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Binder clips, those more mature cousins to paper clips, are easily one of the most versatile office supplies on the market today. From averting fashion disasters to wrangling technology, the uses of binder clips are legion. Let's take a look at some of the most creative ways that teachers and students are using binder clips to upgrade their lives.
Just so you know, we may get a small share of the sales made through the Amazon affiliate links on this page.
1. Detangle the cords behind your computer

Even in our increasingly wireless era, computer cables can be the bane of a well-organized teacher's desk. Binder clips clamp neatly to the edge of a desk. Use the metal arm loops to coral cords. You can go a step further and label each binder clip according to the type of cord it holds so you can easily find the mouse cable when it goes on the fritz.

2. Hang posters and bulletin board borders

To use binder clips to hang posters on the wall, loop a binder clip over a tack or hook, then use the binder clip to grab onto the poster, student artwork, or bulletin board supplies. This allows you to easily switch posters without having to remove tacks or poke more holes in your walls. You can also use this same method to hang small art supplies like tubes of paint from the walls, allowing you to use a bulletin board like a pegboard and gives you more vertical storage space in your classroom.

3. Use them as labels

A little bit of washi tape and some stickers can give a plain binder clip a bit of pizzazz! Or, if you have a basket full of binder clips in a rainbow of colors, you can create clear labels using a label maker like this portable Bluetooth one.

4. Label mailboxes or cubbies

And speaking of labels, binder clips with letters, numbers, or names attached can be used as simple, easily removable labels to mark student cubbies in the classroom or copy room. Clip them onto the bottom or top of each cubby and you are good to go.

5. Prop up your hot glue gun

This binder clip hack is next-level awesome. When you're using a hot glue gun, there's just no truly convenient place to set it down and then pick it back up - at least until this trick came along. Use the metal arm loops to prop up the glue gun when not in use.

6. Organize small toys and office supplies

Thread a keyring through the arm loops of a binder clip, and then slide the rings onto a rail. The clips are then perfect to hang onto baggies filled with small toys, counters, or office supplies.

7. Organize folders

This tax hack from the office supply company Avery can easily be adapted for teacher file cabinets. Do you have individual file folders you'd like to keep together in filing boxes? Simply clip them together with labeled binder clips and you'll never go hunting for loose files again.

8. Corral the classroom headphones

No matter how you slice it, headphones are a pain to store. Their cords become hopelessly entwined, and what should be a quick task - handing out earphones to each student - suddenly becomes an exercise in patience as each set needs to be carefully unraveled. Once again, binder clips come to the rescue! For individual earbuds, try winding the cord around the arm of a binder clip. You can also use mini binder clips to clip the neatly wound cords together, preventing them from getting tangled while they are in storage.

9. Create a makeshift phone stand

Binder clips can make a useful phone stand in a pinch. If you have students who need to take a selfie or make a makeshift tripod for a video project, binder clips can hold phones steady and secure.

10. Keep rolls of paper tightly wrapped

Rubber bands can get brittle and snap, making them an imperfect option for securing rolls of wrapping paper or poster board. Instead, pull out the trusty binder clips and clamp down each end for a tightly wound roll that's not going anywhere.

11. Secure trash bags to the garbage can

For pesky trash bags that get pulled down by heavy trash, binder clips can save the day. Once you loop a new trash bag over the lip of the can, simply clip the bag in place in three or four spots to keep the bag secured.

12. Hang up extra masks

While most teachers are back at school in a mask-free environment, most of us still have some spare masks tucked away in desk drawers for those inevitable sick days. Binder clips can be used like hangers for masks - you could even install a mask station for student to grab disposable masks as needed.

13. Make the cutest bookmarks ever

Thanks to "A Girl and Her Glue Gun," you too can make these cheap, easy, and utterly adorable bookmarks. It's as easy as hot gluing googly eyes to binder clips and then clipping the page of a book to mark your place.

14. Create mini clipboards for your students

This great craft tutorial comes from Instagram account Coffee 'n' Vanilla, and it's easy as pie. All you need are three items: a coaster, a stack of square sticky notes, and a small binder clip. Clip the sticky notes to the coaster and you have a perfect mini clipboard.

15. Fix a fashion disaster in a pinch

Fashion emergencies happen while teaching and teachers can't leave for a quick outfit change, so a little MacGyvering is in order. Once again, binder clips come in clutch. They can work as hair ties if a hair band breaks, and they are useful to replace a missing button or loose hem until you can get home and do a real repair.

16. Organize papers

Perhaps the simplest and most obvious way to use binder clips is to secure papers together. Teachers have stacks of papers lying everywhere around the classroom: papers to be graded, papers to be handed back to students, papers to hang on bulletin boards, assignments turned in late, assignments to save as examples for future classes, work to send home with the student going on vacation next week...the list goes on. Paperclips don't always do the trick because they don't hold securely - but binder clips sure do.

There you have it - proof that the humble binder clip is the most versatile of all the items in your junk drawer. Keep them on hand to make your life easier and more organized.

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16 Hacks Using Binder Clips that Will Change Your Life

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Binder clips, those more mature cousins to paperclips, are easily one of the most versatile office supplies on the market today. From averting fashion disasters to wrangling technology, the uses of binder clips are legion. Let's take a look at some of the most creative ways that teachers and students are using binder clips to upgrade their lives.

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PBL leads to deeper understanding and greater retention of content knowledge

PBLWorks offers online and in-person Project Based Learning workshops and courses for educators seeking to give their students more. Whether you are new to Project Based Learning, advancing your practice, teaching in-person, or facilitating PBL curricula online, we have a path just for you. Pick your pathway and explore how to get started today...

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Project Based Learning for all. We build the capacity of teachers and school leaders to design and facilitate quality Project Based Learning.

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Aug 28, 2011 - Staying creative is a necessary part of being successful. Here’s a quick workout for your creative brain cells. Can you discern the well-known word or

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TV Theme Songs

The response from teachers who have been using theme songs in their classrooms has been nothing short of overwhelming. Each and every email tells the same basic story.

"I am amazed at how well this idea has worked with my students."

"It's like magic!"

"I have a pretty tough class this year and thought the songs wouldn't work very well. Boy, was I wrong! You should see them scramble to get ready for recess when they hear the first few notes of Mission Impossible. Thank you so much."
The Basics
The main reason music works so well is this:

It's as simple--and complex--as that.

As you already know, there's a massive amount of talking done throughout the day. The majority of the talking is done by the teacher. In fact, research indicates the teacher's voice accounts for approximately 80% of the total volume.

The students, as you can infer, contribute the other 20%. Their talking could be in response to a lesson being taught. It might be the natural outcome of a think-pair-share situation. Add to those two the oh-so-annoying, off-topic social talk that can occur on a regular basis and we're dealing with a virtual tidal wave of words.

Note: Check out Talkative Students for a simple suggestion on how to deal with social talk.

But music, for the most part, is devoid of words. This is especially true of most TV theme songs. The melody of the song is a right-brain cue that is able to cut through all of the verbal clutter and send a clear, unmistakeable message.

Music Messages

A theme song can be used to send a number of different messages. The song could:

1. remind the students about something

2. initiate a pre-established procedure

3. time the length of a transition

4. create a pleasant background during student discussions

Listed below are some suggestions to get you thinking about the possibilities. These theme songs can be found on the CD that comes with the book, Eight Great Ideas . (It's included with the book because one of the ideas in the book is about using music for management.)

Instead of the traditional "N-B-C" association, my students knew the three chimes meant "Name, number, date." I usually waited until they were well underway on the assignment before I cued up the song. It was the rare paper in my room that did not have the proper identification on it.

The predictability of this song makes it perfect for transitions. After giving my students the transition goals, I would play the song. It only took about a week or two for them to become familiar enough with the song that it became, in essence, an internal clock.

My students had the freedom--a student need--to work away from their seats if it helped them get something done. When it was time to move on to something else, though, this song told them to return to their regular seats.

My district was big on working with students on the carpet. Not sure why, but they were and wanted to see it. A lot. The Bill Nye song, 28 seconds in length, proved to be the perfect song for getting them to come to the carpet without a word being spoken. From me, that is. They would talk on the way to the carpet; but, I was okay with that. It was an opportunity--freedom, if you will--for them to engage in social talk. All I required was that they stop the conversations and come to attention when the song was over. Win-Win.

This less-than-a-minute song is great for packing up at the end of the day. (Or the end of the period, secondary teachers.) The music is upbeat and high-energy.

I used just the first thirty seconds of the song as a way to get my students to prepare themselves for the start of our morning BELLWORK™ activity. (You can go to the BELLWORK™ page for more information about how to make this powerful start-off-the-day activity really fly.)

Another high-energy, upbeat song, this is a good one to get them out of their seats and pitching in whenever you want to return your classroom to a semblance of neatness.

Playing music in the background as students engage in think-pair-share discussions is a great way to not only time the length of the discussion but also create an environment conducive to the discussion. The conducive part is based on the fact that, psychologically, music is considered to be a "mask." It actually minimizes the impact of the other voices being used throughout the room.

If, for example, two students were to either burst out in laughter or get into a bit of an argument during the T-P-S, just about every other partnership would shut down to see what was going on. But with music playing in the background, the other pairs of students are less likely to notice.

Another advantage to the use of a background discussion song is the fact that the end of the song is a cue for the students to come back to attention.

I used to play this song when I was about to select a student--or-two--to help with a lesson. To make it a random selection, I made some large name cards with their first and last name written on them. We're talking cards big enough to read from across the room but narrow enough to hold aloft in my hand.

As soon as the first few notes of the song hit their little right brains, they were all thinking: "Mr. Morris is about to call someone to the front of the room to help out!"

As the song played, I would shuffle the cards and then hold one up.

Mr. Morris
In his best Bob Barker voice:
Natalie Adams! Come on down!

As you can imagine, there'd be some cheering and clapping just like the game show.

TV Theme Songs website
Here's the site where you can download hundreds of theme songs from television shows and cartoons.
televisiontunes.com

Send in your suggestions

If you've got a TV theme song you're using in your classroom, send in the title of the song and how you use it in your classroom. We'll post your submission on this page for other teachers to see.
Hey, Rick. Here's my theme song idea. Teacher Suggestion:
After you shared the idea of theme songs, I went a little crazy at first. Now I've learned to be consistent and that more is not always better.

