Category: Education Reformation

  • Experiential Learning Is the Key

    Education Reformation Blog In my last post, I wrote about project-based learning at the middle-school level. I know many people have had bad experiences with group projects, myself included. My vision for project-based learning does not come from the projects that use poster board and glitter. My vision comes from a class I actually teach now.

  • School of Discovery

    Education Reformation Blog Let’s face it: Middle school is not working. All by itself, the age range is a difficult time of life for people, not to mention the nature of the middle school model. Eleven to fifteen year olds are experiencing some drastic changes to their minds and bodies. Research has shown that this…

  • The Finland Phenomenon

    Education Reformation Blog Recently, I saw the film The Finland Phenomenon a documentary by Dr. Tony Wagner. The film is “an inside look at the world’s finest secondary education system. . . . through interviews with students, teachers, parents, administrators, and government officials, Dr. Wagner reveals the surprising factors accounting for Finland’s rank as the…

  • True Reformation

    Education Reformation Blog In my earlier Education Reformation posts, I wrote about the necessity for complete reformation because the current trends in education are only succeeding in creating a downward cycle. True Reformation has to begin with the end goal in mind. What is the end goal? It should be to create life-long learners, effective communicators,…

  • 32 Things To Teach Your Children so They’re Successful in School: Part 3

    Education Reformation Blog Part 1 concentrates on what to teach for learning-ready behavior (academic and social). Part 2 concentrates on the ethical characteristics of successful students. Part 3 concentrates on knowledge and skills students may or may not receive in school, so it is essential that parents make sure children have a solid foundation in these categories.…

  • 32 Things To Teach Your Children so They’re Successful in School: Part 2

    Education Reformation Blog Part 1 concentrates on what to teach for learning-ready behavior (academic and social). Part 2 concentrates on the ethical characteristics of successful students. 11. Teach them to be proactive: Students who are proactive are preparing themselves for school work before a teacher assigns it: They ask clarifying questions before they leave school; they notify the…

  • 32 Things To Teach Your Children so They’re Successful in School: Part 1

    Education Reformation Blog As part of my Education Reformation, The Never-Give-Up Initiative, I have mentioned the equal balance of responsibility among students, teachers, and parents. The greatest obstacle children face in their achievement of educational success is the misconception that teachers will teach them everything they need to know. Teachers must teach their content area,…

  • Education Reformation: The Never-Give-Up Initiative

    Education Reformation Blog In my last education post I proposed a new movement in education: The Never Give Up, Even-after-Failure Option. Honestly, I don’t want to use the word “failure” in my option. Failure has negative connotations; telling children and parents that a child will fail at something will make everyone involved uncomfortable. Here is my…

  • Education Reformation: Introduction

    I am a firm believer in free education for all; however, there are many things about public education that I would change. Unfortunately, as a teacher in the system, I can only control my classroom. I choose to provide a firm foundation in literature, writing, and grammar to my freshmen classes. I build upon that foundation…

  • Things I Want to Learn before I Go Out into the World

    With the summer upon us, we have great opportunities to help our children become more successful individuals. The trick is finding out what they really want to know. My Journalism students made this task a little easier for those of us who have teenagers, but many of these things can be taught at any age.…