teaching

The DO-OVER : An Educational Necessity

/ Dave Eberwein / 3 Comments

Do-Overs — Every September!

It’s what makes education so much fun.

If something didn’t quite work out this school year there’s always next year.  Our profession is kind of unique that way.  I’ve always liked the fact that we get to press ‘reset’.  As teachers, administrators and support staff we get do-overs all the time.

We also have an education system that supports repeat opportunities for students.  I’d like to take a close look at WHY we should remember to have that mindset of providing do-overs for our students.

Believing in children (2)School is a safe place —  as educators we take enormous pride in creating spaces that are emotionally safe for everyone regardless of their story or history.  For some of our students the stark reality is that we may be the ONLY place in their world where they feel the most connected to an adult.  A place where some may form their only trusting, compassionate relationships with a caring adult.

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Happy New (School) Year – It’s More Than “It’s a Living”

/ Dave Eberwein / 3 Comments

Happy New Year everyone!  I hope that your summer was glorious.  As the calendar turned to August my mind turned to the year ahead.  I wondered about what to write for my first blog of the new year.  Then one day while having a conversation with my mom I was reminded about something funny at the movies … many, many, MANY years ago.

The story goes something like this …

movie theatre

Going to the Movies with Mom

When I was a young boy of about 5 or 6 I went to the movies with my mom.  As we were waiting for the movie to start we both noticed another little boy moving between the aisles focused entirely on picking up litter.  We were impressed and my mom told him what a good thing he was doing.  He shrugged his shoulders, “It’s a Living”.

It was hard not to laugh and if I’m truthful I probably did — I don’t actually remember.  I do remember that he was very serious about his job — it was important work.  He was making a difference.  It was his work.

PADS

Dogs Make a Big Difference in the Lives of Others

As we recalled this story it actually caused me to reflect a bit about my own work in education.  As I am now in my 50s — certainly now with more of my career behind me than in front of me — I sometimes stop and wonder about the impact I’ve had on people in our schools and at the board office:

  • Have I made a difference?  A really positive difference?
  • Have I taken some chances?  Taken enough risks?
  • Will I have any regrets when I do retire?

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Virtual & Augmented Reality – Are They Really Worth the Hype?

/ Dave Eberwein / 2 Comments

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are slowly making their way into schools.  Depending on the quality of the needed device a VR headset can be a few dollars (i.e. cardboard cutout that uses your smartphone) or a very expensive one costing hundreds of dollars per unit.  AR headsets can be just as expensive.

 

I’m admittedly a bit cautious when new tech is touted as the next ‘best thing’ for education.  Are these headsets just a gimmick with lots of fun entertainment value or are they really a way for students to actually go deeper with their learning?

Like most everything, I suppose it depends on how and why you use them.

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