This year, my students were taking forever to line up for lunch. Although they did not want to be last in a line of 8 third grade classes, they were still moving at a snail's pace to get out the door. So, I now use the I Dream of Jeannie song and the goal is to be out the door, in alphabetical order and ready to go before the song ends. It is working great!

Thanks for all your great ideas. It definitely helps me work smarter, not harder.

Audra Ciasullo
Third grade teacher

Teacher Suggestion:
It may be that I overlooked it in the Eight Great ideas book, but I would suggest renaming each of the song titles on your iPod according to the procedure it represents so that when you want name, #, date that's what you see, rather than the song title.

I've used the Jeopardy song as a way to clear a space for Drama in my classroom. My kids move my desk and about nine of theirs and get in place in under a minute. They love Clear Desks, please.

I've also used Andy Griffith to give them an opportunity to share with two other students something I've taught. It's an opportunity to move around the room when I begin to see the wiggles take over.

I hope this was helpful.

David Leonard
2nd & 3rd Grade
Cobb Mountain Elementary School

Teacher Suggestion:
I tried having my students turn in an assignment to the Mission Impossible theme song. It was amazing to see how quickly they were able to do it.

It was cute to watch the students who had already placed their assignment in the collection box stand around and dance to the remainder of the song. It allowed them to release some pent-up energy which is always helpful.

Thanks so much for the idea about using TV theme songs for procedures.

Gail Forest
Riverbank Teacher's Association

Return to Music Central Main Page

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The response from teachers who have been using theme songs in their classrooms has been nothing short of overwhelming. Each and every email tells the same basic story. "I am amazed at how well this idea has worked with my students." "It's like magic!"

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A Giant List Of Really Good Essential Questions

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Essential questions are ‘essential’ in the sense of signaling genuine, important and necessarily-ongoing inquiries.

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Problem-based learning and project-based learning provide a rich opportunity for students to deepen their knowledge, expand their repertoire of technical skills, and enhance their appreciation of thinking tools, processes, and strategies.

It is not enough, however, to understand concepts and principles and to solve that one problem, as challenging as it might be. The essential outcome is to develop and expand the dispositions of skillful problem solvers who can apply their learnings to an ever-expanding array of challenges not only in commonly taught subjects in school but also in their communities, in their world, and in their lives.

While we are interested in how many answers individuals know, we are even more interested in how they behave when they don't know-when they are confronted with life's problems the answers to which are not immediately known. The larger goal is for enhanced performance under challenging conditions that demand strategic reasoning, insightfulness, perseverance, creativity, and craftsmanship to resolve complex problems.

Achieving this vision requires the internalization of certain dispositions-propensities or 'Habits of Mind.'

See also 16 Strategies For Integrating The Habits of Mind In The Classroom

According to Kallick and Costa, the Habits of Mind are less about behavior and more about intent.

A "Habit of Mind" means having a disposition toward behaving intelligently when confronted with problems, the answers to which are not immediately known. When humans experience dichotomies, are confused by dilemmas, or come face to face with uncertainties-our most effective actions require drawing forth certain patterns of intellectual behavior. When we draw upon these intellectual resources, the results that are produced are more powerful, of higher quality, and greater significance than if we fail to employ those patterns of intellectual behaviors.

Habits of Mind are dispositions that are skillfully and mindfully employed by characteristically intelligent, successful people when they are confronted with problems, the solutions to which are not immediately apparent. When we draw upon these mental resources, the results are more powerful, of higher quality, and of greater significance than if we fail to employ those habits.

Employing Habits of Mind requires a composite of many skills, attitudes cues, past experiences, and proclivities. It means that we value one pattern of thinking over another, and therefore it implies choice making about which habit should be employed at which time. It includes sensitivity to the contextual cues in a situation signaling that it is an appropriate time and circumstance to employ this pattern.

It requires a level of skillfulness to carry through the behaviors effectively over time. Finally, it leads individuals to reflect on, evaluate, modify, and carry forth their learnings to future applications. It implies goal setting for improved performance and making a commitment to continued self-modification.

See also What's The One Thing They'll Remember From Their Time With You?

While there may be more, 16 characteristics of effective problem-solvers have been derived from studies of efficacious problem-solvers from many walks of life. (Costa and Kallick, 2009). The list of Habits of Mind appears below.

1. Persisting

2. Managing Impulsivity

3. Listening with Understanding and Empathy

4. Thinking Flexibly

5. Thinking about Thinking

6. Striving for Accuracy

7. Questioning and Posing Problems

8. Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations

9. Thinking and Communicating with Clarity & Precision

10. Gathering Data Through All Senses

11. Creating, Imagining, Innovating

12. Responding with Wonderment and Awe

13. Taking Responsible Risks

14. Finding Humor

15. Thinking Interdependently

16. Remaining Open to Continuous Learning

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What are Habits Of Mind? Habits of Mind are dispositions mindfully employed by characteristically 'successful' people when they are confronted with problems.

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Understanding Depth and Complexity - Envision Gifted

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Understanding Depth and Complexity and Content Imperative Tools. Resources and ideas for teachers to use with gifted and advanced learners.

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with special thanks to Christopher Danielson and his Which One Doesn’t Belong - A Shapes Book.

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with special thanks to Christopher Danielson and his Which One Doesn’t Belong - A Shapes Book.

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This process will be universal for all of the P2 PBL units, from grades K-12. The PBL process is a system for thoughtful problem-solving. As students become familiar with the steps, they will be able to transfer the system to other challenges they face in life. Students who engage in rigorous PBL will develop the skills they need to truly become life-long problem solvers.
*Note: PBL units can be completed independently or in a group. Educators will decide based on the needs of students and teachers. However, through the reflection stage, collaboration will be practiced in every project, whether group or individual.
Implementing P2 PBLs

The classroom culture that emerges through PBL naturally fits into the P2's mission of empowering students to build positive relationships. It will also advance students' understanding and application of the 24 character strengths and the Other People Mindset:

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Social and Emotional Learning PBL | The Positivity Project

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This process will be universal for all of the P2 PBL units, from grades K-12. The PBL process is a system for thoughtful problem-solving. As students become familiar with the steps, they will be able to transfer the system to other challenges they face in life.

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PBL for Positivity Project: Opportunities for Reflective Revision

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I can honestly say I have never felt so good about a character education program in my teaching career. I can actually see this program working every day. Each week that we touch on new strengths, we are all reminded of our potential to be better human beings. We have truly seen a transformation in our program since we began using The Positivity Project.

Peggy Gordon, High School English Teacher

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The Positivity Project Resources | The Positivity Project

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Our 15-minute lessons are engaging for students and "off-the-shelf" for teachers. Learn more about The Positivity Project (P2) resources.

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There are countless different shapes that can be created using the seven Tangram tiles. What can you come up with?

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My growing list of free real world problem-based lessons for grades 2 through high school. Includes links to download multimedia and teacher guide.

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Marble Race: Marble Rally S5 - ALL RACES!

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I've spent the last four months working with teachers all over the country (virtually, of course) as they navigate the uncharted waters of online and blended learning. The majority of teachers I have spoken with did not enjoy their initial experiences with distance learning. A big issue for many teachers was a general lack of student engagement online. I cannot say I am surprised given the lack of clarity about expectations for participation online, the "no harm" grading policies adopted by many districts during school closures, and issues around equity and access.

This fall, students will likely be learning, at least in part, online. Given that reality, I wanted to share a collection of strategies designed to engage students in active learning online.

1. Sort It Out

This is a digital spin on a traditional concept mapping exercise. Sort it Out challenges students to think about how key concepts in a unit, lesson, or chapter relate to one another. Students can work independently or in pairs on a Google Drawing to complete this digital concept mapping activity. The directions ask that they combine text and visual media to show the relationship between concepts.

Teachers can ask students to complete these online asynchronously then share them during face-to-face sessions (blended) or in video conferencing sessions (online).

2. Online Fishbowl

The classic fishbowl activity splits the class into two groups. While one group engages in a discussion or attempts to solve a problem, the second group observes and captures their observations, questions, and comments. If teachers are hosting small group virtual sessions, this strategy can be adapted for a virtual conferencing session. Prior to the video conference, the teacher will split the students into two groups-group A and group B. I'd suggest sharing your screen and having the students' names clearly listed in a two-column chart.

Once students know what group they are in, the teacher presents group A with a discussion question or a problem to solve and sets the timer (e.g., 5 minutes). The students in group A will unmute and engage in a discussion or talk through the problem. While they engage with one another, group B will watch and observe. Their job will be to post their observations in the chat window or on a shared Google Document.

When the timer goes off, the teacher can invite members of group B to unmute and share their thoughts. What did they notice as they observed their peers? What questions do they have? What suggestions would they make? After group B has had the opportunity to comment, the groups switch roles and group B engages in a discussion or problem solving task while group A observes.

3. Expert Group Investigations

Teachers are going to have less time for direct instruction if they are working with students on a hybrid schedule or if they are entirely online. This is an opportunity to have students become the experts responsible for conducting research and curating online sources. Instead of using precious class time to tell kids everything we know about a topic, why not put them into expert groups and let them lead the learning?

Teachers can group 4-5 students on a shared Google Slide presentation and ask them to spend some of their online learning time investigating a specific topic or concept with the goal of becoming the experts on that topic or concept. They will need to work collaboratively to pull their information together in a cogent and visually compelling presentation that mixes text and visual media.

Teachers can ask students to present during their face-to-face time (blended) or during a video conferencing session (online).

4. Collaborative Annotations

Teachers can make annotating a piece of reading, which is typically an individual endeavor, and make it more engaging by simply grouping students on a shared document to annotate collaboratively. Teachers can insert a two-column chart into a Google Document then copy and paste text in the left-hand column. Students can highlight keywords and phrases in the text and capture their annotations in the right-hand column.

As they work they can use the chat feature inside of the document to discuss the reading if they are working synchronously or insert comments with questions for the other members of the group to answer asynchronously. This adds a social component to the learning task, which can help students who are working on the assignment at home feel connected to their peers.

