The“math wars” of recent years could be framed as a conflict between those who advocate for direct instruction on basic facts and algorithms vs. those who advocate for a more constructivist approach through which students learn their own ways of solving problems. This article describes how to look at math resources with a skeptical eye and how to adapt different resources to make learning math more meaningful for students.

http://www.catholicteacher.com/archive/articles_view.php?article_id=1112

"For me it is a no brainer. Equip teachers to do their own PD through the building of PLNs and leverage the potential of Web 2.0 tools to bring experts in at relatively low cost. Teaching teachers to create their own free PD represents a lifetime savings for the school or district."

For more information, go to:

http://21stcenturylearning.typepad.com/

For a variety of reasons, it has never been easy to fully integrate technology into the learning process in most schools. Even today, a school is fortunate to have classrooms with more than a few (new, not worn out) computers per classroom. How can a teacher really be expected to fully integrate technology when only a few students at a time can use the computer? Even if adequate computers are available, teachers may be skeptical about their usefulness. 

Many teachers are skeptical about the value of computers in the classroom. Following the guide of the "Three E's," the author shows how to make technology integral to every part of school life.

We are just beginning to use our knowledge of the brain and how it works in the teaching and learning process. Eric Jensen, an expert on brain-based learning, said it this way:“We are on the verge of a revolution: the application of important new brain research to teaching and learning…. History will likely record that it began in the final two decades of the 20th century.” (Teaching with the Brain in Mind by Eric Jensen, 1998)

So we are at the beginning stages of using what we know about how the brain works to impact teaching and learning in our classrooms. What should we do with this information? This article aims to synthesize some findings about the brain into a fairly simple-to-use formula or equation for teaching in brain-compatible ways or, as Jensen would say,“teaching with the brain in mind.”

Use open editing software to engage students in exciting collaborative learning experiences. Promote reading, writing, and high level thinking across content areas and grade levels. Wikis are a quick and easy way to energize reluctant learners, promote classroom synergy, and encourage authentic learning.