Rethinking education common misconceptions about learning

Rethinking education common misconceptions about learning Our new blog series, ‘rethinking education’, explores common misconceptions about learning and new ways that international teachers can imagine their classrooms while teaching overseas in order to make the most enriching educational experience for students. Many assumptions that teachers make about their students and the way that they learn have no real merit. Read below as we explore these myths and debunk some of them for our readers. Students don’t care about learning One of the biggest misconceptions that needs to be addressed is that all students are uninterested in learning or that they just don’t care. When students appear to not care about their education, there is usually something else at work: perhaps last year, they had a gruelling experience with a teacher, lost a family member, or failed a test that was particularly important to them. Other than what’s happening in the classroom, some teachers argue that their students don’t seem interested in anything that’s happening in the world as a whole. If you’re faced with a few students who don’t seem to care about or engage in current events, it could be as simple as adjusting how you bring current events into the classroom in order to interest your students. As one of the most globally active generations yet, engaging children in issues of importance often just means finding the best way to share this information with them. Ask them to each present on an issue of importance to them to see what matters in their world, and connect with them on these issues. All students nowadays are tech-smart Because computers, the internet, and often times tablets or smart devices are so readily available to students now, some teachers may assume that all their students are well-versed when it comes to technology. This shouldn’t be assumed. Just because the technology is there doesn’t mean that they’ve taken the time to interact with it or understand how it works properly. Take the proper amount of time to teach your students how to use the technology in your classroom instead of assuming that they will know how to work with it. Better safe than sorry! A quiet classroom means that everyone is listening Just because the classroom is quiet doesn’t mean that you have every student’s attention. In fact, a quiet classroom could mean less engagement than a noisier one. If you find students are just sitting quietly, they could be zoned out of the lesson plan. The best way to check for engagement and interest is to ask your students to speak up. Whether you split them up into smaller groups to encourage the participation of quieter students, or you strive for full-class participation, provide regular opportunities for your students to speak up and engage and encourage a chattier environment.

Orange County Tutoring Tips 5 Ways to Survive Testing Week

Orange County Tutoring Tips 5 Ways to Survive Testing Week Private Orange County Tutoring Tips: 5 Ways to Survive Testing Week Private Orange County Tutoring Tips: 5 Ways to Survive Testing Week It seems like kids are being tested more often and at a younger age these days. Although students and parents were always expecting to deal with standardized testing when it comes time to prepare for college, not every student is prepared for the amount of testing that occurs in the spring of each year. The specifics of the testing will vary by state and school district but, for the most part, each child will be tested for one week in the spring. More often than not, school districts dont give out specific feedback on the students’ scores but rather compiles them as part of statistics for the overall school or district. Other times, parents will receive an overall score later in the summer but will not get a specific breakdown of what their child did well on and what they need help with. Depending on a childs age there are a few different ways parents and students can prepare for the stress of these exams. 1. Keep it Low Pressure A lot of younger students are not worried about standardized tests unless the people around them are worried about it. If an elementary or middle school student is taking such a test sometimes, its better just to keep it low pressure. Basic testing is not the same as the PSAT, SAT, or AP exams. School-wide testing won’t determine whether or not a student goes to college or receives a scholarship but rather it collects data for the school district as a whole. Its good for students and parents to know strengths and weaknesses, but a low-stress situation will often result in a more accurate score (READ: 5 Tips to Remember Those Tricky Test Questions). 2. Take Breaks Its important for kids to be able to take a break in between exams. Many students will be taking tests all day for an entire week, which means their break will come after school. They should also be encouraged to take breaks in between exams if allowed. Students who try to complete assignments in between classes or on the way to school will probably be overwhelmed by the end of the day. When not in the testing room, students should enjoy a snack, sometimes outside at recess, or whatever the teacher allows. 3. Ask Teachers if There Will Be Other Assignments Due That Week Its also important for students to know if other assignments will be due during testing week. Hopefully, students will only need to focus on their exams during that time. But older students may need to finish incomplete assignments or get things handed in by the end of the academic year. If a paper or project is due the week of testing, its better to know this ahead of time. It may be distressing for students to be in the testing room all day and then have to come home and complete a project. 4. Keep the Lines of Communication Open Open communication is another way to survive a testing week. If students are curious why theyre being tested, they should feel like its okay to ask. Parents might also be confused as to the specific purpose of exams and should feel free to email the teacher or administration. In addition to direct communication, there are some great resources online that can inform parents and students. These specific websites will vary by school district and state. 5. Practice Good Nutrition and Exercise For students to be totally focused on their school-wide testing, its important they have good nutrition and exercise that week. Younger students can participate in sports or simply play outside. Although older students might have other academic or work commitments, they should at least have a chance to go for a walk in the fresh air for 10 to 15 minutes. Additionally, students of all ages should make sure theyre getting enough protein, fruits and veggies, and hydration during this time (READ: Super Foods and Testing). The best way to prep for finals is with the help of a private Orange Country tutor. Call us today for more information. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.