August 2016 - Edsys

Posted on August 31, 2016 by Edsys

If you want to help students motivate themselves, there should be a balance provided intrinsically and extrinsically. Autonomy, competence, relatedness, and relevance are the four qualities that are critical for this process. They are the 4 essential parts of Classroom Management Strategies. Let’s go through these 4.

Free Classroom Activity Apps (Check it Now)

Read Also: 19 Smart Classroom Management Strategies for Teachers

Autonomy

For promoting learner autonomy, one strategy is to provide your students with the freedom of choice. Generally, us educators think of this idea through the view point of organization and procedures. As an example, an organizational choice might enable students to speak out for seating assignments or make teams for their learning groups. As for procedural choice, it gives your students a chance to select from a given list of homework choices.

Cognitive choice is a third point put forward by some researchers. They believe that this would be a better approach to provide student autonomy. Cognitive method would include ideas such as:

Students developing ideas for homework related to the topic
Students sharing different approaches and thinking processes for solving problems
Problem based learning – where a class splits in to small groups to come out with solutions to issues
Teachers making use of the thinking routine to initiate the students to think and ask questions and learn by becoming inquisitive

Competence

Feedback is highly important to boost the morale of students, and a crucial part of classroom management strategies as well. When a student does well, we should praise their effort. Praising effort has a significantly higher impact than praising intelligence. The latter forces the student to not risk their genius status. But when you praise the effort taken, it makes them understand that one learns through hard work.

For healthy learning, providing critical feedback is also necessary. Plussing is the strategy to be used here. It is a concept used by Pixar animation studios with a high rate of success.

Recommended Read: 7 Awesome Creative Classroom Ideas

Relatedness

A key factor in developing intrinsic motivation in students is by creating good quality relations with tutors they respect. When you or your teachers take a genuine effort in developing these relationships, it pays off really well. Here are some steps to go forward in this path:

Be genuinely interested in the students – Take an interest in their dreams and interests. Keep an open communication which is two way. Share your stories with them and hear theirs out too.
Be flexible – Understand their needs, read their minds, and become slightly flexible in what you demand from them. Being gentle and lenient with them could help off rather than being too strict and adamant. It could be alright to change the rules once in a while. Keep eyes on the learning goal prize.
Become more friendly – Make some small jokes, laugh with them, give a good smile, and also give a gentle supportive pat on the shoulder.
Do not give up on your students – Be positive and do not give up on your students. They will strive their best to meet your expectations, but if they fail, motivate them. Encourage them to grow.

Relevance

The students need an understanding of how learning the syllabus is when it comes to application in real life. Have them write about it. It would definitely encourage growth and positive learning gains. . This makes the students connect to it at a personal level as well, which leads to a better learning.

Making real life connections to what they teach is one of the most common Classroom Management Strategies by teachers. But, this could have a negative impact for students who have low skills. They tend to under-perform. As such, it is important to let the students make their own connections and learn from them rather than forcing them to follow exactly what the teacher thinks.

Posted on August 17, 2016 by Edsys

If we rewind yourselves to our school days, most of us had an inspiring teacher, right? Such teachers will definitely help students reach new heights by making a difference in their lives, their attitude as well as behavior.

But where do these teachers get inspired from? Certain movies about teachers and students can really help them gain great inspiration.

Must Read: 5 Inspirational Movies That Every Student Must Watch

Here is a list of top 9 best inspirational movies which every teacher should watch at least once.

Get inspired!

1. To Sir, with Love (1967)

To Sir, with Love, this British drama film deals with social and racial issues in a school in the inner-city. The main character Mark Thackeray, acted by Sidney Poitier is an out-of-work engineer who later turns to teaching in a London school. Mr. Thackeray starts working in a high school where discipline has completely broken down. But he manages to earn the respect and admiration of students with his ground-breaking teaching methods. The film is noted by the actor’s powerful performance

The movie was a screen adaptation of E.R. Braithwaite’s novel of the same name. Hope you’ve read it!

2. Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1939)

Goodbye, Mr. Chips, this is a sentimental story of a kind hearted English school teacher Charles Chipping at an English boy’s school in Brookfield. His lack of authority in the classroom, results in a disordered outburst from the students and a severe warning from his headmaster. After that he becomes a strict disciplinarian, who was disliked by boys as well as fellow instructors. His marriage with Kathy makes his life change. With gentle guidance from his wife, Chips gains the respect and affection of students and faculty. Even after his wife’s death in child birth, Chips maintains his better personality, resulting in advance in career.

