Any room can be turned into a classroom when it’s being used as a venue for learning. The parents who have helped their children get through remote learning during COVID-19, with disruption in the US and circuit breakers in Singapore, can attest to this.

Now that the schools in the country are operating normally, academic institutions are again responsible for creating a positive learning environment, whilst also trying to mobilise learners into a post-COVID routine. Every stakeholder can play a role in creating a positive classroom environment where students can advance in their academic pursuits as well as develop into productive individuals and members of society.

What Is a Positive Classroom Environment?

There are many factors that contribute to the creation of a positive classroom environment. There’s the overall mood of the room, the level of comfort and well-being that everyone in the class is able to enjoy, and if the students feel safe to share their thoughts and feelings while in the said space.

These help build a positive classroom environment that encourages students to focus, observe, and participate. If a classroom were chaotic, hostile, apathetic, or totally out of the teacher’s control, then it would not be able to provide a classroom environment that is conducive to learning.

How to Create a Dedicated Space for Learning and Holistic Development

In a way, a school’s facilities contribute to the development of a positive learning space. Top international schools in Singapore, for example, make an effort to incorporate the latest educational amenities in their classrooms. However, it’s still entirely possible to achieve a positive learning climate even with more traditional teaching tools. Here’s how to do it:

Ensure Students Know What Is Expected of Them by Reinforcing Classroom Rules

The first step in creating an environment that is conducive to growth and learning is laying the groundwork for how students are expected to conduct themselves while in the classroom. What qualities should they strive to showcase when communicating with their teachers and classmates, and how should they expect to be treated by the people that they interact?

Firmly implementing rules from the get-go will help educators and students create a safe, predictable, and positive environment. Being aware of the rules and how discipline is conducted in the classroom will help students self-regulate and choose the best course of action while they’re part of the group. This, in turn, will give them the freedom to focus on their lessons in the classroom.

Promote Interaction and Encourage Students to Get to Know Their Peers Better

Part of building a positive classroom climate is ensuring that the members of the class are getting along well. The students don’t exactly have to be close friends, but they need to be able to work well and exchange ideas and opinions with each other.

Teachers can encourage more active interaction between students by making a daily habit of noticing and reinforcing positive interactions between students and incorporating short- and long-term activities that promote teamwork and communication in their lessons. It’s also a good idea to give a bit of help to students who may be struggling to approach others or make friends with their peers.

Pay Attention to the Physical State of the Classroom Environment

Safety and comfort are important aspects of a positive classroom environment. If a classroom is too hot, cold, humid, crowded, or noisy, then the students will have a hard time focusing on their lessons and understanding the ideas that their teachers are introducing.

Academic institutions in Singapore follow a particular set of standards for their buildings and facilities, and following this should help schools create a better learning environment for their students. It’s also a good idea to pay attention to a classroom’s aesthetics and ergonomics, ensuring that the lighting, furnishings, and interior design all work together to create a welcoming atmosphere for students and teachers alike.

Be Receptive to Feedback and Suggestions on How to Improve the Class

Teachers play a very important role in setting up the atmosphere in a classroom. They have primary responsibility in ensuring that all rules and guidelines are followed, and as such, their opinions and feedback matter to students, parents, and the school community as a whole. Just like their students, though, teachers will always have room for improvement.

Perhaps their students are concerned about the speed with which they discuss topics in the classroom, or they might have trouble following the submission schedule for their assignments and projects. Listening to students and giving thought to their concerns can help teachers build an environment where their students will not hesitate to ask questions. At the same time, addressing the practical concerns of their students will also help teachers improve their professional skills and the way they conduct their classes.

A positive classroom environment is a product of consolidated effort between teachers, students, and school administrators. Even parents play an important role in setting an environment that’s conducive to learning, as they help ensure that their kids are ready for school. Make sure all these preparations are put to good use by discussing the students’ lessons in an environment where they can focus and think about their lessons and co-curricular concerns. Follow the abovementioned tips to create a classroom experience where both kids and teachers can develop their skills and learn together.

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A good teacher is capable of inculcating a whole new world of imagination and ideas in their students. With their creative ways of teaching, they can make complex concepts look simple and clear to follow. To really stimulate students, a great teaching strategy is essential, turning the classroom into a productive learning experience.

Not all students are the same and require different methods in their learning and retention. This understanding of the dissimilarities among various pupils in a class helps them develop wide-ranging activities and teaching strategies. The various teaching strategies can tap into the pulse of each student and create a dynamic environment where students learn from each other.

