OZ/NZ educators

How to teach text structures for better reading comprehension and improved retention. Teachers of history, science, and other subjects are now expected to weave literacy instruction into their teaching of content. But how should they do that? What are the most effective ways to help students learn to read challenging content-area texts? This article breaks down the research behind explicit teaching of text structures and includes a video that shows how to do it (Great for content-area literacy)

An infograpic, by Mia MacMeekin, that explains the whats and hows of personalized learning in three easy steps: 1. A short, succinct definition of what personalized learning is. 2. The different ways to go about creating a personalized learning experience. 3. Some interesting examples of personalized learning are featured.

An infograpic, by Mia MacMeekin, that explains the whats and hows of personalized learning in three easy steps: 1. A short, succinct definition of what personalized learning is. 2. The different ways to go about creating a personalized learning experience. 3. Some interesting examples of personalized learning are featured.

Learn more about problem based learning, This great infographic from Mia MacMeekin offers some interesting ideas and insights on how to implement the principles of problem based learning in your classroom.

The chart features 8 strategies teachers can use to conduct a formative assessment. By definition, formative assessment is assessment for learning which usually takes place simultaneously with learning. The aim of formative assessment is to students understanding and plan subsequent instruction. In this chart on the page, you will get to discover 8 ways you can check for students comprehension, have a look and share with us what you think of it."

"A collection of rubrics for assessing portfolios, cooperative learning, research process/ report, PowerPoint, oral presentation, web page, blog, wiki, and other social media projects."

One teacher describes her journey after her school decided to use Google Drive to host student portfolios. They began to piece together the steps necessary for this to be successful for all stakeholders: students, teachers, and parents/guardians. Including parents and guardians in the loop seemed more like an emerging trend. This is how they created and shared student portfolios using Google Drive. Student and teacher permissions are set to allow both viewing and editing of content in the folders, while parents and guardians are given viewing permissions. Also, parents and guardians DO NOT need to create a Google account simply to view contents of their child's portfolio folder.

Useful tool for generating constructive alignment statements

"Even today's students need support with some areas of digital practice, particularly in an academic context, so it's important to make sure that these needs are met. We define digital literacies as the capabilities which fit someone for living, learning and working in a digital society. To help with thinking about this, we have outlined seven elements of digital literacy for consideration, which can be seen in the accompanying diagram"

"The much awaited review of the National Curriculum has finally been released with the reviewers calling for more of a focus on Western literature, and recognition of Australia's "Judeo-Christian" heritage."

"My first ACEC (Australian Computers in Education Conference) was two weeks ago in Adelaide. Many colleagues and ISTE friends from Australia and beyond had shared their past experiences with this reputable event, so now I am 'back' in Oz it was time for me to find out more. "

Post discusses an extension writing activity using a comic site. The Six Word Memoir activity allows your to discuss the virtues of editing and concise writing. Using six words narrows your frame of vision as you have to make every word count.

Discovering your students learning styles will help you better assist on their learning. Sylvan Learning has created this interesting visual that provides tips about how to engage with three different types of learners: Auditory learners, Visual learners, and Tactile learners.

Infographic - Feedback please - some very useful tips/ideas for obtaining feedback from students

An infographic that discusses a lot of useful and interesting ways to work out the prior knowledge of students

Helping students to cultivate the skills needed for writing is often about cultivating a love of writing. Every student needs to be able to express themselves clearly, concisely and intelligently, whatever they are going to end up doing in later life. "The best way to help them develop those skills is to make writing personal and give them a vested interest in communication. Blogs have become one of the most popular website formats in recent years. Blogging websites have become the essential ways for many people to broadcast their personal stories, challenges and insights. This has created both a new generation of budding writers as well as a generation with a keen interest in the stories of others. Blogging offers an immersive experience. Students are simply encouraged to begin a blog chronicling their life story or a subject that ignites their interest. That's when the skills are picked up and developed as a matter of course. The initial blogging assignment should be simple, but at the same time offer a bit of a challenge." Post offers some useful advice about blogging.

"A wiki that offers many visual art ideas and resources to inspire and motivate your lessons, artwork and art curriculum."

"GroupMap's easy and effective online group brainstorming tools with visual templates puts your ideas against everyone's ideas on one single unique platform." Useful classroom tool.