Jeffrey Neill, Ed.D.’s Post

Axiom Private Tutoring's 5-day summer school can potentially help with brain function and readiness for Term 1 in several ways, focusing on both cognitive and non-cognitive skills: Cognitive benefits: Review and reinforcement: The program can address knowledge gaps from the previous term, solidifying understanding and reducing the burden of starting Term 1 from scratch. This repeated exposure strengthens neural connections, improving memory and retrieval. New skills and knowledge: Summer school might introduce new concepts and skills, stimulating mental growth and flexibility. Learning new things promotes neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to adapt and form new connections. Sharpened focus and attention: Structured classes and dedicated learning time can help train the brain to focus better and resist distractions, a crucial skill for academic success. Improved problem-solving abilities: Engaging with academic challenges in a supportive environment can enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills, valuable for tackling complex tasks in Term 1. Non-cognitive benefits: Increased academic confidence: Addressing gaps and gaining new knowledge can boost confidence and motivation for learning in the new term. This positive mindset encourages active engagement and higher academic performance. Develop study habits and routines: Summer school can provide a structured environment to practice effective study habits like time management, organization, and active learning. These routines are transferable to Term 1, promoting better academic performance. Reduced anxiety and stress: Feeling prepared and confident about returning to school can mitigate anxiety and stress associated with a new term. This fosters a more positive and relaxed learning environment, boosting overall well-being and academic potential. However, it's important to consider: Individual needs and learning styles: The program's effectiveness depends on its alignment with each student's specific needs and learning preferences. Ensure the content and approach match the individual's strengths and weaknesses. #AxiomSummerSupercharge #WebsiteTakeoff #EducationRevolution #GetReadyToSoar

For most educators, the pandemic was a defining moment in their careers, a situation more disruptive than they could’ve imagined. In summer 2020, EdSurge profiled nine first-year teachers to understand what it was like for them to launch their careers during the pandemic year. We checked in with them recently to see how they’re doing, what they’re up to and where they are now. Read their responses here: https://lnkd.in/eUcS6-Zn #COVID19 #Educators #RemoteLearning

❗ The 7 Cs: How We, as Teachers, Should Prepare Our Students for the Future❗ 🗯 “If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.” – John Dewey Many thanks to Pui Ying Law for her comprehensive and nuanced article on the topic of “The Role of the 7 Cs in Education.” Building on the insights of P21 (Partnership for 21st Century Learning) regarding the essential skills needed for the 21st century, which should, therefore, play a key role in education, she references the book by Bernie Trilling and Charles Fadel, 21st Century Skills: Learning for Life in Our Times, and thoroughly explains the 7 Cs: 🚀 #CriticalThinking 🚀 #Creativity 🚀 #Collaboration 🚀 #Communication 🚀 #Computing 🚀 #CrossCulturalUnderstanding 🚀 #Career Without delving into each of these skills in detail (you can explore them fully in the article or the aforementioned book), one thing becomes clear: 💪 the focus is on #skills, not #knowledge. This shift has been demanding a change in educators' #mindset for quite some time and is, in fact, nothing new. These topics have long been reflected in curricula and many educational debates. However, as this new school year begins, it serves as a personal reminder of what truly matters if I want to ensure my students, through the education I provide, can thrive in the future labor market and in life. Here are a few key areas I like to emphasize: 🚀 Developing #networks and #connections. 🚀 The ability to #collaborate and #compromise, breaking down barriers between #diverseethnicgroups. 🚀 Life is and always will be complex with constant #changes; therefore, the ability to solve problems effectively and embrace #lifelonglearning is essential. 🚀 Being open to #creativity and #innovation. 🚀 Transform the classroom into an active space for inquiry, #discussion, #questioning, and #debate (this is part of fostering democratic citizenship in the 21st century). When I think of my students learning German as a second language, who represent the world in the classroom, my elective course in "Business Psychology," and my Latin class where we discuss "Politics in Times of Crisis," these serve as great cornerstones to guide our focus. With that in mind, I wish everyone a great start to the new school year. And, of course, I look forward to exchanging experiences and engaging in discussions. #education #school #coaching #3workscoaching