Teachers are professionals and often have an advanced education degree to understand full well how to train people coming from diverse backgrounds, help them identify and overcome their biases and capitalize on the unique qualities of each student in the class.

Show appreciation and encouragement

Teachers who resort to belittling their students and ripping them in front of others do not get positive outcomes. When students are knocked down and compared to others, they shy away from engaging in the class and ultimately receive nothing out of it. They are always unsure about their opinion and fear a reprimand from their teachers. On the contrary, a constructive way is to recognize the different learning abilities of students in the class, encouraging them to do more and praising them for milestones they achieve, however trivial they are.

In a classroom where encouragement and appreciation are a norm, students show significant improvement in their learning ability. So, keep a strict rule of no belittling, no shutting off opinions, and firm no to disrespecting others. These rules should apply to you and the students in their mutual interactions.

Promote collaborative learning

Students learn more when learning becomes a fun activity. You can create such a learning environment by letting students come out of their seats, interact with their other classmates, and work in groups. Later each group can present their work to the rest of the class to know what they have worked on. This exercise will also help them learn about working in teams, the efficacy of considering each other’s opinions, and the importance of each individual in promoting group success.

During this time, you might witness that students have disagreements with other teammates; they should be encouraged to solve their issues independently by offering necessary guidance. Don’t try to judge or take sides. This open and somewhat autonomous environment will develop natural leaders in your class. As time passes, you will see new leaders and followers evolve to keep group harmony intact.

Share real-life examples to teach a concept

This method is fast overcoming traditional teaching methods through bookish knowledge only. Instead of teaching a topic directly, start with a real-life example, a case study where that concept you intend to teach might have solved a problem. Share a case that is relatable and understandable. Later you can go through the bookish information, simultaneously linking the case study and theoretical knowledge.

This method reinforced by storytelling can significantly improve information retention in students. They are also able to better recall this concept at a later time. This way, you will teach them how real-life issues mirror the bookish information and how theory helps solve problems in reality.

Conclusion

There are various teaching techniques that can elevate the students’ learning ability in a classroom. The central idea of using all these approaches is to profit from the differential learning ability of various students. Some students are quick learners; others take a little more time. Developing strategies that are helpful for all the students create a learning atmosphere where everyone helps each other, respects their abilities, and does not feel threatened.

Further boost comes from the compassionate, non-judgmental, encouraging, and positive teacher feedback. Finally, allow them to voice their opinions using techniques and technologies that enhance their comfort in the class.

Featured image: Drazen Zigic, iStock.

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For parents today, the choice of possible schools is endless. From after-school programs on intensive language learning to online courses in coding, children have never before had so much education at their fingertips. To navigate this abundance of choices, a school directory guide is essential. It will help parents find the best schools for their kids, whether they’re pre-K or college-bound.

What is a school directory?

A school directory helps parents search for a school that suits their child’s needs. It provides information on schools in the area, including their location and ratings. You can sometimes even find reviews from other parents who go to the same school as you.

How to use a school directory?

A school and education directory is a list of students’ names, alphabetically organized by the last name, and usually found on the front cover. It includes information on every student in this particular school district/region. A parent can use it to find out who their child’s friends are or look up an individual they know to see if that person attends the same institution as well.

A teacher may refer students seeking assistance with homework assignments shown in class lists or for those needing help locating materials about certain topics; staff members might also have after-school meetings with parents based on the student roster printed from directories.

Parents and guardians will often keep updated copies at home too so they always know where their children are located during break times between classes when schedules change (for example lunchtime). This practice ensures safety should anything happen while away from supervision.

Electronic school directory

An electronic school directory is the easiest way to find schools that suit your needs. The directories provide information about parent and student demographics, class sizes, teacher-to-student ratios and more. They also let you look up reviews from teachers, parents and students to help you decide whether a school is right for you.

Online school directory

One of the first things to consider is what type of school you want. If you’re looking for something that offers a lot of one-on-one instruction or support, then an online school directory may be a better option. Online schools are great for students who need help outside of class or families that live in remote areas. They also work well for students who can’t be on campus during regular hours because they’re working or have younger siblings at home.

An online school directory offers online coursework and instruction, but you may want to look into other options as well if your child needs more support than just the occasional email from their teacher.

