Category: EDUCATION

contributed by TeachThought Staff

Language is a wonderful thing.

It is the common thread that binds entire societies, allowing ease of communication and understanding. On the other hand, finding yourself in a situation where you are unable to communicate adequately is highly frustrating. A language barrier can stunt relationships that could have grown stronger otherwise. Whether traveling abroad or seeking to learn a new language, the more tools you have at your disposal, the better. With these 10 iPhone apps, there is no reason you should ever find yourself lost for words again – regardless of the language.

10 Of The Best iPhone Apps For Language Translation

1. Google Translate

Description: Google Translate is a widely used translation app developed by Google. The app offers translation between over 100 languages for text, speech, and images while providing various features, including real-time conversation translation, offline translation capabilities, and camera translation, allowing users to translate text from images captured by their camera. Google Translate is known for its accuracy, extensive language support, and user-friendly interface, making it a go-to tool for language translation.

Price: Free

2. Microsoft Translator

Description: Microsoft Translator is a versatile translation app created by Microsoft. It facilitates translation between over 60 languages for text, speech, and images. The app offers real-time conversation translation, offline translation mode, and camera translation, allowing users to translate text captured by their device’s camera. Microsoft Translator is recognized for its accuracy, robust language support, and integration with other Microsoft products and services, making it a reliable choice for language translation tasks.

Price: Free

3. iTranslate

Description: iTranslate is a comprehensive translation app offering seamless language communication. With support for over 100 languages, it provides features like text and voice translation, allowing users to translate text or speak phrases for instant translation. The app also includes capabilities such as offline translation, website translation, and dictionary definitions, making it a versatile tool for language learning, travel, and everyday communication needs. With its user-friendly interface and reliable performance, iTranslate is a great option for language translation on the go.

Price: Free (offers in-app purchases)

See also 20 of The Best Free Science Apps For iOS

4. SayHi Translate

Description: SayHi Translate is a user-friendly translation app specializing in real-time conversation translation. The app supports over 100 languages and dialects, allowing users to have seamless conversations by translating speech instantly. The app offers voice input and output, enabling users to speak their phrases for translation and hear the translated responses. SayHi Translate also includes features like text input, offline translation, and language detection, making it a convenient tool for travelers, language learners, and anyone needing quick and accurate translations.

Price: Free

5. Papago Translate

Description: Papago Translate is a translation app developed by Naver, offering translation services for text, speech, and images. With support for multiple languages, it provides accurate translations tailored to various contexts and dialects. The app features real-time conversation translation, allowing users to communicate seamlessly. Papago Translate offers additional functionalities such as image translation, text input, and offline translation.

Price: Free

6. Translate Now – AI Translator

Description: Translate Now is an AI-powered translator app that offers seamless translation between multiple languages. With its intuitive interface and advanced AI technology, Translate Now provides accurate translations for text and voice inputs, ensuring smooth and effective communication with real-time translation capabilities. Additionally, Translate Now supports offline translation, making it a reliable companion even when internet access is limited.

Price: Free (offers in-app purchases)

7. Speak & Translate

Description: Speak & Translate is a user-friendly translation app that enables seamless language communication. With its intuitive interface and advanced speech recognition technology, it allows users to instantly translate spoken phrases into multiple languages. The app facilitates effortless communication by providing accurate, real-time translations and text input, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of language-related tasks.

Price: Free (offers in-app purchases)

See also 6 Speech and Language Apps For iOS

8. Reverso Translate and Learn

Description: Reverso Translate and Learn is an all-in-one language tool that combines translation features with language learning resources. With Reverso, users can translate text and expressions in context, providing a deeper understanding of language usage. Additionally, the app offers vocabulary and grammar lessons, flashcards, and language quizzes to help users improve their language skills. Whether a beginner or an advanced learner, Reverso Translate and Learn offers a comprehensive solution for mastering a new language, all in one convenient app.

Price: Free (offers in-app purchases)

9. Translate Voice – Language Translator & Dictionary

Description: Translate Voice—Language Translator & Dictionary is a convenient and versatile translation app. Advanced speech recognition technology instantly allows users to translate spoken phrases into multiple languages. With support for a wide range of languages, this app facilitates seamless communication for travelers, language learners, and anyone needing quick translations. Additionally, Translate Voice includes a built-in dictionary feature, providing definitions and context for translated words.

Price: $9.99

10. DeepL Translate

Description: DeepL Translate is a powerful and accurate translation app. Leveraging state-of-the-art neural networks, It delivers high-quality translations that preserve context and nuance across multiple languages. Whether you’re translating text or documents, DeepL offers fast and precise results. With support for a wide range of languages and an intuitive interface, It is an essential tool for professionals, students, and anyone seeking reliable translations.

Price: Free

Armed with these 10 apps, you will never feel alone or unable to communicate in a foreign country again. These translators continue to improve, creating a global community where anyone can make new friends on an international scale without worrying about miscommunication along the way.

Image Source pexels.com

by TeachThought Staff

Online learning is rapidly emerging as a pivotal force in the evolution of education. Its growth is propelled by technological advancements and a shifting global landscape that values accessibility and flexibility in learning.

This form of education transcends geographical barriers, allowing anyone with internet access to benefit from a wide array of learning resources and expert instruction. Its adaptability makes it suitable for various lifestyles and learning preferences, offering a personalized approach to education. With the rising demand for continuous skill development and lifelong learning, online education is well-positioned as a key player in the future of educational delivery. Let’s delve into the core reasons that underscore online learning’s role in shaping the future of education.

1. Easy Access to Education

One of the main reasons online learning is seen as the future of education is its easy access. People from all over the world can learn new things without traveling. They just need a computer and internet. This is great for those who live far from school or are busy. Online courses let you learn at your own pace, anytime and anywhere. This means you can fit learning into your schedule, whether early in the morning or late at night. It’s also helpful for people who learn better on their own. With online learning, education is just a few clicks away for anyone with internet access.