5. Google Map Adventures

Finding fun ways for students to surface their learning is critical for increasing engagement online. The more creative the assignments, the more likely students are to lean into the learning. Google Maps is a versatile tool that can be leveraged for learning in all subject areas. Students can chart the path of a story on a map, they can connect the historical information they are learning to the geographic location where events took place, and students can use maps to design creative mathematical challenges. The possibilities are limitless!

Students can create their own maps or collaborate on shared maps, drop pins with text and media in specific locations, and share their maps as evidence of their learning. Click here to learn more about My Maps.

6. Spotify Playlist

Encourage your students to get creative with their review. At the end of a chapter or unit, challenge pairs of students to work collaboratively on a shared Google Document to identify the main ideas, concepts, and/or themes from the chapter or unit. Then ask them to create a Spotify playlist. The goal is to use music, something most kids enjoy, to inspire them to think more deeply about the ideas, concepts, or themes covered in a text or unit.

7. Scavenger Hunts

Scavenger hunts are a fun way to encourage students to research and explore. If teachers are struggling to "get through" content given limited face-to-face time, they can create an online or offline scavenger hunt.

Scavenger hunts can encourage students to do a close read of a text or conduct informal research to answer questions when they are learning remotely. This strategy makes it possible for teachers to identify relevant information that students will need to know while making the experience of finding that information engaging and fun. Teachers can use Google Documents or Google Slides to create their scavenger hunt activities, making the tasks individual or collaborative.

8. Online Discussions

Online discussions are a staple of any online course. They create a space for students to connect online, explore issues related to the course, ask questions, and make meaning in collaboration with their peers. Teachers looking for strategies designed to engage students and drive higher-order thinking should make online discussions a regular part of their classes.

If teachers are working with young students who do not have strong keyboarding skills, they can use FlipGrid videos to engage students in video-based discussions. Padlet is another option that allows students to post their ideas on a virtual wall and comment on each other's posts. For teachers working with older students, the Google Classroom question feature or the discussion functionality in a learning management system will work well to engage students in text-based asynchronous discussions.

If teachers give students time to think about a question, craft a response, read the responses posted by their peers, and reply to their classmates, in-class conversations are more likely to be substantive and start at a much deeper level.

This summer is the perfect time to explore and plan. I hope these strategies will inspire teachers to think creatively about how they can engage students in meaningful learning activities online. If you have an activity that you have used to engage students online, please take a moment to post a comment and share it!

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8 Ideas Designed to Engage Students In Active Learning Online

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I've spent the last four months working with teachers all over the country (virtually, of course) as they navigate the uncharted waters of online and blended learning. The majority of teachers I have spoken with did not enjoy their initial

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Google Earth Products for SS, SCI and Lit

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Google Earth Products for SS, SCI and Lit

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We're here to help. Using the simple search filters below you'll find easy, step-by-step guides and tutorials on Google's Geo Tools, inspirational stories, plus lesson plans, product information, and much more.

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We're here to help. Using the simple search filters below you'll find easy, step-by-step guides and tutorials on Google's Geo Tools, inspirational stories, plus lesson plans, product information, and much more.

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About

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Whiteboard.fi is created by Sebastian Laxell and Jaakko Virtanen, and is run by Digital Teaching Tools Finland Ltd - a Kahoot! company. We have experience in teaching and IT-management - so we know the struggle in finding good digital tools.

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Whiteboard.fi - Free online whiteboard for teachers and classrooms

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Whiteboard.fi is an instant formative assessment tool for your classroom, providing you with live feedback and immediate overview over your students.

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Have you tried Jamboard in your classroom yet? This free online tool to generate templates is incredibly easy to use, with endless options for any teacher. Google Jamboard makes collaboration easy, no matter where students and teachers are. Here's the scoop on how it works, plus lots of Jamboard templates for using it.

What is Google Jamboard?

Jamboard is a whiteboard app that's part of Google's G Suite, like Google Slides or Google Classroom. The app was designed to be used with Google's interactive 55-inch cloud-powered whiteboard display, which comes with a pretty hefty price tag. Fortunately, the completely free Jamboard app works perfectly well on its own with the laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets you're already using in your classroom.

Teachers set up a Jamboard template and invite students to collaborate. Kids can add notes (using a keyboard, stylus, or fingertip), post images, draw pictures, and more. There's no limit to the number of boards you can have or how many students can collaborate. You can save your boards, export them as PDFs, and share them with your students via Google Classroom or other learning management systems. You'll find lots of Jamboard tutorials and training from Google here.

Jamboard Templates and Ideas for Teachers

Anything your whiteboard can do, Jamboard can too ... plus a whole lot more. Here are some of our favorite free templates, activities, and other ideas to try with your class. To use a Jamboard template, be sure to save a copy of it to your Google Drive first. Then you'll be able to edit and use it with your students.

1. Write on Documents

This can be a real game-changer. Scan in worksheets and other documents and turn them into Jamboard templates. Then, students can complete them online. This makes it so much easier to send work home for students who can't be in the classroom. Learn how this works from Lucky Little Learners.

2. Morning Meeting Calendar

Take your morning meeting online! This interactive Jamboard calendar has room for weather, seasons, and counting practice. Get the calendar template here.

3. Morning Meeting Check-In

For older kids, you can use a template like this one to take attendance. Ask a question and have them post their answer on a sticky note. Once they've answered, you'll know they're in class and ready to go. Get this check-in template for free from Make Way for Tech.

4. Handwriting Templates

Demonstrate handwriting, then have students take turns copying your work. Get five different handwriting templates from Alice Keeler.

5. Magnetic Letters

Magnet letters are a classic learning toy, so we love this digital version! Grab this activity from Third Grade Doodles.

6. Frayer Model

Frayer Models are helpful when kids are learning new vocabulary words or researching a topic. Grab a free Frayer Model template here.

7. Base-10 Blocks

When you don't have enough base-10 blocks to go around, or need to use them in an online setting, try this digital version. Find the base-10 blocks template here.

8. Place Value Grid

Practice place value with this template. Remember that you can change the numbers on the digital sticky notes, so you can use this over and over again! Add the place value grid to your collection here.

9. Make Arrays

Arrays are a visual way to understand multiplication, and they're easy to create using Jamboard. Get your free array template from Make Way for Tech.

10. See, Think, Wonder

Teach kids how to question the world around them by creating thinking routines. This emoji template is cute enough for younger kids, but the process works at any age. Find the See, Think, Wonder template here.

11. Rainbow Reading Review

The Rainbow Reading Review helps kids really dig deep into the material they're reading. It's a useful tool for teaching close reading. Grab the Rainbow Reading Review template here.

12. Make a Graph

Digital sticky notes make it easy to graph just about anything in Jamboard. Learn more about using graphs on Jamboard at Chromebook Classroom.

13. Vocabulary Words

This one's easy, fun, and very effective. Simply make a board for each of your current vocabulary words, and ask students to contribute sticky notes, images, or other items to help define it. Learn more from "Teaching With Jamboard To Make Vocabulary Stick."

14. Take a Poll

Divide a board into several parts and ask students to place a sticky note with their name next to their choice. For a deeper dive, have them write the reason for their choice on the note too. Find out more about taking Jamboard polls at Spark Creativity.

15. Brain Dump

Brain dumps are great for review or exit tickets. Students record anything they can remember on a topic or concept. This is also a fun way to introduce a new subject and find out what kids already know. Explore Jamboard brain dumps at Chromebook Classroom.

16. Numerical Equations

Tackle word problems with this template. Show students how to break down the information and lay it out into an equation to get the correct answer. Get the Numerical Equations template for free at Teachers Pay Teachers.

17. Peer Editing

Use this template to help students edit each other's creative writing. You can edit the directions to use it with nonfiction writing like essays too. Find the Peer Editing template here.

18. Sorting Wall

You can use a sorting wall in pretty much any class, for any subject. Have students sort animals or plants in biology, vocab words in English or foreign language classes, presidents in history class-the possibilities are endless! Learn more about sorting walls at Chromebook Classroom.

19. Sentence Maker

Think of this idea sort of like the ever-popular magnetic poetry. Students choose words and create a sentence, adding correct punctuation. Keep it simple with just a few words for younger students; add more words for older kids. Explore this idea at The TEFL Zone.

20. Shapes and Patterns

Jamboard's built-in shape tool makes it easy to learn basics like triangles, circles, and squares. You can also work on recognizing and building patterns. Susan Stewart has more information.

21. Digital Yearbook

Make it easy for kids to share personalized messages with each other, in person or not. Each student creates their yearbook page and offers it up for friends to sign. Clever! Read more at Chemistry Is My Jam.

22. Label a Diagram

Post a diagram and have students label and explain the parts. Use it for science topics, or try it for time lines in history class or parts of sentences in English. Get this free cell diagram template here.

23. Compass Viewpoint

The world is full of shades of gray, especially when it comes to opinions and viewpoints. Use this template to explore a variety of points of view on any subject. Find the Compass Viewpoint template here.

24. Annotate a Reading

Jamboard makes it easy to annotate text in collaboration with your class. Look for themes, identify literary devices, illustrate concepts, and more. Learn how to use Jamboard for annotations at Spark Creativity.

25. Quadradic Equations

Graph quadratic equations on this template. It has several built-in problems, but you can edit and add your own to reuse it multiple times. Get the Quadratic Equations template for free at Teachers Pay Teachers.

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25 Free Interactive Jamboard Templates and Ideas for Teachers

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Jamboard lets teachers and students collaborate digitally from anywhere. Learn how it works and get free Jamboard templates for any subject.

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So maybe you've heard about Jamboard as a great digital tool for right now, but you're not really sure how to use it. Or maybe you've dabbled, but you found it frustrating, and wondered what all the fuss online was about. Today, in episode 111, Matt Miller from Ditch that Textbook and I are talking about how to creatively use Jamboards in class without falling prey to some of the common pitfalls.

Before we dive in I want to give you a heads up about something special I'm planning. As winter approaches, coronavirus cases rise, and many schools around the country shift even more heavily toward the digital classroom, I want to help. I'm planning a free digital creativity camp for the winter holiday break. When you sign up, I'll send you five days of creative resources you can use online with your students as 2021 begins, along with short video trainings teaching you exactly how to use them and make more of your own. I'm not quite ready to accept sign ups yet, but I'm close. So look out for details in future episodes and on social media, because you're not going to want to miss this creative experience!

