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Students need explicit instructions and instructions to get the most out of social bookmarking. Students must see the point of aggregating bookmarks that they can return to for further use. Don’t expect them to initially appreciate the value of why they should bookmark. Students need to be aware of the types of bookmarks they can save. I teach history, so a bookmark could be a link to maps, photos, documents, quotes and so on –it’s like collecting different artifacts online. Students need to understand bookmarking is about finding quality links and not quantity.

At a glance: what makes Finland stand out “What visiting educators from over 50 countries have found in Finland is simple: well trained teachers and responsible children– Seppo Tella, professor of language education (and teaching matters),University of HelsinkiThe Finns have a high regard for and confidence in their schooling system and a high opinion of schooling.All teachers must hold a masters degree; most train for at least five and a half years.Status of teachers is high and teaching is one of the most coveted and popular professions.400 local councils or municipalities administer schools. Schools are free to tailor education to local needs. Government only sets overall objectives.Principal has key role in driving education, responsible for the school’s entire operation and pupil assessment and budget.Principals evaluate teacher performance focusing on mastery of the profession, pupil performance and ability to co-operate.No national evaluation system for teacher work, no external inspection system and no focus on league tables.Compulsory nine year basic schooling is free for all aged 7-16 years.Schools have a statutory obligation to maintain contact with homes.“Our objective is not to be the best in the OECD. Our objective is to provide the best possible education for our children

First, great teachers tended to set big goals for their students. They were also perpetually looking for ways to improve their effectiveness.

“You want to work smart, not hard,” he tells me later. “If you just show them the traditional method, not everyone understands.” He actually learned the method last year—from one of his students.