As we navigate these changes, it’s important to understand how various influences impact our students’ ability to retain and recall information. Here we’ll take a closer look at any external factors that may be contributing to student memory and discuss a few strategies that may help improve students’ memory retention.

Is Student Memory Getting Worse?

You, like many other teachers, may have observed students struggling to retain information. This isn’t just forgetting homework or misplacing an assignment, this is retaining information learned in the classroom. In today’s technology-driven world where students are constantly multitasking, it may affect their ability to focus and remember information.

Harvard psychologist Daniel Schacter released an updated version of his book about memory research that revolved around technology and said that while technology can aid in certain cognitive functions, it can also impair our ability to recall information. Schacter explains that when students frequently shift their focus between tasks, such as checking their phones while studying, they don’t fully engage with the material. This makes it harder for students to form long-term memories. Additionally, students depend on technology to help them remember more than their own memory.

Outside Factors That Contribute to Worsening Memory

Here are three potential outside factors that may contribute to this decline in memory.

COVID-19 Pandemic

During the pandemic, remote learning became the norm, and with that came a host of problems. Students were no longer in a structured environment; they were in their homes, surrounded by numerous distractions. These distractions, along with no face-to-face interaction with their peers and teachers, had a major impact on their ability to focus and retain information.

Social Media and Technology

Today’s students have grown up with smartphones and a constant connection to the internet. The constant notifications and multitasking habits prevent students from fully engaging with learning materials, resulting in weaker memory retention. As Schacter’s research indicates, frequent switching between tasks, such as checking social media while studying, hampers the formation of strong, long-term memories.

Information Overload

We live in an age where we are bombarded with information from all directions, social media, the news, online videos, etc. This constant influx of information can make it harder for students to focus and remember what they learn in the classroom.

The brain can only handle so much information at once, and when it’s constantly being fed new data, it becomes harder to store and retrieve important information. Research shows that overwhelming digital content can reduce our cognitive control and attention spans. So, when students are constantly exposed to a lot of information, their memory retention decreases.

How to Improve Student Memory in the Classroom

Several strategies can help improve student memory. Here are a few to consider.

Create a Focused Atmosphere

A calm and focused learning environment with minimal distractions is the best atmosphere for improving student memory. Have students put away their phones, and when it’s time for them to have them out, encourage them to turn off their notifications. Additionally, limit any distractions or disruptions to keep the classroom calm and focused.

Promote Healthy Habits

Have you ever heard the saying “A healthy body is a healthy mind?” Encourage students to get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and get regular exercise. Studies have shown that these factors can significantly impact cognitive function and memory. Research also indicates that students who get enough sleep perform better in memory-related tasks than those who are sleep-deprived. Incorporating these healthy habits into students’ daily routines can significantly improve their memory and overall academic performance.

Teach Mindfulness

Stress and anxiety can negatively impact memory. Simple practices like deep breathing, meditation, and mindful breaks can help students stay calm and focused. Mindfulness exercises are designed to bring students’ attention to the present moment, reducing stress and anxiety by focusing on breathing and body sensations. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that mindfulness training can lead to improvements in attention and cognitive control, both of which are critical for effective memory retention and recall​.

Use Memory Aids

Memory aids can significantly enhance students’ ability to retain and recall information. One such memory aid is called a mnemonic device. This can help students remember complex information by associating it with something simpler and more familiar.

For example, students can use the acronym PEMDAS and the phrase “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally” to help them remember the order of operations in math (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction). Another memory aid is using visual aids. Diagrams, charts, and mind maps can help reinforce key concepts and make abstract ideas more concrete.

So, is student memory getting worse? Evidence suggests that there are indeed challenges that students today face which may impact their ability to retain information. However, you can make a difference in your students’ cognitive abilities as an educator. By embracing these strategies, you can ensure your students have the best possible chance to succeed with a strong memory.

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Streamlines Lesson Plans

Canva can significantly enhance the efficiency and quality of your teaching materials. By using Canva’s extensive library of templates, you can create engaging visual aids, such as infographics and diagrams as well as use their customizable worksheet templates to save time and ensure your resources are tailored to your curriculum. They also offer structured templates for lesson and unit plans, helping you organize your objectives, materials, activities, and assessments all in one place.

Additionally, you can design engaging learning stations and formative assessments like exit tickets, making differentiated instruction and evaluations seamless. Incorporating Canva into your planning process allows you to produce professional-quality materials quickly, reducing stress and enhancing student engagement.

Enhances Classroom Management

If you want to enhance your classroom management, Canva is a game-changer. Their digital planner templates can help reduce the stress of juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities at once by helping you keep track of assignments, meetings, and important dates.

