YOU CAN’T FISH WITHOUT BAIT: Teaching for Sticky Learning — Part 2Posted on March 27, 2015 by Holly InglisIn the previous blog, we noted two types of bait you might use to hook your students and encourage their memory: Stimulate more of the senses in your classroom and work to help your students connect new information with their prior knowledge. In this blog, we’ll look at the remaining tips for sticky learning and then conclude by noting an example of a successful expedition in sticky teaching….
STICK, STICK, STICK: Teaching for Sticky Learning — Part 1Posted on March 7, 2015 by Holly InglisTeaching for sticky learning is primarily a balancing act; balancing the quantity of content with the quality of the learning experience. As we examine each of five “Tips for Sticky Learning” over these two blog posts, try to remember I’m not suggesting you throw out everything you’ve known and practiced in your educational career. Instead, try to imagine tipping the scales just a little bit toward a different kind of learning experience for you as well as your students….
Effective Social Learning for a Post-MOOC EraPosted on January 28, 2015 by Nathan LoewenOur institutions and students are as post-MOOC as they are post-modern. Our world is international, practically-focused and communications-driven. Our students need to learn how to collaborate with partners from around the world in order to create local solutions. Smaller institutions should focus on their strengths of increased internationalization, emerging in-class pedagogies and diffusion of new media technologies. In order to do this, I propose a networked pedagogy that builds on three pillars of effective social learning….
The End of (Classroom) Empire(s)Posted on December 16, 2014 by Nathan LoewenAfter reflecting on my own teaching as well as that of others, I don’t see much difference between the one-room schoolhouse and the college classroom. The basic form is often the same: one person teaching a multitude of learners. Even when a so-called “guide on the side” replaces “the sage on the stage,” not much changes. The paradigm of remains that of the teacher as sovereign of the classroom whose tribute is paid to the local institutional empire. I think this age of empire is nearing its end….
What is Sticky Learning?Posted on December 4, 2014 by Holly InglisWhat’s the stickiest thing you can imagine? When you hear the word “sticky,” perhaps you imagine pine pitch, or wallpaper paste, or duct tape, or a burr in your pets’ fur. In the process of remodeling our 1935 cabin we needed to drywall over an existing ceiling. In order to ensure that the drywall stuck, in addition to using drywall screws to secure each piece, we applied construction adhesive. Once the adhesive was applied to the drywall and lifted into place, there was very little time before the piece was permanently fixed in place…