Mobile app school directory

Another option is to search a mobile app directory, which you can use to look up information about schools. A mobile app school directory lets you see information about specific schools, including their address and phone number, as well as hours of operation and class schedules. You can also search for schools by location or even by subject. This type of directory is great for parents who want to check out a school on the go or who need to make sure they’re keeping their options open in case they move.

Bottom line

Finding the right school for your kids can feel like a daunting task. There are so many options: public, private, charter, magnet, homeschooling—the list goes on. When it comes to choosing a school for your child, it’s important to do your research. A lot of people don’t realize that there are also specialized schools for children with different needs and interests. For example, there are schools for children who have ADHD or are over-achievers.

There are plenty of factors to consider when picking an elementary school for your child, but it is always helpful to find out what the state and district offer in terms of programs and services before you decide which school is best for you and your kid. Start your search by looking at schools near you with great reputations first before expanding outward from there. Once you identify some good candidates, visit their websites and look into their curriculum offerings (especially if you want a more academically focused environment), student-teacher ratios, available electives, AP offerings, and extracurriculars offered. This will help you narrow down the field until you find just the right fit.

Featured image: Andrea Piacquadio, Pexels. 

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Having good math skills is something that will benefit learners in all areas of their lives. It is no surprise that the reading and math skills of students in the US have suffered as a result of COVID-19. If the pandemic has illuminated anything, it is that a variety of resources are needed in preparing students to deal with any situation that could disrupt their learning.

If you are going to continue your studies, in many cases it’s a prerequisite to have excellent mathematical knowledge, both to get into the right college and to excel at your studies once you’ve been admitted. Even if you choose an education that does not focus on mathematics, you’ll benefit as math surrounds us in everyday life.

When you shop, good math skills make it easier to make a quick estimate in your head of what the total cost will be. This way, you won’t have to stand at the checkout later and apologize for not having enough money on you. If you invest in shares, you can calculate how much money you’ll earn depending on whether the shares go up, and so on.

Having a few useful tips in your back pocket is always a good idea when grappling with a subject like math. Below we’ll go through some ways to improve your math skills and feel more confident.

Break Down Difficult Tasks

It is common to want to start solving math problems immediately when you get the task. However, it’s best if you try to understand the task before you start by breaking it down.

You can break down a more difficult task by writing down and summarizing all the information you received from the task. Then come up with a plan on how to solve the problem, and then implement the plan and solve the mathematical problem.

Ask for Help

It can be very difficult to ask for help, but sometimes you have to swallow your pride and ask. In schools and high schools, teachers must ensure that all students receive help. Everyone has different talents and abilities and may need different amounts of help and support. Start talking to your math teacher as soon as you feel that math is starting to get challenging. Tell them what you don’t understand and either the teacher can help you on the spot or tell you what math exercises you should do to get help with your problem.

There are also excellent ‘math help resources online,’ and you can seek a reliable and trustworthy math tutor that will help you improve your in-class performance and boost your overall GPA. They will tailor the services to your needs so you get the right individualized help you need to succeed with this broad subject.

Once you get help with math homework or assignments, you’ll slowly but surely solve your math problems correctly and feel confident in your answers.

Make Mistakes

If you want to improve your math skills, you need to dare to make mistakes. Mistakes are a natural part of trying to do something difficult or something you have not done before. So don’t be afraid to make mistakes when studying math, instead see it as an opportunity to improve your math skills by learning from your mistakes.

Keep in mind that no one gets good at math in one day. Developing your math skills will require a lot of repetition, as you’ll need to study several times a week.

When you study, it can be good to spread out their repetition opportunities because you can then take advantage of the phenomenon called the distance effect, which is about how our brains learn more efficiently when we spread our learning over time.

Know You Can Improve

To get better at math, you need to realize that you can improve by changing the way you think. Many people who experience problems with math think that “they are bad at math,” and always will be, but the truth is that everyone can become good at math with sufficient training, focus, and determination. Ignore negative thoughts in your head and don’t say “I cannot do this.” Instead, use affirmative sentences like “I can do this if I continue to practice,” as it can make a world of difference.

Work in a Quiet Environment

When working through equations and problems, try to find a calm and quiet environment. This way, you can avoid distractions and focus on the tasks in front of you.

Try not to listen to loud music, keep your phone away from you, and make sure that the TV is switched off. Even if you’re working with an online tutor, you should also use this principle and remove things that may distract your learning.

Final Words

If you want to improve your math skills, try practising these tips. Think about what you want to improve and set up a plan on how to get there. If you’re not sure which parts of math you should improve first, it may be a good idea to consult your math teacher or a trustworthy online math tutor.

