January 2024 – Page 2

Forget Happiness. This Ancient Greek Concept May Matter More for Student Mental Health

santorinni greece during daytime — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

I think if there’s one thing that this project has highlighted, it’s the need to take more of a systemic look at our education system and the role that things like purpose and meaning play, and at different times, in children’s development
Tania Clarke

Just how important is finding fulfillment and purpose to a child’s education? More than you may think.

A recent study suggests that eudaimonia, an ancient Greek concept of fulfillment and purpose, correlates with higher academic performance in English and math.

It challenges the conventional focus on happiness in education, advocating for a deeper understanding of student well-being, including personal fulfillment and self-confidence.

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Beyond English: Why Writing Belongs in Every Classroom

person holding blue ballpoint pen writing in notebook — Photo by picjumbo.com on Pexels.com

Given the benefits of writing on reading skills, comprehension, information retention, higher-order thinking, and quality of learning, it makes sense for all teachers to focus on increasing the time they dedicate to writing in their classrooms.
Dr. Catlin Tucker

Dr. Catlin Tucker emphasizes the importance of integrating writing across all subjects in education. Tucker argues that writing enhances learning, academic success, and helps students develop relationship skills and manage emotions.

She highlights how writing boosts reading skills, comprehension, and higher-order thinking. It underscores the necessity for educators to support students through the writing process, leveraging it for a deeper understanding of material and emotional well-being, regardless of the subject taught

Leveraging ChatGPT for Customized Learning

woman in black tank shirt facing a black laptop computer on brown wooden round table — Photo by Tranmautritam on Pexels.com

Recently, on the Easy EdTech podcast, Dr. Monica Burns spoke with Sarah Wysocki on the use of ChatGPT in education.

Wysocki, an English language learner teacher, discusses using ChatGPT to create personalized, culturally relevant learning materials, and adapting lesson plans to student needs. She emphasizes the importance of specificity in prompts and the need for educators to review and adjust AI-generated content. The discussion highlights the potential of ChatGPT to enhance education through tailored learning experiences.

Cathedral, Mountain, Moon

Here’s a great discussion starter on the creative process and, perhaps, the work required to create something like this photo of a near-perfect alignment of cathedral, mountain, and moon

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for December 25, 2023, featured a breathtaking image titled “Cathedral, Mountain, Moon.” Captured by photographer Valerio Minato in Piedmont, Italy, this remarkable photo showcases a rare triple alignment of the Basilica of Superga, Monviso mountain, and the crescent moon. The image, a result of persistent effort over six years and thwarted by bad weather five times, finally succeeded under perfect conditions. This stunning shot also highlights the ‘da Vinci glow’ – Earthlight illuminating the moon’s surface, creating a captivating and ethereal scene.

Embracing the New Year: Five Approaches to Goal-Setting and Growth in the Classroom

green typewriter on brown wooden table — Photo by Markus Winkler on Pexels.com

John Spencer’s enlightening piece on reimagining goal-setting in education. serves up five refreshing strategies like a gourmet meal for the mind: SLIME (a quirky acronym for a robust planning method), differentiating process vs. product goals, nurturing creative momentum, the ‘Snailed It’ approach (slow and steady wins the race), and meaningful mid-year reflections.

These are not your typical classroom goals. They’re innovative, dynamic, and all about growing and adapting in today’s ever-evolving educational landscape.

The Power of Learning and Combining Skills

As educators, we can choose to ignore this truth or embrace it.

One choice will further alienate our students, leaving them only wanting more from school. The other choice, to embrace, will bring dramatic change and new life to schools.

It’s up to us.

Robert Greene, Mastery

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