Converting Simple Activities into Power Tools for Retention and Recall (Part 1): 4-Square

by Julia | Jun 28, 2018 | Learning Mindset, Teaching

Spring is my favorite time of year. It’s sunny but not too hot or humid, and a sweet breeze invites me outside. Spring rejuvenates my soul. One spring morning, my two-year-old daughter and I decided to embark upon an agricultural journey; we would plant sunflower...

Four Strategies that Spark Curiosity and Fuel Motivation

by Kevin D. Washburn, Ed.D. | May 15, 2018 | Curriculum & Instruction, Learning Mindset, Teaching, The Spectrum

Research shows that four strategies spark curiosity and fuel motivation: big ideas, meaningful student choice, increased cognitive demand, and scaffolding. Here’s how Foundations & Frameworks (a K-6 instructional reading program) naturally embeds all four...

Power Tools Can Make All the Difference: Introduction

by Julia | Apr 19, 2018 | Curriculum & Instruction, Learning Mindset, Teaching, The Spectrum

I was recently reminded that power tools can make all the difference. The play cottage Nona and Pop gave our daughter sat in the garage awaiting construction. You see, my husband and I clearly recall a previous play-kitchen construction project that took three times...

Current Trends and Issues in Education – Q&A Part 2

by Kevin D. Washburn, Ed.D. | Mar 22, 2016 | Learning Mindset, Professional Development, Teaching, The Spectrum

Here are a few more responses to questions on current trends and issues in education, including educators in faith-based learning environments cultivating growth mindset, the connection between personalization of learning and growth mindset, and the effects of social...

Current Trends and Issues in Education – Q&A Part 1

by Kevin D. Washburn, Ed.D. | Feb 16, 2016 | Educational Leadership, Learning Mindset, The Spectrum

As part of her graduate class requirement, a teacher asked my perspective on current trends and issues in education. She asked some very thoughtful questions—here are the first three of nine: What practices do you think are important for teachers, administrators and...

Increasing Learning By Minding Mindset

by Kevin D. Washburn, Ed.D. | Dec 10, 2014 | Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, Learning Mindset, School Culture, Teaching, The Spectrum

The story of “The Little Engine That Could” illustrates the ideas of belief, effort, achievement, and confidence. If we connect these ideas, we notice the following relationships: belief influences effort; effort influences achievement; achievement influences...