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We’re not simply talking about stocks and shares when we say that every organization has critical assets that need to be monitored, maintained, and appropriately managed. In fact, schools have hundreds of items, both virtual and physical, that must be maintained in some way, from desks and chairs to books and laptops.

Most schools will record some sort of inventory, but doing so on paper or an excel spreadsheet takes time and is dull. Isn’t it possible that that time could be better spent on something else? What if there’s a fire and you lose all of your inventory?

For that reason, implementing software for asset management for schools helps you keep track of everything your school owns and is responsible for. Nonetheless, let’s go on and find out what exactly is asset management for schools, and why employing asset management software for schools is essential in 2022.

Soft And Hard Assets

Asset management entails keeping track of two sorts of assets for schools: hard and soft. Any tangible thing held or maintained by the school, such as keys, laptops, books, and the school minibus, is referred to as a hard asset.

On the other hand, important documentation or procedures must be managed and maintained as soft assets. Documents like inspection reports, fire procedures, and financial records may be included. Most businesses focus on managing their hard assets, but they frequently overlook their soft assets. However, if these aren’t backed up or maintained regularly, your institution could find itself in serious difficulties, with serious consequences.

What Is Asset Management Software Capable Of?

You could manually monitor and manage all soft and hard assets, but this is a time-consuming operation that frequently results in erroneous and incomplete asset lists. Asset management software allows you to keep track of every key item, including where it is, how much it costs, and when it needs to be updated or replaced. Your program will notify you when specific tasks, such as asbestos inspections or risk assessments, are required.

If you fail to complete these vital responsibilities, the school may be subject to significant fines. It’s also crucial to understand the lifecycle of any item you own. When will those new iPads need to be replaced? How long has this Windows been used? Knowing the answers to these questions is critical, or else, your technology may fail you unexpectedly.

Furthermore, teachers will be unable to accomplish their tasks adequately due to a lack of resources, and old assets will not be replaced immediately if the school does not set aside sufficient funds. Asset management may assist you in both planning for the future and documenting the past and present.

It’s pretty common for teachers or even students to borrow school property, such as books or iPads, but keeping track of who has what and when can be challenging. If you don’t keep track of who’s borrowing what, you’re likely to lose track of a lot of the assets you’ve loaned out—a costly mistake. All of this is made simple with asset management software; you can even document when you expect the item to be returned and track down anyone who has missed their due date.

Top Reasons To Utilize It

Nobody wants to believe the worst will happen to them, yet it does happen. Even if you take the necessary precautions, fire and theft can occur at any time, and often when you least expect it. Here’s why you need proper asset management software in your practice.

Accidents Or Unpleasant Events

Any school that has experienced a break-in or a fire knows that the amount of time it takes to return to normal is mainly determined by the duration of the insurance claim procedure. In other words, if you don’t have a detailed list of all the things you’ve lost and how much they’re worth, your insurance claim will take a long time to process.

Enumerating Items

With so many assets, keeping track of how much of each item you have and where it is located might be challenging. Unfortunately, this can lead to the purchase of duplicate things, and we all know that schools don’t have a lot of cash on hand. Asset management software can help you avoid this by allowing you to see exactly what you have right away. You can even use the software to move objects that aren’t being used in one place but could be helpful elsewhere.

After all, why would you want to pour additional money into programs that aren’t working? Asset management software can also help you in determining the worth of your software investment, allowing you to make more educated decisions instead of second-guessing.

The bottom line

No matter what your school district may currently be doing to track and control assets, it won’t hurt to review your current system with an eye toward future needs. After all, education technology is on the rise, so you will want to be sure that you’re accounting for this uptick in services when making future decisions about your asset management software.

Featured image: Inside Creative House, iStock. 

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Education technology has come a long way. There are numerous ways to teach your students using technology, making their learning experience more interactive. Education technology not only applies to K-12 but also colleges and other professional programs. Trends change each year, so it is essential to keep up with what’s new. Here are some trends in EdTech that you should know.

eLearning

While colleges have had online classes for many years now, most K-12 schools have not. Learning online has become one of the biggest trends for education, and it is very prevalent. Almost every school offers some online program, and in many cases, you only have to decide what to study.

For example, if you are interested in learning about real estate and everything it entails, you could look for the top online real estate school. Many programs offer completely remote or hybrid schedules, so you only have to decide what works best for your life and schedule.