Their customizable behavior charts make it easy to track and reward student behavior encouraging positive actions through visual and interactive tools. For example, you can create a chart that monitors homework completion motivating students to meet classroom expectations. Utilizing these resources helps to create a structured classroom environment.

Captivates Student Interest

Fostering student engagement is easy with Canva due to its user-friendly interface and customizable resources. Canvas interactive presentation templates captivate students’ attention, turning lessons into visually appealing experiences with features like videos, animations, and quizzes that keep students actively involved. Its collaborative tools make group work easy and fun, enabling students to collaborate seamlessly, regardless of their location. For students who are not tech-savvy, Canvas’s easy-to-use design tools make learning more enjoyable by allowing them to express their creativity and produce high-quality work.

Simplifies Communication

Communication is a breeze with Canva because it’s designed to help keep everyone in the loop. The newsletter and announcement templates help to inform parents and guardians about any important dates, classroom activities, student achievements, or upcoming events. The social media templates help you maintain an online presence that will grab everyone’s attention with the ability to share classroom achievements, motivational quotes, or educational content. You are building a stronger connection with your school and community by maintaining active communication with engaging visuals.

Boosts Professional Development

Canva is incredibly effective at supporting professional development by offering a suite of tools that will enhance any professional portfolio or resource you may need. Canvas design tools make creating elegant and professional resources for professional growth activities, teacher and student portfolios, or showcasing lesson plans or student projects easy. If you’re presenting you can design high-quality handouts or visuals that will make a lasting impression.

Additionally, Canva’s customizable templates for certificates of completion and workshop materials ensure that your presentations and training sessions are both professional and engaging. By using Canva’s extensive resources, you’re making professional development a more dynamic and productive experience.

Empowers Remote Learning

In today’s classrooms, remote learning has become a significant part of teaching. Canva can be utilized to create engaging virtual classrooms. For example, you can create custom backgrounds to correlate with the lesson or topic you are teaching and interactive, digital worksheets where students can drag and drop or have clickable links to gain more information. Additionally, you can create banners, motivational posters, or welcome signs to make your digital space feel more welcoming and vibrant. Using Canva’s tools will ensure your remote lessons are just as engaging as the in-person lessons would be.

Enhances Classroom Décor and Motivation

Enhancing classroom decor and motivation is simple with Canva. You can create motivational posters, classroom rules, and banners using templates tailored to your classroom decor, which can then be printed and displayed. Consider involving students in designing posters or project presentations to enhance the classroom’s vibrancy while fostering their sense of ownership and creativity. These materials can be printed or displayed digitally, making it easy to regularly update the classroom environment.

Incorporating Canva into your teaching toolkit can make your daily classroom tasks so much easier, from lesson planning and classroom management to student engagement and professional development. With Canva’s free resources, you can create visually appealing materials that boost learning and communication, all while saving you valuable time and energy. Take a moment to explore Canva and see how it can help you work smarter, not harder.

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Books for Growth and Insight

Summer is a great time to catch up on some reading. Here are some top picks that provide valuable insight to enhance your teaching experience.

“The Power of Moments” by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

The Heath brothers show you how to create memorable and meaningful experiences both in and out of the classroom. You’ll learn practical strategies to craft moments that leave a lasting impact and ensure that every moment counts when you are teaching. You’ll discover how to inspire and motivate students by making lessons more engaging. Overall, it’s a great read if you’re looking for insight on making a positive difference in how you teach.

“Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth

This book explores how passion and perseverance lead to success. Through author Angela Duckworth’s research, you’ll learn that determination and hard work are often more important than natural talent. This useful book provides insight into how to help students develop grit and how to keep trying when things get tough. This inspirational book will help you inspire students to become more persistent and resilient which are important traits to have both inside and outside of the classroom.

“Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck

Carol S. Dweck’s “Mindset” is a fantastic book that delves into the concept of fixed and growth mindsets and how they shape our lives and potential for success. This book offers valuable insight and practical strategies to help foster a growth mindset in the classroom. It provides real-life examples and tips on how to encourage students to see challenges as opportunities and to learn to grow and build resilience.

It also provides real-life examples and tips on praising effort, viewing mistakes as learning experiences, and creating a classroom environment that encourages curiosity and perseverance. You’ll learn how to transform your classroom into spaces where students are excited to take on new challenges, learn from their mistakes, and strive to improve.

Podcasts to Inform and Entertain

Podcasts are a fun and easy way to stay informed and entertained while on summer break. Here are some recommendations that offer insight and engaging content while you’re relaxing by the pool or listening on the go.

“The EdSurge Podcast” by EdSurge

This podcast delves into the latest in educational technology. Each episode features interviews with an array of guests, including innovators, educators, researchers, and leaders who are shaping the future of education through technology. You can explore various topics from digital tools to online learning platforms.