You can listen in to this episode on the podcast player below, or on your favorite podcast player of choice. Or read on for the written highlights.
Jamboard 101
Try picturing Jamboard as a digital whiteboard. It was originally created by Google to go with its interactive touchscreen display, but you don't need one of these large (expensive) devices to use it. It was originally designed as a "draw first" tool, but then Google added sticky notes, shapes, images, and more as options to go with the writing/drawing tools.

You can create multiple white boards within one Jam, applying all these same tools to multiple screens. Imagine rolling up a few different white boards in a workshop space, providing room to explore lots of ideas or for different groups to share their own boards.

To start exploring Jamboard, just click here and use the plus button to start a new Jam.
Jamboard vs. Slides
At first glance, Jamboard and Slides seem pretty similar. But they were made for different purposes.

Jamboard is a digital whiteboard created for brainstorming. Slides was created for a much more polished, professional situation, to present ideas. Jamboard is more informal, less permanent. But of course, as teachers we're using both in ever-changing, creative ways.
The Best Features
You can save all your different whiteboard files ("Jams"). This gives you the option to link students to previous work, re-use Jams in different classes or years, AND, most importantly, create templates that students can work from. If you design re-usable templates for certain assignments, you can send kids a link to force a copy of the template for them to work on.

Inside a Jam, you have all the tools along the sidebar. There are pens and highlighters (great if you have touchscreen options for your students). Without the touchscreen option, you'll probably want to focus more on the other options (images, shapes, text boxes, sticky notes, etc.).

The sticky notes have simple text auto-formatted onto them, but you CAN color code them. Text boxes give you a few more options in terms of formatting. The sticky notes are one of the biggest advantages to Jamboards over Google Slides.
Activity Ideas
Template Activities: Once you set up a single Jam template for a repeatable activity, you can use it over and over. Think of things you want students to do often (like many of the ideas listed below), then create a template for that activity and use it over and over, making a new copy each time.

Annotation: Take a picture of some text (screenshot or a camera), stick it onto a whiteboard, and then have students mark it up, add text boxes, pull in related pictures as illustrations (or create illustrations to drop in), snap pictures of themselves to drop in and add little speech bubbles next to themselves for their comments, etc.

Photo comic strips: Have students take pictures of themselves and then add dialogue bubbles. You can use these to practice writing dialogue, hold a mini mock debate with kids arguing two sides of an issue, or in whatever ways you can invent.

Voting: Generate discussion by asking students to vote on something represented by multiple images on the Jam. Have kids create sticky notes with their names on them near the image they're voting for, then on the next slide, add a sticky with their justification for their vote.

Pros and Cons Discussion: This can just be a simple white board with a thumbs up on one side, thumbs down on the other. Students can drop stickies with their names onto the side that they agree with.

Top Ten/Five/Three List: Have kids curate a list of pretty much anything, like the top three most dynamic characters from the semester, top three choice reading books in the library, etc. by dropping their answers into shapes on a Jam.

Four Corners: Ask kids to put in a picture of themselves, make it small, and then move it around to the four corners based on their response to a question. For example, on a day that you're trying to learn about students' reading preferences, you might do a series of four corners prompts similar to this: "move your picture to corner one if you prefer classics, corner two if you like YA, corner three for Scifi, and corner four if you like mysteries and thrillers."

You can find many more activities ideas in Matt's wonderful blog post, How to Use Jamboard in the Classroom. In this post, he shares twenty ideas (and templates!) for creative ways to try Jamboard in class.
The Most Creative Uses of Jamboard
Jamboard templates are where it's at. When you design interesting templates that you can use over and over, your students get used to the format and the tool and can relax into the activity. Chris Schuyner, a Kindergarten teacher from MN has created so many fun templates. Take a quick tour of his work to get inspired by how fun and easy Jamboard templates can be.
Check out ten of Chris's templates here. Dealing with the Biggest Pitfall of Jamboard: Isolated Students Misusing It
Because Jamboard wasn't originally created as a collaborative classroom tool, it isn't designed for teachers to watch over behavior inside. If you're concerned that your students will use it inappropriately, here are some ideas:

1. Don't try to put your whole class in one Jam if this is an issue for you. Kids are more likely to feel anonymous and show off by dropping in the wrong kind of image or text with a large audience. Small group brainstorms are probably better than full class activities.

2. The best line of defense is to talk to kids about the situation. Would the kids rather do photocopied worksheets, drill-and-kill style, etc. or do fun creative tech things? Matt has found that straightforward conversations like this will solve the vast majority of tech abuse situations. You may still have some tough nuts to crack, and you might have to pull them out to do other activities because they can't handle something like Jamboard, but you don't want to let those one or two kids ruin a whole activity genre for the rest of the class.
An Easy Win for Jamboard - Try it Tomorrow!
Ready to put this into action?

1. Create your first Jam.

2. Change the "share" settings to "anyone with the link can edit."

3. Give them a simple check-in question and ask them to post their answer on a sticky note. Just do something fun, not even academic, to try out the tool. Something like, "What's your favorite book?" or "What's your favorite ice cream flavor?" makes for an easy start.
Connect with Matt Miller
Explore the Ditch that Textbook Website

Read Matt's epic blog post, How to Use Jamboard in the Classroom

Tune into Matt's podcast with Kasey Bell, The Google Teacher Podcast

Hey, by the way, are we hanging out together on Instagram yet? I'm loving this visual platform so much lately, and I'd love to share ideas with you there too.

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111: Creative Uses for Jamboard, with Matt Miller - Spark Creativity

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So maybe you've heard about Jamboard as a great digital tool for right now, but you're not really sure how to use it. Or maybe you've dabbled, but you found it frustrating, and wondered what all the fuss online was about. Today, in episode 111, Matt Miller from Ditch that Textbook and I are [...]

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Response to Intervention | RTI | RTI Resources | Intervention Central

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Intervention Central is the leading resource for Response to Intervention (RTI) tools and resources, including academic and behavior interventions for classroom management.

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Virtual Calming Room - Northshore School District

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Counselors want you to know that your feelings are valid, no matter what they are. You might feel scared, confused, overwhelmed, angry, alone, grateful, or completely calm. Your feelings are normal; the situation is not. Don't forget to take care of yourself and the ones you love.

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Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more with Google Drive.

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FREE! Common Core Mathematical Practices Classroom Posters

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8 Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practices Classroom Posters Remind students of these valuable Math Practices with these colorful and simple legal-size posters. Each practice has a specially designed icon to help students not only remember the 8 Math Practices, but use them as well.

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Resources for English Language Learners and Teachers | Pearson English

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21st century skills - Resources for English Language Learners and Teachers | Pearson English

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blended teacher #ELT thought leadership #English language learners #English Language Teacher Award #English language teachers #English learning motivation #Pearson ELT Assessment Global Scale of English GSE GSE Teacher Toolkit Listicles Primary Secondary young learners

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Are you curious about what jobs will look like in a few years? You're not alone. Tech and AI are shaking things up, for better or for worse. Some jobs are on their way out, but hey - new gigs are popping up too.

Is your own career on the chopping block? Stick around, and we'll break down which jobs are at risk of becoming extinct by 2030. I'll also share how to pivot if your job is one of those heading toward redundancy due to technology.

Ready to find out which jobs are disappearing - and which have already disappeared?

The impact of technology and AI on jobs

So, you've heard the buzz about how tech and AI are flipping the job market upside down, right? Well, it's not just talk. A McKinsey study found that, by 2030, almost a third of jobs worldwide could be taken over by automation. That is a massive change in the workplace.

That's not just factory work; it's creeping into all sectors. Fields like healthcare, retail and even creative industries are feeling the impact. AI is not some distant future thing; it's right here, right now, wiping out some jobs.

But it's also a job creator. New fields are emerging that we couldn't have imagined a decade ago. But the catch? These new gigs usually need some pretty specific skills. So, if you're not keeping up, you could miss the boat.

Being proactive is key. Don't just hope for the best; equip yourself with skills that are harder to automate. Consider a career path that's less likely to become extinct due to technology. As you plan your future, take these shifting sands into account. It's not all doom and gloom, but awareness is your first line of defense.

Jobs that have already disappeared

If you're thinking "This can't happen to me", think again - some jobs have already hit the "extinct" list. Let's take a trip down memory lane to see which jobs don't exist anymore:

1. Elevator operators

2. Video store clerks

3. Projectionists

4. Travel agents

5. Switchboard operators

6. Payphone repair technicians

7. Typists

8. Milk delivery workers

9. Film developers

10. Bank tellers

See what we mean? Technology giveth and technology taketh away. While it makes life easier and can create new opportunities, it can also make jobs disappear faster than you can say "obsolete". So, if you don't want to find your job title in a list like this, pay attention. Stay ahead of the game by continually updating your skills. Your future self will thank you.

Jobs that face future extinction

If you're still reading, you're keen to know which jobs might not be around much longer. Let's jump into 25 jobs that are starting to be impacted by AI and could become obsolete due to technology and automation.

1. Tax preparers

AI algorithms and tax software are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making human error a bigger liability. More people are starting to file their own taxes with the help of software, which is predicted to impact 20% of jobs in this field by 2030.

2. Locomotive engineers

Train technology is getting smarter, requiring fewer humans at the controls. With advances in automation, traditional locomotive engineers are becoming less needed. By implementing automation, it eliminates human factors such as stamina, dexterity and fatigue. Technology can be used to detect breaks or cracks in the wheels, which could be deadly if overlooked by human error.

3. Parking enforcement workers

Smart parking systems are taking over the traditional way of monitoring parking spaces. These systems are not only more efficient but also less prone to human error. As cities become smarter and adopt these technologies, parking enforcement jobs are likely to vanish, allowing municipal governments to redirect their budgets away from human enforcers.

4. Warehouse stockers

Robots equipped with advanced sensors are making their way into warehouses. These machines can sort, place and manage inventory without breaks or errors, putting traditional warehouse stockers at risk. The rise of eCommerce, which demands rapid fulfillment, amplifies this trend.

