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Strategies for Managing ADD/ADHD in the Classroom

July 6, 2020 written by PDC

It is all too easy to view behaviors in the wrong context when a child is blurting things out, not doing their lessons, or causing distractions in the class. That is why it is critical to learn how to quickly recognize and understand the internal issues with which these students are living with as early as possible, then find compassionate, evidence-based methods to help them overcome their obstacles to learning.

Unlocking the Mysteries of Code

June 29, 2020 written by PDC

K-12 students often have latent, untapped skills when it comes to coding, so do not be surprised if they surpass your expertise as you share your knowledge with them. Instead, use their competence and enthusiasm as you teach the class about persistence, focus, organization, problem-solving, and team-building participatory skills that can be applied to numerous facets of their lives.

Understanding Your Moods

June 22, 2020 written by PDC

As the educator and role model to large groups, teachers are significant influences on impressionable young children. Maintaining a positive and kind demeanor comes down to being aware and conscious of one’s moods and the moods of students in the classroom.

What is Differentiated Instruction?

June 15, 2020 written by PDC

Sometimes, you might wonder how much your students are actually learning, and that is okay. Creating a differentiated classroom means developing strategies and mindsets that resonate with different students in different ways, giving each of them space and guidance to learn. It also means asking the right questions to determine readiness levels, skill levels, and interests.

Blended Learning: Empowering Students for Success

June 8, 2020 written by PDC

Blended learning is sometimes a misunderstood concept, but is actually quite straightforward. It requires a blend of online and in-person learning, with three main aspects. The first is that the online portion allows some amount of student control, for example, when they engage with content after school. The second requirement is that in-person learning occurs at a “brick-and-mortar” institution, i.e., at school, and the third is that the two portions must complement each other. The online part, in other words, should relate to the in-person component.

The Flipped Classroom

June 1, 2020 written by PDC

As the name suggests, a flipped (or flipped mastery) classroom takes the traditional teaching approach used for countless generations and turns it on its head. Instead of teachers lecturing in class, students receive lecture content outside of school on the nights before the actual lessons. Instead of doing homework and bringing it to class the next day, they show up ready to actively participate in the discussion and hands-on activities related to what they reviewed in the videos they watched at home.

Certificate in Integrating Technology into the Classroom

May 25, 2020 written by PDC

We know our students are proficient at using tech for entertainment and social purposes. So now is the perfect time to leverage their skills and put this technology to work in learning environments. Doing so can help students discover new ways of engaging with educational material, sharing content, and collaborating on creative activities from a distance. For students, and for teachers, too, it makes the learning process less traditional and more fun, boosts teamwork and confidence, and builds competence using apps and devices in constructive manners, instead of merely using them to pass the time.

Personal Motivation and Maintaining a Positive Attitude

May 18, 2020 written by PDC

Motivation is contagious. To motivate others, one clearly must be motivated themself. The trick, as any experienced teacher can tell you, is keeping that positive energy flowing even when you don’t “feel” very positive. For a teacher to be effective, it is critical to know how to meet that challenge and overcome it.

I Am So Stressed I Could Scream

May 11, 2020 written by PDC

Managing stress is something that we all must learn to do, yet sometimes trying to calm ourselves down leads to even more pressure. We all have methods that we’ve developed over the years, but even still, everyone has their breaking point. But what if there was a way to taper down the stress before you reached your limit?

Introducing Technology into the Classroom

May 4, 2020 written by PDC

Pencils, textbooks, and college-ruled notebooks may never go away completely, but teachers should take advantage of the myriad of tech tools available for use in their classrooms. The students themselves are not only used to engaging with devices, but they are adept at connecting through technology, too. These days, it is commonplace for a young person to share media or play online games with people living on entirely different continents. Therefore, it is important to start exploring technology that will allow students to develop deeper thinking and create learning environments that will allow them to be ready for the future.

Creating Mindfulness in the Classroom

April 27, 2020 written by PDC

These days we regularly hear about fostering mindfulness in our daily lives. But what about introducing that concept into our classrooms? Imagine a learning environment where every student is objective and non-judgmental, and they are able to cultivate and maintain a sense of genuine receptiveness to new ideas and information. Does this sound like an ideal teaching situation?

Motivating Students Who Don't Care

April 20, 2020 written by PDC

Motivating students who don’t care is one of the biggest problems faced by today’s educators, but it doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. When students show little interest in their subjects, they cannot lay the foundations they need to progress. This lack of engagement can dramatically impact their futures in many ways. Therefore, it is vital teachers understand the concept of motivation in order to keep those students fully engaged! With the right tools, attitude, and models, teachers can reach even the most difficult student.

Give Your Class a Google Apps Makeover

April 13, 2020 written by PDC

Technology evolves so fast that K-12 teachers must work hard every day to keep on top of all the changes. We offer a tremendous service to our students when we stay ahead of the curve. After all, they are counting on us to prepare them for the future! To do that, we should strive to use all of the technological tools of today. One of the most powerful of these tools is Google Apps, so if you are ready to start using it in your classroom, then let's get started!