The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards and Robert Donat, who acted as Mr. Chipping has the Best Actor award.

3. Dead Poets Society (1989)

Dead Poets Society, the movie is the story about an unconventional English teacher John Keating, whose poetry teaching inspires his students. His unorthodox teaching surprises the students. On the first class, he has the boys tear up the syllabus and has followed his unique teaching methods. The teacher has even asked the students to stand on their desks to teach them how they must look at life in a different way. Keating’s unique methods of teaching have also attracted the attention of their strict headmaster Gale Nolan.

It is Robin Williams who stars as the rebellious teacher. The movie has won Academy Awards for Best Screen Writing and other nominations include Best Picture, Robin Williams nominated for Best Actor, Peter Weir for Best Director.

4. Freedom Writers (2007)

Freedom Writers, the movie is quite positive, with interesting characters, and moral messages. This is a true story about Erin Gruwell, a young white teacher, who is idealistic but strong-willed. The teacher faces trouble with her mixed freshman class of Hispanics, blacks, Asians, and one white guy. While the white guy just wants to leave, students from other races are not at all interested discussing Homer, or even proper grammar. And one day Ms. Gruwell breaks through with a comment about racism, from when she scores a place in their minds.

By earning her student’s trust, she makes them record their diaries. In their diaries, they talked about their tough experiences of being abused, and seeing their friend’s death.

You May also Like: Motivational Movies for Students

5. Good Will Hunting (1997)

Good Will Hunting, this American drama film is about an unrecognized genius. 20-year-old South Boston laborer Will Hunting is a self taught intellect. This high school dropout works as a gatekeeper at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and spends time with his friends. Gerald Lambeau, the math professor, discovers the talent in Will and forces him into therapy and math lessons. However, Will is not comfortable with the new life and always wanted to stick back to his old familiar life.

The movie was nominated for 9 Academy Awards, and has won two awards – Best Original Screenplay for Affleck and Damon and Best Supporting Actor for Williams.

6. The Class (2008)

The Class, a different kind of a teacher movie, this documentary story takes place inside the school. Viewers will never see the students anywhere else, at home or on the street. The story is the struggle between Marin, a school teacher who wants to do something good and students who disagree those attempts.

The movie, based on the 2006 novel by François Bégaudeau has won Oscar for the Best Foreign Language Film and Golden Palm Award at 2008 Cannes Film Festival.

7. Finding Forrester (2000)

Finding Forrester, written by Mike Rich, here learning does not take place primarily in the classroom. Also the teacher is a writer, not a trained educator. The story is about a young African-American Jamal, who gets scholarship to a prestigious prep school. Though intelligent, Jamal hides his talents as he is interested in basketball. He meets up Mr. Forrester, at his apartment in a night and there develops a friendship that benefits both of them. It is similar to what a teacher learns from his student.

8. Stand and Deliver (1988)

Stand and Deliver, the story is about a math teacher Escalante, who has left a higher-paying business job and has returned to the teaching profession to prove something. He takes the challenge of guiding a class of losers and potential dropouts. In the course of one school year, this teacher gradually transforms them.

This movies is based on the true story of a math teacher Jaime Escalante and has received a nomination for Best Actor at the 61st Academy Awards

9. Lean On Me (1989)

Lean On Me, one among the best inspirational movies, the movies is the about the story of Joe Louis Clark, an inner city high school principal New Jersey. The challenge he faced was that this school is at risk of being taken over by the New Jersey state government. The students cannot even pass the Minimum Basic Skills Test. Clark makes changes in the school that was once known for drugs and crime. He was also able to positively influence the students.

Posted on August 8, 2016 by Edsys

Creative classroom can help students to attain higher levels of learning. Teachers should also be highly talented to make their students smart enough.

At creative classrooms, students are more likely to bring out their varied ideas and innovative solutions and thus learn much faster. However, there is a misconception that creativity is something related to arts. A teacher can do a lot in generating creativity among students. But the fact is that creativity is innovation and thinking outside the box.

Recommended Read: How SMART Learning is Changing Classrooms

Here are certain Ideas to develop a Creative Classroom –

1. Start a Story

Start telling or writing an interesting story. The story should include characters that the students are familiar with, just like a Chota Bheem or Mickey Mouse. Stop the story at half. Let your students complete the story using their imagination. Make sure to appreciate their imaginative power. You can also make them draw images of the characters involved in the story.

2. Arrange Conferences

Arrange mini conferences, if possible at least every quarter. This will provide an opportunity for teacher to praise each student and assist them finding the areas they are weak in. For instance, if a student participates in very less activities point out the number of activities he participated in the last quarter and offer him gifts if the count increases by next quarter. Make sure to talk individually to each student.

