Wexler and Franklin's Writing Revolution: Key Takeaways

Wexler and Franklin's Writing Revolution: Key Takeaways

A comparison of key points between Natalie Wexler's "The Writing Revolution" approach and Benjamin Franklin's writing method:

- Natalie Wexler emphasizes the importance of building knowledge through content-rich instruction in her book Revolution. This aligns with Franklin's focus on self-education through voracious reading across many disciplines.

- Both value a clear, direct writing style. Wexler advocates for exposing students to complex texts to develop their vocabulary and ability to understand sophisticated writing. Franklin pushed for brevity and simplicity in writing.

- Franklin diligently sought feedback from others to improve his writing. Wexler also stresses the need for students to share their writing with peers and teachers frequently to get constructive criticism.

- While Wexler promotes more explicit writing instruction in schools today, Franklin was largely self-taught. However, he set rigorous goals and timelines for himself to become a better writer and thinker.

- Franklin prioritized organizing and outlining his thoughts before writing. Wexler would likely approve of this as an important part of the writing process for students to master.

- Both see reading, writing and knowledge acquisition as integrally connected. Wexler argues that building knowledge is essential for reading comprehension and writing ability. Franklin's lifelong quest for learning informed his writing and publishing endeavors.

Key commonalities are the emphasis on developing knowledge, seeking feedback, clear writing, and the interrelationship between reading, writing and learning. 

Both provide insights into how to improve student literacy and writing skills.

Similarities:
- Support frequent modeled writing practice across all subjects
- Advocate close reading and analysis of texts prior to writing
- Emphasize developing and communicating conceptual understanding over formulaic writing
- Value concise, clear communication that demonstrates comprehension
- Recognize writing as a deliberate practice-oriented skill

Differences:
- Wexler focuses on a specific formulaic approach for analytical writing justified by cognitive science while Franklin does not prescribe an overarching structured framework
- Wexler sees her method as teacher-directed in scaffolding core academic skills; Franklin promotes self-directed reading, writing, and learning
- Wexler concentrates relatively more on building knowledge, vocabulary and background schemata to enable complex writing whereas Franklin starts from engaging with "books" texts fully
- Franklin breaks down texts through keyword notetaking; Wexler builds up to interpretive writing through multiple drafts
- Wexler offers more concrete instructional strategies and concept scaffolds aimed at secondary literacy; Franklin gives general techniques and advice

In essence, while both support improving thinking and knowledge through writing, Wexler's approach is more systematic, academic and teacher-driven especially for adolescent literacy development whereas Franklin provides flexible scaffolded methods for self-directed general learning.

You're right, Benjamin Franklin's determined efforts to improve his writing and reading abilities as a young man paved the way for him to become one of the most erudite and influential Founding Fathers. Here's a quick summary of key points about Franklin's intellectual development:

- Had little formal education growing up as a child, only going to school for 2 years. He was mostly self-taught through voracious reading as a teenager and young man.

- Realized his writing skills were deficient, so systematically set out to improve through deliberate practice exercises like re-writing passages from great authors.

- Devoted himself to self-education, spending hours every day reading history, philosophy, science, literature and other subjects. 

- Developed rigorous habits of studying vocabulary lists, taking extensive notes, and summarizing key learnings.

- Read widely in Enlightenment philosophy and political thought, influencing his ideas about government and human nature. 

- Mastered the art of rhetorical persuasion in his prolific political writings and pamphlets prior to the Revolutionary era. 

- Combined his learning with keen observation of human behavior and the world around him.

- Emerged as a leading voice for independence and democracy, helping to shape the intellectual foundations of the American Revolution and U.S. constitutional system.

Through self-discipline and determined effort as a lifelong learner, Franklin exemplified the enlightened, engaged citizen he believed all Americans should aspire to be. His intellectual and literary talents were crucial to the founding of America.

Road to cowriting the US Constitution.

Franklin realized that his writing skills were deficient, so he set out to improve them through deliberate practice. He would take passages from writers he admired, make short notes summarizing the main ideas, then set the passage aside. Days later he would try to re-write the passage in his own words from just the short hints he had made. This exercise forced him to think through the ideas more thoroughly and express them clearly on the page.

 

Franklin also worked to improve his vocabulary through focused study of word lists and concentrating on using more precise language. He developed a system of marking words he encountered in reading that were new to him, looking them up in a dictionary, and recording short definitions in a notebook. He would review these lists frequently. 

Through his program of targeted reading, taking extensive notes, summarizing key words and ideas, and re-writing passages in his own words, Franklin taught himself to write with clarity and precision. His autobiography outlines this process as being central to his self-education and personal improvement.