2. Wide Range of Programs and Specializations

Online learning offers many programs and specializations, catering to almost every educational need and interest. From short courses to advanced degrees, the options are almost limitless. For example, professionals aspiring to enhance their leadership skills can enroll in an online EdD in Leadership program. This flexibility to choose from diverse fields – technology, business, arts, or education – means individuals can tailor their learning journey to their career goals and personal interests. This availability of online specialized programs breaks down traditional education barriers, where options might be limited by location or resources. It opens new possibilities, allowing learners to pursue their passions and advance professionally without geographical constraints.

3. Interactive and Engaging Learning Methods

Online learning often uses interactive and engaging methods to teach. These methods can make learning more fun and effective. Students can use videos, quizzes, and interactive tools to understand topics better. This differs from traditional classrooms, where learning is mostly through lectures and textbooks. Online courses also allow for more discussion and sharing of ideas. Students can talk to each other and to teachers through forums and chats. This can make learning more active and helps students feel more connected, even though they are not in the same place. These interactive methods can keep students interested and help them remember what they learn better.

4. Personalized Learning Paths

Online learning provides personalized learning paths, allowing students to learn in a way that suits them best. Each student can go at their own pace, spending more time on difficult topics and moving quickly through easier ones. This is a big change from traditional classrooms where everyone follows the same pace. Online courses often offer different difficulty levels and various types of content, like videos, readings, and interactive activities. This means students can choose how they learn best. Personalized learning is important because it meets the unique needs of each student. It can help students who need extra time to understand things and those who want to move faster and learn more.

5. Skills for the Digital World

Online learning teaches important skills for the digital world. In today’s world, knowing how to use technology is essential. When you learn online, you use computers, the internet, and different software. This helps you get better at these tools. It’s not just about the subject you are studying. You also learn skills like finding information online, being safe on the internet, and working with others online. These skills are important for many jobs today. Also, learning online can teach you to be self-motivated and manage your time well. These are key skills in both work and life. Online learning prepares you for a world where technology is everywhere.

6. Continuous and Lifelong Learning

Online learning supports continuous and lifelong learning. It’s not just for young students but for anyone who wants to keep learning, regardless of age or stage in life. With online courses, you can learn new things whenever you want, even if you work or have other responsibilities. This makes it easier to keep updating your skills and knowledge over time. Lifelong learning is important today because things change fast, especially in jobs and technology. Being able to learn new things all the time can help you keep up with these changes. Online courses make it easy to keep learning throughout your life, keeping you ready for whatever comes next.

7. Building Global Perspectives and Cultural Awareness

A lesser-known benefit of online learning is how it helps build global perspectives and cultural awareness. You often meet and work with people from different countries and cultures in online courses. This can help you understand and appreciate how things are done in other parts of the world. You learn to communicate and work with people unlike you, which is a key skill in our connected world. Also, many online courses talk about global issues and ideas, helping you see things from a bigger, more international point of view. This aspect of online learning is important because it prepares you to work and live in a world that is more and more connected.

Conclusion

In conclusion, online learning is shaping the future of education with its easy access, wide range of programs, interactive methods, personalized paths, digital skills development, and support for lifelong learning. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about providing a rich, flexible, and globally connected learning experience.

Online learning breaks traditional boundaries, offering education adaptable to individual needs and global challenges. As technology advances, online education will become even more integral to our learning landscape, preparing us for a constantly evolving world and increasingly interconnected.

contributed by Dr. Kara Stern, SchoolStatus Head of Education Solutions 

Recognizing school/home communication’s profound impact on student success and well-being is crucial. 

We need to understand school communication as much more than disseminating information—it’s an integral pillar supporting student achievement, as fundamental as curriculum and instruction. Effective school/home communication is essential to an educator’s strategy to nurture student success.

Elevating School/Home Communication: A Vital Component of Family Engagement

The Impact of School/Home Communication 

School/home communication shapes a student’s educational experience and overall well-being. Research consistently demonstrates that students with actively engaged families exhibit higher academic achievement, improved attendance, enhanced social-emotional development, and higher graduation rates.

The collaborative efforts between educators and families create a supportive environment, fostering a sense of belonging and motivation crucial for sustained success. It bridges the gap between what happens in the classroom and a student’s life at home. When home adults are informed and involved, students receive consistent support across various aspects of their development.

Beyond Communicating Information

To truly understand the importance of family engagement, it’s essential to recognize that communication isn’t an isolated event—it’s a continuous, integral component of the entire learning process. When families actively participate in their child’s education, they become partners in the learning journey. 

Effective school/home communication plays a pivotal role by fostering collaboration between educators and families. It bridges the gap between what happens in the classroom and a student’s life at home. When home adults are informed and involved, students receive consistent support across different aspects of their development.

Truly useful communication ensures that educators and families are on the same page, working together to create a nurturing, holistic environment where students can thrive academically and personally. In this way, school/home communication is as integral to a child’s learning and development as curriculum and instruction.

Tips for Improving Family Engagement via School/Home Communication

Establish Open Lines of Communication: Create accessible channels for communication, ensuring that families feel welcome and informed. This could include regular newsletters, digital updates, and user-friendly platforms facilitating two-way communication easily translated into a family’s home language. Today’s families are texters, so make sure private, secure texting is part of your district communication plan.

Involve Families in Goal Setting

Engage families in setting academic and personal goals for their children. Collaboratively establish expectations and celebrate achievements, fostering a shared commitment to success. An effective way to do this is to embed a Google form in a digital update. Asking families to share their hopes and dreams for their child is a great way to kick off a strong family relationship.

Communicate Consistently

Set a regular cadence for district, building, and classroom updates. Make sure the updates are translatable and sent on a reliable schedule. For home adults who can’t make it to school easily or for whom speaking English is still developing skills, or for whom speaking English is still developing skills, or otherwise effective, comfortable, consistent translatable communications that virtually engage families in the activities of the district/building/classroom to build trust and foster a sense of inclusion.