5. Watch repair technicians

The rise of high-quality smartwatches and durable digital timepieces is eroding the traditional watch repair industry. Additionally, Millennials and Gen Zers are less likely to own traditional watches. Even luxury brands are starting to incorporate digital features, making old-school repair skills less relevant.

6. Cashiers

Self-checkout systems are becoming the norm in many retail stores, from grocery chains to tech shops. Experts project that, by 2030, automated checkout will be so prevalent that most traditional cashier roles will no longer exist.

7. Meter readers

With the advent of smart meters that can send data directly to utility companies, the need for human meter readers is dwindling. These digital devices make the process more efficient and eliminate the risk of human error. It's likely that smart meters will become more widespread to reduce company costs and maintain accuracy.

8. Mail sorters

Automation is hitting the postal service hard. Advanced sorting machines are not only faster but also more reliable than their human counterparts. These machines can also be designed to scan each piece of mail being sorted, as well track and notify the recipient. With the ongoing decline in physical mail due to digital communication, there's less need for manual sorting.

9. Data entry keyers

The automation of data entry tasks is a game-changer. Modern AI and software systems can input data with impressive speed and lower error rates. As businesses look for efficiency and accuracy, the value of human data entry simply cannot compare.

10. Casino dealers

AI dealers offer non-stop service, lowering expenses for casino operators while catering to players across various time zones. Moreover, these AI-powered dealers can study how players interact with the game, tailoring rewards for a more individualized gaming experience. In addition, it reduces the risk of human error, theft and other misconduct.

11. Prepress technicians

With automation taking over, prepress technicians are seeing their roles become less vital. Automated systems can handle layout and other prepress tasks more efficiently. As digital publishing continues to increase in popularity, more people are transitioning into self-publishing with platforms. Amazon and others make it very easy to bypass the traditional methods.

12. Taxi drivers

Ride-sharing apps like Uber and the rise of self-driving cars are a real threat to traditional taxi drivers. Industry trends suggest that many of these jobs could vanish by 2030 due to advanced autonomous vehicle technology. Some larger cities are already testing the concept. Over time, more places will likely adopt it as well.

13. Engine and machine assemblers

Robots equipped with precise sensors and tools are taking over the task of engine and machine assembly. They work faster and with fewer errors, casting a shadow over the future of human assemblers. Robotics are increasingly seen as a cost-effective and efficient alternative. According to an Oxford report, an estimated 20 million jobs will be replaced by robots by 2030.

14. Fast-food workers

Automated kiosks and even robot chefs are becoming more common in fast-food restaurants. These technologies can take orders, cook and serve food, reducing the need for human staff. Customer preferences are increasingly leaning towards faster and more streamlined services, and automation is meeting those needs. With advanced voice-recognition AI, the entire process could soon be automated.

15. Referees

Technology like AI-assisted video refereeing is changing how sports games are officiated. This raises questions about the future role of human referees. As video-assisted referee systems gain wider acceptance, human error in officiating becomes less tolerable to fans and teams alike. AI and sensors could soon be making more accurate calls than decades of human-based referees.

16. Telemarketers

Advanced AI algorithms can now conduct sales calls, often without the customer realizing they're not human. These automated systems can also analyze consumer data in real time to make more effective sales pitches. Many top brands have shown large increase of sales and ROI using AI because they don't need breaks or pauses between calls.

17. Farm workers

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From drones monitoring crops to automated tractors, technology is doing more of the heavy lifting on farms. Precision agriculture techniques are also enabling farms to manage resources more efficiently, further reducing the need for manual labor. In farming, AI is already being used through driverless tractors, intelligent irrigation and fertilization systems, smart spraying technology, vertical farming software, and robotic harvesters.

18. Translators

AI-based translation tools are getting better at capturing the subtleties of language, once solely a human skill. As machine learning advances, these tools may handle even complex translations, raising questions about the long-term demand for human translators. AI translation tools can handle multiple texts in various languages at once and improve their own translation quality over time.

19. Librarians

The surge of digital libraries and AI-managed catalog systems has made visiting a physical library less necessary. People can own and organize digital books much easier than physical books that take up space. The carbon footprint of publishing physical books to fill libraries vs digital libraries is also a factor. Essentially, digital libraries will save trees.

20. Computer programmers

The threats to computer programmers aren't just from offshoring. Automated coding tools are becoming more advanced, thanks to open-source AI libraries. These tools can potentially automate routine coding tasks, shaking the foundations of traditional computer programming roles. AI can already assist with automating specific jobs, from testing and debugging to basic coding.

21. Proofreaders

AI-driven language platforms are becoming more sophisticated at catching not just spelling and grammar errors, but also issues of tone and style. While human expertise in language nuance is hard to replace completely, simpler proofreading tasks are already being automated by software such as Grammarly.

22. Textile workers

Textile factories are increasingly turning to computer-controlled machines for tasks like cutting and sewing. These automated systems can operate at all hours and are more precise than human workers. As this technology becomes more affordable and widespread, more factories are likely to adopt these new methods to reduce overhead costs and ramp up overall production without sacrificing quality.

23. Toll booth operators

Automated toll collection systems, like RFID tags and license plate recognition software, are becoming the standard on highways. These systems are not only faster but can also operate 24/7 without human help. The E-ZPass is one of the ways this is already impacting these types of jobs.

24. Legal secretaries

AI-powered tools are revolutionizing tasks like legal research and document automation in law firms. These advancements mean legal secretaries are less essential for routine tasks, prompting law firms to rethink their staffing needs. While unlikely to fully replace these jobs, it could drastically reduce the workload per company and, therefore, the number of paralegals hired.

25. Dispatchers

The adoption of advanced GPS and real-time tracking systems is making human dispatchers increasingly obsolete in logistics and emergency services. AI is able to handle tasks more efficiently, and some large cities already implement AI for non-emergency calls to help with staff shortages. It can also be used to instantly calculate rates or answer questions in most industries.

Are you in an AI-proof career? Take the CareerHunter test to discover the right career for you. Get started >

So, what did we learn today?

Technology and AI are rapidly changing the job landscape, making some roles obsolete.

Certain jobs, like warehouse stockers and dispatchers, are disappearing due to automation.

A host of other roles, from textile workers to taxi drivers, may not exist by 2030.

Many positions have already been greatly, if not fully, replaced by AI, including video store clerks.

It's a wake-up call. If you're in one of these jobs, it might be time to pivot. Think about skilling up in areas that are less susceptible to automation. Companies of the future will change, and job security will likely require a mix of adaptability, tech-savvy and skills that AI can't replicate easily.

Do you have thoughts or questions about which jobs are becoming redundant or extinct? Leave a comment below. We'd love to hear your perspective.

Originally published on November 7, 2017.

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25 Jobs that Will Disappear by 2030 Due to AI and Tech

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Learn how AI and tech are flipping the job market upside down, and discover which jobs are going to become extinct.

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John Hattie developed a way of synthesizing various influences in different meta-analyses according to their effect size (Cohen's d). In his ground-breaking study "Visible Learning" he ranked 138 influences that are related to learning outcomes from very positive effects to very negative effects. Hattie found that the average effect size of all the interventions he studied was 0.40. Therefore he decided to judge the success of influences relative to this 'hinge point', in order to find an answer to the question "What works best in education?"
Originally, Hattie studied six areas that contribute to learning: the student, the home, the school, the curricula, the teacher, and teaching and learning approaches. (The updated list also includes the classroom.) But Hattie did not only provide a list of the relative effects of different influences on student achievement. He also tells the story underlying the data. He found that the key to making a difference was making teaching and learning visible. He further explained this story in his book " Visible learning for teachers ".

John Hattie updated his list of 138 effects to 150 effects in Visible Learning for Teachers (2011), and more recently to a list of 195 effects in The Applicability of Visible Learning to Higher Education (2015). His research is now based on nearly 1200 meta-analyses - up from the 800 when Visible Learning came out in 2009. According to Hattie the story underlying the data has hardly changed over time even though some effect sizes were updated and we have some new entries at the top, at the middle, and at the end of the list.

Below you can find an updated version of our first, second and third visualization of effect sizes related to student achievement.
Order VL for Teachers!

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Hattie effect size list - 256 Influences Related To Achievement

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Hattie's updated effect size list of 256 influences across all areas related to student achievement.

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Hattie’s Barometer of influence - Infographic - VISIBLE LEARNING

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Throughout his Visible Learning journey John Hattie has used the “barometer” to visualize the effect size of an influence on student achievement. It has also also been on the cover of several Visible Learning books. The barometer scale is divided…Read more ›

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The Project Design Rubric uses the Essential Project Design Elements as criteria to evaluate projects. The rubric aligns with PBLWorks' Gold Standard PBL model. Definitions and practical examples are used to clarify the meaning of each dimension.

The rubric helps educators understand the difference between a simple "project" and rigorous Gold Standard PBL. Teachers who are new to PBL can see how to move from beginner to expert.

You and your colleagues can use the rubric to guide the design of projects, give formative feedback, and reflect and revise.

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To view or download this resource, log in here.

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Plan projects with Gold Standard PBL's Essential Project Design Elements.

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Your gateway to the very best in Project Based Learning, no matter where you are in your PBL journey. Here, you will find a growing set of resources to help you design and implement powerful learning in your classroom.

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Random Vertical Non Permanent: thinking Classrooms

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Random Vertical Non Permanent: thinking Classrooms

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classroom high school wedding table living room desk party training banquet 5th grade

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Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics exudes enthusiasm for
students, how they think, and how those thoughts coalesce into powerful
thinking classrooms. It’s also deeply practical, describing how everything
from the teacher’s questions to the arrangement of the furniture can add to
your students’ learning.

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How do you grade your Project Based Learning Units? Do you give your students one grade on the overall project? Do you assess your students as they complete different phases of the project? Do you differentiate when you evaluate your students? All of this can be overwhelming for you and for your students. In this post, I'm going to give you Tips in Using Rubrics to Assess and Reflect During Project Based Learning Units.

