Unveiling the Power of Technology in Education: A Comprehensive Guide

photo of people doing handshakes
Photo by fauxels on Pexels.com

The Indispensable Role of Technology in Learning

Today, we’re witnessing a transformative phase in the educational landscape, significantly driven by technology. From creating engaging and immersive learning experiences to empowering educators and students with access to limitless resources, technology plays an indispensable role in modern education.

The progression from traditional chalk-and-board classrooms to interactive digital learning environments is not just a shift in teaching methods. It’s a change that enhances student engagement, collaboration, and personalized learning while opening avenues to global knowledge repositories.

Sale
Technology Integration and High Possibility Classrooms
  • Hunter, Jane (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 218 Pages – 03/23/2015 (Publication Date) – Routledge (Publisher)

Technological Integration: A Step-By-Step Implementation Guide

For any educational institution planning to embrace technology, it’s crucial to understand the implementation process. This will ensure a smooth transition and maximize the benefits of technology integration.

Step 1: Establish Clear Goals

Begin with a clear vision of what you wish to achieve. Establish the learning outcomes and the ways technology can enhance those. Whether it’s increasing student engagement, encouraging collaboration, or personalizing learning experiences, having clear goals will guide your technological integration.

Step 2: Assess the Infrastructure

Assessing the existing infrastructure is the next critical step. Determine the state of current resources, including hardware, software, and internet connectivity, and identify areas of improvement. This will ensure that the technology integration aligns with the institution’s capabilities.

Harnessing Technology for Deeper Learning: (A Quick Guide to Educational Technology Integration and Digital Learning Spaces) (Solutions for Creating the Learning Spaces Students Deserve)
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • McLeod, Scott (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 80 Pages – 09/21/2018 (Publication Date) – Solution Tree Press (Publisher)

Step 3: Professional Development for Teachers

Equip teachers with the necessary training to navigate the new technology. Professional development programs ensure teachers are comfortable using the tools, making their teaching more effective.

Step 4: Evaluate and Choose the Right Technology

Research and identify the technologies that align with your goals. Whether it’s learning management systems (LMS), interactive whiteboards, or student response systems, evaluate each based on their utility and compatibility with your institution’s needs.

Step 5: Gradual Integration and Constant Evaluation

Integrate technology gradually into the learning environment and constantly evaluate its effectiveness. This will ensure that the technology enhances the learning experience as intended.

Sale
Teach and Learn with Technology: Theory and Application of Classroom Technology Integration
  • Outka-Hill, Jill (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 244 Pages – 11/15/2022 (Publication Date) – Independently published (Publisher)

The Impact of Technology on Student Engagement and Collaboration

The integration of technology in education can greatly enhance student engagement. Interactive tools and multimedia content cater to various learning styles, making the learning process more engaging and inclusive.

Additionally, technology fosters collaboration among students. Digital platforms enable students to collaborate in real-time, irrespective of their geographical location. This cultivates a sense of community and encourages peer-to-peer learning.

Technology and Personalized Learning

One of the significant benefits of technology in education is the opportunity for personalized learning. Digital platforms provide adaptive learning experiences tailored to individual students’ needs, thereby making learning more effective and enjoyable.

The Way Forward

With the growing influence of technology in education, it’s important for educational institutions to adapt and evolve. While the path to technological integration may seem daunting, it promises a future of enhanced learning experiences, better student engagement, and personalized education.

The future of education is undoubtedly intertwined with technology. It’s time to embrace this change and leverage the endless opportunities that technology presents to enhance learning experiences. With a strategic approach to implementation, we can ensure that technology serves as an effective tool in our mission to educate and inspire the next generation.


Thanks for taking the time to read this post. If you’ve enjoyed the insights and stories, consider showing your support by subscribing to my weekly newsletter. It’s a great way to stay updated and dive deeper into my content. Alternatively, if you love audiobooks or want to try them, click here to start your free trial with Audible. Your support in any form means the world to me and helps keep this blog thriving. Looking forward to connecting with you more!