One sure way to capture a family’s attention is to keep your updates visual. Include plenty of photos, videos, and screenshots to create visual appeal (and get parents searching for their child!)

Celebrate What You Value

For example, if your focus is attendance, make sure a positive attendance feature is part of your weekly update: create a shout-out section, an Attendance Wall of Fame, an ADA ticker, or even an incentive program. If your focus is progress on a curriculum unit, share pictures of students working and completed student work, provide some ‘As Your Child About’ questions for families to help students extend their learning, and link to any resources or assignments parents should know about.

See also Alternatives To How Was School?

Utilize Technology Wisely

One-way communications, like translatable digital newsletters and updates, are ideal for getting information to every family and bridging the divide between home and school. However, they must be complemented by translatable two-way communications and one-to-one outreach between an adult school community member (teacher, counselor, principal, coach) and an adult family member. 

Digital platforms come with analytics, and the data tells a powerful story. One critical narrative line is understanding, which requires one-to-one outreach. 

Celebrate Diverse Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate the diverse achievements of students. Recognize that success takes various forms and involves the collaboration of educators, families, and students.

The power of communication between educators and families is transformative. By recognizing the continuous nature of family engagement and implementing simple tips to enhance communication and involvement, we can create an educational environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Dr. Kara Stern is Head of Education Solutions at SchoolStatus, a fully integrated data analytics and communications platform designed to improve student outcomes through a unique combination of comprehensive data and direct school-home engagement. She came to SchoolStatus via Smore, a leading digital school newsletter platform. A former teacher, middle school principal, and head of school, she holds a Ph.D. in Teaching & Learning from NYU.

contributed by Dr. Zak Cohen

In 2009, President Obama spoke to a group of students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia.

As someone who had readily and unabashedly admitted to his mistakes as a youth and how these missteps informed the adult he had become, he humbly but stridently impressed upon his audience the importance of learning from one’s mistakes. “You can’t let your failures define you—you have to let them teach you” (Obama, 2009). Anyone listening to this speech would invariably nod along to President Obama’s rhetoric.

However, these knowing nods mask the long, complex relationship mistake-making has with education in the United States. 

Stemming from research conducted in the 1920s, mistakes have largely been seen as problems that should be eradicated in our classrooms. In 1922, the associationist theory of mathematics began to cultivate the belief that errors result from a lack of drill and mastery of number facts (Thorndike & Woodyard, 1922).

What The Research Says About Learning From Mistakes

These findings were further entrenched in the collective psyche of American educators in the 1960s when Terrace (1966) showed that “pigeons could be taught to discriminatively peck a red circle as opposed to a green circle by being reinforced in such a way that they never pecked the green circle, that is, the pigeons performed in an errorless manner” (Terrace, 2001, p. 9). This finding, whether correctly interpreted or not, pushed education towards an errorless model of teaching—the thinking being that if a bird can learn to eliminate mistakes, so too can a child. 

Later in the decade, Ausubel (1968) codified this emerging interpretation by warning of the dangers mistakes present to the learning process, suggesting that “allowing [students] to make errors encourages them to practice incorrect and inefficient approaches that will cause trouble because they are difficult to overwrite later with correct approaches” (Ausubel, 1968, p. 25). To some extent, there is a logic to this idea that committing errors will strengthen and entrench the neural pathways responsible for this erroneous thinking; however, current research has concluded just the opposite.

See also Ways To Help Students Learn From Their Mistakes

The importance of learning from mistakes is echoed widely across the literature and across the globe. Studies from the Philippines, Germany, and Hong Kong conclude that there is a strong correlation between mistake-making and learning, with one study from the United States of America even arguing that “an unwarranted reluctance to engage with errors has held back American education” (DeBrincat, 2015; Metcalfe, 2017; Quieng et al., 2015; Song, 2018).

Contemporary research argues that “. . . making errors can greatly facilitate new learning . . . enhance the generation of correct responses, facilitate active learning, [and] stimulate the learner to direct attention appropriately . . .” (Metcalfe, 2017, p. 472). In fact, though it is perhaps not intuitive, Richland et al. (2009) found that error generation is positively correlated to enhanced memory. 

Errors occur at the edge of knowledge and experience; thus, errors must be accepted not just as a byproduct of learning. Mistakes aren’t merely instructive; they are the keyhole that offers an honest glimpse into the unique nature of a protean mechanism like learning (Lewis, 2017). In fact, humans are already predisposed to learning from their mistakes.

The Neuroscience Of Making Mistakes

When a person commits an error, subsequent action is delayed by a phenomenon known as post-error slowing (PES). PES refers to the tendency of individuals to slow down on a current trial after having committed an error on a previous trial (Rabbitt & Rodgers, 1977). Rabbitt and Rodgers (1977) found that when engaging in an activity that has been done erroneously before successive actions are delayed, permitting participants the time to employ a corrective action. 

A 2018 study by researchers at the California Institute of Technology discovered that mistakes set off an almost instantaneous chain reaction of productive brain activity. Researchers found that before one is even cognizant of their error, one set of neurons—dubbed “error neurons”—begin to fire (Fu et al., 2019). In rapid succession, “the brain of a person making an error lights up with the kind of activity that encodes information more deeply,” helping to ensure that the same mistake is not made on a subsequent attempt (Fu et al., 2019, p. 172).

Another interesting and related brain process triggered by mistake-making concerns the release of dopamine. Dopamine is released when students answer questions correctly—and are cognizant of their correctness, either through external and internal monitoring mechanisms. Conversely, when errors occur, dopamine levels decrease, but this decrease in dopamine triggers another response, which is that the brain seeks out corrective feedback and the accommodation of new information to prevent a dopamine drop in the future, “essentially altering incorrect neural networks and increasing the likelihood of making a correct response next time” (McMillan, 2017, p. 91).