Project Based Learning spreads over weeks and sometimes months. It also includes multiple subject areas and standards. Therefore, it can be difficult to grade a project based learning unit. Students work in collaborative groups and work independently. There are also different levels of learning to be considered. Traditional ways of evaluating student learning may not work. By including rubrics as part of the grading process, it can be beneficial for teachers and students during the unit. There are definitely times when traditional testing is appropriate. When real-world learning takes place, assessing students needs to be adapted. Teachers may need use authentic assessment to include problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and other higher-level thinking skills. Using the structure of Blooms Taxonomy may be another option for implementing rubrics.

Involve Your Students in Assessments

There are times when conferencing with students is the most appropriate way of assessing them. Teachers can get feedback from your students about the project and answer questions they may have about their progress. Students can complete daily reflections through Google Forms or Digital Rubrics. Teachers will have immediate access to the documents to see if students are struggling and need additional help. Involving your students also gives you an opportunity to improve the project and see what's working and not working. Conferencing with your students gives you a true picture if deep learning is taking place.

Follow Up With Rubrics

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Tips in Using Rubrics to Assess and Reflect on Project Based Learning Units

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How do you grade your Project Based Learning Units? Do you give your students one grade on the overall project? Do you assess your students as they complete different phases of the project? Do you differentiate when you evaluate your students? All of this can be overwhelming for you and for your students.

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Join our project-based learning email list to get the PBL Planning Guide, video trainings, tips, and more to help you on your project based learning journey!

Project-based learning is a whole different type of learning activity. Students think outside of the box during PBL, so how do you assess them? A test at the end of the project doesn't seem sufficient with all of the work they've put in researching and problem-solving for their project.
This is why I use rubrics & self-assessments during my project-based learning activities!
Using Rubrics

When I complete my project-based learning activities with a class, we are working to learn or practice specific standards. A rubric allows me to grade their understanding of a particular standard in a real-life situation. The entire process of teaching the standards through PBL allows me learn more about what the student understands and what they need extra help with. The rubric not only allows me to assess the whole child, but it gives me a fair grade for the grade book.

A great PBL rubric includes:

Clear goals and student-friendly wording

4-6 subcategories specific to the format of your project

Subject-area goals

You can download my general project-based learning rubric for free here. I recommend adding subject area goals specific to the project you're working on. Other than that, this rubric works great for all PBL!
Click here to download the rubric for free!
Using Self-assessment

Have you ever looked at a kid's assignment and thought "What on earth did this kid do the whole time?" Self-assessment allows you to get insight into their thoughts and feelings about the assignment and their performance during the assignment. I've had students tell me on their self-assessment that they should have worked a lot harder on the project.

Self-reflection can be assigned in a few ways:

1. Have students journal daily about their progress on the project.

2. Give students the rubric and have them circle the rating they would give their work. Have them add a written explanation.

3. Verbally ask students questions about the quality of their work and record the answer.

4. Guide students to write a reflection paragraph at the end of the project. I have a great page in my free Easy & Fair Grading Ideas resource that shows students what a good reflection looks like.

Click here to download the self-assessment page. Click here to download this resource for free!
I hope these resources help you, no matter where you are on your project-based learning journey! As always, feel free to e-mail me with questions or comments.

Learn how to implement project-based learning in your classroom, from start to finish!

#5 - Rubrics and Self-Assessment

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Rubrics and Self-Assessment in Project-based Learning

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Join our project-based learning email list to get the PBL Planning Guide, video trainings, tips, and more to help you on your project based learning journey! Project-based learning is a whole different type of learning activity. Students think outside of the box during PBL, so how do you assess them?

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contributed by Jenna Smith

Allowing students to be involved and take control of their education gives them the tools to be much more successful.

As educators, the idea of giving students control can seem like a crazy move, but it actually gives them ownership in their learning. Relinquishing control in some areas of the classroom makes students more receptive to instruction, keeps them engaged in what they're learning, and makes them more willing to take on challenges. So, how do you give students control without it turning into total chaos? Here are 10 areas you can safely give your students a little wiggle room to control their education.

10 Ways To Give Students More Control Of Their Education

1. Give them flexibility in homework

A common gripe among students is homework, but if you let them choose their assignment for the night, they will likely feel an enhanced sense of ownership because it was their decision. For example, give students a sheet of math problems, but let them choose the 10 they want to complete.

You can also let them choose different ways to study their spelling words or give them several options to dive deeper into a history subject. Giving students the choice for their assignment might not work for everything, but giving your students the occasional input can change their attitude toward homework altogether.

More and more research is coming out that proves students shouldn't be tested in one single, standardized way. Depending on the subject, write part of the test to include multiple-choice or fill-in questions, then give them the choice of two to three essay questions to choose from.

Varying the ways you test students could result in a better demonstration of their understanding since they'll be able to communicate their retention in ways they're most comfortable.

3. Personalize content and materials

Give students opportunities to choose their own books to read, science experiments to conduct, vocabulary lists to memorize, and math problems to solve. Online charter schools excel in this arena since students are allowed to pick from a plethora of course materials for each subject.

4. Let them create a schedule that works for them

This isn't always practical, but allowing students to create their own schedule-and then revise it when they realize it is or isn't working-can be a powerful way to add student ownership of their learning. Online schooling, for example, gives students the freedom to control their schedules because it allows them to decide when they want to complete each assignment.

Teachers at traditional schools can embrace this idea by allowing students to choose the order they'd like to do their tasks during class. Giving them this say puts them in control of their time, and they hopefully are less likely to waste it.

5. Help them set their own goals

At the start of each school year, ask students what they want to get out of the class. Some of their answers might be vague or even silly, but you might find that there are students who genuinely want to learn or better themselves in some way, like raising their GPA or getting into college. Allow them to set the standard for themselves for the year and let them know they'll be held accountable.

See also How To Create Learning Through Play

6. Teach them to self-assess

Give students regular opportunities for self-evaluation. It can be at the end of the class period or the end of the week, but prompt them to reflect on their performance; this gives them responsibility for their own learning and keeps them accountable for how they're using their time and progressing toward their goals.

7. Solicit feedback on your course or classroom

As teachers, we're constantly evaluating students, but make sure you're offering them the chance to give you feedback as well. Ask them to evaluate you, the course, or a specific assignment. This helps students feel heard and that they have a say in their learning.

8. Differentiate rubrics

Or have them make their own based on a universal one you create.

At the beginning of the school year, work with your students to establish clear grading criteria for projects. By allowing students to create their own rubric, they're putting the onus on themselves to meet expectations for their work.

9. Use Project-Based Learning

Project-based learning is an excellent option for many classrooms.

Let students come up with their own ideas for project-based learning and track their own progress. Again, having a rubric in place before projects begin puts the responsibility on them to meet expectations. It can set a grading standard so that regardless of what students are creating-a website, essay, presentation, etc.-they're able to express their creativity, take ownership of their learning experience, and set guidelines for what should be delivered.

10. Use supportive classroom policies

Involve students in decisions about classroom rules and policies. Giving them a voice in this arena strengthens their civic values, boosts academic achievement, and improves their engagement. It holds them responsible for their actions in the classroom and sets them up to own the consequences if they break a rule.

Putting students in control can feel like a gamble at first, but the payoff exceeds the risk in the long run.

Follow TeachThought on Facebook and let us know what benefits you've found in empowering your students in their education decisions.

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10 Ways To Give Students More Control Of Their Education

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When you give students control of their education, they may be more receptive, engaged in learning, and willing to take on challenges.

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30+ creative ways to use Padlet for teachers and students

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I’m always excited when I’m using Padlet. Is it the interface, the way everything is designed, its purpose or the fact that I’m organizing things smoothly? I don’t know. It just makes me happy.

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Sure, teachers have been assigning projects to students for years. But Project Based Learning is something completely different. So what exactly is the difference between Project Based Learning and "doing a project"?

We like to say it's the main course, not dessert!

Visit a traditional classroom, and you'll probably find that students have done "dessert" projects in at least one unit during the school year. From shoebox dioramas to hand-built models to poster presentations, students are often tasked with creating something related to the topic of the unit.

It's usually done at the end of a unit - after the main course of content is delivered via traditional lessons, lectures, worksheets, and readings.
Think you know the difference? Take the pop quiz!

Without the key ingredients of Project Based Learning, a project like this in and of itself is not enough to deliver deeper learning.

So what's the difference between a dessert and main course project?

In Project Based Learning, the project itself is used to teach rigorous academic content and success skills. Students work to answer an important question-such as "How can we impact hunger in our community?" By exploring the question over a couple weeks or longer, students become immersed in it, pursuing answers from various angles.

Through this process, they apply what they're learning in meaningful ways. Instruction is incorporated into the project, which is designed to meet appropriate academic goals and standards. The project work creates a genuine need for students to learn grade-level content and skills, while working collaboratively, thinking critically and engaging in reflection and revision.

Students see how their work has an impact in the real world.

At the end of the project, the students' work is shared publicly, beyond just classmates and teachers... Students in a STEM project might create a sustainable redesign for a public space and present it to the city council, rather than simply learning from a textbook and creating a poster for the classroom wall. Or in social studies, a student could explore historical and present-day community heroes, and present their findings in a public forum.

By making a "main course" out of Project Based Learning, students become deeply engaged in their work. They understand how what they learn in school applies to the real world. They develop the skills that will set them up for success in college, career, and life.

So do you know the difference?
Here's a little quiz!

Hungry for more? You might also like...

Get inspired with over 60 Gold Standard PBL project ideas.

Find projects

Here is a guide to lead you into the world of PBL one step at a time.

Learn more

What is Gold Standard PBL? Here's what you need to know...

More about us

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"Doing a Project" vs. Project Based Learning

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So what exactly is the difference between Project Based Learning and "doing a project"? We like to say: it's the main course, not dessert!

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Do you need innovative ideas for projects that have creative end products to demonstrate learning? Sometimes we just need something to reference for final project ideas.

This blog post is a laundry list of interesting and creative project final product ideas that students and teachers can browse for inspiration.

I have seen students produce some pretty outstanding final products in my 15 years as a project-based educator. Many of those outcomes were produced by experienced project-based learners.

There is a learning curve with project-based learnin g , and it requires breaking some pretty strong habits that have formed from prior training in more traditional learning environments.

The biggest challenge for me has been getting students to think more creatively and authentically about how to demonstrate and share learning.

