Author: TeachThought Staff
by TeachThought Staff There is a difference between gamification and game-based learning, and this post focuses on the latter. Essentially, game-based learning means to learn through games. Learn what and how–and through what games–is the less straight-forward part. There is seemingly a disconnect between what students learn while playing games (e.g., problem-solving, visual-spatial thinking, collaboration, resource management) and the pure academic standards most teachers are interested in promoting mastery of. But there is also the simple truth that few things are as engaging–for adults and students alike–as a well-designed video game, which might just make the following list of smart…
by TeachThought Staff In The Difference Between Between Gamification and Game-Based Learning, we learned the difference between the two. “Gamification is first and foremost about encouragement mechanics and the system that promotes them, while game-based learning is first and foremost about the game and its cognitive residue (whether from the game’s content, or academic content). One can use the other.” What do we need to know to teaching through games? Your First Level: A Guide to Game-Based Learning for K-20 Educators Video games captivate students in a way few other mediums can. Their immersive worlds, engaging challenges, and instant feedback…
If correctly prepared for, a Socratic seminar can be a powerful catalyst for social learning. Many teachers we know have remarked that individual and collective insights and experiences from Socratic seminars are the moments that most impact students, the moments they remember most poignantly. Simply put, the Socratic method is an ongoing dialogue that uses questions and answers to gradually eliminate hypotheses. Grant Wiggins offered a definition for the Socratic Seminar — something he would also call simply a ‘Seminar’: “A Seminar is a question-focused, student-led, and teacher-facilitated discussion, based on appropriate texts. Sometimes we call this activity a ‘Socratic…
by TeachThought Staff While the scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Investigating Healthy Minds (CIHM) at the Waisman Center aren’t yet ready to issue evidence-based mindfulness curriculum practices, Flook and CIHM outreach specialists Lisa Thomas Prince and Lori Gustafson offer the following tips for families wishing to engage in mindfulness practices for a more positive classroom atmosphere. See also What Are The Grade Levels By Age? 10 Tips For Getting Started With Mindfulness In School at Any Grade Level 1. Create a quiet space in your classroom Find a time and/or place where you and your students can pause…
contributed by Kathy Glass We often ask students to use context clues to figure out a word’s meaning. That makes it our job as teachers to explicitly teach how authors use them. In doing so, students gain an inventory of strategies (such as using reading response questions) to unlock the meaning of unfamiliar words and deepen their overall comprehension. Without awareness of the types of context clues, students are at a disadvantage when trying to determine meaning independently. See also 25 Reading Strategies That Work In Every Content Area Teaching this skill supports self-agency, allowing students to define unfamiliar words…
What Is The Library Of Congress? by TeachThought Staff The recent dismissal of Dr. Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress, has brought renewed attention to the Library of Congress—but what exactly is the Library of Congress, and why does it matter? The Librarian of Congress leads the institution and is appointed to a 10-year term. Hayden, who held the role until May 2025, was a notable figure in LoC history. She was the first woman and the first African American to lead the institution, and her tenure focused on: Expanding digital access to collections. Increasing public outreach and education.…
The concept of teaching creativity has been around for quite some time. See also What Is Divergent Thinking? Much of the blame for a lack of creativity, and therefore innovation, can be traced to our traditional educational systems. It relies on teaching to the correct answer. An innovative thinking model is needed. Most of the practice of creative methods is being done outside the traditional educational institutions by consulting firms and by persons in companies who have been trained in creative problem solving methods. In universities not much has changed since 1950, when the distinguished psychologist J. P. Guilford in…
1. Master the Search Bar: Your Time-Saving Powerhouse Don’t waste time scrolling through endless files. Google Drive’s search bar is surprisingly intelligent. Use keywords, file types (e.g., “presentation,” “essay,” “PDF”), dates, or even specific phrases within documents to pinpoint what you need instantly. You can also use advanced search operators (click the three lines next to the search bar) to refine your results further. 2. Organize Like a Pro with Folders and Color-Coding Create a logical folder structure for each semester, course, or project. Go a step further by color-coding your folders to visually prioritize or differentiate them. Right-click on…
by TeachThought Staff Creativity is often associated with elementary students who are encouraged to draw or color to self-express. According to a study published in the Thinking Skills and Creativity journal, students who regularly engage in creative tasks show statistically significant gains in problem-solving and reflective judgment (Beghetto & Kaufman, 2014). In other words, fostering creativity is not just about making school more fun—it cultivates the very thinking habits that support students as they grow. See also The Best Quotes About Creativity What is Creativity? Creativity in education is essential for nurturing the human capacity for innovation and original thought.…
In a world full of stimuli, sensory rooms are becoming an essential tool for schools looking to better support students with sensory sensitivities, autism, ADHD and anxiety. These thoughtfully designed spaces offer a calming refuge, helping students regulate their emotions, focus better in class and engage with learning on their terms. For educators and school decision-makers, outfitting a sensory room isn’t as simple as tossing beanbags in a quiet corner. From tactile walls and fidget tools to bubble tubes, swings and calming lighting, every element must be purposeful and inclusive. Here’s where to find high-quality tools and technologies and how…