Pedagogue Blog

Bias Starts as Early as Preschool, but Can Be Unlearned

Bias starts as early as preschool and can be unlearned. According to a study published in the PLOS ONE journal, bias can be unlearned through the process of “reconceptualization.”

Researchers at the University of British Columbia asked 120 children between the ages of three and six to identify pictures of people that were either “nice” or “mean.” Afterward, the children were asked to identify objects that were either “nice” or “mean.”

The results of the study showed that the children who had identified the pictures of people as either “nice” or “mean” were more likely to identify objects as either “nice” or “mean.”

The study’s authors say that the process of “reconceptualization” is key to unlearning bias. The authors say that the process of “reconceptualization” helps kids to see the world from a “neutral perspective.”

The study’s authors say that the process of “reconceptualization” can be taught to children through activities such as role-playing.  

Classroom in the Cloud: Technology as a Learning Environment

Technology is an integral part of our lives. Even in the classroom, technology is used to supplement teaching and learning. In this article, we will discuss how technology can be used as a learning environment and how it can benefit your students.

When it comes to technology in the classroom, there are a few main points that need to be considered: hardware, software, and Activiti. Hardware includes the computer, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. The software includes software that can be used to create, manage, and present information. Activiti is a learning management system that helps teachers to create, manage, and track student progress.

When it comes to hardware, a computer with a good monitor, keyboard, and mouse is essential. The computer should also have at least 4GB of memory and a fast processor. The operating system (OS) should also be up to date. For software, Activiti is a must. Activiti is a Learning Management System (LMS) that helps teachers manage and track student progress. It can be used in a variety of ways, including for online courses, managing student records, and creating course materials. Activiti is available on a number of platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.

When it comes to software, the LMS that is most important in the classroom is Activiti. Activiti is a Learning Management System (LMS) that helps teachers to manage and track student progress. It can be used in a variety of ways, including for online courses, managing student records, and creating course materials. Activiti is available on a number of platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.

When it comes to Activiti, there are a few things that need to be considered. The first is the hardware that is needed to run Activiti. The hardware includes a computer with a good monitor, keyboard, and mouse. The computer should also have at least 4GB of memory and a fast processor. The operating system (OS) should also be up to date. The second is the software that is needed to run Activiti. The software includes Activiti and the Activiti license. You need an Activiti license to run Activiti. The third is the user interface (UI) that is needed to run Activiti. The UI includes the Activiti interface and the Activiti client. The Activiti interface is the software that is used to create and manage courses. The Activiti client is the software that is used to manage student records and access course materials.  

Classroom in the Cloud: Technology as a Learning Environment

In recent years, many technologies have emerged that allow educators to provide a more flexible, personalized, and interactive learning environment for their students (Lieberman, 2012). Referred to as “Classroom in the Cloud,” this type of technology allows educators to access and use online resources, tools, and platforms to enhance their teaching and learning.

One of the most popular platforms for “Classroom in the Cloud” is Google Docs. Google Docs is a free online document-editing and collaboration tool that allows educators to create, edit, and share documents with other educators and students. Documents can be created in a variety of formats, including PDF, Word, and Excel.

Many educators use Google Docs to create and share documents with their students. For example, a teacher may create a document about the history of the United States in Google Docs, and then share the document with their students. Then the students can then access the document and add their own comments and annotations.

Another popular platform for “Classroom in the Cloud” is Moodle. Moodle is a free online platform that allows educators to create and manage learning environments for their students. Educators can create and manage courses, modules, and assessments using Moodle.

Educators can also use Moodle to access and use a variety of online resources, tools, and platforms to enhance teaching and learning. For example, a teacher may use Moodle to access and use online resources to teach students about the history of the United States.

Classroom in the Cloud is a versatile and powerful tool that allows educators to provide a more interactive and customized learning environment for their students.

The 5 Priorities of Classroom Management

Are you feeling overwhelmed with the task of managing your classroom? You’re not alone. According to a recent study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics, more than half of all teachers report feeling “busy and stressed” in their classrooms.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s time to take a step back and assess the situation. The first step is to figure out what your goals are for your classroom. Once you know that, you can start to prioritize your tasks in a way that best supports those goals.