​Based on habit and ease, students naturally gravitate toward copy-and-paste poster boards and slideshow presentations.

There are many avenues for student choice in project-based learning, and one of those is choice in end product.

There are plenty of options to choose from, it's just a matter of getting students in the habit of thinking outside of the box.

Scroll down for a list of 100+ alternatives to copy-and-paste poster boards and slideshows! This list applies to all ages, just adjust your expectations.​

Interested in getting text messages from Experiential Learning Depot with exclusive deals, upcoming webinars, challenges, and more? Just text "Experiential" to (651) 390-9890 to opt in!

Poster Board Alternatives:

1) Create a magazine
2) Write trivia ( is a great online trivia game program)
3) Make an interactive exhibit
4) Make a board game
5) Engineer a moving model (ex: demonstrating synaptic transmission)
6) Write a song on a project topic
7) Write a poetry book
8) Create a photo journal
9) Make a scrapbook
10) Write and illustrate a comic
11) Paint a mural

If you are looking for a platform where you can organize personalized learning experiences, check out

12) Create a gallery (ex: photography, paintings, drawings, sculptures) 15) Make a video tutorial
13) Hand-make a craft/artifact
14) Design a lesson plan

​16) Start a Vlog

My students thrive off of anything video related. They love vlogging, making documentaries, creating video promotions and music videos. Truly anything that can get these 21st-century kiddos on video, they'll take it.

17) Write a blog 25) Make a calendar27) Make a 3D model42) Create a spreadsheet portfolio (appropriate for event planning for example)
18) Make a website
19) Produce a podcast
20) Write a screenplay
21) Create a storyboard
22) Choreograph an interpretive dance
23) Organize a debate
24) Work with local legislators to write a bill

29) Write a newsletter
30) Write a news article

26) Organize a mock trial 31) Write a lab report

​28) Make a documentary 32) Artistically perform (dance, song, etc.)
33) Craft Showcase (Ex: handmade bags, scarves, DIY projects, woodworking)
34) Make a video promotion
35) Put together a career portfolio (resume, work experience, reference letters, evidence pages)
36) Create a piece of artwork that illustrates the project topic
37) Slideshow about an experience (works well for volunteer experiences, field trips, school travel, etc.)
38) Make a quiz
39) Write a book (biography, short story, novel, etc.)
40) Create an awareness campaign poster
41) Create a Facebook page (works well for characters in books, business page, or group)

44) Design a t-shirt (school shirt, shirt that raises awareness on an issue, etc.)
45) Make a "Bloom Ball" (check out this fun example and ​ bloom ball template)
​46) Make a physical or digital map
43) Make charts and graphs (to illustrate survey results for example)

If you're looking for mapping inspiration, check out my blog post on Using Google Maps for Project Based Learning Final Products . Students can use Google Maps for a variety of angles including demographics, storytelling, timelines, and more.

47) Make a puzzle 49) Design a travel brochure 52) Write a journal or diary (on a personal experience such as a health plan) Write an instruction manual
48) Design an escape room

50) Make a business card (Ex: for a character in a book, for a business, for volunteering, etc.) 51) Make a flier

53) 56) Write a petition
54) Create a theme poster
55) Make a blueprint (floor plan for the setting in a book, one's dream school, interior design)

​Click here for project-based learning teacher tools and secondary resources . They make learning more engaging for students, teaching more exciting for you, and will save you a ton of time. You can also click the images below for those specific resources.

Text "eldfreebies" to get text alerts about all things experiential. And when you sign up you get access to my free resource library (Note: You will receive no more than 2 texts per month from me, and those texts will be worth it!)

57) Write a persuasive speech
58) Write a business plan
59) Record an interview and publish it
60) Create an online portfolio (for showcasing creative and/or professional work)
61) Create a billboard-style advertisement
62) Write and illustrate a children's book
63) Make a concept map
64) Write and perform a monologue
65) Make a simulation (digital, written, performance)
66) Make an animation
67) Create a timeline
​68) Make a diorama
69) Make a diagram
70) Write an informative speech
71) Make a fortune teller (a hand-made origami game - one of my students added information about her topic to each square on the game).

72) Make a graphic organizer 73) Make a postcard 82) Organize an event in the community

74) Compile a book of interviews
75) Organize and host a game show
76) Produce a news segment
77) Put together a time capsule
78) Make a collage
79) Put together learning stations
80) Design a set and give visitors a "tour" (great for a book project, ecosystems project, etc.)
81) Demonstration

83) Create a professional quality infographic
84) Make a music video
85) Put together a handbook
86) Claymation
87) Learning activity
88) Child-friendly translation of a convoluted concept
89) Design and make a usable product - Ex: If the topic is on natural disasters, the student might design and build a life-saving device. ​

Have you gotten your free PBL mini tool kit yet?! Go ahead and grab it!

You'll get a planner, implementation spreadsheet, and portfolio for showcasing experiences!

90) Write a jingle
91) Make a puzzle
92) Design an art installation
93) Create a brand
94) Write a proposal
95) Host a school event
96) Organize a speaker series
97) A "_____ week/month" program/schedule (Ex: theme book club schedule)
98) Host a fundraiser event
99) Create a Pinterest profile and add boards and pins directly related to your topic.
​100) Write an editorial
101) Create a memory book
102) Create a memory box (great for experiences - students build a box with visuals that highlight themes of the experience, then they fill the box with relevant information and artifacts from the experience).
103) Make a virtual museum
104) Create a learning activity
105) Design and create a greeting card
106) Write and record a kids show or movie
107) Make a moving model or diorama
108) Make a commercial
109) Host a conversation on Clubhouse
110) Create a Facebook group
​111) Create an interactive "tour" using Google Maps.
112) Scavenger hunt

Before you head out, consider innovative final products and widening the scope of the experience for your students.

Non-poster board final products are one of many elements that make project-based learning what it is. But just because you have your students create innovative final products, doesn't make the experience project-based.

I urge you to think about making the experience even more innovative and authentic by making it self-directed project-based learning.

​Grab the freebies above if you have not already. Then add my project-based learning tool kit to help you and your students get started on endless PBL possibilities. Check out the video below for details.

Thanks for stopping by! Feel free to share your stories of project-based learning successes. I'd love to hear about some final products your students have used that weren't listed here! My eyes and ears are always open for new and exciting ideas. Thanks for reading!
PBL Resources for Student-Led Secondary Students:
Relevant Blog Posts:

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100 End Product Ideas to Demonstrate Learning

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How does one find project ideas for students? Even more so, how do you find project-based learning end products that are innovative, creative, and interesting? This catalog of final product ideas is a great tool for exploring final project ideas to demons

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I am never the most tech savvy person in the room. There is so much out there and it's always evolving. It's tough to know where to start and just when I feel I've gotten it, everything changes. Education technology can be intimidating and time-consuming to learn. Time isn't something teachers have in abundance. ​

One tech tool that I have been using with my students for years is Google Maps . I have really stuck by this program as an ed tech tool because it is user-friendly. That is a win for those of us that feel a little overwhelmed with technology at times. It's a fantastic learning tool and a great way to showcase student work.

I have used Google Maps as a project final product option for many of my class project-based learning activities. So if you're feeling overwhelmed by technology AND self-directed project-based learning, Google Maps is a great way to go.

Maps can be used for obvious projects such as trip planning, but it can also be used in some unexpected ways such as storytelling, scrapbooking, and data collection for science experiments.

If you're not very familiar with self-directed project-based learning, I encourage you to check out these blog posts before moving on:
Benefits of Using Google Maps in Project-Based Learning

1) It's an innovative final product - A lot of projects end with poster boards. One problem with poster boards is that they tend to be cut and paste. There's little engagement depending on ho they're used. Putting information into Google Maps requires a certain degree of inquiry and problem-solving.

2) The final product is shareable - one of the important principles of project-based learning is sharing the information with an authentic audience: relevant and public. You can easily share your Google Map by sharing the link via social media, embedding it in a website or blog, and personally inviting specific people by email to view it.

3) Encourages community collaboration - Another important principle of project-based learning is getting the community involved by utilizing experts in the field and creating a usable final product that is of benefit to the community. Creating a usable map for others to use is ideal. Let's say a student creates a tour on Google Maps. Once the map is published, anyone looking to take a tour in that specific area could use the map as a guide.

4) A tool for developing 21st-century skills - Technology is around. It's a part of life now. For students to be successful in the 21st-century workplace, I personally believe that we need to embrace technology and help our students learn how to navigate it. Google Maps is a great way to effectively utilize technology in the classroom as well as pose the opportunity to practice problem-solving, critical thinking, flexibility, collaboration, communication and so on.

Google Maps Features:

The following features are utilized regularly by my students for self-directed project-based learning end products.

1) Create routes and alter them: Students could design a tour for example, and map out their route for the day. If there is an alternative route that they want to take, students can simply move the line that Google Maps created between two destinations to fit their needs. ​

​
​2) Plan routes by bike, car, and foot: Students can choose their mode of transportation and Google Maps will automatically find the best route. For example, Minneapolis has an elaborate trail system throughout the city. If you choose "bike" as your mode of transportation, Google Maps will lay out the safest and most efficient bike route using the trails whenever possible.

3) Add pins with p hotos and descriptions: Let's say a student is planning a trip. They can throw down markers/pins to places they want to visit on their trip, and add details to those pins by creating a photo card. Descriptions and photos can be added to every pin.

4) Add layers: Students can add layers to their maps. One reason to use the layers feature would be to add itineraries for multiple days. ​

5) Measure distance: There is a ruler tool to measure distance between two points. This is helpful for gauging how much time to set aside for commuting, among other things.

6) Add directions: You can choose to add directions between pins if you wish. The directions will show up as blue lines between pins. Viewers can also get step-by-step written directions.

7) Share your final product: Because your map is online, it receives its own unique link once you have published it. That link can be shared on any digital platform. You can also embed a code to your map into any website or blog. Finally, you can invite specific people to view your map and collaborate if you wish. This last part would be helpful for feedback from a teacher, peer, or community expert (an important element of PBL.)

The following is a list of ways I have used Google Maps in project-based learning. You can use these ideas to design a project that ALL of your students do. You could also allow students to design and lead their own project-based learning experiences.

