To Innovate Or Not to Innovate? Solving the Educator’s Dilemma
When it comes to innovation in education, there is a tension. Some educators express concern about innovating when children are involved. Innovation implies experimentation and uncertainty. Aren’t “disruptive innovation” or even “breakthrough sustaining innovations” too risky to pursue in schools given that the well-being of children is at stake? Other educators come at it from […]
Read MoreWhat’s New About Blended Learning
I was recently in touch with a former teaching colleague of mine. When I told her about my work at NGLC, she teased me: “Dalia, it seems like you’re always working on these faddish reforms—isn’t ‘Next Gen’ or ‘personalized’ learning simply a new label on an old concept?” My friend’s question resonated with me. As […]
Read MoreA Big Need In Christian Education Today
Another great blog post from Dr. Glen Schultz As I was thinking about this summer’s Kingdom School Institute, I was reminded of a meeting for Christian school administrators I had attended several months ago. After the morning program, we were asked to sit at tables with people from other schools and brainstorm what ever topic(s) came to […]
Read MoreAcademic Excellence: A Blessing or Curse
I am finding a common emphasis being made in Christian schools today that, I believe, is very dangerous. On the surface, it may seem logical and maybe even commendable. However, if we study it carefully, we will find that this emphasis can be very deceptive and destructive. You may be asking, “What is this dangerous […]
Read MoreThe Value of Utilizing Parents in a Christian School
Perhaps the main resource not being used effectively in today’s Christian schools is the parent. First, let me state that I am well aware of several schools that recognize the value of parents and include them in various opportunities, responsibilities, board positions, and committees. Many of these schools are exemplary leaders in the areas mentioned […]
Read MoreDesigning a Blended Learning Program
Simply implementing blended learning or following the “best practices” in doing so will not guarantee great results for students. Authors Michael B. Horn and Heather Staker explain how educators can capture the promise of blended learning while avoiding the pitfalls. Across the world, educators are implementing blended learning — online learning in schools — to […]
Read MoreOvercoming Faculty Resistance to Competency-Based Education
The prospect of transitioning a traditional educational program to a competency based model brings with it many opportunities for change, opportunities that some might view as threats to the field of education, or to their existing roles and responsibilities. This is the case with many faculty members at institutions that are considering competency-based education (CBE). […]
Read MoreMeet The Classroom Of The Future
The classroom of the future probably won’t be led by a robot with arms and legs, but it may be guided by a digital brain. It may look like this: one room, about the size of a basketball court; more than 100 students, all plugged into a laptop; and 15 teachers and teaching assistants. This […]
Read MoreA New Kind of Social Anxiety in the Classroom
Kids who constantly use phones and computers tend to be more nervous in face-to-face conversations. What can teachers do to help? Stress about a meeting that is still a week away, handwringing before talking to the cashier in the grocery line, worrying about seeing an acquaintance on the street—for people with social anxiety disorder, even […]
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