The other day, I was preparing a two-hour keynote for a group of high school and college writing teachers in Hailey, Idaho. My initial plan was to focus on quantity and quality. The argument: first, that anything we undertake to improve writing outcomes must take into account the toll on teacher stress and workload; second, […]
Instruction
The Finish Line
Note from Dave: This article is written by our colleague, the excellent Lindsay Veitch. The text message read something this: Hey Linds. I am writing an essay for Psych 201 and I’m wondering if you could review my intro and make sure I’ve written a fully developed essay? It was my sister-in-law, Taylor, a high […]
The #1 Place in School Where Students’ Key Beliefs are Shaped
I recently came across a substantial “big data” analysis of PISA scores from around the world by the McKinsey group. The data represented over 500,000 students across 72 countries, and from what I can tell they used machine learning algorithms to see what patterns they could find in the data. One of the chief findings harped […]
Better, Saner Homework Tips, Pt 2: Make It a Good Experience for Students
Last time, I explained why I assign homework and how I make it doable for myself. That sentence might sound like an evil, teacher-centered way of thinking about homework, but it’s just practical. If the kinds of homework I give add undue frustration and overwork to my life, then I won’t give much of that kind […]
Better, Saner Homework, Pt 1: 6 Tips to Make It More Doable for Us
I know that some great teachers in the world don’t give an ounce homework, and I’ve heard good reasons for that. Here are the reasons why I do give my ninth-grade students homework on a regular basis: First, homework is an opportunity. I want the Stuart children to have opportunities to learn beyond the school day, […]