by Kevin D. Washburn, Ed.D. | May 30, 2019 | Educational Leadership, School Culture, Teaching, The Spectrum
While Florida successfully produces palm trees, in upstate New York their tall silhouettes are limited to greenhouses. A tree-lined street in my hometown may boast poplars and pines, but the climate prevents palm trees from adding to the scene. With plants, climate...
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...
by Kevin D. Washburn, Ed.D. | 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...
by Kevin D. Washburn, Ed.D. | Apr 19, 2016 | Teaching, The Spectrum
During a classroom observation, one of the second-grade students reminded me that curiosity is worth pursuing, even when it’s not on the schedule. This brief video clip is from a recent presentation and is part of our Fueling Learning workshop.
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...
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...