Here are the five priorities that we recommend for managing a classroom:

1. Establish and enforce rules and regulations.

One of the most important tasks of classroom management is creating and enforcing rules and regulations. This is key to creating a safe and orderly environment for students.

2. Motivate and engage students.

Another important task is motivating and engaging students. This involves helping them to feel ownership of their learning and to enjoy the process.

3. Plan and organize instructions.

The third priority is planning and organizing instructions. This involves setting goals and making sure that the materials and methods you use are effective.

4. Facilitate student communication.

The fourth priority is facilitating student communication. This involves using effective communication strategies to get students to share information and ideas.

5. Provide support and assistance to students.

The fifth and final priority is providing support and assistance to students. This includes helping them to learn the material and to get help when they need it.

Once you’ve determined your goals and prioritized your tasks, you’ll be able to manage your classroom with greater effectiveness and efficiency. 

Is Class Participation Too Arbitrary to Grade Fairly?

There is much debate surrounding the fairness of assigning grades based on participation in class. Some argue that it is too arbitrary to assign grades solely on participation, while others argue that it is an important factor to consider when grading.

In general, it is agreed that participation in class is an important factor to consider when grading.

The main argument against grading solely on participation is that students do not always receive the same level of instruction based on how much they participate in class. For example, a student who is always participating will likely receive more detailed and in-depth instruction than a student who only participates occasionally. This can lead to students feeling like their level of learning is not equitable, which can discourage them from participating in class.

On the other hand, proponents of grading solely on participation argue that it is an important factor. They argue that students who participate frequently are more likely to understand the material and apply what they learned in the classroom. This can lead to better grades and greater learning.

Ultimately, it is up to the instructor to decide how they want to grade students based on their participation in class. It is important to consider the individual student and what participation levels correspond to the level of instruction that they receive.

Creating the Conditions for Student Motivation

Motivation is essential to academic success. However, students can be reluctant to put in the extra effort when they don’t feel it’s necessary or when their goals are not clearly articulated. Here are some tips for creating the conditions for student motivation:

1. Set clear goals.

Students need to know what they are trying to achieve and the steps necessary to get there. This can be communicated in various ways such as through a student achievement plan or individualized goals.

2. Reinforce success.

Make sure to regularly congratulate and encourage students as they reach milestones. This will help to create a sense of ownership and responsibility and will encourage them to continue working hard.

3. Encourage creativity and innovation.

Students need to feel challenged and inspired in order to be motivated. Encourage them to explore new interests and challenge themselves to come up with new ideas.

4. Use motivational tools.

There are many tools available that can help stimulate student motivation. These might include posters, stickers, and flashcards.

5. Celebrate success.

Make sure to celebrate each student’s successes even if they don’t reach the same level of excellence as others. This will help to build a sense of community and encourage students to continue striving for excellence.  

Resources on Mindfulness in Education

There is growing recognition of the importance of mindfulness in education, and there are many resources available to help educators incorporate mindfulness into their classrooms. One of the most popular mindfulness resources is the Mindfulness in Education (MIE) course, which was developed by the Mindfulness in Schools Network. MIE is a 10-week online course that covers a variety of topics related to mindfulness in education, from teaching students how to be mindful in their classrooms to create a mindful culture in schools. The course also includes modules on how to use mindfulness in assessment and promoting student wellness.

Another popular mindfulness resource for educators is the Mindfulness for Teachers course, which was developed by the Mindfulness in Schools Network in collaboration with the Harvard Mental Health Initiative for Education. The course is a 12-week online course that covers a variety of topics related to mindfulness in education such as teaching students how to be mindful in their classrooms to create a mindful culture in schools. The course also includes modules on how to use mindfulness in assessment and promoting student wellness.

There are also a number of books available that can help educators incorporate mindfulness into their classrooms. One of the most popular books on mindfulness for educators is The Mindful Leader: Using Mindfulness and Leadership to Create Resilience, Satisfaction, and Success by Tara Brach. The book discusses how to use mindfulness and leadership to create a thriving classroom, and it includes exercises and activities that educators can use to implement mindfulness in their classrooms.

