Games for Language Learning
In a language learning classroom, a game “could be any activity that formalizes a technique into units that can be scored in some way” (Brown, 2001, p. 183). Additionally, a language learning game is an activity “which is entertaining and engaging”, which should be challenging in some way, and which often includes interaction and collaboration […]
Literature Circles: An Introduction
What are Literature Circles? Literature Circles are small groups of students reading and discussing the same book (AKA reading groups, book groups, or book clubs). One of the main goals of lit circles is for students to enjoy reading and engaging in “open, natural conversations about books” (Daniels, 2002, p. 18). During lit circles, the […]
Classroom Discussions
What are classroom discussions? Classroom discussion can be defined as an oral activity where teachers and students develop together a specific curriculum content or competency through each other ideas. “The purposes of a discussion are to build collective knowledge and capability in relation to specific instructional goals and to allow students to practice listening, speaking, […]
Learning about and through Food: podcast resource post
Food is an interdisciplinary concept that intertwines through a wide range of subjects: home economics, science, math, arts, and many more. In Episode 5 of our recently launched Thinking outside the Sandbox podcast, Dr. Kerry Renwick, Dr. Susan Gerofsky, and Dr. Lorrie Miller share their ideas and experiences with respect to food and the development […]
Inspiration Maps
Inspiration is a concept mapping iPad app that allows users to digitally brainstorm ideas. Brainstorming helps learners (and teachers!) connect their background knowledge to new learning concepts and content. There are many available free and paid applications (browser based, computer based or mobile) to support concept mapping. Mindmup is a free browser based application that […]