You might find that classes use videos, audio, and slideshow presentations to present the material more engagingly. Podcasts are another tool utilized in eLearning environments. Unlike traditional learning setups, online learning uses educational technologies to make classes interactive, no matter the location. Many courses use virtual meeting spaces so the students can feel more connected. Lectures like these make online learning even more convenient because you do not have to go to campus.

Video Learning

Videos can help students tremendously when learning online. Video-assisted learning is beneficial because students can watch videos about whatever topic the class discusses that week. The videos are not real-time, so students can watch them when their schedule allows. Videos can further discuss a lesson and help convey information better than just reading. Animated, or explainer videos, are also popular in learning environments.

AR/VR

Augmented and virtual reality can help the learning experience greatly. Students can be more involved in a class and interact with other students or the learning material. Labs can be even more effective with augmented reality, for example. Virtual reality can help when taking courses online, and students need to practice when they have learned in a low-risk environment. It is only the beginning when discussing augmented and virtual reality, though. As the technology becomes more advanced, expect augmented and virtual reality to change the face of eLearning and educational technology.

Gamification

Gamification is an excellent way to get students involved and interested in learning. There have been many studies done about gamifying the learning experience. It can make education fun and encourage students to be active in class. Students can play games alone or with the group. Either way, gamification encourages a positive learning environment for everyone involved. Getting students excited, especially younger students is necessary and can help enhance their educational experience.

Social Media

While it may not seem so, social media can be part of eLearning. Since eLearning usually means students attend class from different locations and are not all in the same room, communication is essential to a successful learning experience. Social media makes it possible for students to share study materials, discuss what they learn in class, and comment on posts related to their work. Educators should be aware of the pros and cons of social media and school and determine how they can make social media platforms work for their class.

Artificial Intelligence

AI is prevalent in many spaces in today’s world. Education is no exception. Artificial intelligence can assist with online grading and automate many grading tasks that teachers had to do in the past. AI tutors are becoming more widespread and can help students when teachers are busy. Artificial intelligence systems can act as classroom assistants in the future, so it is essential to keep an eye on this technology.

Big Data

As more students learn online, big data can collect information to enhance the experience. Learning should be as personalized as possible, and collecting data can help with personalization. Data collected in the future may include course topics, learner enrollment, and learner feedback. Data collected will contain the student’s performance as well. It has information like time spent learning, if they completed the course, and how they did. Instructional designers can use this information to create better courses that meet learners’ needs.

These are some trends happening in the educational technology niche. As technology becomes more advanced, some of these trends will be more prevalent and useful, like AI and AR/VR. EdTech is something everyone should be excited about, whether you are an educator or a student.

Featured image: NeONBRAND, Unsplash.

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Preparing your students for their careers and the world beyond is likely one of your goals as a teacher. In this modern world, that means giving your students a good understanding of and experience with many different types of technology. If you are looking for new ways to bring technology into your classroom, here are five ways that you can go about it.

Swap Your Whiteboard for a Smartboard

A mainstay in most classrooms is the whiteboard. As a teacher, you likely use the board to show examples of problems, illustrate new concepts, or encourage student participation. A smartboard will allow you to keep doing all these things while also incorporating new features. Smartboards can allow students who use laptops to participate in problem-solving right from their desks (or allow students who are learning virtually to engage with their classmates). The boards could even augment the content that you are already creating, such as turning a simple list of salaries into an illustrated bar graph of the average CFA salary with a single click.

Use eTextbooks Over Printed Ones

As students get older, the textbooks only seem to get bigger. Those in middle and high school may find it hard to get all their books in their backpacks at the end of the day. Not only that, but printed textbooks can fall out of date very quickly and can be very expensive to replace with the newest editions. You can help your students lighten the load by utilizing ebooks instead of printed ones. This allows your students to access their textbooks from school or home and eliminates the possibility that they’ll forget a needed textbook in their locker. It also helps keep your classroom content relevant, as ebooks are far easier to update than their printed counterparts.

Explore Computer Care & Maintenance

More and more school systems are equipping their students with laptops, some as early as 3rd grade. Teaching your students how to use their laptops properly is important. Going above and teaching them how to care for and maintain their laptops will not only keep their equipment working longer at school, it’ll also give them an edge in their future careers.

