Science From the 'Hart'

Columbus Signature Academy Just the other day I was applying for an "Innovation" team spot through my school district. I decided to start with the definition of 'innovation' and work from there. Change, transform, revolutionize, all of these words are perfectly applicable in everyday teacher-life, right? In addition to being uber-excited, I was so inspired looking back at old posts and clips of things that I've looked up before in regards to PBL and transforming classrooms. What a perfect time of the year to think about what will be done differently next year in terms of innovations. Transforming Classrooms New Learning Environments

Okay- joking on the "novel" part of this idea... Have any of you read about or heard of Sean Cornally ? In his blog: Think, Thank, Thunk he addresses 'cryptic' grading and 'boring teaching.' He even has a video on TED out that describes this radical idea that is so inspiring and practical: Let's grade students in a way that matters!

No, not reiterate- but iterate. By definition, the word means to perform repeatedly. If we are practicing a physical skill, we know the power of iteration (muscle memory, etc.), but what about mental exercises? We've all heard the old saying "practice makes perfect." We are also aware that if we practice something incorrectly we will be reinforcing bad habits, misconceptions, and falsehoods. This is the reason homework, in its traditional sense, is so frustrating. Not only to students, but to the parents as well. I mean- really, really, frustrating! Unfortunately, many students are 'practicing' at home WITHOUT a content expert! I know what you're thinking...flip the classroom! And yes, I think this is a very real strategy that can transform learning, but I'm thinking of schmo's like me. My student's have a low completion rate when it comes to any task that requires time outside of class. What if, our class time was spent in engaging students in the...