Why Every High School Grad Should Read “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Victor Frankl

black binocular on round device
Photo by Skitterphoto on Pexels.com

Introduction

In the vast landscape of literary works, few books possess the power to profoundly impact readers and alter their perspectives. “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Victor Frankl is one such book. It offers a unique blend of memoir and psychological insight, providing readers with invaluable lessons on the human condition and the pursuit of meaning in life. This article aims to highlight the significance of this remarkable book, explaining why it is essential for every high school graduate to read and absorb its wisdom.

Understanding Victor Frankl

Who is Victor Frankl?

Victor Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor, penned “Man’s Search for Meaning” based on his experiences in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Frankl endured unimaginable suffering and loss, but it was through these harrowing experiences that he developed his groundbreaking psychological theory known as logotherapy.

The Concept of Logotherapy

Logotherapy posits that the primary motivating force in humans is the search for meaning in life. According to Frankl, this search for meaning is what drives individuals to overcome adversity and find purpose, even in the face of extreme suffering. Through his book, he eloquently explores this concept, providing readers with profound insights into the human capacity for resilience and the importance of finding meaning in life.

Lessons from “Man’s Search for Meaning”

1. Discovering Purpose and Meaning

Man’s Search for Meaning” emphasizes the fundamental importance of having a sense of purpose in life. Frankl argues that by discovering and embracing our unique purpose, we can find the strength to endure and transcend even the most challenging circumstances. This message holds significant relevance for high school graduates who are embarking on their journey into adulthood, as they face new challenges and uncertainties.

2. Overcoming Adversity

Frankl’s personal experiences in the concentration camps serve as a testament to the indomitable human spirit. He demonstrates that even in the darkest of times, individuals possess the power to choose their attitudes and find meaning in their suffering. This powerful message resonates with high school graduates who are about to encounter various obstacles and setbacks on their path to personal and professional growth.

3. Cultivating Resilience

Man’s Search for Meaning” teaches us that resilience is not merely the ability to bounce back from adversity; it is the capacity to transform pain into growth and find meaning in our experiences. By reading this book, high school graduates can gain valuable insights into developing their resilience, enabling them to navigate the challenges they will inevitably encounter throughout their lives.

4. Embracing Personal Responsibility

Frankl emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one’s own life. He argues that individuals have the freedom to choose their attitudes and responses, even in the face of unimaginable suffering. High school graduates can benefit from this lesson by understanding that they have the power to shape their own destinies and make choices that align with their values and aspirations.

The Impact on High School Graduates

Reading “Man’s Search for Meaning” has the potential to profoundly impact high school graduates in various ways. By internalizing the book’s powerful messages, they can:

  1. Develop a sense of purpose and direction in life.
  2. Build resilience and face challenges with strength and determination.
  3. Embrace personal responsibility and make conscious choices.
  4. Find meaning and fulfillment in their experiences and relationships.
  5. Gain a deeper understanding of the human condition and empathy for others.

Conclusion

In a world where individuals are constantly searching for meaning and purpose, “Man’s Search for Meaning” by

Victor Frankl offers a guiding light. Its profound insights into the human spirit, resilience, and the pursuit of meaning make it an indispensable read for high school graduates. By delving into Frankl’s gripping memoir and psychological theories, graduates can embark on a transformative journey that will shape their perspectives and equip them with invaluable tools for a fulfilling life. It is with utmost conviction that we recommend “Man’s Search for Meaning” as essential reading for every high school graduate.

Sale
Man’s Search for Meaning: Gift Edition
  • Hardcover Book
  • Frankl, Viktor E. (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 200 Pages – 10/28/2014 (Publication Date) – Beacon Press (Publisher)

Thanks for taking the time to read this post. If you’ve enjoyed the insights and stories, consider showing your support by subscribing to my weekly newsletter. It’s a great way to stay updated and dive deeper into my content. Alternatively, if you love audiobooks or want to try them, click here to start your free trial with Audible. Your support in any form means the world to me and helps keep this blog thriving. Looking forward to connecting with you more!

