Nobody Likes the Teacher

A few years back, there were several articles that were published in the United Kingdom stating that education in that country could be in trouble because there are fewer and fewer young adults interested in entering the teaching profession. Here in the United States of America, as of last year, that’s also true.  CBS reports…

Music Education and Problem Solving

If you Google “Music Education NCLB,” you’ll find article after article decrying the cutting of music and arts programs from as far back as almost 20 years ago. Even back then, experts spoke of the positive effects of music education on scholastic performance because of its influence relative to discipline, competitiveness, achievement, creativity, and physical…

The Five Learning Styles

Back in 1956, a team of researchers led by Dr. Benjamin Bloom identified three domains of educational activity: Cognitive, Affective and Kinesthetic. Cognitive refers to the processes involved with learning that happen via the mind.  Rote memorization, scaffolding, and mnemonic devices are examples of learning involving processes which engage the mind.  It’s where knowledge “resides”…

Just Start It

Back in 1988, a company called Nike launched a very successful marketing campaign with the tag line, “Just Do It.” That phrase became so ingrained within the collective psyche of our society that it’s now believed that if you’re not seen as “doing something,” you’re wasting time. Further, with the promise of technology being able…

Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood?

Remember that song from “Sesame Street?” My wife and I grew up in “MisterRogers Neighborhood,” so the next generation that grew up on the “Street” had to find out who the people in their neighborhood were through song rather than a by a personal visit or video views through a magical picture frame. So who…

An Important Equation for School Administrators to Remember

In the schools I’ve visited, I’ve heard several administrators say that if the children are happy, the parents are happy.  If the parents are happy, the teachers are happy.  If the teachers are happy, the administrators are happy.  Put them all together and it creates an environment conducive to learning and school success. In mathematical…