3. Conference Reminder

This activity is the continuation of the previous one. In the next day or few days after the conference, choose a time when kids are free. Provide them a sheet of paper and ask to write about the things that were discussed in the conference. Kids will try to remember the incident.

4. Make a List of Bonus Reward Privileges

Make a list of reward privileges just as few extra minutes in the playground or a chance to become a class leader. These privileges should be written in cards and place them in a treasure box. Students who earn any sort of rewards can choose a card from this list. This will encourage all students to earn certain rewards so that they can get a bonus reward.

Read Also: 19 Smart Classroom Management Strategies for Teachers

5. Provide Certificates Too

Other than regular report cards, you can provide few standard certificates. While report cards look only for higher marks in the exam, these certificates can help to reward students who reached their reading goals, who did their class job regularly or even who keeps their desk most clean.

6. Vacation Activities with the Letter

Send a list of interesting activities along with the letter for the students before the start of the new school year. However mention that the activities are optional and it is not mandatory for them to get that done. However those students who attempted to do those activities should be appreciated on the first day of school. An appreciation letter or even a small surprise gift will make the kid happy and will be encouraged to do such activities further.

7. Arrange a Field Trip

Arrange a trip somewhere nearby so that the students can be free from the classrooms, heavy text books and endless lessons for a while. Make sure each one enjoys the place you visit and participate in the game activities you arrange. Later, you can ask them to write a review of the trip. They can also include their opinion about the games played and suggestion on how to improve them in the next trip.

A creative classroom ideas can stimulate the student’s minds and make them better learners as well as thinkers. More visual materials and activities can make your students more active. More creative classroom ideas can improve child’s interest in learning new things and they will respond positively to the environment.

Posted on August 2, 2016 by Edsys

Digital classrooms are a modern-day pedagogy method that brings the concept of “Show me and I understand” closer to home. This innovative and meaningful use of technology is transforming the way teachers teach and students learn in schools.Smart classroom Tools are a success because visually attractive methods of teaching engage the audio-visual senses and are proven to be more appealing to the students. This method of teaching helps students to break out of their shells and become good communicators. Listed below are a few classroom tools/websites that are essential for a transformational learning experience

Free Classroom Activity Apps (Check it Now)

Let’s start with the basic tools:

1. Desktop or Laptop

The use of familiar technology like desktop or laptop makes students feel more comfortable and confident. In a digital classroom a desktop or laptop acts as the central system that stores information and also essential for managing lessons. With the help of a projector the pre-loaded lessons can be maximized onto a big screen and can be taught with ease.

2. Document Camera/Visualisers

A visualizer or document camera is a simple to use and flexible digital learning tool that allows teachers to project documents on large screens. This much sought after tool helps to display a wide variety of information ranging from a page in a book, a scientific diagram, a flower in all its glorious color or any other specimen and gives a clearer view to help students understand complex features.

3. Interactive Whiteboard

Whiteboards have replaced the traditional black boards and a digital classroom without an interactive white board is incomplete. A teacher can project any subject on the touch-sensitive whiteboard surface with the help of a projector and a computer; they can conduct lessons using their finger or with a pen or stylus. Made to match with the growing exposure of children to smart phone and other technology, the whiteboard comes with an exciting range of features that add a sense of excitement to each classroom session.

Must Read: 19 Smart Classroom Management Strategies for Teachers

4. Interactive Projector

The interactive projector is a portable solution that helps convert any surface (existing projector screens, whiteboards, or wall surface) into an interactive surface. An interactive pen will come in handy to draw, point or click just by touching the screen directly.

5. Simple Projector

You can turn any plain flat surface into an interactive one with a simple projector. A projector connected to a computer or laptop can display the content on a computer’s screen on to a whiteboard or a screen.

6. Digital Camera

Teachers can use digital cameras to enhance education inside and outside of the classroom. Digital cameras make learning a fun and cognitive experience as the lessons require students to plan what pictures to take during various events such as field trips, visits to historical or geographical areas of importance and more, thus improving their learning experience.

7. Graphic Tablets

Tablets and e-readers are very popular with students. These devices not only encourage reading, but also gives students the option to refresh their lessons at any given time. Amazon Kindle and other devices offer a built in dictionary, links to additional resources and more.

8. Big Interactive LED/LCD Panels

Children love interactive screens. It does not matter if it is a television, video console or computer screen. Digital learning involves 2D and 3D animations, graphics, audio and video presentations for every subject and a smart classroom that is digitally equipped with big interactive LED or LCD panels can better project these graphic representations.

