How To Run Any Classroom

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Imagine this. You are a teacher and you have the attentive listening ears of little minds all around you. How much personal power does that garner for you? As a teacher you can run a classroom where students can learn how to learn about all the things that truly matter for life.

A critical aspect of education is an insatiable curiosity for learning. And the good news is that students already have tons of it along with their brilliant imagination.

The goal of any classroom must be to develop students to think critically, manage their attention, focus on problem solving and organization. Design thinking to create something that doesn’t already exist in the world is another important skill a good classroom environment can facilitate.

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The modern classrooms filled with technology AND digital devices don’t have to be inert where everyone is focused on their own work while being disconnected from their peers. Such places of learning and growth can be filled with interactions, group activities, challenges that involve creating a single game design or product by multiple students.

Thanks to Big Tech and their “investments and contributions” to the benefit of future generations our classrooms are heavily wired. While we might have replaced pen and paper, which is a dangerous proposition in the first place, we cannot replace our unique value proposition as humans.

We must retain the spirit of education and growth with what uniquely binds us as humans. And they are our need for autonomy, connection, collaboration, debate, conversation, humor, empathy, creativity and imagination.

A real classroom is one which is loud with shrieks and healthy debates of students and not just with the hum and buzz of the wires and devices in their little hands.

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A great classroom also makes it possible for differential learning. To reach students at their current instructional level:

1. The lesson plans have these aspects. Have a low barrier of entry. Have a high ceiling. Making sure you have lessons and activities for that. Have wide walls. Attract as many students as possible.
2. Give them voice and choice. When the have the objective, then give them the authentic voice and choice.

Read more here on how to teach in the age of AI. Click HERE.

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Ultimately, it’s important to remember that students walk into the classrooms with a lot of learning barriers. “Why do I have to take this class?” “I’m hungry.” “I feel like no one really cares about me.” Are just a few.

Students learn well when they feel like they matter and when they trust their teachers. Two things that stand out in any class setting is the social emotional skills of students and the mindfulness of the teacher.

Learning and growing are chaotic activities. Students are going to be disruptive and challenging. And when teachers lack an anchor in self-awareness, they can’t perform optimally.

In the end, how parents, caregivers and teachers show up for our students can mean growth or difficulty for their little hearts and minds. Before class starts, practicing a mindful minute activity can allow everyone to become fully present in the now.

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Inside The Ideal 21st Century Classroom

Questions, just ask!

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