Another book that is popular in the mindfulness for education community is Mindfulness for Schools: A Comprehensive Guide to Raising Mindful Children in a Hyperconnected World by Dr. Laura Markham. The book discusses how to use mindfulness in the classroom to help children stay calm and focused, manage stress, and learn better in a digital age.

Finally, one of the best ways to learn more about mindfulness and how to incorporate it into the classroom is to attend a mindfulness workshop. There are several mindfulness workshops available that explore different aspects of mindfulness in education, from teaching students how to be mindful in their classrooms to creating a mindful culture in schools. These workshops are often run by experts in the field, and they can be great for learning more about mindfulness and how to implement it in the classroom.

Teaching African History and Cultures Across the Curriculum

African history and cultures are an important part of the curriculum for all students. Teachers can help students understand the history, cultures, and customs of African people by using a variety of methods and resources.

One way of teaching African history and cultures is to use topic-based units. This approach allows teachers to focus on specific topics (such as food, art, music, or religion) and explore the contributions of African people throughout history. This approach can help students to better understand and appreciate the diversity of African cultures.

Another way of teaching African history and cultures is to use cross-curricular activities. This approach allows students to explore the connections between African history and other areas of the curriculum such as mathematics, science, or literature. This type of activity can help students to see the connections between different parts of the curriculum and develop a deeper understanding of the history and cultures of African people.

Regardless of the method used, teachers should always aim to foster an appreciation of African history and cultures in their students. By using a variety of methods and resources, teachers can help students understand the history, cultures, and customs of African people in a fun and engaging way. 

Engaging Students in Math

Math is essential for success in many professions, but it can be challenging for students to engage with the subject. Here are some tips for engaging students in math:

1. Make math interesting.

One way to engage students in math is to make it interesting. This can be done by using fun activities, providing interesting examples, or making the math concepts easy to understand.

2. Help students build a foundation.

Another way to engage students in math is to help them build a foundation. This can be done by teaching them the basic concepts, providing practice problems, or providing resources that help them learn.

3. Encourage students to ask questions.

One of the best ways to engage students in math is to encourage them to ask questions. This can be done by providing opportunities for students to ask questions during class, providing opportunities for students to ask questions after class, or providing opportunities for students to ask questions online.

4. Help students understand the concepts.

One of the best ways to engage students in math is to help them understand the concepts. This can be done by providing explanations, examples, or resources that help students learn.

Using Video Content to Amplify Learning

Video content can play an important role in amplifying learning, whether it’s used as supplemental material for class, a tool for enhancing the learning experience outside of the classroom, or a way to engage students in learning on their own. By incorporating video content into your learning environment, you can help students process information more effectively and retain it longer.

There are many different ways to use video content to amplify learning. Some examples include using video as supplemental material for class, a tool for enhancing the learning experience outside of the classroom, and a way to engage students in learning on their own.

Supplementing Class Material with Video

Video can be a great supplement to class material. By using video, you can provide students with a more engaging and visual learning experience. This can help students process information more effectively and retain information longer.

Using Video as a Tool for Enhancing Learning Experience

Video can also be used as a tool for enhancing the learning experience outside of the classroom. By using video, you can provide students with a more complete and reliable learning experience. This can help students improve their recall and comprehension of information.

Engaging Students in Learning on Their Own

Video can also be used to engage students in learning on their own. By using video, you can allow students to explore and interact with the material more engagingly. This can help them learn more effectively and retain information longer.

To Teach Facts, Start With Feelings

When it comes to teaching facts, start with feelings. A student’s ability to retain information is greatly enhanced when the information is presented in a way that is understandable and relatable. When teachers connect information with their students’ personal experiences, it sparks a deeper understanding and connection that can help them remember the information longer.

One way of conveying information to students is to use storytelling. By telling stories, teachers can help students understand basic facts in a way that is more memorable. For example, when teaching the different parts of the body, a teacher could tell a story about a time when they were hurt and how that affected their body. This story can help students remember the anatomy lesson longer.