"Sir, I just can't focus in class." These words from a bright 5th grader last week struck a chord deep within me. 🎵 It made me wonder: How many students silently struggle with this same challenge every day? The reality is, attention difficulties are increasingly common in our fast-paced, digitally saturated world. But there's hope on the horizon. Psychological assessments are opening up a fascinating window into our students' inner worlds: • Cognitive strengths: Identifying areas where students naturally excel • Attention patterns: Understanding how and when students focus best • Emotional needs: Recognizing the role feelings play in learning At Delhi World Public School, we're embracing this approach wholeheartedly. Here's why: 1. Personalized learning: By understanding each student's unique profile, we can tailor our teaching methods to suit their individual needs. 2. Early intervention: Identifying challenges early allows us to provide targeted support before issues compound. 3. Strengths-based approach: Focusing on what students do well boosts confidence and motivation. Results so far have been incredibly encouraging: 1. 20% improvement in overall grades across the board 2. Happier, more engaged students who actually look forward to coming to school 3. Stronger parent-teacher partnerships, with families feeling more involved and empowered But the real win? It goes beyond numbers. It's seeing the light in a student's eyes when they finally understand and appreciate their unique learning style. It's watching them develop metacognitive skills - learning how to learn. For example, one of our students discovered through assessment that she's a highly visual learner. Now, she creates colorful mind maps for every subject, transforming her note-taking and comprehension. Another student learned, he processes information best through movement. His teachers now incorporate short "brain breaks" into lessons, dramatically improving his focus and retention. These insights are game-changers, not just for academic success, but for lifelong learning and self-awareness. Teachers, I'm curious: How are you helping students discover their learning superpowers? Are you using assessments in your classroom? Have you noticed any surprising insights? Let's share our experiences and build a community of teachers dedicated to unlocking every student's potential. Together, we can create classrooms where every child feels understood, supported, and empowered to learn in their own unique way. #StudentEngagement #EducationEvolution #PersonalizedLearning #TeachingInnovation

Tuesday Tattles #64   Adapting to Education’s Evolution   As my daughter prepares for her IGCSE exams starting in two days, she remains reasonably calm and collected. There has been no frantic burning of the midnight oil, no hours spent buried in books at the library, and no group study sessions. Despite my wife’s and my mounting anxiety, she maintains her composed stance, exhibiting minimal signs of pressure. It is a good thing, perhaps. I have had the privilege of teaching and managing students (and teachers) spanning from Gen X to Gen Alpha throughout my 30-plus years as an educator. But the resilience among Gens Z and Alpha students, just like my daughter, is remarkable, considering the archaic nature of many school systems that fail to address their evolving learning needs, coming out from the pandemic. By comprehending the unique characteristics, learning preferences, and societal influences shaping each generation, educators can tailor their approaches to better meet the needs of students and foster an environment conducive to learning and growth. In the post-pandemic landscape, guiding students through their learning journey requires a deeper understanding of their unique needs. By knowing, understanding, and supporting learners, educators can guide them towards triumph in their educational journey. Equipped with resilience and a thirst for knowledge, they should navigate the complexities of the future with confidence and success. Teachers, whether they are from Gens X, Y or Z, have a valuable opportunity to enhance their teaching practices by sharing their experiences and knowledge. Collaborative sharing of insights and strategies among educators across different generations can enrich teaching methodologies, promote innovation, and foster a supportive community of learning professionals dedicated to maximising student success in the classroom and beyond. Share your thoughts and experiences.     #djohannwrites #djohannsthoughts #djohannshares #djohannasks #understanding #supporting #GenX #GenAlpha #learningjourneys #teachdifferently #sharingiscaring

Here are some great ways to get students in higher education more ENGAGED during class. How many do you use? Are there any you want to try? And remember ... you can PUBLISH ideas like this in The University Grapevine (see the COMMENTS). 1. Integrate Career-Relevant Projects 2. Use Industry Tools and Software 3. Foster Autonomy with Flexible Learning Paths 4. Encourage Critical Thinking through Debates and Case Studies 5. Create Networking Opportunities with Guest Speakers 6. Promote Student-Led Seminars and Peer Teaching 7. Incorporate Research-Based Learning 8. Leverage Collaborative Platforms for Group Work 9. Offer Real-Time Feedback during Class 10. Encourage Interdisciplinary Learning https://lnkd.in/g7Be-68y