The Art and Joy of Building a Personal Library: An Enthusiast’s Guide

books on shelves
Photo by Huỳnh Đạt on Pexels.com

When you stand inside somebody’s library, you get a powerful sense of who they are, and not just who they are now but who they’ve been. . . . It’s a wonderful thing to have in a house. It’s something I worry is endangered by the rise of the e-book. When you turn off an e-book, there’s no map. All that’s left behind is a chunk of gray plastic.

Lev Grossman

There’s something comforting about surrounding yourself with books. If you’re not sure what that feeling is, I encourage you to take a trip to your local public library. Head inside, stroll into the first stack of books you see and just stand there.

Don’t grab a book yet. Don’t walk around the stacks and browse. Just stand there. Let the voices of past and present speak to you. Hear the wisdom of ages, the folly of tyrants, and let the whimsical dance of poets blanket your soul.

You don’t have to take a book home, but you should. You don’t have to pick up a book at all, but you should.

If you stand in the library long enough, you’ll feel a pull on your inner being.

That’s the feeling I’m speaking of right now. The feeling that there is something you need in one of those books; the feeling that what you are seeking is within your grasp.

You can have this feeling at home by building a personal library. A personal library is an excellent tool for both personal and professional growth. It serves to remind you of the vast amount of knowledge that exists in the world, and how much there is still to learn. In addition, it helps to keep you humble by showing you how much you don’t know.

My own journey toward building a personal library began during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s still a long way from where I want it to be, but I’m well on my way.

Building a personal library isn’t just about stocking books on a shelf. It’s about creating a refuge, a personal sanctuary that houses the wisdom of the ages and sparks your imagination. It’s about carving out a space that reflects your identity, where each book has been handpicked with love and care.

By building your personal library, you can discover new interests and passions, and expand your understanding of the world around you. It’s a hedge against hubris and complacency, providing a constant source of inspiration and motivation for personal growth.

“Read books are far less valuable than unread ones,” author Nassim Nicholas Taleb claims. Your “library should contain as much of what you do not know as your financial means, mortgage rates, and the currently tight real-estate market allows you to put there. You will accumulate more knowledge and more books as you grow older, and the growing number of unread books on the shelves will look at you menacingly.”

I know not everyone has the means to build a personal library of thousands of books. The thought of owning even 100 books might seem overwhelming. I promise it’s easier to get there than you think.

Whatever means you may have, start building a personal library. Start small by buying physical copies of the books you love. Buy them whenever you have a chance and the means.

“In a good bookroom you feel in some mysterious way that you are absorbing the wisdom contained in all the books through your skin, without even opening them.”

Mark Twain

Let’s look at the process of building a personal library from scratch…

Building a Personal Library: The First Steps

Why Build a Personal Library? Before you dive headfirst into book buying, take a step back. Why do you want to build a personal library? Understanding your motives can help guide your choices and make the process more meaningful. Perhaps you’re an avid reader looking to curate a collection that reflects your literary journey. Maybe you’re a budding scholar who needs a comprehensive resource for research. Or perhaps, you just want a stunning visual display of your love for books. Whatever your reasons, keep them close to heart.

Choosing a Space for Your Library Next on the agenda is choosing a space. Think about where you’d like to house your books. A spare room, a cozy corner, or even a dedicated wall can serve as your personal library. The key is to choose a space that you’ll enjoy spending time in. Ideally, it should be quiet, well-lit, and comfortable.

Book Acquisition: The Heart of Building a Personal Library

Choosing Your Books Now comes the fun part – choosing your books! Start by considering your reading preferences. Are you a fan of classic literature or contemporary fiction? Do you love sci-fi, or are you more of a mystery enthusiast? Don’t just limit yourself to fiction. Your library can house a range of non-fiction genres, from history and philosophy to memoirs and travelogues.

