Students who physically experience scientific concepts understand them more deeply and score better on science tests, according to a new UChicago-led study. Furthermore, “Those students who physically experience difficult science concepts learn them better, perform better in class and on quizzes the next day, and the effect seems to play out weeks later, as well,”. Obviously, what we need to do is get our students out of their seats and engaging in the material we are … [Read more...] about Engaging Your Students With Lab Station Activities – learn by doing
The 10 Most Effective Ways To Optimize Your Students’ Classroom Experience
When a student is enjoying their classroom experience, their tendency to learn increases exponentially. Does that mean we need to cater to their every whim? Of course not, but there are things we can do to meet them half-way. 1. Entertain and educate An effective teacher must be an effective entertainer. It’s not what you say that matters in the end; it’s what your students hear and remember. Think about workshops, conferences, or even weddings you’ve attended and which speakers you found … [Read more...] about The 10 Most Effective Ways To Optimize Your Students’ Classroom Experience
Dealing with student misconceptions
Please note, all names have been changed. Dealing with students’ misconceptions Before they reach your classroom, students have spent their entire lives making guesses about why things happen, checking out these guesses in the real world, and refining their theories about how the world works. Generally, this process works. But sometimes, students can end up misconceptions. These misconceptions can become resistant to change and can present a serious challenge to educators. Here are two … [Read more...] about Dealing with student misconceptions
How To Get Your Kids Settled At The Start Of Class Every Time
The bell rings and your students rush in while talking with their friends and discussing this, that and the other thing. How do you get your kids settled at the start of class? What I feel is the most effective way to settle students down is to show them a quick video that helps get them get focussed on your class and subject from the start. Once your kids start seeing this at the start of each class, they will expect it, it will become routine. They will enter your room knowing what to … [Read more...] about How To Get Your Kids Settled At The Start Of Class Every Time
The Mehrabian Misconception
We can all agree that a lot of what we communicate with others is implied through body language and facial expressions, it certainly is when I'm speaking with my wife. However, one man, Albert Mehrabian, performed multiple studies in the 1960's which were meant to quantify how much of this communication is done through various channels. Here is the equation for person-to-person communication he came up with: Total liking = 7% verbal liking + 38% vocal liking + 55% facial liking These … [Read more...] about The Mehrabian Misconception
Why Do Bruises Change Color?
So that's me about two weeks ago after an unfortunate water tubing incident. As I was tubing (see below to see what tubing is) I was propelled forward and the rope caught my arm. This hurt quite a bit and left a nice bruise on my left arm which lasted for about a week. As you know though, bruises change color and eventually leave you with a spectrum of colors including red, orange, yellow, and more. Why does this happen? … [Read more...] about Why Do Bruises Change Color?