Comparing Exeter's Harkness Math Seminars and Building a Thinking Classroom Approaches

Exeter Harkness Math Seminars and Building a Thinking Classroom:

This article examines the pedagogical similarities and differences between the Exeter Harkness Math Seminars approach and the framework of Building a Thinking Classroom. While both models emphasize student-driven discussion, critical thinking skills, and teacher facilitation rather than lecture, key distinctions emerge. The Exeter Method centers specifically on math education at the secondary level, facilitated through oval table discussions analyzing math problems. Building a Thinking Classroom encompasses broader thinking skills across subjects and age groups, through explicit instruction in metacognition and use of visual tools. While Exeter prioritizes preparation via problem sets, Building a Thinking Classroom scaffolds preparation diversely. Both notably draw on vertical space to visualize thinking. This analysis finds overlap in student-centered, discussion-driven aims, but differentiation in scope and strategies. Exeter Math Seminars represent subject-specific, discussion-based pedagogy, while Building a Thinking Classroom codifies a cross-disciplinary framework focused directly on thinking skills. The shared goals yet distinct approaches suggest possibilities for synthesis and complementary integration of these models.

 

Similarities:

- Both emphasize student-centered, discussion-based learning rather than lecturing. Students are active participants in the learning process.

- Both aim to develop students' critical thinking skills through thoughtful discussion and collaboration. The teacher acts as a facilitator rather than lecturing.

- Both value listening, respect for others' ideas, and constructive dialogue as part of the learning process. Students learn from engaging with each other.

Differences:

- Exeter Harkness Math Seminars focus specifically on math education at the secondary school level, while Building a Thinking Classroom is a more general pedagogical approach applicable to various subjects and age levels.

- Exeter Harkness Math Seminars involve students sitting around an oval table with the teacher, discussing math problems and concepts. Building a Thinking Classroom does not require a particular seating arrangement or focus on math.

- Building a Thinking Classroom provides a broad framework for how to structure lessons, assignments, assessments etc. to develop thinking skills. Exeter Harkness Math Seminars are a format focused just on math discussion.

- Exeter Harkness Math Seminars have students prepare for the discussion ahead of time by working through problems. Building a Thinking Classroom may incorporate different forms of pre-discussion preparation.

- Building a Thinking Classroom emphasizes more explicit teaching of thinking skills and processes. Exeter Harkness Math Seminars focus more on discussion of mathematical concepts themselves.

You raise a good point. I don't believe I mentioned the use of vertical spaces as a similarity in my previous response, but you are correct that both Exeter Harkness Math Seminars and Building a Thinking Classroom emphasize using the board or vertical surfaces to visually work through problems and thinking processes.

Additional similarities regarding use of vertical space:

- In Exeter Math Seminars, students are encouraged to go to the board to work through math problems and show their thinking step-by-step for the whole group. This allows their thought processes to be visible.

- In Building a Thinking Classroom, teachers make use of boards, charts and visual tools to map out thinking skills, capture student ideas, show connections, etc. 

- The vertical space allows thinking to be displayed visually, which supports student discussion, collaboration and metacognition. 

- Both approaches value the power of visualizing thinking to strengthen understanding. Writing or mapping ideas on the board externalizes and clarifies thinking.

Both Exeter Harkness Math Seminars and Building a Thinking Classroom emphasize use of vertical surfaces to make thinking visible and promote collaborative problem-solving and analysis. Thank you for pointing out that important similarity that I had overlooked.

In summary, both share a student-centered discussion-based approach, but Exeter Harkness Math Seminars apply this specifically to math education, whereas Building a Thinking Classroom is a more comprehensive pedagogical framework. The goals are similar, but the methods differ in their scope and specifics.

Franklin's Deconstruction and Reconstruction Method for Writing Improvement

Benjamin Franklin's Deconstruction and Reconstruction Method for Writing Improvement

Benjamin Franklin devised an innovative and influential technique for improving writing skills which involved systematically deconstructing and reconstructing texts. This method is examined through analysis of Franklin's letters and manuscripts which provide insights into his process. He would choose writings he wished to emulate, then conduct intensive study of the content and structure by transcribing, taking notes, and developing summaries. This allowed him to deconstruct the texts into constituent rhetorical elements and analytical parts. He would then attempt to reconstruct or rewrite the pieces in his own style using the same organizational principles. This enabled him to teach himself effective narrative techniques, logical argumentation, elegant phrasing, and impactful rhetorical styles. The deconstruction phase promoted deep comprehension while reconstruction forced creative synthesis and application of writing lessons. Franklin's method allowed integration of textual models with original writing. Scholars have praised the technique's utility for writing instruction and its influence is seen across genres. This study analyzes the method's key steps, cognitive benefits, and pedagogical implications. Findings reveal how Franklin's deconstruction and reconstruction method can enhance writing proficiency through analytical reading and reflective imitation.

Front Loaded Food for Thought:

- How did breaking the passage into parts "Keywords" help you understand it better?

- What writing techniques did you notice the author using in the original passage?

- How does highlighting keywords make reconstructing the passage easier?

