Harnessing Spatial Intelligence in the Classroom
November 29, 2011 by PLB · Leave a Comment
Spartial intelligence is one of eight different modalities or ways to demonstrate intellectual ability and individual style, according to Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences that receives wide acceptance.
Mapping, drawing and doodling
A student with strong spatial intelligence best understands when seeing a picture. This learner perceives the world accurately and tries to recreate […]
An Integrated Curriculum
November 26, 2011 by PLB · Leave a Comment
The idea of going beyond factual items and making connections to the learner’s world is not new. In 1915, John Dewey wrote about this in “The School and Society”.
“Relate the school to life, and all studies are of necessity correlated.”
Today, no one definition captures standard-based integration but the following is as close as […]
Positive Classroom Management Strategy: Scanning
November 24, 2011 by PLB · Leave a Comment
Teachers can maintain a positive classroom environment by constantly monitoring group behavior and intervening at the first sign of trouble. The instructor should scan the classroom frequently for any early signs of potential behavior problems (eg. a student looking out of the window during a lecture; a talkative student who has left his […]
Echolalia in Autism
November 22, 2011 by PLB · Leave a Comment
At the beginning of typical development, babies begin to babble. This babbling is not language, but rather it is a precursor to communications. It prepares the Lower Brain to bring in language to the Upper Brain.
Many people with autism never went through this stage as a baby and sometimes may instead develop echolalia. […]
Tools for Education: MMORPG
November 18, 2011 by PLB · Leave a Comment
According to Wikipedia, MMORPG is the acronym for “Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game.” In an MMORPG, thousands of players exist in the same game world at the same time. Most players begin by playing individually.
The game trains players and builds them up with competencies that are marked with tokens or skill categories – in […]
Understanding and Dealing with Creative Thinkers in the Classroom
November 17, 2011 by PLB · Leave a Comment
A master of adaptation, the mind of creative thinkers often races in many different directions, and it can seem as if this learner forgets how to be a team player. When this learner becomes enthusiastic about tackling highly individualized pursuits, it is important for an educator to practice patience.
Often, these students think so […]
Monitoring the Classroom Computer: Monitoring Software
November 16, 2011 by PLB · Leave a Comment
One of the ways to monitor your classroom computer usage is with the help of a monitoring software. A good monitoring software program will capture all activity on a computer through a variety of means. Prices range from free to over $100 with the more effective ones charging a fee for the program.
Monitoring […]
Creating a Good Lesson Plan: Structure and Organization
November 15, 2011 by PLB · Leave a Comment
A good lesson plan that is simple yet powerful is based on behavioral research that characterize well-structured lessons.
Start lessons by reviewing prerequisite learning. This can include a type of formative assessment.
Provide a short statement of goals.
Present new material in small steps, with student practice after each step. Simple student exercises after the presentation […]
Setting Learning Goals and Objectives
November 12, 2011 by PLB · Leave a Comment
The key to examining learning goals and objectives is to identify the actions that you want the students to engage in. Rather than saying “the student will write a paper,” try something like what Dubbels (2011) listed for creating learning goals and objectives below.
Adaptive behavioral acts
Skillfully access, read, analyze, evaluate, integrate, and use […]
Professional Development
November 11, 2011 by PLB · Leave a Comment
At some point, each of us comes to the realization that we have so much to learn, and a long way to go. One such AHA moment happened many years ago when I was working on improving my teaching practices.
I encouraged my students to create a mobile to symbolize what they had learned. […]
