Discipline: The Essential Component for Learning
Recent studies regarding disciplinary programs in the nation’s schools include a popular program known as “restorative justice.” This is an alternative to traditional methods of punishment such as suspension. According to a recent discussion among educational leaders...The “Recipe” for Instilling Intrinsic Motivation in Students
Intrinsic motivation, the type that emanates from an internal drive rather than an external one, empowers an individual to persist in any endeavor. An elite athlete training for the Olympics, or a classical pianist preparing for an international competition can...Cursive back in the Classroom?
Decades ago, in the 1950’s and ‘60’s, learning cursive, (like the Palmer method), was an essential part of the elementary school program. However, with the proliferation of computers, instruction shifted from handwriting...Irrespective of Your Opinion, Irregardless is NOT a word!
English possesses a rich and varied vocabulary. “According to UPI’s findings, “Most U.S. adults have a vocabulary of more than 42,000 words.” A proportion of these words fall into the category of recognition rather than recall. Recognition is generally...Changing the Academic Calendar
Why does the American public school system adhere to a 180 day calendar? Why do high school students begin their day earlier than elementary students? Can changes to the school day and calendar effect substantial changes in academic outcomes? When America was an...Elements of Creativity
Specific characteristics of the creative individual appear to be disparate and elusive. Creativity takes many different forms, so attempting to define it can be an exercise in futility. Does a creative artist display the same characteristics as...Writing: A Significant Factor in Cognitive Skills
The importance of teaching and supporting handwriting has implications reaching far beyond the elementary classroom. Teaching handwriting in the early grades can stimulate small motor coordination. Virginia Berninger, a researcher and professor of educational...Active Reading and SQ3R
In 1946, an American experimental psychologist, Francis Robinson, published a book called Effective Study. He delineated a method to improve reading comprehension: SQ3R. His goal was to help military personnel become better learners. The abbreviation provides the...Sleep and Anxiety
Quality sleep is crucial for good health. While that statement may be a truism, why do so many people underestimate the importance of good sleep habits? Not until the 1990’s did medical research focus on what appeared obvious to parents and teachers....
Laura Maniglia