In spite of the numerous ways that the human body and brain seeks to learn from mistakes, “human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from their mistakes . . . are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so” (Whitman, 2016, p. 81). This is attributable to the socio-cultural dimension that interferes with these adaptive responses from being embraced and operationalized.

Mistake-Making And Emotion

People have been socialized and, in turn, have internalized mistakes as being something to avoid (Fischer et al., 2006).  It is also quite common to be afraid of making mistakes. “Teachers grade us down for errors on tests, bosses often chastise us (and worse) for taking risks, and religions may condemn us if we commit a sin or take the wrong path” (Tugend & London, 2011, p. 180). The aversion people have towards mistake-making is evidenced by the fact that people, on the whole, prefer less optimal learning outcomes so long as it allows them to avoid making a mistake. 

Huelser (2014) sought to make study participants aware of the “utility of learning by making errors,” but found that even when participants ‘attention was drawn to the enhanced retention resulting from employing study techniques that required error generation, participants’ under-confidence in their ability to learn from their mistakes persisted (Huelser, 2014, p. 27).

Relatedly, a 2017 study found that even when study participants’ attention was drawn to the benefits of errorful generation on information retrieval from memory, study participants continued to prioritize less effective study strategies that did not involve mistake-making (Yang et al., 2017). This adverse response to mistake-making would seem to suggest that people would prefer not to dip their toes in the murky waters of effortful learning, even if error generation actually improves learning outcomes. 

A 2019 study sought to understand why by explicating medical students’ feelings about mistakes. The study found that medical students reported powerful emotional reactions when they were asked to just visualize committing errors. These medical students used such words as ‘scared,’ ‘guilty,’ ’embarrassed,’ ‘fearful,’ and ‘frightening’ to describe the visualization exercise (Fischer et al., 2006, p. 420). The distress that these students verbalized is not unique to them.

In fact, a fear of mistakes is prevalent enough to warrant its own diagnosis in the medical nomenclature: atychiphobia. Even if this fear is a specter without a shape, it is still very real. The fear of failure is deep-seated. Researchers know that when students with math anxiety encounter numbers, for example, “a fear center in the brain is activated—the same fear center that lights up when people see snakes or spiders” (Boaler, 2019, p. 122). The trouble is that this fear is not just holding students back in the present but preventing them from actively realizing their future.

Mistake-Literacy In The Classroom

For students to be prepared to navigate the uncharted future, students will need to possess the willingness to make mistakes and the ability to learn from them (Scharmer, 2016). A learning process steeped in mistake-making most nearly models “the messy, exciting, frustrating process in which discoveries are made and innovation occurs” (Eggleton & Moldavan, 2001, p. 43). Whether it is transitioning to a new career or acclimating to the breakneck pace of technological advances, the issue is not whether mistakes will be made, but whether mistakes can serve as instruments to enable learning.

So, how can we, as educators, create the conditions for our students to develop the toolkit they need to reliably convert their mistakes into lessons? Well, this is where Mistake Literacy comes in. 

Schools are complex, human-centered organizations that are influenced by a multitude of factors including environmental, personal, and behavioral elements that shape learning. While many individuals inherently understand the value of learning from mistakes, the environment and expectations in educational settings often promote a contrary approach, discouraging their acknowledgment and exploration. 

Research indicates, however, that there are actionable strategies within the classroom that can mitigate these adverse effects, fostering an environment where mistakes are not feared but seen as opportunities for growth. This is where Mistake Literacy comes into play.

Mistake Literacy offers a framework that empowers teachers and students to embrace errors as a critical part of the learning process. By implementing the strategies and dispositions outlined in Mistake Literacy, educators can create the optimal conditions for students to recognize, react to, and repair their mistakes.

Mistake Literacy aims to demystify the process of learning from errors, making it clear and accessible. This approach not only promotes a healthier attitude towards learning but also lays the groundwork for future educational endeavors. Through Mistake Literacy, the path to learning becomes intertwined with the acceptance and examination of one’s errors, transforming mistakes into mastery. 

Image Source pixabay

by TeachThought Staff

Educational leadership is an expansive field, rich with opportunities for those passionate about shaping the future of education.

It encompasses a range of roles that go beyond traditional teaching, delving into the realms of administration, policy-making, and program development. These careers are pivotal in molding educational systems and practices, directly impacting the quality of education learners receive at all levels.

Education leaders are visionaries and change-makers. They take on the responsibility of guiding schools, colleges, and entire educational systems towards excellence. Their roles involve strategic planning, implementing innovative educational practices, and ensuring that educational institutions not only meet but exceed standards of teaching and learning. This journey is not just about managing the administrative aspects of education; it’s about inspiring educators, influencing policy, and advocating for students and teachers alike.

A career in educational leadership is ideal for those who wish to make a significant impact in the education sector, influencing how learning is approached and delivered. These professionals are instrumental in shaping an environment that nurtures the academic and personal growth of students while also ensuring that educators have the support and resources they need to excel in their roles. Let’s explore ten such career paths where you can leave a lasting imprint on the world of education.

Education policy analysts are crucial in shaping and reforming education systems. Their role involves deep research, analysis of educational policies, and development of strategies to enhance the effectiveness of education at various levels. An advanced degree, such as an educational doctorate, can benefit this career path. These programs provide the comprehensive knowledge and research skills necessary to understand complex educational issues and devise effective policy solutions.

An online educational doctoral program offers the flexibility needed by professionals who are already working in the education sector or other fields. These programs often cover various topics, including educational policy, leadership, curriculum design, and educational technology, equipping graduates with the expertise needed to analyze and influence education policies effectively.

As a school principal, you’re the driving force behind a school’s culture, effectiveness, and overall success. This role involves overseeing daily school operations, setting educational goals, and working closely with teachers and staff to achieve these objectives. School principals also play a critical role in fostering a safe and productive learning environment and engaging with the community. It’s a position that requires strong leadership, decision-making, and interpersonal skills, offering the chance to influence the educational journey of countless students directly.

