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 […]
Instruction
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, […]
Learning ≠ Turning On a Video
My students will sometimes tell me, “I studied so much last night. I watched half of John Green’s Crash Course world history videos. We’re talking about hours of studying, Mr. Stuart.” This is problematic. The way that our kids conceptualize learning is critical, and I’m not just saying that in the folksy-wisdom sense. This is the stuff of […]