Curriculum, Pedagogy & Assessment

Teacher as Researcher

Shelly Belleau | Fri, 05/08/2015 - 09:55

n teaching we regularly change our class structures and routines and we implement new “interventions” in hopes of changing classroom dynamics or reaching more students. I know that most of the time I make these decisions based upon anecdotal evidence, perhaps after glancing at a handful of exit tickets from my students or based upon how I “felt” the class went. Recently, though, I’m finding myself a little more hesitant when making a claim about my class. I require that my students support their claims with evidence, so why wouldn’t I also support mine with evidence?

Making Thinking Visible

Allison Tarvin | Thu, 04/23/2015 - 19:01

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This book has helped me to uncover student misconceptions and look into their thought processes regularly. A supervisor gave me the book in August, and it sat on my nightstand for several weeks. In my mind, it was going to be another book about visual learners and strategies for using images to increase engagement. I WAS WRONG. This book is different. It is not about visual learning; it focuses on making student thinking visible to the teacher. While still learning to use the visible thinking routines, I really feel more conscious of students’ understandings than ever.

I Used to Feel Guilty About Lecturing

Allison Tarvin | Tue, 03/03/2015 - 17:28

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In this age of scientific inquiry, molecular modeling, digital classrooms, and differentiation, I felt downright guilty about any teacher-centered time. My classroom is flipped after all. I’m not supposed to be lecturing, right?

Conceptual Chemistry Questions

Deanna Cullen | Tue, 02/17/2015 - 18:10

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The new AP Chemistry Curriculum and the NGSS both focus on developing deep conceptual understanding. In order to achieve this, teachers must identify the objectives they need to teach to and stockpile a good assortment of conceptual questions for formative and summative assessments to support those objectives.

Using an Introductory Video to set the stage for a Blended Classroom

Lowell Thomson | Sat, 08/30/2014 - 00:26

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Deanna Cullen wrote about her decision to move forward with a blended model this year and asked for some suggestions about videos. I've been using videos as a teaching tool in my class for the last six years and wanted to share some thoughts.

Socratic Questioning (Whiteboarding Part II)

Erica Posthuma | Sun, 03/02/2014 - 13:26

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Whiteboarding can be a powerful tool for increasing student engagement when it is implemented well. The success of a whiteboarding activity greatly depends on how well the instructor focuses the student interaction and guides the discussion.

Whiteboarding Strategies

Erica Posthuma | Sun, 01/26/2014 - 15:03

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In my first post I mentioned using the Chemistry Modeling Curriculum (CMC) in my classroom. Although Modeling Instruction (MI) has been around for over 20 years, I discovered it during a workshop in the summer of 2010.

Expo Neon Markers

Doug Ragan | Sun, 11/24/2013 - 13:10

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As the trimester comes to an end, I have the chance to reflect with my chemistry students and ask them about course likes and dislikes. A major "like" that came out was the use of the Expo brand neon markers. I had heard about their use from Brian Bennett @bennettscience and how well they show up on the black lab tables.