Instruction

On Teaching Techniques and Methods (Part One)

Presenter linkElliott Seif
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Categories: Instruction, Student Engagement

On Teaching Techniques and Methods: Reflections of an Experienced Teacher


By Ralph Rhodes, retired social studies teacher, Council Rock High School, Newtown, Pennsylvania

Edited by Elliott Seif, author of Teaching for Lifelong Learning: How to Prepare Students for a Changing World

Editor’s note: Many years ago, I worked with Ralph Rhodes who, upon his retirement from teaching, wrote this paper with the intention of passing on some of his teaching wisdom to others. I have divided his reflections into two separate blogs—this one on “doing,” i.e., teaching techniques and methods, and the second on “being” or determining who you are in the classroom, which will be posted at a later date.

I have edited his work to make it more general and fit with today’s times, but there is a lot of wisdom about teaching at any level that is presented here. Enjoy!
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A New Framework for Addressing the SEL of Students with Diverse Needs

Presenter linkJorge Valenzuela
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Categories: Authors, Instruction, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), Solution Tree, Student Engagement

At first glance, the title of my book Raising Equity Through SEL: A Framework for Implementing Trauma-Informed, Culturally Responsive Teaching and Restorative Practices may read to some like many buzzwords to cover in one source. Social and emotional learning (SEL) alone is a behavioral framework focusing on self and social awareness competencies and responsible decision-making (CASEL, 2020b).

The title includes trauma-informed, culturally responsive teaching and restorative justice, so readers know that the book is not just about SEL. Instead, it guides for assisting multiple student needs by implementing practices from these pedagogies through an equity and SEL integration framework. This book is written to help begin or strengthen your equity journey by paying close attention to your own emotional intelligence (EQ) and the EQ of those around you. Read more

Avanti Is a Future of Education Technology Top Ed Tech Product Finalist


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Categories: 21st Century Skills, Instruction, Technology

Whether you’re a current subscriber to Avanti or are curious as to what this innovative new tech tool is all about, we have exciting news to share. The esteemed organization Future of Education Technology (FETC) has named Avanti as a Top Ed Tech Product of the Year finalist.

FETC hosts the popular education technology conference known worldwide for its influence and innovation. According to the FETC website, for over 40 years, the National Future of Education Technology® Conference has gathered the most dynamic and innovative education leaders and professionals from around the world for an intensive, highly collaborative exploration of new technologies, best practices, and pressing issues. FETC is known to educators and technologists as the best place to engage with the thought leaders and pioneers who are leading the charge in classrooms, schools, and entire districts.

Avanti, the personalized professional learning platform created by teachers for teachers, has earned high marks for its ability to help educators take control of their professional learning. The word is out. Avanti stands ready to provide you with the content you need, created by teachers you can trust, to bring your vision of success to life—for you and your students. Read more

Nine Ways to Create Powerful Teaching and Learning

Presenter linkElliott Seif
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Categories: 21st Century Skills, Authors, Instruction, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), Student Engagement

 Elliott Seif is the author of Teaching for Lifelong Learning: How to Prepare Students for a Changing World.

In my various roles in education, I have had direct teaching experience, conducted professional development with hundreds of preservice and practicing educators, and observed and had important discussions with teachers over many years. All these experiences have helped me learn a lot about powerful teaching and learning and what seems to work well for many teachers in many circumstances and situations.

My ideas and suggestions below, based on my many years of experience, will hopefully be helpful to educators and suggest ways to think about powerful teaching and learning. I have classified these suggestions into nine categories, and you may find the categories themselves helpful as a way of thinking about how to improve teaching and learning. Read more