What’s Popular on Social Media?

Tap into your PLN on social media. Here are a few articles that were popular with your peers.
Communicator
August 2018, Volume 41, Issue 12

Social media is an efficient way to connect with your fellow education professionals and stay updated on the latest trends in leadership and learning. What’s resonating with other principals right now? Online learning for professional development, rethinking award ceremonies, and tips for helping children who struggle with executive function.

Online Learning

In the eSchoolNews article “Admins: Here’s What Teachers Think About Professional Learning,” author Laura Ascione looks at a shift in professional learning from face-to-face training to social media and online learning opportunities.

Ascione cites statistics that show teachers are seeking out videos and TED Talks, webinars, social networks, online conferences, and social media as their go-to sources for professional learning.

Rethinking Award Ceremonies

Linda Flanagan, of KQED News, published the article “How a School Ditched Awards and Assemblies to Refocus on Kids and Learning.” In the article, she highlights a middle-level school in British Columbia that traded in award ceremonies for what it called “success showcases.” Noting studies that showed award ceremonies can create boredom, anger, and resentment and that students (even those who win awards) ultimately lose when education becomes more about beating peers, the school took the plunge. Now, because success doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing for every student, school leaders give every student the opportunity to show off their own successes at these showcases.

Tips for Helping Children

Executive function might be at the root of the issue for students who have difficulty paying attention and remember information, asking for help, and finishing assignments in a timely manner. In “10 Tips to Boost Executive Function,” author Martha Burns, Ph.D., of eSchoolNews, looks at ways teachers can help students improve their executive function skills. Here are a few of Burns’ tips:

  • Involve students in planning and setting learning goals for lessons, assignments, and projects.
  • Use tools such as checklists and step-by-step guides to help students plan, keep track of multiple tasks, and finish work on time.
  • Give directions in multiple formats to help students strengthen working memory.

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