You’ll gain insight into tips and strategies for incorporating new technologies and how to enhance student engagement. Whether you’re a tech-savvy teacher or just beginning to explore the possibilities of educational technology, this podcast will help you gain insights and ideas needed to thrive in this digital age.

“Cult of Pedagogy” by Jennifer Gonzalez

This podcast is packed with practical tips, strategies, and insights for educators from former middle school teacher Jennifer Gonzalez. Covering a wide range of topics, Gonzalez interviews experienced educators, thought leaders, and experts in various fields of education. You’ll stay informed about the latest educational trends and best practices through different perspectives.

This standout podcast provides you with concrete examples and detailed explanations that help you understand how to apply new strategies in the classroom. By breaking down complex concepts into easily digestible information you’ll stay updated on educational innovations and gain fresh ideas to bring into your classroom.

“The 10-Minute Teacher Podcast” by Vicki Davis

If you’re limited in time or feel your attention span can only take a few minutes of information, then the “The 10-Minute Teacher Podcast” is an ideal resource for you. This podcast offers quick episodes packed with information and tips for those of you who want to make the most of your time. Through various topics, you’ll learn new classroom technology tools, innovative student engagement strategies, and new effective teaching techniques from experts, teachers, and authors. These brief episodes are perfect for teachers with busy lives.

Blending Relaxation and Professional Development

To make the most of your summer reading and listening be sure to carve out specific times each day or week for these activities. Consider joining a Facebook group or book club to enhance your understanding of these perspectives. Also, try taking notes to help you remember important takeaways you would like to apply in your own classroom. Also, be sure to choose a book or podcast that is both interesting and educational to ensure you will both enjoy it and learn from it. Keep in mind that you can relax and stay informed at the same time. So, grab a good book, or tune into a fun podcast and enjoy the summer.

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Routines provide a framework for structure and consistency and offer students a classroom environment where they can learn and thrive. Here we’ll take a closer look at why classroom routines are so vital, what types of routines are common in classrooms, as well as give you ideas on how you can establish a routine in your classroom.

Why Routines are Essential

Classroom routines are rituals or actions that are repeated time and time again. These routines that are repeated regularly provide students with a sense of security because they know what is expected of them. This predictable schedule makes it easy for students to navigate their learning environment. Additionally, it helps with time management by establishing a seamless flow and reducing disruptions during transitions when students are aware of the typical duration of an activity or task. The consistency of a routine can also reduce disruptive behavior because students know what is expected of them at all times of the day.

Routines teach important life skills such as responsibility and independence. Once students become familiar with the expectations of the procedure, they will take ownership of their responsibilities. Ultimately, students will spend more time learning instead of asking what they need to do next, all because a routine was set in place.

Types of Routines

Classroom routines don’t have to be limited to the beginning or end of the school day. They can be used for transitions, to get students’ attention, or in many other ways. Here are a few common ways classroom routines can be used throughout the day.

Entry and Exit Routine

Younger students can learn a procedure on how to enter and exit the classroom, while older students can learn what materials to grab to get started or how to put materials away before exiting the classroom.

Transition Routine

Students will move through transitions many times throughout the day. Learning a routine while moving from one activity or subject to another will make the transition smoother. Many teachers like to use signals or cues like a bell or timer to help the transition move along.

Student/Teacher Attention Routine

Establishing a routine to gain student’s attention or using a signal so students know how to get the teachers attention can prevent classroom disruptions or distractions.

Groupwork Routine

Establishing expectations and teaching students how to form groups will help to prevent classroom chaos. It also established clear expectations on communication, collaboration, and students overall learning experience while in the group.

Homework Routine

Providing a consistent method for submitting homework assignments and or reviewing homework assignments provides structure and contributes to improved academic performance. Not to mention that it will make everyone’s life much easier.

In addition to these routines, you can also have a routine for when students finish work early, how to collect and distribute materials, classroom jobs and responsibilities, using the bathroom, how to work independently, how to use classroom technology, or just about anything you can think of that you do daily and want it to go smoothly.

How to Establish a Routine

If you’re looking to establish and maintain a successful classroom routine, then consider following these steps.

Identify Your Goals

The first thing you want to do is think about how you want your classroom to function. Ask yourself what skills and habits you want your students to develop as well as what tasks and transitions you want to run smoothly. Once you decide upon your goals, this will help guide your choices for a predictable routine that you can set up and teach your students.

Choose Your Routines

You don’t have to choose a routine for every single goal you have in mind, but it also doesn’t hurt. The more routines you have implemented, the easier it will be for students to move about the classroom independently as well as limit the number of disruptions and distractions that are occurring.

Teach Your Routines

Next, it’s time to teach your routines. It’s wise to start with one or two each day because you don’t want to overwhelm your students. First, explain the reason for the routine, then go through each step of the procedure giving examples and non-examples of what it should look like.