This style of self-directed project-based learning allows students to choose their project topic, how they will gather information, how they will demonstrate learning, etc.

Check out my free self-directed project-based learning implementation spreadsheet . Use this Google Sheets to organize yourself and student projects.

1) Plan a real or hypothetical trip

My students plan trips all of the time whether they actually go on them or not, and they love using Google Maps to do it. is a project that my students do every year.

My students have created hypothetical trips around the world and hypothetical road trips (some of which we ended up actually taking).

Educational Travel Resources:

3) City scavenger hunt
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Students can create a scavenger hunt around the town or city using a Google Map as their guide. Our school is located right in front of the light rail, which connects Mpls and St. Paul. A coworker of mine created a scavenger hunt for students to get better acquainted with public transportation. That is one example and something a student could do.
They would add descriptions or content info that they have gathered through research to their Google Maps photo cards.

5) Map out a story that has already been written

A few of my students did this for the Serial Podcast. The first season is about a murder in a suburb of Baltimore. The setting is critical to the storyline. Several of my students created their own Google Maps of the crime scene and other relevant locations to the case to demonstrate comprehension as well as analyze evidence from the case.

10) Be a citizen scientist!

There is something called "treks" on Google Maps where you can "off-road". You can see places that you can't see from a typical snapshot such as Angkor Wat or the canals of Venice. Google needs people to get these off road views by taking photos and submitting them to the database, a type of citizen science . If travel is part of your curriculum, you might want to look into this. This would be a great ongoing project for worldschoolers.

Students can use Google Maps to illustrate historical movement. For example, my students and I read the book "What is the What" about the lost boys of Sudan. My students tracked the movement of the lost boy refugees on Google Maps over the course of reading this book. This is a common end product for looking at the movement of a human or animal population over time.

Self-Directed Project-Based Learning: Create a Hometown Tour ​

I created my own hometown tour of MPLS using Google Maps. My tour is very personal to me, as it would be for each of your students. Check out my tour below as an example of a final product using Google Maps. You can move the map around and click on the pins to see my photo cards with descriptions and photos. To go directly to the tour, .

Minneapolis Bike Tour Project-Based Learning Example

I would LOVE to add student projects to my blog. If you use any of my resources in your classroom or homeschool, OR if you have your own projects for students that use Google Maps, I would love to showcase student work right here. If you use Google Maps in your curriculum in a way that wasn't mentioned in this post, please share in comments. I'd love to hear more ideas!

Did you know there is an experiential learning Facebook group? Check that out - Experiential Learning Community for K12 Teachers - and join in the discussion about experiential learning, including fun ways to create final products. ​​

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How to Use Google Maps in Project-Based Learning

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Google Maps is one of the easiest technologies to incorporate into curriculum, especially high school project-based learning. I use Google Maps for a variety of things, one of which is as an innovative and effective project end product for PBL projects. O

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Building growth mindset does not have to be a challenge, especially when integrated with project based learning (or PBL). Stick around to learn more.

"Every time they (students) are pushed out of their comfort zone to learn something new and difficult, the neurons in the brain can form new stronger connections and over time, become smarter." - Carol Dweck, Stanford University psychologist

As I read and listen to Carol Dweck about building growth mindset, it's confirming to me that teaching in an environment the promotes project based learning improves growth mindset, and helps in changing from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.

Project based learning presents students with a real-world problem or challenge. Students use their knowledge and inquiry to become experts. Through the process of project based learning, students are deeply engaged, learn from and correct their mistakes, and process information through problem-solving and critical thinking. Even though teachers infuse grade level objectives into the project, there are no right or wrong answers as students attack the problem or challenge. They are generally graded by their effort, strategy, and process.

All 8 design elements of a project based learning unit are important in providing a climate of growth mindset. Here are a few suggestions that may help:

1. Challenge or problem

The real-life challenge or problem in a project based learning unit is presented to the whole class. Expectations are set high and all students (not just gifted) to work on and contribute to the project each day. The way you introduce the project can have a huge impact on the students' growth mindset. I try to find a great TED Talk, bring in a speaker, go on a field trip, or have a fun hands-on activity. By providing opportunities for differentiation and collaborative learning, students can achieve and still be challenged.

2. Sustained Inquiry

During sustained inquiry, students take more ownership of their learning. Learning from experts in the field and providing a variety of resources during the pbl unit is important. This is also a time when students may have roadblocks. With a growth mindset, they will have the right approach in overcoming the obstacles.

3. Critique and revision

Have periodic checks so students can revise and improve their work. Set up procedures for peer or self-evaluation and suggestions for improvement. I always worry about the chemistry of my collaborative groups. But, when I set standards for collaborative groups, my students have a more positive group experience.

4. Student Voice and Choice

With your guidance, students will have voice in how they conduct their research, create their final product. I love using choice boards during a pbl unit. In my Open a Food Truck, students decide what country their food truck will represent, along with a menu, and design of their truck.

5. Reflection

Giving students an opportunity for reflection can be done during the project and at the end. They can reflect on feelings and the project itself. In Saving the Monarchs, students reflect on issues that have caused the monarchs to disappear, on their work, and what citizens can do to help save them.

I've included a Growth mindset graphic organizer in my new product Open a Candy Store. Throughout the project, students will complete the growth mindset graphic organizers that are based on the design elements of project based learning and key areas of opposing mindsets. (I added a few more.)

Before you begin a project based learning unit, try reading either of these books to your class. What to do With a Problem? inspires all of us to look at a problem and find out why it's here. We can understand how problems can challenge us and discover how strong and capable we are. What to do With an Idea? encourages us to embrace our ideas and as our confidence grows, the idea grows, too. I think both of these books by Yobi Yamada set the stage for growth mindset with project based learning.

Now that you know how about building growth mindset with project based learning, what questions do you have? Ask below in the comments, and I'll do my best to answer them!

For your FREE Digital PBL PLANNER, click HERE.

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Building Growth Mindset During Project Based Learning

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Building growth mindset does not have to be a challenge, especially when integrated with project based learning (or PBL). Stick around to learn more. "Every time they (students) are pushed out of their comfort zone to learn something new and difficult, the neurons in the brain can form new stronger connections and over time, become smarter."

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4 types of Conversation: Discourse Dialogue, Diatribe, Debate

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4 types of Conversation: Discourse Dialogue, Diatribe, Debate

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When talking with someone, it is helpful to know what type of conversation you are in. You can do so based on a conversation's direction of communication (a one-way or two-way street) and its tone/purpose (competitive or cooperative).

If you are in a one-way conversation, you are talking at someone, rather than with someone. If you are in a two-way conversation, participants are both listening and talking. In a competitive conversation, people are more concerned about their own perspective, whereas in a cooperative conversation participants are interested in the perspective of everyone involved.

Based on direction and tone, I grouped conversations into four types: debate, dialogue, discourse, and diatribe.

Debate is a competitive, two-way conversation. The goal is to win an argument or convince someone, such as the other participant or third-party observers.

Dialogue is a cooperative, two-way conversation. The goal is for participants to exchange information and build relationships with one another.

Discourse is a cooperative, one-way conversation. The goal to deliver information from the speaker/writer to the listeners/readers.

Diatribe is a competitive, one-way conversation. The goal is to express emotions, browbeat those that disagree with you, and/or inspires those that share the same perspective.

To highlight the differences between these types of conversations, let's use politics as an example:

Debate: two family members from opposite sides of the political spectrum arguing over politics.

Dialogue: two undecided voters talking to each other about the candidates, trying to figure out who they want to vote for.

Discourse: a professor giving a lecture on international affairs.

Diatribe: a disgruntled voter venting about the election's outcome.

It is important to know which type of conversation you are in, because that determines the purpose of that conversation. If you can identify the purpose, you can better speak to the heart of that conversation. But, if you misidentify the conversation you are in, you can fall into conversational pitfalls.

Here are a few examples of conversational pitfalls I've written about:

If someone appears to be in a conversational pitfall, you can help them climb back out. Regardless of how one climbs back out, the solution always starts with identifying which hole you are in. You must first know the problem before you can find the solution. And, sometimes, just identifying the pitfall itself is enough to draw attention to the problem and correct the conversation.

Parting Thoughts

When you are in a conversation, take a moment to think about which conversation you are actually in. Each of the types of conversation are meaningless on their own; you give them meaning in their use. And, ultimately, it is up to you to decide what type of conversation you want to be part of.

While this article is a discourse (I've been writing, you've been reading) it doesn't have to remain that way. Feel free to like, , or share before you leave. For more, check out davidwangel.com.

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The Four Types of Conversations: Debate, Dialogue, Discourse, and Diatribe - David W. Angel

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When talking with someone, it is helpful to know what type of conversation you are in. You can do so based on a conversation's direction of communication (a one-way or two-way street) and its tone/purpose (competitive or cooperative). If you are in a one-way conversation, you are talking at someone, rather than with someone.

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Este es un juego creado con inteligencia artificial. Tienes que dibujar, y una red neuronal tratará de adivinar lo que estás dibujando. Si bien no siempre funciona, mientras más juegues con él, más aprenderá. Hasta ahora hemos entrenado el juego con unos cientos de conceptos. Hicimos este juego como un ejemplo de cómo usar el aprendizaje automático en una manera entretenida. Ve el video para entender más cómo funciona, y descubre más experimentos de inteligencia artificial.

Creado por Jonas Jongejan, Henry Rowley, Takashi Kawashima, Jongmin Kim y Nick Fox-Gieg con los amigos de Google Creative Lab y Data Arts Team.

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Este es un juego creado con inteligencia artificial. Tienes que dibujar, y una red neuronal tratará de adivinar lo que estás dibujando. Si bien no siempre funciona, mientras más juegues con él, más aprenderá. Hasta ahora hemos entrenado el juego con unos cientos de conceptos.

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How to Begin Building a PBL Culture Right from the Start

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Ideas for developing relationships, co-creating norms, practicing protocols and establishing routines, and designing a classroom conducive to PBL.

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Whether you're new to PBL, or you're a busy PBL teacher, our Project Designer gives you a shortcut to implementing high quality PBL in your classroom. Adapt one of 73 Gold Standard PBL projects - or create your own project - that's ready to use in the classroom or online.