Start by teaching your students good computer hygiene, such as not eating or drinking anywhere near their laptops. You could also show them how to wipe down their keyboards and screens with soft dry cloths. If you teach older students, you could talk about the importance of checking for system updates and patches and installing them promptly. You could even get into a discussion about how to identify and avoid falling for phishing scams and viruses. Even some adults struggle with these concepts, so teaching them early will give your students an advantage as they grow up and enter the workforce.

Demonstrate Problem-Solving With More Tools

Laptops are an important learning tool, but they’re not the only option that teachers have for bringing technology into the classroom. Scientific tools, such as heat cameras, night vision scopes, radio telemetry, microscopes, and more all help combine technology with STEM learning. Familiarity with these tools will help your students who choose to pursue careers in these fields. It can also help them explore the world around them and get a deeper understanding of their place within it.

Here are some ways that you can use these tools:

• Measure the classroom air temperature each morning and record it on a chart
• Use a heat camera to measure the ambient temperature of electrical things like laptops and lightbulbs
• Use a datahub to test the water quality of drinking fountains

Don’t be afraid to get creative with the tools that you choose to use in your classroom. The goal is for your students to learn how to utilize tools to help them solve problems.

Communicate With Parents and Students Via an Online Portal

Chances are that you already communicate with the parents of your students in a variety of ways, such as emails, report cards, and written notes. An online portal could help you streamline the communication as well as provide a place to post grades, announcements, and reminders. This could allow parents to check on their student’s progress at any time and stay involved with what their student is doing. As a benefit to you, it may help cut down on the number of parent emails you get.
The more technology you can bring into the classroom, the more potential advantages you are giving your students. Helping them become more familiar with many types of technology now will set them up for success in the future.

Featured image: CDC, Unsplash. 

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FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.- Gale, a Cengage company, has partnered with social and emotional learning (SEL) innovator IMAGO, to launch an online SEL and career readiness platform, Gale Presents: Imago. The video-based platform, covering content from cognitive flexibility to convergent thinking, will be available to K-12 schools and curriculums across the country. With a focus on soft skills development, the learning tool will be used to improve emotional intelligence and social skills among young learners.

“As a society, we haven’t always prioritized personal health and well-being preventively, and we are still helping to normalize mental wellness intervention.” Said Lemma Shomali, a senior director of product management and strategy for domestic learning at Gale. “Gale Presents: Imago will help schools achieve both for their students. The lessons included on the platform will help users understand that wellness, health, and emotional well-being are as critical to developing skills and habits as other “academic” skills, like reading and writing.”

A 2019 psychological study, found among 450 employees of various enterprises, that there was a significant positive effect emotional intelligence had on job performance and satisfaction, which lowered the chances of burnout.

The study also provided evidence showing how high levels of emotional intelligence can act as a competitive advantage for employees. A further study conducted by TalentSMartEQ found among employees of various sectors and levels, that 90% of top performers were high in emotional intelligence, with a higher average income per year.

Gale Presents: Imago is designed to facilitate both synchronous and asynchronous lessons with a wide range of accessibility, so students can access their content at any time, anywhere.

The platform also includes family wellness lessons, which focus on areas such as loneliness, anger, and grief.

“What our partnership with Gale can best control is providing individuals and families with the knowledge, language, mindsets, and emotional intelligence skills to use in their lives and model it in their circles. A healthy home is made with healthy habits.” Said Spencer Wallace, Head of Growth at IMAGO. “Family wellness lessons are a product of the unfortunately frequent school district response to crises such as wildfires in California that annually are closing schools and displacing families. Provided free to families, these wellness lessons are a tool to support well-being in schools and beyond.”

Career readiness is an essential conversation for students. Career counselor Jonie Watanabe Tsuji stressed the importance of starting conversations early for young learners and giving them the space to figure out what they want to do outside of academia. “To me, career readiness is a student who has a good sense of him/herself and is willing to listen and have a conversation about the world of work,” Tsuji explained.

On the purpose of Gale Presents: Imago, Wallace says, “our mission is to embed social and emotional learning into every aspect of the human experience to equip students with the critical skills and knowledge for workforce readiness, success, and beyond.”

Though currently available only on K-12 curriculums, IMAGO has mentioned that they are interested in collaboration and looking into expanding Gale Presents: Imago to a higher education audience.

Featured Image: Gale, A Cengage Company. 

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The concept of learning loss has always been an issue that both teachers and students of all ages deal with. However, due to the current circumstances, learning loss has become an even greater problem, significantly affecting students’ knowledge retention and stunting their progress.