Practice Your Routines

Give students plenty of opportunities to practice their routines. Consider hanging visual aids like posters, charts, or checklists in the classroom for students to reference.

Monitor the Routines

Once students have learned the routines, keep an eye on how they are working. If you notice they are not meeting your expectations, then revise or reteach them. You can also ask for assistance or suggestions from your colleagues or ask students how they think the routines are working or if there is anything they would change about the routine.

As you progress through the school year consider revisiting your classroom routines. Some routines may no longer be needed or just aren’t working like they used to. Or you may want to change some of the routines to give students more responsibilities. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to routines. Try and stick to each routine as closely as possible because predictability fosters a sense of security in students, and when they know what to expect each day it will make for a more productive and successful learning environment.

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Even now, I can still recall many of the words or phrases that were learned so many years ago. I gained respect for another culture and felt I could bring something of value to a conversation if ever the opportunity arose to communicate with someone in the language. All of these benefits and so many more support the need to study foreign languages in school.

What do Foreign Language Classes Typically Look Like in Schools?

Foreign language classes are typically taken during the high school years. In most areas in the United States, the most common languages of study are Spanish and French; however, it is not uncommon to find schools that offer courses in German or Latin! The general makeup of a foreign language class consists of learning basic words and phrases that are used in everyday conversation. The goal is to teach students enough language to carry on a brief yet concise conversation.

Due to the nature of high school courses, teachers are generally short on time and may be unable to dive deeper into a language. Foreign language courses at this level are very beneficial in allowing students to experience a new language and determine whether or not they would like to pursue it more intently during their college years or through an additional foreign language course if their school offers it.

What are the Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language?

Foreign languages are normally studied during a student’s high school years, but unfortunately, this is not the most optimal time to introduce a foreign language. It is more beneficial to teach a foreign language while a student is still relatively young and in elementary school, or even younger!

If students begin studying a new language at a younger age, they are more likely to become fluent in the language due to increased exposure to it. Additionally, those students can more greatly benefit from the numerous advantages of learning a foreign language; however, exposure to a foreign language at any age can also provide several benefits.

Below are some of the most important benefits of studying a foreign language while in school.

Stretches Your Brain

Through learning a new language, you are essentially expanding your brain! Students of all ages have to connect what they know and do not know to “connect the dots” of the new information they are receiving. Acquiring the necessary knowledge needed to learn a new language requires students to recognize complex patterns and use critical thinking skills. These skills continue to be beneficial throughout a child’s education, and they help expand the thinking abilities of the brain.

Strengthens Memory Skills

When students learn a foreign language, they are, in essence, sharpening their memory skills. Memory skills are crucial throughout a child’s development; students are constantly committing new knowledge to memory knowledge during their academic years. This is especially true for young children as they are continually expanding their language skills and vocabulary, so it is much easier for them to commit any previously unknown knowledge to their memory.

Their brains are much more flexible and open to new information; thus, this further supports the need to begin a foreign language at a younger age. However, students at any age can strengthen their memory skills through studying a new language, and the benefits of doing so can carry over into other subject areas in helping them to remember important facts and necessary information.

Cultivates Respect for Other Cultures

Through learning a foreign language, students gain a new perspective of other cultures. Specifically, students develop a respect for others who come from diverse backgrounds with which they are unfamiliar. This respect stems from obtaining a better understanding of their culture through the study of their language. Through this, students develop an appreciation for other cultures, and they can connect with others on a deeper level and communicate with others in their familiar language! Both of these advantages might not have been possible if it were not for studying of the language.

Opens Up Professional Opportunities

As students progress in acquiring a foreign language, they begin to develop a proficiency in the language over time. Students begin to speak the language more fluently and may even eventually qualify as being bilingual. This serves as a huge benefit to those students as many future employers (as students enter the workforce) desperately need students who can speak more than one language fluently to better serve customers and businesses. Being bilingual can open up special job opportunities that may otherwise be considered unavailable or unattainable.

By learning a foreign language, students are better prepared to soar academically, work well with others, and understand the differences amongst their peers. These benefits are at the disposal of students of all ages as they open up their minds to new learning opportunities.

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What is Working Memory?

Working memory is one of the brain’s executive functions and is often referred to as a sticky note in the brain. It is a cognitive system with a limited capacity; an example of this would be hearing a phone number and trying to remember it. It is important for reasoning, decision-making, and formulating a plan of action. For example, the shorter the working memory, the more repetition is required. If teachers can increase it, the students can learn and retain more information.

When you are younger, working memory can be improved or increased. As you get older, it starts to decline. You must keep learning new things and doing activities to keep the working memory active. Working memory is the capacity to know or learn new information. Information is collected by our senses, and therefore multisensory learning is so vital.

How can Working Memory be Enhanced?

