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We often throw around words like “rigor” and “relevance” when we discuss student programming, but what do we really mean? Frequently rigor is summed up as “harder classes” and relevance is summed up as “real life experiences.” In the article What Do You Mean By Rigor? authors Elliot Washor and Charles Mojkowski provide further clarity…
The development of positive relationships with students is absolutely critical in the learning process. Regardless of the content you teach, it is important to remember that you teach real life, flesh and blood people. As such, it is imperative that you connect with them in meaningful ways, so that you have the greatest opportunity to…
If you ask an agronomist about ideal growing conditions, you will likely receive a detailed answer that includes information about soil types, soil nutrition, moisture, temperature, sunlight exposure, and other similar matters. Each of these items plays a specific and significant role in creating the proper environment for the complex nature of seed germination and…
The word “intentional” indicates deliberate and purposeful action. Are there things that you can purposely do in your classroom that will help students perform at higher levels? According to author and researcher Jeff Marshall, the answer is yes. In his book The Highly Effective Teacher: 7 Classroom-Tested Practices That Foster Student Success, Jeff Marshall identifies…
I recently had the pleasure of revisiting my music teaching days by discussing music composition with a student. We discussed what makes a composition good, and I reflected on two elements: unity and variety. Within a quality musical composition, both will be present. As I thought about the need for unity and variety in a…
If you’re having difficulty getting started with collaborative learning in the classroom, you might consider using the Jigsaw technique developed by Elliot Aronson. He and his students have developed and refined the technique since 1971. The technique relies on creating small groups and making individuals an “expert” within the group. Aronson and his students provide…
One of my all time favorite movies is “What About Bob?” In the movie, Bob Wiley is dealing with a number of personal and relational problems that often accompany life. Bob seeks the help of a psychiatrist, Dr. Leo Marvin, who gives him a book titled Baby Steps: A Guide to Living Life One Step…
The skills necessary for successful teamwork are not innate. They are learned behaviors. The students who enter our classrooms on a daily basis need direct instruction related to the skills of collaboration, and that instruction must be well planned. Some may be struggling to design collaborative activities for the classroom. The good news is there…
Phil Harrison Coaching 