345

eSchool News

NOVEMBER 20, 2023

Key points: Many educators look forward to the opportunity afforded by AI, but few feel ready to use it Other educators wonder if they have proper district support for AI use See related article: 5 positive ways students can use AI For more news on AI in education, visit eSN’s Digital Learning page A resounding 90 percent of educators in a recent survey said they believe that AI has the potential to make education more accessible.

Accessibility 343

Accessibility Ethics Plagiarism Education 343

eSchool News

MAY 3, 2023

During the spring of 2020, the global education community faced tremendous disruption as it transitioned to emergency remote teaching in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfamiliar with the challenges of integrating edtech into instruction within a remote environment, elementary science teachers struggled to apply best practices—such as three-dimensional instruction, collaborative learning, and hands-on experimentation—into instruction.

Elementary School 348

Elementary School Elementary School Science Schools 348

eSchool News

DECEMBER 20, 2023

Each year, we share our 10 most-read stories. Not surprisingly, many of this year’s Top 10 focused on equity, edtech innovation, immersive learning, and the science of reading. This year’s 8th most-read story focuses on the need for more Black educators–especially Black male educators. Representation matters, and when students have educators who look like them, it does wonders for their learning experience.

Education 342

Education History Reading Culture 342

eSchool News

SEPTEMBER 15, 2023

Key points: Schools should integrate conversations around AI into professional learning opportunities A basic understanding of AI’s potential for learning can help educators become more comfortable using it for teaching and learning See related article: More students are seeking an AI-powered school year The AI revolution is here, and educators are feeling the impact.

Intelligence 343

Intelligence Education Ethics Lecturing 343

eSchool News

MAY 23, 2023

Key points: More students and educators are connecting personal devices to school networks This makes network security–an already underfunded area–even more critical The pandemic was a massive shift for school districts across the country, and even as we move out of it, we’re still feeling the impact. On the technical side, it prompted quick transformation to enable virtual schooling–and these changes were made as districts were already challenged by legacy technology, reduced

Technology 345

Technology Schools Education Students 345

eSchool News

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023

Key points : Relationships are critical to students’ future success Schools play an integral role in facilitating relationship-building See related article: 10 things schools need to do to build students’ networks The research is clear: Connections are game changers in helping young people from low-income households achieve upward economic mobility later in life.

Technology 342

Technology Students Coaching Internet 342

eSchool News

MAY 8, 2023

Educators are embracing restorative justice practices to facilitate safe and relational school environments and address inequities in school disciplinary practices. Research-based guidance offers insights on how to structurally support educators through restorative justice implementation, and there are resources for teachers and support staff as they integrate restorative practices into their roles.

Coaching 345

Coaching Education Activities Teachers 345

eSchool News

NOVEMBER 13, 2023

Key points: Literacy is critical for students–and elementary years are a pivotal time These online tools help students develop essential literacy skills See related article: How efficacy studies improve literacy instruction For more news on literacy, see eSN’s Innovative Teaching page Fall is the best time of year in Montana. The air is crisp, the colors are beautiful, and, as school has been in session for two months, students and teachers alike have settled into a nice routine.

Elementary School 339

Elementary School Elementary School Schools Quizzes 339

eSchool News

OCTOBER 16, 2023

Key points: Student engagement is key to an authentic learning experience It also allows students to develop the right attitude to approach learning See related article: 4 ways edtech tools drive student engagement and build classroom culture When you think of education, what is the first thing that comes to mind? For some, it might be a pile of homework or a stack of books that need reading.

Student Engagement 339

Student Engagement Students Teaching Methods Culture 339

eSchool News

FEBRUARY 3, 2023

This year’s Future of Education Technology Conference landed in New Orleans, and the conference was abuzz with post-pandemic learning recovery tools, solutions to promote equity among students and parents, strategies for digital access, student mental health, social and emotional learning tools, and more. Here’s just a glimpse of what we learned about during FETC 2023: AVer Information Inc.

Mobile Devices 345

Mobile Devices Gamification Science STEM 345

eSchool News

SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

Key points: In-school bullying is a persistent and problematic issue for students–particularly for students with disabilities Now, online professional development curriculum can help educators respond to and prevent bullying in school See related article: 5 ways bullying changed during the pandemic Students with disabilities are often bullied and socially excluded in school at a far greater rate than their classmates.

Disabilities 339

Disabilities Teachers Curriculum Study 339

eSchool News

MAY 31, 2023

Key points: Most teachers would not choose a teaching career again Nearly half of teachers say poor mental health is impacting their work Only 46 percent of current public K-12 educators would be “fairly” or “very likely” to advise their younger selves to choose teaching again, according to a new survey that shines a spotlight on a pressing crisis facing U.S. education.

Teachers 342

Teachers Study Fairness Teaching 342