Working memory can be enhanced by utilizing the right tools and techniques in the classroom and in general. Too much information is the enemy of working memory. Working memory enables learners to hold pieces of information in the mind and manipulate them, and it’s often referred to as a mental workspace. It helps students stay focused and stay abreast of their surroundings. Games and exercises, such as multisensory activities, are the best way to increase working memory, and examples are listed below.

Ways to Optimize Working Memory

Connecting New Lessons to Prior Knowledge

Activating prior knowledge is a strategy, and it makes it easier to learn when you know one abstract concept and use the context to understand more about specific topics. Prior knowledge is a framework in which you can build new skills and better retain information. Teachers should find out what their students already know about specific skills, and this helps maximize time and energy on teaching new ideas.

This technique forces students to retrieve information they already know and improves efficacy in what they need to learn. This process helps prime the brain and distinguish between what they already know and need to learn. Learning is a process of making connections in all subject areas. Students’ confidence and belief in themselves is increased during this type of simulation.

Brain Breaks

Brain breaks are necessary in the classroom for all ages. The brain is not at rest during these breaks but is in default mode where it works on other crucial learning tactics. Many of these are consolidating memories, making connections, and making sense of complex information. Without breaks, we simply do not learn as well. Brain breaks allow students to regain focus and are especially important for younger students. Our brains do not function efficiently if they are overloaded, and it is crucial to incorporate breaks during the school day.

Active brain breaks are useful and allow students to boost their mood, increase motivation, and improve cognitive functioning. Students also need time to interact and be social with each other, which allows students to be creative and stimulates curiosity. This process allows growth in the hippocampus in the brain.

GoNoodle is a free educational online resource that is perfect for offering brain breaks in classrooms. The database has workout, dancing, stretching, and mindfulness videos that are conducive to all ages and interests.

Multisensory Lessons

This type of learning allows students to learn optimally as their brains have preferences and strengths. Teachers must be cognizant of how information is brought into the classroom, as we all have a variety of learning modalities. The types of multisensory learning are visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic. Utilizing the learning pathways while teaching helps ensure knowledge moves from short-term to long-term memory. This dramatically increases the ability for skill retention and positive learning outcomes. Teachers should teach lessons they enjoy, and students will be excited too!

Chunking

This involves taking larger pieces of information and breaking them down into smaller parts. This is when it takes information from working memory into long-term memory. Students can identify patterns or group items to see the larger picture. The information is then stored and accessed without a lot of mental effort and helps them remember things more easily. When teachers introduce skills with this technique, things are grouped together and stored in a similar way. Students create associations, and it becomes easier to recall what they need to know which by-passes the limited capacity of working memory.

Have Students Teach Lessons

Learners remember 90% of what they teach others. Teaching a lesson is a perfect example of how students retain almost all of what they are supposed to know. Peer tutoring is another example of students teaching a lesson. This is one of the most effective ways to enhance working memory since the information must be learned first and then taught to others; there is a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Routines and Checklists

Students need routines and checklists in the classroom. These components of classroom management allow everyone to feel successful as a part of the classroom community. Establishing routines and incorporating checklists requires explicit teaching and oftentimes the use of visuals. Teachers must discuss this and model how it will work every day. Consistency and intentional practice make students feel safe and allows their working memory to increase: e.g., putting up materials, handing in homework, and how to perform daily classroom duties.

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Design Assignments for Less Work

Designing assignments so there is less to grade can take a little pre-planning to ensure that students are still producing the desired work to demonstrate mastery of the skills. For instance, if essay structure is important, you might ask students to underline their topic sentence of each paragraph in one color and each supporting detail or key vocabulary in a different color. For math assignments, students may be able to demonstrate mastery by working fewer problems, and then later give extra practice for only those who need it. Fill-in-the-blank study guides can be easier to grade than short answer, so teachers can design the task to use short answer questions for a few key details.

Utilize Online Testing Platforms

Teachers can easily take advantage of a multitude of free online testing platforms such as Quizizz, Socrative, Google Forms, Kahoot, etc. These allow teachers to create the test and even individualize some tests for differentiation. Then students can take the test, which is graded instantly. Many of these sights allow teachers to create multiple choice, short answer, and true/false questions. The computer program then grades the activity, producing a quick grade. In some platforms, teachers can even see reports to identify commonly missed questions and class averages.

Grade Using a Rubric or Checklist

Writing is an important component in any subject; however, it is one of the most tedious assignments to grade. One strategy to spend less time grading writing assignments is to use a rubric. The teacher makes and shares the rubric (or the class may make it together to enhance the ownership of the task). Similar to a rubric, a checklist could be provided to let students know upfront what will be the primary focus of the grade.