Curriculum coordinators, or instructional coordinators, are responsible for developing and implementing school educational programs. This role involves evaluating current curricula, introducing new educational materials, and ensuring compliance with state and federal standards. As a curriculum coordinator, you’ll work closely with teachers and administrators to enhance teaching practices and improve student learning outcomes. This career is ideal for those passionate about shaping the educational content and teaching strategies that form the foundation of students’ learning experiences.

Academic deans play a pivotal role in higher education institutions. They oversee academic policies, faculty matters, and budgeting for specific departments or colleges within a university. Academic deans are instrumental in shaping the academic vision, ensuring the quality of education, and supporting faculty and student success. This career path offers the opportunity to influence higher education strategically, requiring strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

As a superintendent, you’re the chief executive officer of a school district, responsible for implementing educational policies and overseeing multiple schools. This role involves strategic planning, budget management, and collaboration with school boards, principals, and the community. Superintendents must have a vision for district-wide success and the ability to lead and inspire a large team of educators. It’s a challenging but highly influential position in the educational landscape.

Chief academic officers (CAOs) are responsible for the academic operations of an educational institution, typically at the college or university level. They oversee faculty development, academic programming, and student learning outcomes. As a CAO, you’ll ensure that the institution’s academic goals align with its mission and standards. This role requires a blend of academic expertise and administrative prowess, offering the chance to shape the educational strategies of higher education institutions.

Educational consultants provide expertise to schools, districts, and educational organizations to improve student learning and organizational effectiveness. They might specialize in areas such as curriculum design, teacher training, or educational technology. This career offers flexibility and variety as consultants work on different projects and with various clients, constantly adapting to new challenges and educational environments.

Directors of student services are dedicated to enhancing the student experience in educational institutions. They oversee programs related to student affairs, including counseling, extracurricular activities, and academic advising. This role is central to ensuring that students receive the support and resources they need to succeed academically and personally. It’s a career that combines administrative skills with a deep commitment to student well-being and development.

Learning and development managers are typically found in corporate or organizational settings. They design, implement, and oversee training programs for employees. This role involves assessing training needs, developing educational materials, and evaluating the effectiveness of training programs. It’s an ideal career for those interested in adult education and organizational development, offering the opportunity to impact the professional growth and skills of employees directly.

College registrars are key administrative figures in higher education institutions. They manage student records, oversee registration processes, and ensure compliance with educational regulations and standards. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle sensitive information. As a registrar, you’ll play a crucial role in smoothly running academic affairs within a college or university.

In conclusion, careers in educational leadership offer diverse opportunities to impact the world of education at various levels. Whether you’re interested in shaping academic policies, improving curriculum, or supporting student success, there is a role in educational leadership that can align with your passion and expertise. These careers require a combination of leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to education, offering the chance to make a lasting difference in the lives of learners and the future of education.

by TeachThought Staff

Thinking in the 21st century is just different.

That doesn’t mean we’re all suddenly omnipotent cyborgs, nor do we all become mindless social media addicts who spend our cognitive might tapping, swiping, and drooling on our smartphone and tablet screens.

But just as the 19th century presented unique challenges to information processing compared to the 18th or 20th, the 21st century is different from the one before it or from the one that will come after.

punyamishra.com recently released the following graphic, which I thought was interesting. It identified knowledge types for modern learning, settling on Foundational, Humanistic, and meta knowledge.

3 Knowledge Domains For The 21st Century Student

1. Foundational Knowledge (To Know)

Digital/ICT Literacy, Core Content Knowledge, Cross-disciplinary Knowledge

Summary

This domain encompasses the fundamental concepts and principles that form the basis of various fields of study. It includes subjects such as mathematics, natural sciences, history, and language arts. Foundational knowledge provides the framework for understanding more specialized areas of knowledge and is crucial for critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Examples Of Foundational Knowledge

Example 1: In a math classroom, students can learn foundational concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division through hands-on activities like visualizing mathematical operations using manipulatives (such as blocks or counters).

Example 2: Teachers can introduce foundational knowledge of chemistry by conducting hands-on experiments to explore the properties of different elements, compounds, and chemical reactions, such as mixing acids and bases to observe changes in pH.

Example 3: Teachers can introduce foundational knowledge of world history by analyzing timelines and maps to trace the major events, movements, and empires that have shaped global civilizations over time.

Example 4: Teachers can integrate humanistic knowledge by analyzing the characters, motivations, and ethical dilemmas presented in literary texts, encouraging students to empathize with diverse perspectives and experiences.

Example 5: Students can learn about foundational concepts in physics by conducting experiments to understand Newton’s laws of motion, using simple materials like ramps, balls, and spring scales.

2. Humanistic Knowledge (To Value) 

Life/Job Skills, Ethical/Emotional Awareness, Cultural Competence

Summary

Humanistic knowledge focuses on studying human experiences, values, and cultures. It includes literature, philosophy, art, religion, and ethics disciplines. Humanistic knowledge helps individuals explore questions of meaning, identity, morality, and social justice, fostering empathy, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the human condition.

Examples Of Humanistic Knowledge

Example 1: Students can use creative writing exercises to express their thoughts, emotions, and insights, drawing inspiration from literary works and personal experiences to explore themes of identity, belonging, and self-discovery.

Example 2: Teachers can facilitate philosophical discussions on timeless questions such as the nature of reality, the meaning of life, and the existence of free will, encouraging students to examine their own beliefs and assumptions critically.

Example 3: Students can engage in debates and Socratic dialogues to explore ethical dilemmas and moral reasoning, applying philosophical concepts to real-world issues and ethical decision-making.

Example 4: Teachers can integrate humanistic knowledge by encouraging students to create artwork inspired by beauty, love, struggle, and transformation, using various media and techniques to express their ideas and emotions.

