Publish at December 11 2024 Updated December 12 2024
Teaching is a paradoxical art. On the one hand, all students must finish the year with a similar background. On the other hand, however, teachers are increasingly called upon to adapt to children's individual characteristics. The class portrait is a good tool for meeting both these objectives.
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The freedom to sit for better learning
A classroom is a teacher at the front of rows of desks where students are stationed, right? Yet the model is slowly changing among some teachers. Here, chairs are becoming Swiss balloons, sofas, lawn chairs, etc. As for the desks, some are communal and sometimes there are none at all. Welcome to the world of "flexible seating" where the classroom setting is becoming more flexible to allow for more active teaching.
Raising awareness of local biodiversity
Environmental issues are on the minds of younger generations. The realities of flora and fauna can at times seem remote. That's why it's important to take them on a walk through local environments, so that they can see the big picture, the problems that need to be addressed, and remind them of the importance of preserving biodiversity and ecosystems.
Encouraging student creativity
Of all the skills that are essential for today's world and tomorrow's, creativity is probably one that will be in high demand in the future. Consequently, from kindergarten onwards, we all try to instill a creative spark in our children. Yet many young people feel unprepared when it comes to using their creative freedom.
Recognition of prior learning, an effective way to obtain a diploma
Between 2001 and 2008, 56% of the 62,475 students in North America who benefited from prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) went on to earn a degree, compared with just 21% of non-PLAR students. Given the results in terms of perseverance and the volume of courses taken (20% more), PLAR, for both distance and classroom courses, is an option that all institutions would do well to offer their candidates.
Teaching music at a distance: an achievable challenge
Are some subjects impossible to teach at a distance? Some, including music, seem more difficult. Yet, with the covid-19 pandemic, music teachers have had no choice but to start teaching classes without attendance. An obstacle, to be sure, but one that can be partially overcome with many online tools.