For younger students, the checklist may include items such as: indents each paragraph, uses compete sentences, starts each sentence with a capital letter, and ends each sentence with punctuation. Checklists and rubrics can easily be adjusted for the age and ability of the child. It allows the one grading to stay focused on what are the key components and reduces the need to write in multiple critiquing comments throughout the paper.

Check Assignments as a Re-teaching Strategy

Most assignments are provided to help students learn the material or standard. Likewise, many students learn when they acknowledge their mistakes and are able to correct them. Teachers can use this strategy to their advantage by having each child grade and correct their own work as it is reviewed in class. When students know they are expected to correct their mistakes, the teacher can then spot check each assignment and give a completion grade. This also allows teachers to spend more time grading tests, but not be hindered by grading multiple assignments leading up to the assessment.

Use Technology to Spend Less Time Grading

As more assignments are completed and turned in online, teachers need a quick way to grade these uploaded assignments. Technology such as the Apple Pencil is making this an easier task for teachers. The pencil or similar stylus can be used to leave marks and grades on assignments turned in virtually. This greatly reduces the amount of time to grade an assignment as teachers are not having to download, print, and then upload the assignments to give them back to the students.

Allow Students to Turn in Group Work

Another strategy for spending less time grading work is to have less work turned in. When students complete assignments in cooperative groups, they may turn in one assignment rather than multiple individual assignments. Ideas for cooperative group assignments include using the Jigsaw Method, creating a group presentation, or completing a study guide or task with a partner. The key to using cooperative groups is making sure each child understands their responsibility and engages in the activity.

Check as Students Work

Some teachers prefer to grade as students work. They may walk around the room, conferencing with students as they work and placing a check next to their reviewed work. This allows the teacher to check for understanding and talk about any misconceptions before students complete the entire assignment incorrectly. This can also be accomplished in a whole group setting with students writing answers on a whiteboard and then sharing so the teacher can quickly see who needs more practice. If needed, the teacher could choose to give a participation grade or simply grade the final assessment later to record.

No matter what strategy is chosen to help the teacher spend less time grading work, it is important to know the intent behind the assignment and let that guide the task. Make sure your assignments are meaningful and allow the student to show mastery of the skill while deepening their understanding without becoming a collection of useless busywork you will have to grade later. A little preplanning can help the teacher choose the best strategy to help students learn while preventing grading fatigue!

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As teachers, there is not a single school day that we leave our buildings and do not think about how our day went. We are always perseverating over why a student acted out or why an amazing lesson did not go over well. Without even realizing it, we are using reflective practice. These daily thoughts are rather informal, but if we act on what we think, these thoughts can be an excellent starting point on using reflective practice to improve ourselves and our teaching strategies.

Reflective practice is and should be an ongoing exercise throughout our entire teaching career. This is not an exercise for preservice teachers or those early in their teaching. As educators and administrators, we need to be partaking in reflective practice all the time. Reflective practice is when we look at and analyze our class from an outside perspective. We can do this by looking at our students’ data. Additionally, teachers can journal after each lesson to help them pinpoint the positives and possibilities for change.

What are the Benefits of Reflective Practice?

There are many benefits from reflective practice. Teachers who regularly reflect on their teaching can help improve their own professional practices. They can help administrators decide what professional development would be most helpful at that time. Day-to-day responsibilities and actions are always changing in schools. When teachers participate in reflective practice, they are able to respond in a positive way to change.

Reflective practice pushes teachers to update their lesson plans to reach the current needs of the students in front of them. Every year, students change. Therefore, they will have different needs than the students in the past year. Evaluating our teaching methods will help us keep all students engaged.

How to Get Started with Reflective Practice

Journaling

Getting started with reflective practice does not need to be overwhelming. As stated above, journaling at the end of the school day (or even between class periods) is an easy way to start. By writing down and taking the time to think about everything that happened during your teaching, you will be able to decide what areas need to change and what lessons definitely were successful.

Peer Observation

Another great way to begin is to ask a fellow teacher if they would like to do reflective practice with you. Conducting two-way peer observations will give each teacher another viewpoint on their lessons and an opportunity to learn new ideas from other teachers.

Research New Theories

Reflecting on our lessons has to also include learning new theories. Even though we think that our lessons are going wonderfully, we want to continually learn the newest techniques. Researching these theories is the first step, but then you must take the time to put theories into your practice. Trying out new strategies and then of course reflecting on them will make you a progressive teacher with whom students love to engage.

Curriculum Development

Curriculum development is another way to participate in reflective practice. There are times when teachers complain about new curriculum being introduced into their areas. Therefore, reaching out to administration ahead of time with innovative ideas will certainly make you part of the team who is developing new curriculum. This will give you an opportunity to discuss what has worked in the past and what has not. You will be able to use your reflective practice to guide the curriculum development in your area.