Some of the most notable factors which decrease engagement levels and negatively impact learning include impaired school routine, extended breaks, course scheduling, and ineffective teaching.

In order to avoid further worsening of these causes, it is crucial that the education system takes agile approaches to overcome learning loss. These approaches shouldn’t be a quick fix, but instead long-term and sustainable solutions that can benefit everyone, especially students.

From identifying the learning gaps to implementing tutoring, this study guide to overcoming learning loss offers five strategies every educator can use to help their students.

Identify learning gaps

Before you start making changes and improving students’ learning capabilities, it is important that educators identify their learning gaps. This refers to what the students are expected to learn by a certain grade level as opposed to what they have actually learned up to that point.

The learning gaps usually occur when a student is unable to master concepts at the foundation level, so they continue to struggle as new ones are taught on top of the previous ones. That’s why addressing these educational gaps early on is very important in order to help students not fall behind with their learning.

Emphasize content that is a prerequisite for future learning

Another effective strategy to overcome learning loss is to emphasize content that is a prerequisite for future learning. This means focusing on mastering skills that are essential for being academically successful in a particular subject area in the future.

For example, learning multiplication skills are crucial for learning long division later on. Or writing a high-quality essay first requires mastering how to write a draft, do research, and understand basic punctuation.

One helpful way of addressing missed learning standards and content is by including longer blocks for such subjects while shortening other periods such as study halls or social studies.

Promote project-based learning

Project based learning can also help alleviate learning loss in students. Depending on the subject, these projects can last anywhere from one week to a semester and offer plenty of benefits to students that range from acquiring good problem-solving and critical thinking skills to boosting self-confidence.

Whether the student is working alone or in groups, they will be able to develop a deeper understanding of the learning content and demonstrate their ability to apply desired skills that improve their engagement levels as well as their collaboration and communication capabilities with fellow peers.

Focus on personalization

It is no secret that all students learn at different rates, so using standardized lessons that focus on the entire class can certainly contribute to increased learning loss.

One way of dealing with this problem is for educators to try and adapt their lessons for each of their students. This typically includes constructing personalized lesson plans and employing different teaching methods that accommodate every student.

For example, collaborating and creating a profile of the student’s strengths and weaknesses, conducting baseline assessments, and intervening after each one is some effective teaching methods that focus on personalization.

Consider offering tutoring lessons

Tutoring lessons, whether virtual, hybrid or face-to-face, can also help in overcoming learning loss. These can be regarded as extra-time interventions during which students will receive that extra support from a content-strong teacher and make up for lost learning.

For example, math is one of the most challenging subjects for students. Therefore, a math teacher can offer additional lessons which focus on troubling content material and provide the learner with a unique and individualized learning experience. This will further help the student improve their overall academic performance, retention, and even personal growth.

Final thoughts

No matter how hard teachers and education staff members are trying, learning loss will most likely be a big issue for many students. Fortunately, there are lots of effective ways of how this can be mitigated and help students of all ages overcome their learning disabilities and perform better academically. Choosing the right strategy will mostly be based on the educator’s capabilities as well as the students’ needs and preferences.

Featured Image: CDC, Unsplash. 

The post How Can Educators Help Students Overcome Learning Loss? appeared first on eLearningInside News.

The E-rate funding application window is expected to open in January 2022. Officially known as the Universal Service Schools and Libraries Program, E-rate supports eligible K-12 schools and libraries across America with access to affordable telecommunications and information services. For the program, participants must carry out a competitive bidding process where they select the most cost-effective companies to provide the goods and services they requested.

The challenges brought about by the pandemic and remote/hybrid learning, have highlighted the main issues and resources needed by education institutions. From network connectivity to cybersecurity, schools and libraries have more insight than ever to invest in resources that strengthen their online reach to their students, wherever they are situated.

Though the window is opening soon, the E-rate bidding season has yet to pick up. According to E-rate compliance services firm, Funds for Learning, though most competitive bids will be posted later on in the year, schools and libraries will fair better by starting early with the bidding process. According to the firm’s research, a key contributor in E-rate delivering faster connection speeds at low costs is the increase in competition in Form 470 competitive bidding process.

As someone not so familiar with the E-Rate bidding, how does the E-rate process work?