3. Meta Knowledge (To Act)

Creativity and Innovation, Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking, Communication and Collaboration

Summary

Meta-knowledge refers to knowledge about knowledge itself—the processes, structures, and strategies involved in acquiring, organizing, and evaluating information. It encompasses critical thinking skills, information literacy, research methodologies, and metacognition. Meta knowledge empowers individuals to become lifelong learners, adapt to changing environments, and make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving world.

Examples

Example 1: In any subject area, teachers can incorporate critical thinking skills by posing open-ended questions that require students to analyze information, evaluate evidence, and construct reasoned arguments supported by evidence and logic.

Example 2: Teachers can use case studies or real-world scenarios to challenge students to apply critical thinking skills to complex problems and decision-making situations, encouraging them to consider multiple perspectives and weigh the implications of their choices.

Example 3: Students can use metacognitive tools such as concept maps, graphic organizers, or learning journals to organize and review their thoughts, connect new information with prior knowledge, and identify patterns or gaps in their understanding.

Using This Model In Your Classroom

The simplest way to use this kind of model in your classroom is to consider it a framework for planning, whether at the unit, lesson, or activity level. In that way, you could try to have a balance across the three knowledge domains, or one unit heavily pursuant of Humanistic Knowledge (a To Kill A Mockingbird novel study, for example), while another project-based learning unit focuses on Meta Knowledge.

But on a broader and perhaps more subjective level, this graphic can serve as a simple reminder that our jobs as teachers are to help students understand how to know, value, and act, no matter that the majority of these seem to go beyond common classroom assessment tools.

The concept of knowledge domains can support the development of critical thinking skills. Students can learn to analyze and evaluate information, identify patterns, and conclude by engaging with domains (one of many) like foundational knowledge. Humanistic knowledge promotes empathy, perspective-taking, and the ability to consider diverse viewpoints, while meta-knowledge fosters metacognition, information literacy, and the capacity to think reflectively about one’s thinking process.

The big idea of all learning then may start with knowing, which leads to valuing, which informs action in relevant and authentic communities.

by TeachThought Staff

Do not limit a child to your own learning, for they were born for another time.

R Tagore

While each generation is unique, possessing its own challenges, opportunities, and cultural contexts, the methods of teaching and the knowledge passed down often reflect the values and norms of previous eras.

This gap between the present generation’s needs and the past’s teachings can limit children in various ways, inhibiting their ability to engage with and thrive in their contemporary world fully.

From the moment they enter the world, children are shaped by the values, beliefs, and practices of the society they are born into. However, the education they receive is often heavily influenced by traditional pedagogical approaches and curricula that may not adequately address the complexities and demands of the modern age. This can result in a disconnect between what children are taught and what they need to navigate and succeed.

This limitation surfaces through an outdated curriculum that fails to equip children with the skills and knowledge necessary for the rapidly evolving job market. In an era of technological advancement and globalization, traditional subjects and teaching methods may not adequately prepare children for the demands of a digital economy. For example, a focus on rote memorization and standardized testing may prioritize regurgitating facts over critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability skills essential for success in contemporary workplaces.

Furthermore, underscoring outdated societal norms and biases through education can hinder children’s ability to challenge and transcend systemic inequalities. Historical narratives that prioritize the achievements of certain groups while marginalizing others can perpetuate stereotypes and reinforce power dynamics that limit children’s understanding of themselves and others. This can have long-lasting implications for social cohesion and justice, as children may internalize and replicate these biases in their interactions and decision-making processes.

To address these limitations and better serve the needs of contemporary children, educators, and policymakers must embrace a more dynamic and inclusive approach to education. This requires a willingness to adapt pedagogical methods and curricula to reflect the realities of the modern world and a commitment to fostering critical thinking, creativity, and empathy in the classroom. By empowering children to question the status quo and think independently, we can ensure that they are better equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of their generation and contribute meaningfully to society.

Children Are Born For Their Own Time

Below is a strong argument we’ve seen for the constant need to evolve the mechanisms, curriculum, and delivery system for how people learn.

It also explains the generational chasm that can hinder such progress as well. We instinctively want to teach how we were taught, even if we dress it up with technology and ‘cutting-edge trends.’

The quote also works if you change the ‘in’ to ‘for.’ In fact, that’s how we read it the first three times we saw it.

Image attribution flickr user megabu7.

by TeachThought Staff

In the classroom, promoting literacy is a practice that extends far beyond the mere ability to read and write.

Literacy is part of broad spectrum of competencies, including language acquisition, comprehension, critical thinking, and creative expression. Within this expansive understanding of literacy, we find the value of seemingly simple tools, like LEGO bricks, which can play a pivotal role in promoting literacy in innovative and engaging ways.

With their universal appeal and inherent flexibility, LEGOs offer a unique platform for literacy development. At first glance, these colorful building blocks might seem far removed from the traditional tools associated with reading and writing. However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that LEGOs can facilitate a deep engagement with the foundational aspects of literacy, particularly in the early years of a child’s development.

The integration of LEGOs into literacy education is grounded in the principle of learning through play. This approach aligns with the understanding that children are naturally curious and learn best when actively engaged and enjoying themselves.

What Does ‘LEGO’ Stand For?

‘LEGO’ is an abbreviation of Danish meaning ‘leg godt,’ meaning ‘play well.’

By leveraging the playful nature of LEGOs, educators and parents can create a naturally literacy-friendly environment. For instance, when children follow instructions to build LEGO models, they’re not just manipulating bricks but engaging in decoding symbols and texts, which mirrors the reading process. This hands-on experience with following instructions enhances their ability to understand and follow written narratives, thereby strengthening their reading comprehension skills.

How Can LEGO Building Blocks Be Used In The Classroom?

LEGOs can also serve as a powerful tool for vocabulary development. As children describe their creations or the scenarios they’re enacting, they naturally expand their descriptive language, learn new words, and practice articulating complex ideas. This verbal expression is a critical literacy component, reinforcing understanding and communication skills. Educators can further this development by engaging with children about their LEGO projects, asking open-ended questions that encourage more detailed responses and deeper thinking.

