High Speed Learning & The Deep Dive
Learning is like flying, often by the seat of our pants. To expand that knowledge and understand meaning and context, we need to take a deep dive and then fly high to see the bigger picture. To become ABLE learners, we must Always Be Learning, Everyone! The lessons are all around you, not just in books but in people and nature. Look around and be inspired.
Social Media and Professional DevelopmentThe number of educational professional development opportunities and teacher resources available via social media is sky high. Whether you're looking for current trends in general education--from pre-K through college, want to focus on expanding resources in your favorite subject area or need to broaden your PLN, your personal, professional learning network, there's something online actually worth your time. Stay tuned for the latest discoveries.
STEM or STEAM?STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the core areas identified by industry leaders which are lacking in our national job force, especially for women and minorities. STEAM = STEM + Arts. Creativity through fine arts and the connections from liberal arts helps students express themselves and link seemingly different areas of learning. Ensuring arts education is not overlooked in the quest for STEM enhances the power of interdisciplinary learning for truly #STEAMPoweredEd.
Interdisciplinary education includes teachers as co-learners. With so much new technology and science updating constantly, no one can expect to be the master of everything or even anything. Teachers who realize they are dedicated lifelong learners or professional students can connect more naturally with students in their own classrooms. |
What is PBL?Depending on who you ask, PBL can mean project-based learning or play-based learning. In either case, PBL activities allow students' natural curiosity to propel their learning. PBL lessons stimulate inquiry and a sense of student ownership and accomplishment. Assessment of PBL is often via rubrics, offering a more comprehensive understanding of student progress. Furthermore, some of the best PBL experiences incorporate outdoor learning.
Environmental science / science edA semi-retired Earth & Space science teacher, I earned my combined BA-MT degree from the University of Virginia, with a bachelor's degree in environmental science and a master's in secondary science teaching. I was an undergraduate research assistant for a climatologist and a coastal geomorphologist at the University of Virginia. These interests were all as native to me as Virginia Beach.
I spent several years teaching high school Earth & Space Science classes, co-sponsoring and sponsoring ecology and environmental clubs, among several other responsibilities. After retiring from the classroom due to illness, I turned to the web to investigate alternative methods of education and employment. So here I am today, writing, learning new technologies, networking with professionals and sharing #EnviroEd. Now the world is my classroom, and I will remain its student. |