The bidding process is designed to increase competition and lower costs. Once an eligible school or library determines what telecommunications goods or services it needs, it files Form 470, and possibly a request for a proposal (RFP). These forms provide a specific, detailed description of what the school or library is looking for, and serve as the formal request for competitive bids. Vendors review the requests and submit bids, outlining how their specific products and services can best support school and library needs. Schools and libraries then select the vendor they want to work with and apply to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) for purchase approval.

Why is E-Rate so important for schools and libraries, and why should they prioritize it when looking into new technology?

Technology touches every part of our lives, and that’s a trend that shows no signs of slowing down or reversing. Schools and libraries can use the internet, apps, IoT devices, and more to give students unique learning experiences, make research and studying easier, and prepare them for future careers. E-Rate makes even the latest technologies affordable for any school or library.

COVID has naturally made an impact on E-Rate bidding, the count of Form 470s is lower than it has been in recent years. Why do you think there has been a steady decline in applications?

I think many eligible schools and libraries aren’t aware of how many technologies can be purchased using E-Rate. In the beginning, E-Rate was largely seen as a great way to bring high-speed WiFi to schools, and it is, but there are so many more products and services available that can help students, teachers, librarians, administrators, and staff. I think we need to do a better job sharing that information.

Has COVID highlighted anything specifically in bidding behavior?

The government realized the additional burden that was suddenly put on the IT staff, and allowed additional time for certain forms.

There are a variety of technology offerings and solutions available to schools right now. What kinds of technology do you think schools and libraries should be investing in? Especially during this time of remote and hybrid learning?

It’s important to keep students and all library users connected and engaged – with each other, with teachers, and with the world. Technologies that support that – whether by improving the WiFi, providing apps or VR simulations for an out-of-the-classroom experience, or more – are a good investment.

It’s also critical for schools and libraries to have remote access to their WiFi networks, so any technology that provides that is key right now. With remote access, IT can analyze, troubleshoot, and optimize networks even if teams are unable to be onsite. This keeps everything running smoothly, and makes sure that end-users (students, staff, teachers, etc.) have uninterrupted access to everything that depends on the WiFi – which is a lot.

Schools and libraries will currently be in the process of planning their bids. From previous years, what factors should they consider before making their bids, and how should they best prepare for this season?

Ideally, they all have access to historical network data and can see how network behavior and performance have changed over time. This includes the performance of connected devices and infrastructure. This data helps decision-makers predict future needs, which is great when it comes to preparing E-Rate bids. If anyone doesn’t already have access to that data, I recommend taking a month to gather as many data points as possible from the entire network, and then use that information to decide what goods and services are most needed.

Is there anything schools and libraries should avoid when placing bids/sending applications during the E-Rate process?

E-Rate is a time-based process, so the sooner one can start the better it is. Our recommendation is to not wait until the last minute to submit Form 470/471. There is a 28-days waiting period after Form 470 has been submitted. Similarly, there is a deadline to submit Form 486. On the process side, it is always a good idea to state “equivalent products are acceptable”, to allow an open bidding process, and prevent PIA queries.

It is very important to choose not only the right Category under which a selected product or service belongs but also the correct “Service Type”. Having either of these incorrect can result in funding request denial from USAC. Since USAC does not allow amendments to a Form 470 that has already been submitted, it is often good practice to reference an RFP linked externally, even if it is an empty one. Some changes can be indicated via an RFP amendment.

Why is WiFi automation necessary, and how do you get Wifi Automation technology through E-Rate?

School and library WiFi networks often consist of hundreds of devices – everything from access points to laptops, projectors, printers, thermostats, and more. These devices send thousands of data packets a second, and those packets have the information that IT needs to understand network health and behavior. It’s impossible for a human to analyze that much data, identify issues and their root causes, and resolve them in real-time, yet, that’s exactly what is needed for reliable, optimized WiFi. This is why WiFi Automation is necessary.

WiFi Automation platforms automate the analytics process. Depending on the platform, they can keep eyes on the entire network ecosystem 24/7, automatically alert IT to any issues, and provide actionable resolutions for quick troubleshooting, often before end-users are affected. This saves schools and libraries significant amounts of time and money. Wyebot’s Wireless Intelligence Platform is an award-winning, vendor agnostic WiFi Automation platform and it is E-Rate eligible.

Is there anything else you’d like to mention which I have not covered?

In case there is a need to amend a Form 470, one would need to submit a new Form 470. A commonly-used trick is to use a nickname, and then later change the nickname to “Cancelled”. This will indicate to bidding vendors to respond to the correct/updated Form 470.

Featured Image: SCREEN POST, Unsplash. 

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