Recent Posts | Cult of Pedagogy

The 5-Second Solution for a Talkative Class

22Dec2013

by Jennifer Gonzalez

When I observe teachers, I see one small, specific problem more often than anything else. If they fixed it, they would notice an instant difference in how well their classes go.

Turn YouTube into a Classroom with PlayPosit

17Dec2013

by Jennifer Gonzalez

You know the Internet is loaded with great videos. But holding students accountable for watching is a challenge. Without standing right over students, how do you know if they’re really watching?

How to Use the Concept Attainment Strategy

10Dec2013

by Jennifer Gonzalez

I like this strategy because it really involves students in their own learning. Instead of just delivering the information to them, you’re helping them discover it on their own. Also, it’s captivating — a mystery to solve! — which is far more likely to engage students.

Book Review: The Best-Kept Teaching Secret

3Dec2013

by Jennifer Gonzalez

Things have gotten awfully complicated and contentious in education lately. This friendly, easy-to-read book offers something we’re all looking for these days: simple ideas with big impact.

What We Can All Learn from a Montessori Classroom

26Nov2013

by Jennifer Gonzalez

What I didn’t expect was the attitude of the students: They were focused. They were calm. They retrieved their lessons and worked at them seriously, while still maintaining a sense of humor. And their work was plenty rigorous.

Conquering National Board Certification (and Why It’s Totally Worth It)

13Nov2013

by Jennifer Gonzalez

When I started writing up my analysis, I realized I couldn’t point to the kind of evidence I was supposed to have. There was no way to BS this one. I had to actually get better.

Oh, The Things You Can Do with GoAnimate!

5Nov2013

by Jennifer Gonzalez

Until recently, the tools to create professional-looking videos were out of the hands of most regular folks. But those days are over.

Overwhelmed? Do 5 Things.

29Oct2013

by Jennifer Gonzalez

At this time of year, feeling out-of-control busy is the status quo for everyone I talk to. So I thought I’d share a little trick I use to ease that feeling of wanting to crawl in bed and never come out again.

Students Sitting Around Too Much? Try Chat Stations.

24Oct2013

by Jennifer Gonzalez

Your new favorite teaching strategy: This pared-down version of learning stations keeps the movement, interactivity and variety while minimizing the prep work.