Remember, building a personal library isn’t a race. It’s a journey of discovery, so take your time. Each book should add value to your collection, so consider each addition carefully.

Where to Buy Your Books Books can be sourced from a variety of places. Traditional bookstores, online retailers, second-hand stores, library sales, and even garage sales are all potential gold mines. Don’t shy away from used books; they often come with a sense of character and history that new books lack.

Organizing Your Personal Library

Categorization and Organization Now that you have your books, it’s time to arrange them. You could sort them alphabetically, by genre, by color, or by personal significance. Experiment and see what works best for you. Remember, the main purpose of organizing is to make it easier for you to find a particular book when you need it.

Labeling Your Books Consider labeling your books for added organization. You could invest in a personal library kit, complete with bookplates and a date stamp. Not only does this add a touch of professionalism, but it can also give your library an authentic feel.

“Don’t ever apologise to an author for buying something in paperback, or taking it out from a library (that’s what they’re there for…use your library). Don’t apologise to this author for buying books second hand, or getting them from bookcrossing or borrowing a friend’s copy. What’s important to me is that people read the books and enjoy them, and that, at some point in there, the book was bought by someone. And that people who like things, tell other people. The most important thing is that people read…”

Neil Gaiman

Creating the Ambience: The Soul of Your Personal Library

Furniture and Lighting The ambiance of your library is essential to making it a space where you’ll want to spend time. Choose comfortable seating, such as a plush armchair or a chaise lounge. Consider a sturdy table for your cup of tea or coffee. And don’t forget the lighting – a combination of natural and artificial light works best.

Decor and Personal Touches Lastly, infuse your personal style into your library. Decorate with artwork, potted plants, cozy rugs, or anything else that brings you joy. Remember, this is your space, so make it uniquely yours.

FAQs about Building a Personal Library

1. How much does it cost to build a personal library? The cost can vary greatly depending on your book-buying habits and the décor you choose. Building a personal library doesn’t have to be expensive, especially if you’re open to buying second-hand books and re-purposing furniture.

2. How long does it take to build a personal library? Building a personal library is a personal journey that can take as long as you want. It’s more about the quality of your collection than the quantity.

3. How many books do I need to start a personal library? There’s no set number. Your library could start with a handful of books that mean a lot to you. Over time, it can grow to house hundreds or even thousands of volumes.

4. Do I need a lot of space to build a personal library? Not necessarily. While a dedicated room is ideal, you can also create a beautiful library in a small corner or even on a single bookshelf.

5. How do I maintain my personal library? Keeping your books clean and in good condition is important. Dust them regularly and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or high humidity.

6. Can I digitize my personal library? Yes, digitizing your library is a great way to catalog and keep track of your books. There are various apps and software available for this purpose.

Conclusion

Building a personal library is a labor of love, a testament to your passion for books and learning. It’s a journey full of joy, self-discovery, and the simple pleasure of holding a good book in your hands. So, take your time, enjoy the process, and above all, let your library be a reflection of you. Happy reading!


Thanks for taking the time to read this post. If you’ve enjoyed the insights and stories, consider showing your support by subscribing to my weekly newsletter. It’s a great way to stay updated and dive deeper into my content. Alternatively, if you love audiobooks or want to try them, click here to start your free trial with Audible. Your support in any form means the world to me and helps keep this blog thriving. Looking forward to connecting with you more!

Reading, Writing, but maybe not ‘Rithmetic

Summer Starfighter, a sleek interstellar vessel with a polished silver hull reflecting the setting sun, intricate markings adorning its wings like tribal tattoos, Coastal cityscape during twilight, skyscrapers casting long shadows onto the shimmering sea, the atmosphere tinged with both anticipation and tranquility as the starfighter hovers, ready for takeoff, Photography, captured with a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, 24-105mm lens

Greetings starfighters. It’s time for another edition of “10 Things” worth sharing with you. It’s almost the end of the school year here in the Bluegrass, and my thoughts turn to summer and to my daughter’s impending move to middle school. I’m old.