Another way of conveying information to students is to use metaphors. For example, when teaching the principles of arithmetic, a teacher might say that 2 + 2 = 4 in a way that is analogous to adding apples to apples. This analogy helps students understand the principles of arithmetic in a way that is more memorable.

When it comes to teaching facts, start with feelings. A student’s ability to retain information is greatly enhanced when the information is presented in a way that is understandable and relatable.

Ja Morant and the Failure of Parenting

As one of the most promising young players in the NBA, Ja Morant has made waves in his first 3 seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. The 23-year-old point guard has established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the court, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2019-20 and leading his team to the playoffs in 2020-21 and 2021-2022. But despite his success, Morant’s career has been marred by a larger societal issue: the failure of parenting.

On August 8, 2019, Morant’s father, Tee got into a heated argument with a man named Jeffrey Melrose outside a convenience store in Dalzell, South Carolina. According to witnesses, Tee was upset that Melrose had parked his truck too close to the family’s vehicle. The argument soon turned violent, with Tee allegedly assaulting Melrose and smashing his windshield with a baseball bat. Tee was arrested and charged with assault and battery, while Melrose sustained serious injuries and underwent surgery.

The incident had a profound impact on Ja Morant, who was just days away from starting his freshman season at Murray State University. In an emotional Instagram post, he wrote that he had “never been so hurt” and that his family was “not the type to get into altercations like this.” He also expressed gratitude that his mother and sister had not been present at the time of the incident, as things could have turned out much worse.

The fact that Ja Morant’s father engaged in such reckless and violent behavior is deeply troubling, but what’s even more concerning is the message it sends to young people. Morant has spoken openly in the past about his difficult upbringing in South Carolina, where he experienced poverty and violence firsthand. He has credited basketball with helping him stay focused and motivated, but it’s clear that his father’s actions put him in a difficult position.

However, it seems that his difficult past has begun to manifest itself in dangerous ways. On Wednesday, the NBA announced that Memphis Grizzlies’ point guard Ja Morant was suspended for 8 games without pay, following his altercation with Serge Ibaka of the Los Angeles Clippers, which took place on Tuesday night.

The incident happened during the second quarter of the game, when Morant was guarding Ibaka, who had the ball. During Ibaka’s attempt to score, he elbowed Morant in the face, causing him to fall to the ground. Morant then got up and shoved Ibaka, which led to a scuffle between the two players, as other players from both teams tried to separate them.

After reviewing the footage of the incident, the NBA’s disciplinary committee decided to suspend Morant for 8 games, citing his action as a violation of the league’s rule against fighting. Ibaka was also given a one-game suspension for his role in the altercation.

While the suspension is a setback for Morant and the Grizzlies, it is also a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and respect in the NBA. The league has a responsibility to ensure that players are safe on the court and that the games are played within the rules.

Morant, who is averaging 19.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game this season, will miss several key matchups during his suspension, including games against the 76ers, Heat, and Trail Blazers. However, he will be eligible to return to the court on December 27th, when the Grizzlies take on the Utah Jazz.

Morant’s suspension is a reminder to all NBA players that their actions on and off the court carry consequences, and that they are expected to uphold the league’s standards of conduct. While it is disappointing for the Grizzlies and their fans, it is also an opportunity for Morant to reflect and come back stronger when he returns to the court.

As a rising star in the NBA, Morant is in a unique position to influence young people who look up to him. It’s time to confront the reality that many young athletes come from backgrounds marked by poverty, trauma, and neglect. They may be talented and determined, but they need more than just athletic ability to succeed. They need guidance, support, and, most importantly, good parenting. The fact that Ja Morant has made it this far despite the obstacles he has faced is a testament to his strength and resilience, but it’s also a sad indictment of a society that too often fails its children.

As fans, we can support Ja Morant and other young athletes by demanding that their teams and organizations take a more proactive role in ensuring their well-being. This means not just providing financial incentives and career opportunities but also investing in mental health services, mentorship programs, and other resources that can help maintain their physical and emotional health. But in the end, the responsibility falls on parents to do better for their children and to provide them with the love, support, and guidance they need to thrive in the world. Anything less is a failure of parenting.

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