Tag: Instructional Strategies

Three Effective Retrieval Practice Activities to Level Up Test Review

Author: Traci Hedetniemi | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , ,
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The end of the semester can be stressful for students and teachers. With midterms, diagnostics, benchmark testing, and state end-of-course testing looming, teachers have to decide how much of their limited instructional time to dedicate to preparing students for these tests that cover months of content. While no magic formula exists, we can leverage high-impact … read more »

Thinking Routines: A Universal Tool for Deeper Learning Across All Subjects

Author: Sharon Hall | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , ,
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Finding a resource that works for all grade levels and subjects to promote student learning is rare. Project Zero’s Thinking Routines Toolbox (reviewed here) is one of those unicorns. It offers strategies that enhance critical thinking skills in many ways that apply to real-world situations, using research-based strategies that scaffold and support student thinking. Why … read more »

7 Ways to Unleash Curiosity with Phenomena

Author: Megan Boletta | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , , ,
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In a recent post, we discussed how phenomena can transform teaching and learning by serving as a catalyst that sparks curiosity and student engagement. This idea translates across all grade levels and subjects because it presents students with real-world situations and questions that ignite imaginations and inspire inquiry-based learning.  To effectively integrate phenomena into your … read more »

The Stories We Miss: Uncovering the Lesser-Known Contributors to History

Author: Sharon Hall | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , ,
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Although teaching significant historical events is important, we sometimes overlook opportunities to recognize those who contribute to the story in lesser-known ways. Integrating these underrecognized persons into lessons offers opportunities for deeper learning and understanding of world events while increasing student engagement. In addition, learning about the lesser-known stories in history enables students to explore … read more »

The Power of Retrieval Practice for Long-Term Learning

Author: Traci Hedetniemi | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: ,
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Every minute spent studying should strengthen a student’s grasp of the material, yet many common review techniques leave learners with a false sense of mastery while doing little to cement long-term understanding. In this post, we’ll explore how retrieval practice—a research-backed learning strategy that asks students to actively recall information—boosts retention, and we’ll share practical … read more »