“Instructional vitality is an essential part of satisfying and rewarding careers in academe.”

From the moment we start talking, even if they are aware of nothing else, our students can sense our level of vitality.  From my view on the front lines, I would say I’ve never seen it lower across the board among teachers. Faculty members are burned out, exhausted, and … Read More

“Listening and questioning are the basis for positive classroom interactions that can in turn shape meaningful collaboration, which can then build a culture of thinking.”

ritchhartTo increase learning in the classroom, don’t focus on curriculum or using new “tips and tricks” for instruction.  Instead, Ron Ritchhart, a researcher at Harvard’s graduate school of education, writes that we should change the “culture” of our classrooms by making “thinking valued, visible, and actively promoted in all … Read More

“Let them discover.”

WeimerWhen I started teaching  years ago, my job was to give information to students, and their job was to pay attention. I don’t see it this way anymore. Instead, I embrace an approach called learner-centered teaching. Maryellen Weimer, arguably the most respected leader of this movement, says in … Read More