Anyway, I hope your life is just as interesting. Perhaps some of these shares will make it even more so.

10 Things Worth Sharing

-I read around 100ish books per year, but as a doctoral student, I’m having to read more. Here are some tips from two experts on how you can read more than you thought possible.

-If you’re in grad school, these books will help you get through and maintain your sanity.

-Some thoughts on how we can avoid raising machines (hint: let’s stop standardized testing) and raise humans.

-I put together some quick resources on Juneteenth that you may find helpful. I know most schools aren’t in session by the time Juneteenth rolls around, but we can’t overlook teaching this important date.

-One of my elementary teachers (and Future Shift Fellowship cohort member) created a podcast with her students. Actually, the students did all the work. It’s pretty awesome.

-Friend and professor John Nash, Ph.D., has done some amazing work with AI in his classes. In a recent episode of his podcast, he talks about testing AI and what does and doesn’t work.

-Fun stuff: if you’re of a certain age, you may remember The Midnight Special. What you may not know is that the show is back, thanks to the official YouTube channel.

-Have you ever seen a copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio? Here’s your chance.

How Makerspaces in Schools Can Support Student Mental Health

-Final thoughts: Daft Punk released a tenth-anniversary edition of Random Access Memories, including what may be the “last Daft Punk song ever” and I’m totally not over it yet.

BONUS: As I was compiling this list, I got the notification that you can now provide input on the National Educational Technology Plan. Polls are open for K-12 Educators and Families. Please take some time to let your voice be heard. This is the first time since COVID-19 hit that this important policy document is getting an update. You can access the links to either poll right here.


Thanks for reading. The end of the school year means we’re officially in the “dads and grads” gifting season. I’ve put together a couple of book lists for quick and easy gifting. Here’s one for dads and one for grads. Enjoy!

Unboxing Shakespeare’s First Folio

A mesmerizing scene of a Shakespeare First Folio displayed in a grand library, ornate bookshelves reaching to the ceiling, dim ambient lighting casting soft glows on the shelves, intricate woodwork and carvings adorning the room, leather-bound volumes surrounding the Folio, creating an atmosphere of knowledge and intellectual pursuit, Sculpture, marble carving

For proof that Shakespeare’s genius was evident to his contemporaries, look no further than the collection of plays published seven years after his death: Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies (1623), today often called his First Folio.

The First Folio is a collection of 36 plays by William Shakespeare that was published in 1623. One of the most influential books ever published, only about 230 copies are known to have survived. The Victoria and Albert Museum has three copies, and in this video, they lead the viewer on a tour through one of them.

How to Read More Books: Learn from the Masters

photo of woman reading book
Photo by Polina Zimmerman on Pexels.com

Are you looking to read more books but can’t seem to find the time or the motivation? You’re not alone. The world is full of distractions that can waste your time and energy. But for those who have a passion for the written word, there are ways to overcome these hurdles and cultivate a robust reading habit.

Reading more books is an admirable goal that can expand your mind, improve your cognitive abilities, and offer you a richer, more nuanced understanding of the world. Bibliophiles like Tyler Cowen and Ryan Holiday are well-known for consuming vast quantities of books yearly. Let’s explore their strategies and learn from their habits.

Tyler Cowen: Quantity and Quality

Economics professor and co-founder of the blog Marginal Revolution, Tyler Cowen, is known for his voracious reading habits, consuming hundreds of books per year. How does he do it? Here are a few insights.

1. Skim first: Cowen advocates for speed reading or skimming through a book before deciding whether to devote more time to it. Skimming allows you to get the gist of the book, which can help you decide if it’s worth delving deeper.

2. Don’t be afraid to quit: If a book isn’t engaging or useful, Cowen recommends abandoning it. There’s no sense in wasting time on a book that isn’t providing value. Life is too short, and there are too many good books out there to stick with one that’s not working for you.

