Homework not effective? What about distance learning?

Homework is one of those contentious things that divides teachers as well as parents. John Hattie's research leads to the conclusion that homework in primary school has an effect of nearly zero.  But the reality is that many schools have policies that require homework to be assigned to students on a daily or weekly basis. This … Continue reading Homework not effective? What about distance learning?

Some Kids Pet Baby Birds, Some Kids Squash Them.

https://twitter.com/KICSyear5/status/897402590631251968 My first week of teaching this year is officially done. And, like every year, I am overwhelmed by the potential that this year has in store. What's always amazing is that each class that comes into my care has such a different character profile than the year before. My new students bring with them … Continue reading Some Kids Pet Baby Birds, Some Kids Squash Them.

What Does a 21st Century Classroom Look, Sound, and Feel Like?

Part of a technology coach's role these days is to convince teachers that their job description has changed. The industrial model of education is well past its expiration date, and the generation of students born today are going to graduate into a world that will look completely different than our own. In order to train … Continue reading What Does a 21st Century Classroom Look, Sound, and Feel Like?

Podcasts are Great Way to Develop Speaking and Listening

If you've ever checked out our Friends of Educationrickshaw.com page, you may have seen mention of my best friend Jim Stewart Allen's ongoing podcast project, Historiography!. While the content is geared towards adults, we were able to collaborate on an episode that made it into my classroom:     In the episode, Jim makes a … Continue reading Podcasts are Great Way to Develop Speaking and Listening

A Plea for Education: A Response to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos

Something that's been getting some buzz on Twitter has been Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos's request for ideas for where he should put his money. On behalf of educationrickshaw.com, I wrote him a letter that includes discussion about the teacher turnover crisis and the importance of the maintaining a strong teaching profession. Enjoy! https://twitter.com/JeffBezos/status/875418348598603776 Dear Mr. … Continue reading A Plea for Education: A Response to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos

3 Fun Inquiry Math Activities for the Last Week of School

One of the most endearing that my students are is when they are helping younger children. Preparing the classroom at the end of the year for the next group of students is considered a critical job for them, whether they are sharpening pencils or throwing out markers that no longer work. This year I decided … Continue reading 3 Fun Inquiry Math Activities for the Last Week of School

3 Old School Elementary Events That Still Have Value (but Need to Change)

In a never-ending quest to innovate in the classroom, it can be easy to shun the traditional elements of Western education in favor of those that feel more trendy. Try posting a photo of a Science Fair on Twitter and you'll get far fewer likes than if you post about students coding video games for a … Continue reading 3 Old School Elementary Events That Still Have Value (but Need to Change)

Teacher Gets Through Week of Fidget Spinners Alive

Last week, the writers here at educationrickshaw.com took our school's swim team to Dubai to compete in a meet with over 800 participants. One of the highlights of the trip (for the kids) has been the visit to the Dubai mall, famous for the Burj Khalifa and its indoor aquarium. Many of the students that attended … Continue reading Teacher Gets Through Week of Fidget Spinners Alive

Why Students Need HelpDesk Too.

Most schools have a HelpDesk system for faculty to get help in a number of ways. My school has one such system, and I am constantly using when I need assistance with maintenance or our school's IT systems. The reasons for using these HelpDesk systems are obvious: They are a way to organize and timestamp … Continue reading Why Students Need HelpDesk Too.

5 Quick Projects That Make Use of Green Screen

It might come as a surprise to some teachers that all it takes to replicate the green screen effects that we all see in the movies and on the news is a free green screen app and some green butcher paper. Once I put up my own DIY green screen in my classroom, my students … Continue reading 5 Quick Projects That Make Use of Green Screen