Student Surveys

Conducting student surveys is also a great way to do reflective practice. This does not have to be time consuming at all. At the end of a unit or chapter, after quizzes, tests, and projects have been completed, ask the students to reflect on what was done in your class. Ask them to be honest about what they liked and disliked, but most importantly, ask them why they liked an activity and why they did not like something.

Understanding what your students are thinking can help you create future lesson plans and change past lessons for the next time you were to use it. If the majority of student feedback says that they did not like a test because they felt they were unprepared, it will make you a better teacher by realizing you needed to go more in depth with the topic. These are meant to be helpful and not for any teacher to feel intimidated or upset with comments given by students. It is especially important that students know that you will not be offended by their comments.

Involvement in School Change

Reflective practice can also be when a teacher gets involved in school change. Reflective practice is being aware of what is working and not working in your classroom but also in the entire school. Speaking with fellow teachers about issues that they may be seeing and then researching solutions to fix these problems will serve the best interest of the entire school community. Trying to find solutions to problems in both the classroom and school is reflective practice.

Finally, reflective practice leads to reflective teachers. Reflective teachers are able to meet problems head on and not get intimidated by change. They are flexible and patient. They are always learning new techniques and sharing those with fellow teachers. They are inquisitive and wanting to learn from others. They do not look at criticism negatively but as way to improve their teaching and to reach their students. Reflective teachers use their time wisely and are continually reflecting on themselves for personal improvement. A teacher new to reflective practice should not be afraid at analyzing their teaching. Instead, they should see how much reflective practice can help them throughout their teaching careers and the way that they will influence their students.

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PLN is short for Personal Learning Network. The definition of a PLN is broad, but the consistent meaning of a PLN is that it involves a network or group of trusted participants that interact and learn from each other on a regular basis. A PLN is a place to communicate with others, share resources, create, and share/collect new information. PLNs can take place in different locations such as in person or through social media applications (Twitter, Skype, Face Time, Facebook, LinkedIn, blogs, instagram, Zoom, and more).

PLNs differ from professional development in that they continue to take place for long periods of time, sometimes months, even years. PLN members are also considered professional members. In PLN groups, members can get professional advice and feedback from individuals that are not directly involved in one’s professional life. While PLNs have been around a long time, they are recently taking on a new look as social media and networking is changing the way people connect. Social media and technology removes barriers to collaboration.

What are the Benefits of PLNs?

The benefits of professional learning networks are many. Many teachers in rural school districts only have access to those they work closely with, as neighboring schools are a significant distance away. This can create a feeling of professional isolation and a lack of professional collaboration. PLNs can provide support to those in need of professional collaboration. An online community of educators that come together to share ideas, resources, plans, and strategies can be very beneficial to educators, especially those in rural communities. PLNs for those in rural areas provide support that teachers in more urban settings have access to.

Additionally, PLNs help educators build relationships with peers in which they can discuss and discover best practices in teaching. PLNs can serve as a place to share experiences and to develop a sense of community. Participation in PLNs not only helps build community, it also encourages educators to embrace change. For many teachers, change can be scary, but it is important to learn new technology that will be beneficial to today’s students. Building a network of professional relationships with other educators can help teachers expand their technological knowledge, pushing them to learn how different applications and online programs and tools can help students be successful in the 21st Century.

Furthermore, PLNs allow teachers to have access to a broader range of tools and resources. Teachers often don’t have time to create new material. PLNs allow educators to share ideas and strategies so that new teachers don’t have to reinvent the wheel. PLNs give educators access to unlimited resources that are easily accessible. With online tools such as Google Docs, using someone else’s materials can be as easy as making a copy of a teaching document and tailoring that document to fit the needs of that teacher.

How to Create a Personal Learning Network

It’s clear that PLNs can be very beneficial to educators, especially today during a national pandemic when many schools are participating in virtual learning and teachers are exploring how to utilize virtual educational time. So, how does one go about creating a PLN? There are many ways to get started. Here’s what educators can do:

• Start a Twitter account that focuses on education and follow other educators
• Find educational blogs to read, comment on, and share with others
• Join educational groups on Facebook
• Follow educational accounts on Instagram
• Participate in education groups on LinkedIn
• Join an online community such as, Classroom 2.0 or The Educator’s PLN
• Create a landing page where you can house links to your PLN sites and resources (Symbaloo is great for this)

Building a PLN takes three important steps. First, one must seek out professionals. This process begins by connecting with other educators through educational organizations and groups. Published authors and researchers are also great go-tos. Following them on social media or reading their blogs can be very beneficial.

Secondly, teachers must find the “fit” in a professional learning network, meaning that educators will need to figure out what they want or need to learn more about. This could be grade level or subject specific.

Thirdly, find professional learning network “mentors”. These mentors would be individuals you respect professionally and who you trust to connect you to the proper professional networking groups. These folks may be individuals that you feel comfortable communicating more frequently and closely with.