3. Read broadly, but specialize too: Cowen suggests reading widely to expose yourself to a variety of ideas, but also recommends specializing in certain areas. By focusing on specific subjects, you can develop a deeper understanding and knowledge base.

Ryan Holiday: Deliberate and Reflective Reading

Ryan Holiday, author, media strategist, and populizer of all things stoic philosophy, is another avid reader who goes through hundreds of books a year. He has a different approach to reading than Cowen; here are some of his strategies:

1. Always have a book with you: Holiday suggests always having a book on hand. This allows you to fill in those idle moments with reading rather than scrolling through your phone.

2. Note-taking and marginalia: Holiday is a firm believer in active reading. He takes notes, underlines passages, and writes in the margins of his books. This helps him engage more deeply with the material and aids in recall later on.

3. Reflect and review: Holiday recommends reviewing your notes and even rereading books to ensure comprehension and retention. By reflecting on what you’ve read, you can deepen your understanding and apply the knowledge to your own life.

Conclusion: Develop Your Own Reading Habit

While Cowen and Holiday have different strategies, they share a deep love of reading and a commitment to making it a priority. If you want to read more books, consider trying some of their strategies.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to read more books for the sake of quantity but to enrich your mind and life. So skim or dive deep, read broadly or specialize, take notes or reflect — find what works best for you and make reading a part of your daily routine. The world of books is vast and varied, and there’s always something new to discover.



Thanks for taking the time to read this post. If you’ve enjoyed the insights and stories, consider showing your support by subscribing to my weekly newsletter. It’s a great way to stay updated and dive deeper into my content. Alternatively, if you love audiobooks or want to try them, click here to start your free trial with Audible. Your support in any form means the world to me and helps keep this blog thriving. Looking forward to connecting with you more!

Largest Book Publisher Joins Forces to Combat Book Banning

books in basket selling outdoors
Photo by Ahmed ツ on Pexels.com

Penguin Random House, the leading book publisher in the nation, has partnered with PEN America in a significant endeavor to challenge book banning. In an ongoing legal battle, they have joined a coalition comprising parents, authors, and concerned individuals who filed a federal lawsuit against the imposition of bans in Escambia County, Florida.

Escambia County, situated in northwest Florida, has recently enacted restrictions on or removed a minimum of 16 books from public school libraries and classrooms. The banned books encompass a wide range of literary works, including the debut novel of a Nobel Prize laureate and a beloved coming-of-age bestseller from the 1990s.

Among the contested books is “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” which not only achieved success as a novel but also gained popularity as a hit movie. Last autumn, a local high school teacher raised objections to this book and over a hundred others, prompting Christian activists to voice their concerns at multiple school board meetings.

One such activist, Aaron Schneier, a parent from Pensacola, defended the removal of books, arguing that it does not constitute censorship to exclude explicit or sexually provocative literature from school settings. School board member Kevin Adams supported the removal of “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” from the optional 12th-grade novel study, emphasizing the need to establish standards of conduct and manners for students that align with his personal values.

Suzanne Nossel, the executive director of PEN America, expressed the organization’s commitment to defending free speech. Over the past two years, PEN America has meticulously documented more than 4,000 cases of book bans or removals. Escambia County’s situation was deemed particularly egregious, prompting the decision to file this lawsuit. The plaintiffs involved include affected parents, students, Penguin Random House as an affected publisher, and other concerned individuals. They collectively advocate for the intervention of the judicial system to uphold constitutional rights.

Among the plaintiffs is Ashley Hope Perez, an acclaimed writer whose bestselling book, “Out of Darkness,” depicts a love story between a Mexican American girl and an African American boy. Perez humorously remarks that her book is “super banned,” having faced bans in numerous locations, including Escambia County. She observes a recurring pattern wherein books like hers become targets for removal by groups such as Moms for Liberty, which offer pre-prepared talking points. Perez further highlights the lack of substantive engagement with the content of these books, often accompanied by repetitive typographical errors.