What is the 𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞 influence on student success? After over 15 years of research, synthesizing 800 meta-analysis studies, and 80+ million students studied, researcher John Hatte identified “Collective Teacher Efficacy" (CTE) as the most influential. It's not just about teachers feeling good about themselves but something more elaborate than that. Collective Teacher Efficacy is: “Teachers working together to have appropriately high, challenging expectations of what a year’s growth for a year’s input looks like fed with the evidence of impact which is what sustains it. It’s not just a growth mindset. It’s not just 'rah-rah thinking.' It’s not just, 'Oh we can make a difference!' But it’s that combined belief that 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠. It is not the students. It’s not the students from a particular social background. It’s not all the barriers out there. Because when you fundamentally believe you can make the difference, and then you feed it with 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞, that is what makes it dramatically powerful.”* When educators together 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 the evidence-based instructional strategies and then 𝐬𝐞𝐞 the evidence of it making a difference, that is where CTE flourishes. This is why it's so powerful to have structures in place to measure and improve quality teacher-child interactions and instructional strategies in the classroom. Class assessment systems like CLASS** and professional development around High-leverage Practices*** go a long way toward developing CTE and creating a culture of learning that leads to making a real difference in our early learners' lives.    —-- Sources: * Visible Learning: https://bit.ly/3UPLP3s ** Teachstone CLASS: https://bit.ly/4bCHkPZ *** High-leverage Practices: https://bit.ly/3OLbarG #ScienceOfReading #orallanguage #inquirybasedlearning #earlychildhoodeducation #professionaldevelopment #teachersoflinkedin #kindergarten #prek #firstgrade #vpk #earlyeducation #readingforall 

Greetings to my esteemed network of educators and the insatiably curious learners within this professional community! 🌟 I hope this message finds you all thriving and continually striving for excellence in your respective educational endeavors. Lately, I've been contemplating the dynamics of our classroom environments and the methodologies we employ to engage our students. It's imperative we regularly assess the impact and effectiveness of our lessons, ensuring they are not only informative but truly transformative. The cornerstone of any progressive educational model is the integration of what are often referred to as the 4 C's: Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, and Communication of Ideas. Each of these components plays a pivotal role in developing the multifaceted skill set our students require to navigate the complexities of the modern world. My challenge to you, dear colleagues, is to adopt an ambitious approach—let us endeavor to incorporate at least one of these crucial elements into every class session we conduct. Imagine transforming our classrooms into veritable Mental Gymnasiums, spaces where our students are not merely passive recipients of information but active participants in their learning journey. Envision them flexing their cognitive muscles, sharpening their analytical abilities, and expanding their creative capacities to solve real-world problems. This approach will not only enhance their academic prowess but prepare them to be innovative leaders and compassionate citizens in their future careers and communities. In doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering an educational atmosphere that is not just about rote learning but about sparking a passionate pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. Let's collectively make this our overarching #EducationGoals. Together, we have the power to transform learning into an exhilarating adventure that captivates the minds and hearts of our students. 🎉 Here's to embracing lifelong learning as both a mission and a joy. May we continue to inspire and be inspired, pushing the boundaries of what education can achieve. #LifelongLearning

Featured on #TheEvoLLLution this week! 📝 As postsecondary institutions face skepticism about its ROI, it’s critical that they engage students, collaborate with other institutions and connect with industry to deliver a truly valuable learning experience. Check out this article by Saybrook University's president Nathan Long Link in the comments below! #highereducation #lifelonglearning

💡 Why learn? What's the essence of #learning? You've set goals, drafted a curriculum, identified learning styles – fantastic! 🌟 But what's next? Dive straight into the curriculum or take a moment to map out the journey and learning outcomes? Knowledge is potent, but without #purpose, it may not be fully utilized. Learning for the sake of awareness is a worthy goal, a goal unto itself. 🌈 There are #philosophies behind #education, guiding the paths of institutions, educators, and researchers. In my search, I stumbled upon 9, each with a unique emphasis on either teachers or students. From #Behaviorism's influence of stimuli and responses to #Connectivism focusing on information processing and cognitive structures to #Constructivism, where learners actively construct knowledge through experiences, these philosophies shape our educational landscape. #Humanism celebrates individual potential, #Connectivism explores networked learning, and #Existentialism delves into personal freedom and meaning. #Pragmatism values practical experience, and #CriticalPedagogy delves into education and social justice. Lastly, #Eclecticism combines various approaches – each a potential #PhD topic on its own. 🎓✨ Why is this crucial? The essence of traditional higher degrees has been questioned. Today, emphasis is on learning skills which can be achieved with less resources in a much shorter time. Also companies are removing higher education as a pre-requisite to be considered for jobs. Is it still worth it? I reflected on why I wanted to advance my #knowledge and landed on these: I want to learn to expand my general #capacity I want to learn to enhance the value I provide to the world AND I want to learn to improve my learning #capability The last one is at the #core of this #journey as remaining relevant in the future depends on our ability to learn new things. I invite you to explore the 9 education philosophies; they might offer insights into why learning skills alone may not be viewed as a complete education. 🌍💬 I invite you to join me on this #journey as we explore the #EssenceOfLearning to #OptimizeHumanPotential. 🌟 #PhDofLife #AfricanExcellence #DoctorateOfLearning #LearningJourney #EducationPhilosophy #EducationReflections #ContinuousLearning