Creative storytelling is another literacy skill that LEGOs can improve. Children embark on a journey of narrative exploration by building scenes and characters out of LEGO LEGOs. They learn to construct stories with a beginning, middle, and end, develop characters, and introduce conflict and resolution. 

This approach can boost their imaginative capabilities and help them understand the structure of stories, a key element in literacy. Educators can capitalize on this by encouraging children to write down their LEGO stories, thus bridging the gap between oral and written storytelling.

In the classroom, LEGOs can also be utilized to support the teaching of reading and writing directly. Letters and words can be constructed out of LEGO bricks, making the abstract nature of the alphabet more tangible and interactive. For younger children, this tactile experience can solidify the recognition of letters and sounds, serving as a foundation for phonics instruction. For older children, LEGOs can be used to physically build sentences and explore complex grammatical structures, making the rules and patterns of language more accessible and engaging.

The collaborative potential of LEGO play further enhances its literacy benefits. When children work together on LEGO projects, they practice communication, negotiation, and storytelling, all of which are essential literacy components. They learn to express their ideas clearly, listen to others, and contribute to a shared narrative, skills that are invaluable in oral and written communication.

Using LEGOs to promote literacy is a testament to the power of creative, play-based learning.

By tapping into LEGOs’ natural joy and engagement, educators and parents can support children in developing a wide range of literacy skills. From enhancing reading comprehension and vocabulary to fostering creative storytelling and written expression, LEGOs offer a surprising tool for literacy education. In the hands of a skilled educator, these simple bricks can be transformed into building blocks for a lifetime of literacy.

Talking Circles are a traditional discussion and decision-making format originating in First Nations cultures.

In this format, individuals sit in a circle, signifying equality, and take turns speaking while holding a ceremonial object. This allows for respectful and inclusive conversation, as everyone can share their thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment. The circle also represents connection and unity, as participants are encouraged to listen attentively and empathetically to one another.

In addition to their traditional use, Talking Circles have also been adapted for use in classrooms to demonstrate equality and connection among students. In this context, they encourage open dialogue, active listening, and mutual respect. This fosters a sense of community and belonging, and helps to create a safe space for students to express themselves and engage in meaningful discussions.

Common types of Talking Circles, also known as Sharing Circles, include Healing Circles, where individuals share their experiences and emotions in a therapeutic setting, and Restorative Justice Circles, which are used to resolve conflicts and repair harm within a community. These various types of circles serve different purposes but all emphasize the values of equality and connection.

Using Classroom Circles In The Classroom

Circle practice in the classroom involves sitting in a circle and engaging in meaningful dialogue. To get started using sharing circles, arrange chairs in a circular formation, establish active listening and respect guidelines, and designate a talking point, topic, or opening stem piece to pass around. Types of questions to ask can include academic content discussions, social and emotional check-ins, and reflective prompts. The benefits of utilizing circles in the classroom include fostering community, enhancing communication skills, and promoting student empathy and understanding.

Incorporating talking and sharing circles into the classrooms can create an inclusive and collaborative learning environment. Students can share their thoughts, ask questions, and engage in deeper discussions about the subject matter.

Additionally, circles provide a platform for students to express their feelings and experiences, leading to improved social and emotional well-being. Reflective circles encourage self-awareness and critical thinking. Overall, circle practice in the classroom contributes to a positive learning experience and supports students’ academic, social, and emotional growth.

Strategies For Using Talking Circles For Learning

Talking circles can be a powerful tool for promoting inclusive classroom communication and learning in various subject areas.

One strategy for using talking circles is incorporating them into regular classroom discussions, allowing students to take turns speaking and ensuring that all voices are heard. This can be especially beneficial in language arts, social studies, and literature, where dialogue and diverse perspectives are valued.

Another strategy is to use talking circles as a focal point of the classroom, where students gather to share their thoughts, ideas, and reflections on the studied subject matter. This can create community and collaboration, promoting authentic conversation, listening, and reflection.

More Strategies For Using Talking Circles In The Classroom

Sharing Circles Can Building And Social-Emotional Learning

At the start of a school year or new term, talking circles can be instrumental in building a sense of community within the classroom. By sharing personal stories, interests, and aspirations in a safe, respectful setting, students learn about each other deeply, fostering empathy, respect, and a sense of belonging. 

This practice can be particularly beneficial in developing students’ social-emotional skills, such as self-awareness, social awareness, and relationship skills. Teachers can prompt discussion with questions like “What is something you’re proud of?” or “Share a challenge you’ve overcome,” encouraging students to listen actively and empathize with their peers.

Conflict Resolution and Problem-Solving

Talking circles provide a structured methodology for addressing conflicts or challenges within the classroom. By giving each participant an equal opportunity to speak without interruption, these circles encourage honest and open communication, allowing all sides of a conflict to be heard. 

This process of talking circles can help students develop critical life skills such as empathy, patience, and problem-solving. When a disagreement arises, a talking circle can be convened to discuss the issue, with the teacher guiding the process to ensure a constructive and respectful dialogue. The goal is not only to resolve the immediate conflict but also to teach students a method for peaceful conflict resolution that they can carry with them outside the classroom.

Reflection and Feedback

After a project, lesson, or unit, teachers can use talking circles to facilitate reflection and feedback. This approach allows students to share their thoughts on what they learned, what they found challenging, and suggestions for future activities. 

Sharing circles can also give teachers valuable insights into students’ understanding and experiences, informing future teaching strategies. This reflective practice encourages students to think critically about their learning processes and to practice giving and receiving constructive feedback, a skill valuable in academic and personal contexts.

Cultural and Historical Education

Talking circles can effectively engage students in learning about different cultures, histories, and perspectives, particularly those of Indigenous peoples who have traditionally used talking circles in their communities. 

Teachers can honor these traditions by conducting lessons or discussions on specific topics within a talking circle and provide students with a more inclusive and respectful understanding of diverse cultures. This can be particularly impactful when discussing historical events, social justice issues, or literary works from various cultural perspectives. 