While Perez prefers open discussions over legal battles, she recognizes the necessity of utilizing the tools of democracy during this critical moment. She emphasizes that young people seek narratives that are not sanitized but rather provide opportunities to explore challenging issues and imagine lives different from their own.

In response to the mounting pressure, the Escambia School Board announced a temporary halt to book challenges, extending indefinitely. NPR’s attempts to obtain comments from the school board went unanswered.

The joint efforts of Penguin Random House, PEN America, and the coalition of plaintiffs underscore a broader fight against book banning, advocating for the preservation of intellectual freedom and the exploration of diverse perspectives.


Thanks for taking the time to read this post. If you’ve enjoyed the insights and stories, consider showing your support by subscribing to my weekly newsletter. It’s a great way to stay updated and dive deeper into my content. Alternatively, if you love audiobooks or want to try them, click here to start your free trial with Audible. Your support in any form means the world to me and helps keep this blog thriving. Looking forward to connecting with you more!

Organic Learning Communities

"The best connected learning communities have strong visions and clarity of purpose—and often begin organically." (Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach and Lani Ritter Hall, Connected Educator, The)
The Connected Educator

Not every organization begins through an order from on high.

Some of the greatest change comes from groups of people who share a common vision and a desire for change.

These groups make change happen over time, building a case for their views and influencing others.

Change takes time but when driven organically, it stays.

The Best Books to Help You Get Through Grad School in 2023

woman sitting in front of macbook
Photo by energepic.com on Pexels.com

This post contains Amazon affiliate links

I’m sure when many professionals look back on their grad school experience, there are a few things they’d tell their past selves.

“Slow down.”

“Pace yourself.”

“Take care of yourself.”

Face it, grad school requires a ton of time and effort. And many grade students are working full-time while they’re in school, adding to the pressure and lack of time to complete school work.

Yes, there’s lots to do in grad school, but taking time for yourself is still important. Doing well in grad school is important, too, but if you don’t take care of yourself, your accomplishments in school are for naught.

So, let’s get back to your reading habit.

Reading books can help you develop new habits, stay motivated, and increase your energy levels. And reading keeps your brain engaged more than binging 17 seasons of your favorite shows on Netflix (although, sometimes, you need a binge).

Reading for Leisure

I have lots of reading to do in my studies. Let’s face it: most reading for grad school is NOT fun. It may be interesting and, hopefully, informs your work, but it’s not stirring anything deep in your soul.

Should you read for pleasure when you’re in grad school? OF COURSE!

Even if you get in just a few hours a week of reading your favorite genre, you will benefit. Don’t overlook the benefits of jumping into another world for a few hours and forget about the pressures of grad school.

Let’s take a look at some books to help you in your grad school journey. These books cover the writing process, productivity, self-care, and some fun reads.

Books to Improve Your Writing Skills

How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing by Paul Silvia

If you’re having trouble making headway with your writing, you might want to check out “How to Write a Lot” by Paul Silvia. It’s not going to turn you into Shakespeare or anything, but it can help you build good writing habits and make it easier to separate your writing time from your personal time. The book breaks the writing process down into bite-sized chunks, making it easier to tackle and giving you plenty of opportunities to celebrate your progress. Definitely worth a shot – you might be surprised at how much you can get done.

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

This book is a total classic, and it’s all about how to write and how to get over writer’s block and all those pesky mental roadblocks that get in the way of writing. It’s not specifically about grad school or academia, but it’s on this list because it’s basically the bee’s knees when it comes to writing advice.

The title comes from a story the author wrote when she was a kid about writing a paper about birds. Like “How to Write a Lot,” this is all about taking it slow and steady, tackling one small task at a time.