9. Multimedia Pens/Stylus

A multimedia pen or stylus is a great tool to support a child’s creative genius. These handy tools can be used to create art work or to add more precise text or drawings to an image or diagram. These innovative tools keep children engaged for hours and enables learning at the same time.

10. Wireless Microphone for Convenience

A wireless microphone eliminates the shackles of dealing with long coils of electric wires, which often lead to children tripping and falling. Wireless microphones let you be more mobile and allows you to be hands-free.

11. Speakers

No more “Last bench, can you hear me?” questions. Speakers ensure that you are audible to the whole class and no one misses out on important points.

12. Student Response System

Save time and cut down on paper cost with a Student response system. Great for a classroom with large number of students, these systems help evaluate student aptitudes accurately within few seconds.

13. Feedback Assessment Tools

AnswerGarden, Ask3 and Animoto are popular Feedback assessment tools which are ideal for online brainstorming or polling. Teachers can use these Apps to analyze a student’s thoughts or review answers to specific questions.

14. Educational Software

There are many educational software that support major academic curriculum. These software also enable educators to streamline the student admission process, automate attendance, set exam schedules and many such activities.

15. Digital Podium

A digital podium is a modern day lecture stand that comes equipped with various media components/devices that enable an uninterrupted learning session. Some of the components are a public addressing system fitted with amplifier, speaker and mic. The podium also comes with integrated UPS for uninterrupted power supply, a lecture recording system, and ample storage space for visualizer, keyboard drawer and more.

16. Printer

A printer is an important part of creating colorful assignments, reports or crafts and students are more enthusiastic about seeing their work in all its colorful glory. Even if classrooms have advanced to the stage of going completely digital, we still can do without printer.

17. OMR (Optical Mark Reader) Scanner

OMR scanners are used for scanning OMR sheets or forms, especially useful while conducting examinations for a large group of students. These OMR scanners can also save scanned images on computer which are then processed by the OMR software.

18. Cloud-Based Communication Systems

The use of cloud-based communication systems in digital classrooms through video conferencing and unified communications platforms can transform students to virtual field trips they wouldn’t be able to take otherwise.

You May also Like: How SMART Learning is Changing Classrooms

Here are some cool Websites that optimize learning and teaching:

19. Skype

Skype has revolutionized the world of video conferencing and it’s “In the Classroom” program enables teachers to expand their curricula beyond classrooms. Skype also acts as a platform that allows students to interact with international speakers and educators. The fun “Mystery Skype,” educational game involves two classrooms that must guess the location of their Skype partner by asking each other questions.

20. iThoughts

iThoughts is Apple’s mind-mapping App that allows educators to visually see and understand how students think while discussing ideas or coming up with solutions.

21. Kahoot

Teachers can combine fun and learning by designing questionnaires, surveys, quizzes and other interactive games with Kahoot. Students can participate or answer questions using a range of devices. Kahoot is also popular among teachers across the globe as it help in speeding up the learning process especially that of foreign languages.

22. Google Knowledge Graph

Google Knowledge Graph provides live online tutorials, lesson plans, interactive class materials and many resources for educators. New developments in Google Knowledge Graph, such as Voice Search and Carousel, have made this product even more user-friendly. The “A Google A Day,” daily trivia challenge is a great way for educators to incorporate research-skills practice into a fun daily activity.

23. Empressr

Empressr is a free online application that allows students/teachers to create visually rich presentations. This is an easy to use presentation generator that allows users to easily incorporate flash and other media into their presentations.

24. Socrative

Socrative supports educators with a range of useful tools like student performance tracker, speedy and automatic grading tools, real time information reports, personal learning community, and more. Download app here http://www.socrative.com/apps.php

25. Present.me Edu

Present.me offers a fun way to encourage students to get involved in their own learning by creating visually rich presentations.

26. Wikispaces

Wikispaces is a social writing platform that makes it easy for students and teachers to work side by side on various writing projects. Wikispaces works great on modern browsers, tablets etc., and can be used to measure student contribution and engagement in real-time.

27. HaikuLearning

Haiku is a free cloud-based education site for teachers that provides content sharing, assignments, feedback, grading, and other rich tools for the classroom.

28. Cacoo (cacoo.com)

Cacoo is very useful in a wide variety of academic disciplines. You can collaboratively create and edit flowcharts and diagrams online real time with this very useful tool.

29. Yammer

Work in groups, share files, co-edit content and more with Yammer.com’s free Basic plan.