FREE Current Event Lessons!!! (www.izzit.org)

Since it has been 11 days since my last post, I figured I had best step my game back up.  In my email yesterday, I came across a website that I have used before for free videos.  The website is www.izzit.org.  What caught my eye about the email was the following ...

Due to teacher feedback and our desire to offer more high-quality resources to as many teachers as possible, we have decided to begin offering access to our daily Current Events articles free of charge to all registered members of izzit.org beginning on Thursday, November 29, 2012.  

For the past 2 years we have charged $3.00 per year for a Current Events membership, but beginning next Thursday you will be able to utilize this resource by simply logging-in to your account at www.izzit.org and clicking “Current Events Lessons” in the left-hand column.  

We also offer daily emails which let you know about each day’s articles.  To begin receiving these daily emails, please visit the “My Account” section of our website and click on “Edit Account,” where you will be able to select the email address where you’d like to receive these. 

FREE CURRENT EVENT LESSONS!  They provide two lessons per day (which is awesome because you have options!).   Here is the format ...

1.  Key Vocabulary used in the article.

2.  Discussion questions to spark whole class discussions / collaborative group discussion / partner talking / individual writing prompts.

3.  Article with article link (Excellent to include literacy in your classroom).

I strongly suggest taking a moment to check out this resource ... as it is FREE!

Hoff

 

 

 

Article - Using Digital Learning Data to Drive Instruction

"Using Digital Learning Data to Drive Instruction"
Mary Styers, Ph.D.
Magnolia Consulting, LLC
Link

     The article breaks down the use of digital learning data into a number of ways.  I've known about the positive uses of driving instruction through the use of student learning data, but never thought about the benefits to each side of the equation (for teachers and for students).

"As a result, when students have continuing involvement in their learning and a greater understanding of performance, self-perceptions and achievement outcomes improve."

     We often focus on the academic side of our students a bit much.  I am guilty of this as well.  It was interesting to see the author focus on the student "self-perceptions" as a benefit.  In my tenth year of teaching in Thomasville City Schools, I can attest to how important that variable is.  Students need to feel self-worth and ownership over their learning.  Does anyone know a great way to organize digital data?

"When involving students in the decision making process, students should receive feedback and be equipped to learn from that feedback (e.g., rubrics). Teachers can then use student interpretations of their data to guide instructional modifications. By allowing students to monitor their progress, students are able to increase engagement in the subject area and develop a sense of control over their learning."

     Decision-making is definitely a skill our youth need to continually grow in.  It is hard to teach some days.  We want to pass on the content due to deadlines of our Essential Standards or Common Core.  However, it is critical that our students develop that same self-reflection that the new Teacher Evaluation Standards as teachers to do.  Build a lesson, teach the lesson and reflect on the lesson.  We should use that same equation for students.  Be a part of the lesson, experience the lesson, and use the lesson to make a decision about you and your environment.  How would this look in a lesson?

Throw any other thoughts on the article below to discuss.  Thanks!