Several Short Sentences About Writing by Verlyn Klinkenborg

A unique book that can help snap you out of typical academic writing mode “…thus the present findings elucidate a novel method for exploring the behavior and interactions of…”

Almost poetic. Almost rhythmic. Straight to the point. The author explains in free form the fallacies and illusions of forming sentences and getting them onto the page. This will force you to re-think your mental process resulting in better sentences and better papers.

The end of the book covers examples of common sentences and calls out the superfluous wording, re-writing it with only the essentials.

Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day: A Guide to
Starting, Revising, and Finishing Your Doctoral Thesis by Joan Bolker

If you’re lacking motivation, struggling to get started every day, or
are completely overwhelmed by the massive task at hand, give this book a look. It doesn’t offer any real advice on the details of a dissertation
but instead aims to instill confidence in the reader. The author guides
you through setting daily page goals, storing ideas, and getting
something–anything–down on the page each day. Essentially a personal
confidence coach for writing, applicable to more than just a
dissertation.

The Literature Review: Six Steps to Success by Lawrence Machi

Starting your literature review is the hardest part. It feels like a
daunting task without a clear path to success. This book helps break
down each step in the process into achievable goals supplemented by
strategies for efficiently and effectively approaching each one. The few
hours spent reading this book will be paid back to you in saving time
researching and writing later.  It will help save your sanity and reduce
anxiety approaching your first literature review.

Books to Increase Your Productivity and Focus

The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod

This book has been instrumental in maintaining my sanity. Hal Elrod’s book shares his technique of six popular morning routine practices: exercise, reading, journaling, visualization, affirmations, and meditation. He started doing all of them every morning after a near-fatal car accident left him physically and mentally impaired. He refined the timing and intentions around each practice and shared it with friends, which exploded by word-of-mouth. Eventually, he wrote a book to share the technique with the world.

This book is highly recommended for anyone with a self-driven and self-structured workday, like a typical grad student. Read it soon to see how it can greatly impact your life.

Getting Things Done by David Allen

In my mind, this book is the bible of productivity.

“The Getting Things Done (GTD) program is designed to help you do the things you have to do with less time, energy, and effort so you can do more of the things you want to do.

The crux of the GTD system is to store every task, reminder, and note bouncing around your brain in an external organization system to free up your mental energy to actually focus on the task at hand. Your brain is great at creating and processing things but not at remembering them, so trying to keep track of everything in your head saps your brainpower from doing what your mind does best.

For more great books for grad students, check my ever-growing list right here.


Thanks for taking the time to read this post. If you’ve enjoyed the insights and stories, consider showing your support by subscribing to my weekly newsletter. It’s a great way to stay updated and dive deeper into my content. Alternatively, if you love audiobooks or want to try them, click here to start your free trial with Audible. Your support in any form means the world to me and helps keep this blog thriving. Looking forward to connecting with you more!

It Takes Practice to Become an Expert

"Whether professionals have a chance to develop intuitive expertise depends essentially on the quality and speed of feedback, as well as on sufficient opportunity to practice." (Daniel Kahneman, Thinking, Fast and Slow)
Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

To become an expert at something, you have to practice that something.

Doctors and lawyers often use the term “practice” to describe their daily work.

Educators are the same. We practice every day. And we get a little better every day.

So do our students. Provided we allow them to practice.

This idea is at the heart of student-centered instruction. We serve to guide them along their path; they choose the path.

And they choose how long they stay on that path. The more passion they have, the longer and harder they will work.

The more we walk all over their practice time with test prep and meaningless teacher talk designed to keep us in control, the less engaged our students will be.

Less engagement means they practice other things. And so begins the cycle.

Let them practice; let them learn.



Thanks for taking the time to read this post. If you’ve enjoyed the insights and stories, consider showing your support by subscribing to my weekly newsletter. It’s a great way to stay updated and dive deeper into my content. Alternatively, if you love audiobooks or want to try them, click here to start your free trial with Audible. Your support in any form means the world to me and helps keep this blog thriving. Looking forward to connecting with you more!