If you are new to professional networking, the hardest part is making the first step. Going outside of your comfort zone often results in increasing your teaching capacity. Participating in learning communities is an essential part of growing as an educator in today’s world. The beauty of creating your own PLN is that you are able to personalize your own professional learning! As an educator and creator of your PLN, you get to choose what your learning needs and goals are, as well as what resources you would like to gain.

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Likewise, as rapid developments in technology integrate into our day-to-day lives, they affect the way students learn and teachers teach. Modern teachers need to be competent in not only basic skills but new skill sets.

Here are 15 21st century professional development skills, or as we like to call them, “modern skills,” that today’s teachers should possess.

1. Adaptability

In this modern, digital age, teachers need to be flexible and able to adapt to whatever is thrown their way. Likewise, administrators are changing and updating expectations and learning standards. Whether it’s to the way students learn, the behavior their classroom exhibits, or their lesson plans, being able to adapt is a skill that every modern teacher must have.

2. Confidence

Every teacher needs to have confidence, not only in themselves but in their students and their colleagues as well. A confident person inspires others to be confident, and a teacher’s confidence can help influence others to be a better person.

3. Communication

Being able to communicate with not only your students but with parents and staff is an essential skill. Think about it: almost all of a teacher’s day is spent communicating with students and colleagues, so it is crucial to be able to talk clearly and concisely in order to get your point across.

4. Team Player

Part of being a teacher is being able to work together as part of a team or a group. When you work together as a team, it provides students with a better chance to learn and have fun. Networking with other teachers (even virtually) and solving problems together will only lead to success. Doing so fosters a sense of community, not only in your own classroom but school-wide as well.

5. Continuous Learner

Teaching is a lifelong learning process. The world is always changing, along with the curriculum and educational technology, so it’s up to you, the teacher, to keep up with it. A teacher who is always willing to go that extra mile to learn will always be an effective, successful teacher.

6. Imaginative

The most effective tool a teacher can use is their imagination. Teachers need to be creative and think of unique ways to keep their students engaged in learning, especially now that many states have implemented the Common Core Learning Standards into their curriculum. Many teachers are of the opinion that these standards are taking all of the creativity and fun out of learning, so teachers are finding imaginative ways to make learning fun again.

7. Leadership

An effective teacher is a mentor and knows how to guide their students in the right direction. They lead by example and are a good role model. They encourage students and lead them to a place of success.

8. Organization

Modern teachers have the ability to organize and prepare for the unknown. They are always ready for anything that is thrown their way. Need to go home sick? No problem, they have a substitute folder all ready to go. Studies show that organized teachers foster more effective learning environments. So it is even more imperative to be organized if you want higher-achieving students.

9. Innovative

A modern teacher is willing to try new things, from new educational apps to teaching skills and electronic devices. Being innovative means not only trying new things, but questioning your students, making real-world connections, and cultivating a creative mindset. It’s getting your students to take risks and learn to collaborate with others.

10. Commitment

While being committed to your job is a traditional teaching skill, it is also a modern one. A modern teacher needs to always be engaged in their profession. The students need to see that their teacher is present and dedicated to being there for them.

11. Ability to Manage Online Reputation

This 21^st century, modern teaching skill is definitely a new one. In this digital age, most, if not all, teachers are online, which means they have an “online reputation.” Modern teachers need to know how to manage their online reputation and which social networks are okay for them to use. LinkedIn is a professional social network to connect with colleagues, but other social networking site profiles, such as Instagram or Facebook, should remain private and separate from students.

12. Ability to Engage

Modern teachers know how to find engaging resources. Nowadays, it is essential to find materials and resources for students that will keep them interested. This means keeping up-to-date on new learning technologies and apps, and browsing the web and connecting to fellow teachers. Anyway that you can engage students and keep things interesting is a must.

13. Understanding of Technology

Technology is growing at a rapid pace. In the past five years alone we have seen huge advancements, and we will continue to see them grow. While these developments may be hard to keep up with, it is something that all modern teachers need to do. Not only do you need to understand the latest in technology, but you must also know which digital tools are right for your students. It’s a process that may take time but will be greatly influential in the success of your students.

14. Know When to Unplug

Modern teachers know when it’s time to unplug from social media and just relax. They also understand that the teacher burnout rate is high, so it’s even more critical for them to take the time to slow down and care for themselves. They also know when it’s time to tell their students to unplug and slow down. They give their students time each day for a brain break and let them unwind.

15. Ability to Empower

Teachers inspire; that’s just one of the qualities that come along with the title. Modern educators have the ability to empower students to be critical thinkers, innovative, creative, adaptable, passionate, and flexible. They empower them to solve problems, self-direct, self-reflect, and lead. They give them the tools to succeed, not only in school but in life.

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