Author: TeachThought Staff
by TeachThought Staff Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space (University of Arizona) Comprehensive introduction to the universe, from planets to galaxies. Covers fundamental concepts of modern astronomy, space exploration, and the tools astronomers use to study cosmic phenomena. Learning How to Learn (McMaster University, UCSD) Teaches powerful mental tools and techniques based on neuroscience for mastering tough subjects. Students learn about memory techniques, dealing with procrastination, and research-backed study methods. The Science of Well-Being (Yale University) Based on psychology research about what makes humans truly happy and how to build better habits. Challenges misconceptions about happiness while providing practical strategies for…
The Foundational 4 Cs of Critical Thinking in K-12 Education by TeachThought Staff What Are The 4 Cs of Critical Thinking? Critical thinking, as a concept and practice, can be framed in various ways. It can be seen, for example, through its function as a social construct, its relationship with literacy, its necessity in political elections, and so on. One of the more popular ways it is seen is in the 4 Cs. Critical Thinking, Communication. Collaboration, and Creativity. Critical Thinking: The suspension of judgment while identifying biases and underlying assumptions in order to draw accurate conclusions Key traits: evidence,…
by TeachThought Staff We’ve looked at icebreakers for kids–elementary school students, for example. How about another of an easy to use, fun, and fairly quick/zero-prep team-building game? One that can be used with a wide range of ages from elementary to adult? If so, ‘Count To Ten’ might just fit the bill. How To Win At ‘Count To Ten’ Basically, the last player standing wins. How? The idea for the students is to count strategically to keep from saying ‘ten.’ The best part of this activity is that it can give some students who may not be the ‘best’ at…
by TeachThought Staff Today’s product Pick Of The Day is a childhood classic on almost every self-respected reading list in the United States (and many beyond): Charlotte’s Web book by E.B. White. The following links are affiliate links–which have zero to do with recommending Charlotte’s Web or any other book or product we offer but it does dictate the websites we link from. You can read more about our Affiliate Policy here. Charlotte’s Web Plot Summary via Wikipedia After a little girl named Fern Arable pleads for the life of the runt of a litter of piglets, one spring morning, her father gives…
Teaching Strategies For Maslow’s Hierarchy Of Needs by TeachThought Staff Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, developed by psychologist Abraham Maslow in 1943, is a foundational theory in psychology that describes the stages of human needs as a pyramid, with the most basic needs at the bottom and more advanced needs at the top. Individuals must satisfy lower-level needs before they can adequately focus on higher-level ones. Let’s synthesize the information about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs for your K-12 educator audience, incorporating the research citations you requested. Understanding and Applying Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in the K-12 Classroom Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs,…
Let’s face it. Everyone wants to learn faster. Whether you’re working with a maths tutor in Brisbane or studying on your own, your learning style matters. Many students rely on math tutors or English tutors to speed things up, but sometimes what holds them back isn’t effort — it’s misinformation. Learning myths are everywhere. And the worst part? Most sound like good advice. Let’s clear the air. Here are five common myths that slow you down — and the simple truths that can set you free. Myth #1: You’re Either Smart or You’re Not This one’s a confidence killer. The…
by TeachThought Staff Self-Directed Learning is not a new concept, but it’s often misunderstood—especially in the context of K-12 classrooms. In a prior reflection, Terry Heick explored the relationship between self-directed learning and the true purpose of education: “The goal of the model isn’t content knowledge (though it should produce that), but rather something closer to wisdom—learning how to learn, understanding what’s worth understanding, and perhaps most importantly, analyzing the purpose of learning (e.g., personal and social change). It also encourages the students to examine the relationship between study and work—an authentic ‘need to know’ with important abstractions like citizenship and…
What is social learning? Social learning theory is a behavioral theory that posits that new behaviors can be learned by observing and imitating others. It is underpinned by the idea that meaning-making (i.e., learning) is a cognitive behavior and process that occurs in social settings. And it is the possibility of future social interactions that drive a ‘need to know,’ curiosity, and general motivation to learn. In short, the idea behind social learning theory is that people learn by observing others. Who Is Responsible For The Development Of Social Learning Theory? As a ‘field’ and topic, social learning theory has…
A List Of Free MOOCs For Teachers & Students contributed by TeachThought Staff While the initial surge of enthusiasm for MOOCs in the early 2010s has tapered off, they remain a valuable and widely-used resource for lifelong learning, professional development, and academic enrichment. Let’s take a look at how and why that’s true. 1. Continued Demand for Flexible Learning MOOCs thrive because they offer flexibility—anyone can learn at their own pace, from anywhere in the world. They suit working professionals, students, and individuals who want to learn new skills without committing to full-time or formal education. Platforms like Coursera, edX,…
by TeachThought Staff Understanding how the brain actually learns has been a a scientific challenge for millennia. Based on recent advances in neuroscience and its application to learning, there is an emerging model of how the brain learns and it is unlike anything that was expected. It is suggested that the brain does not have one learning system but rather four integrated systems–each with its own unique memory pattern and accompaniments. 8 Neurosystems Of Learning Each system makes use of different cell types and processes. Before educators can embark on new pedagogies of practice that are consistent with 21st century demands, we…