Through this method, students gain knowledge and learn the importance of respecting diverse viewpoints and the value of communal dialogue.

Sharing Circles Can Building And Social-Emotional Learning

At the start of a school year or new term, talking circles can be instrumental in building a sense of community within the classroom. By sharing personal stories, interests, and aspirations in a safe, respectful setting, students learn about each other deeply, fostering empathy, respect, and a sense of belonging. 

The Benefits Of Using Talking Circles

The benefits of incorporating talking circles in learning include fostering peer-directed and flexible learning experiences. Talking circles promote a more inclusive and student-centered learning environment by allowing students to dialogue and share their ideas openly. This can lead to a deeper understanding of the subject matter and a greater appreciation for diverse perspectives.

Incorporating talking circles in learning also promotes deeper listening and reflection in conversations. This allows students to develop their communication skills and learn to appreciate the viewpoints of others, leading to more meaningful and inclusive discussions.

In conclusion, sharing and talking circles can be valuable for promoting inclusive classroom communication and learning in various subject areas. Educators can create a more inclusive and student-centered learning environment by incorporating them into regular classroom discussions and using them as a focal point of the classroom.

by TeachThought Staff

Whether we like it or not, there is no denying that artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the world in many ways.

Education is one of the areas affected by it. How can teachers use AI and guide their students through the challenging world of new technologies?

Although AI-based tools are fairly new, we can safely say that they may become increasingly common in our daily lives. The cat is out of the box, and it’s not coming back in. We may soon wake up in a world full of AI assistants and smart tools, but today’s decisions will shape the future.

AI in education is now a real challenge, and parents and teachers are facing a very important question: ‘How do we teach our children to use these new tools safely and responsibly?’

After all, technology in education is nothing new. Children use computers, smartphones, and the internet all the time, but we all know that while these tools can be helpful, they can also be misused.

The internet is full of knowledge but also misinformation. Google is no substitute for critical thinking. Artificial intelligence can be the same—it can be useful, but it can also make future adults overly dependent on it.

That’s why it’s so essential for today’s teachers to start helping children understand what new technology can and cannot do.

How We Might Approach AI In Education

The basics and the risks

Before you leave your students with ChatGPT or other AI tools, explain what they are and how they work. Is an AI chatbot really ‘intelligent’? From the student’s point of view, it answers questions in natural language and can provide deep insight, but does that mean it’s always right?

You should teach your students what language models and AI tools are and why they work. Explain that they’ve been fed tons of data from which they derive answers, but that doesn’t mean they know what they’re doing. Discuss current ethical dilemmas—why are people suing AI companies? What is at stake?

It’s also important to address the security aspect. If students are using AI, they should do so in a way that is safe for them. Teachers can explain that AI tools don’t exist in a vacuum—all data goes to the servers of relevant companies, so it’s important for kids to think before publishing any personal information.

They should also secure their connection using chatbots and other tools, especially on public networks. A mobile VPN is a good solution—it encrypts data, so it’s less likely to be leaked to the outside world when using a smartphone on an unsecured network.

AI as a critical thinking learning tool

AI can provide tremendous help when it comes to teaching students to conduct research and think critically. Are you worried that children will become overly dependent on their AI assistants? If so, show them how to avoid such a scenario.

Ask students to use AI tools to find answers and solutions to a specific problem. Then, discuss these answers with the class. Are they adequate? Are they biased or false? If they were, how would students know?

Such exercises can help students discover why AI can be a helpful tool in some cases but cannot replace thinking and having knowledge about a subject.

Turn the tables around

Kids love to look into things and dissect them. Use this childlike curiosity and competitiveness to your advantage. What if instead of you checking their essays, they checked the chatbot’s essay?

If you’re talking about a book, generate a text and let your students critique and fact-check it. Let them show off their knowledge of the material and point out invalid or weak arguments. Ask them for counter-arguments to the chatbot’s arguments.

Children generally like to compete if you provide a safe and engaging environment for them to do so. Criticizing ChatGPT’s work will test their knowledge and teach them that a ‘smart chatbot’ may not be so smart.

See also Roles For Artificial Intelligence In Education

Creativity booster

AI can be a good tool to enhance creativity, so why not use it in the classroom? Let your students throw ideas with a chatbot’s help and critique their quality. Let them build on the ideas of ChatGPT or other chatbots and improve them.

Remember that AI can also help you as a teacher. Don’t have an idea of how to lead your next class? Perhaps a chatbot can spark creative ideas.

A personal tutor

It will be decades–if ever–before AI can entirely replace teachers. After all, sitting in a classroom is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about human interaction. No one would want to perform tasks assigned by a machine.

AI can, however, act as a tutor to some extent. No teacher can be fully available at all times. You can encourage your students to use AI at home to better understand the subject—after teaching them that AI can also be wrong and that they should check the facts.

AI is also an excellent tool for self-testing. Students can give it some facts and then tell it to ask them questions, just like with a learning buddy.

Tradition in a futuristic world

Many teachers worry about plagiarism with AI, and for good reason. People can, at times, be lazy. If we can choose the easy way, we’ll choose the easy way. Students are already handing in essays generated using ChatGPT, and while this shows some technological savviness, it’s still a workaround.

Unfortunately, the human brain needs exercise to learn, which means that sometimes we have to do things the harder way to gain from it. The easiest solution is to focus more on in-class writing, where students must develop their arguments and learn to communicate them on paper.

Think of chatbots as a kind of ‘calculator’—we let students use them to solve complicated problems, but we still teach kids how to perform math operations so they know why these problems are solved the way they are. AI in writing can be just the same.

Summary

Instead of leaving children to fend for themselves in a rapidly changing technology, the education system should help them use it to their advantage.

AI doesn’t have to be the teacher’s enemy. Even better, it can be an assistant. Helping children understand their capabilities and limitations is the best we can do to raise a responsible and bright generation.