- What was challenging about summarizing the passage in your own words?

- How could you use this deconstruct/reconstruct process to improve your own expository writing?

Introduction:

Explain that students will become "keyword detectives" to uncover the most important details in expository passages. Like detectives, they will highlight evidence - keywords - to crack the case of summarizing the key information.

Modeling:  

1. Provide an expository passage and read aloud. Say you will demonstrate being a keyword detective. 

2. Reread the passage, thinking aloud as you highlight keywords: main idea, supporting details, explanations, descriptions. 

3. Organize the keywords into a short summary sentence by sentence. Show how they piece together the important information.

4. Emphasize how detecting the right keywords allowed you to summarize the passage clearly.

Guided Practice:

Give students a new passage and have them partner up as keyword detectives. Circulate and guide them in highlighting keywords and discussing summaries. 

Independent Practice: 

Each student acts as a solo keyword detective with a different passage, highlighting keywords and writing their own summaries.

Sharing Out: 

Have students share keywords they highlighted and summaries with the whole class. Discuss how keyword clues revealed the main ideas and important details.

Follow-up activity could be rewriting passages in their own words using keyword summaries. The keyword detective hook engages them in close reading and selection of textual evidence.

Lesson Ideas:

- Deconstruct to Reconstruct: Improving Expository Writing

- The Power of Passage Analysis: Using Deconstruction for Better Writing

- Break It Down, Build It Up: Deconstructing Texts to Enhance Writing Skills

- The Sum of the Parts: Deconstruction and Reconstruction for Expository Writing

- Dissecting Texts: How Deconstruction Leads to Better Writing

- Writing Like the Experts: Using Deconstruction to Improve Technique

- Breaking It Down: Deconstructing Passages to Find the Key Pieces

- Piecing It Back Together: Reconstruction for Expository Writing

Introduction:

Explain that Benjamin Franklin would deconstruct and reconstruct texts he enjoyed as a way to improve his writing skills. We will use this process to work on expository writing techniques.

Modeling:

1. Show students an example short expository passage from a source like Scholastic News. Read it aloud.

2. Deconstruct the passage by underlining key words, taking atomic notes on meanings, and identifying main ideas, supporting details, explanations, descriptions. Verbally share think-aloud during this process.

3. Use the notes to reconstruct the passage in your own words at the sentence and paragraph level. Model how to use key words and summaries.

4. Show the original and reconstructed versions side-by-side. Compare/contrast the writing techniques. Point out use of main idea, elaborating details, transitions, etc.

Guided Practice:

1. Provide students with a new expository passage to deconstruct and reconstruct using the modelled steps. Circulate to assist.

2. Have students share passages and atomic notes with partners. Peer edit reconstructions and give feedback.

3. Bring class back together to compare reconstructions with the original. Discuss what was learned.

Independent Practice:

Have students find a short expository article they enjoy from a source like Scholastic News. They will deconstruct and reconstruct it applying the process modelled. Encourage creativity in writing their own versions.

Share and Reflect:

Allow students to share reconstructions. Compare to the originals. Reflect on expository writing techniques practiced through this activity.

This provides scaffolding from modeled to guided to independent practice. The deconstruction and reconstruction process allows close analysis of expository writing elements to then apply in their own writing. 

 Here are 3 worksheets with short expository passages and examples for the deconstruct/reconstruct writing process:

Worksheet 1:

Passage: 

The American flag has gone through many changes since the first official flag of 1777. The number of stars represents each state in the union. So as more states joined, more stars were added. The current 50 star flag has been in use since 1960 when Hawaii became a state. The 13 stripes stand for the original 13 colonies. 

Deconstruction:

- Main idea: The American flag has changed over time.

- Supporting details: Stars represent states, stripes represent colonies. 

- Explanations: Number of stars increased as states joined. Stripes stayed the same.

Reconstruction:

The American flag looked different in the past. It started with 13 stars and stripes for the first states. When a new state joined, a star was added. So the number of stars grew over time. But the 13 stripes always stayed to represent the colonies. Today there are 50 stars for the 50 states, along with the 13 original stripes.

Worksheet 2: 

Passage:

Tornadoes are spinning columns of air that stretch down from thunderstorms. They form when winds going in different directions meet in the storm clouds causing them to start spinning. When the spinning air extends down to the ground, it becomes a tornado. Tornadoes can cause a lot of destruction with their fast, swirling winds.  

Deconstruction: 

- Main idea: What tornadoes are and how they form

- Supporting details: Spinning air, winds meet, extends down, destruction

- Descriptions: Columns of air, swirling winds

Reconstruction: 

Tornadoes start in thunderstorms as winds spinning in different ways bump into each other. This makes them start swirling in a column reaching down below the storm clouds. When the spinning funnel of air touches ground, it's a tornado. The fast winds can destroy a lot because tornadoes are very powerful storms.

Worksheet 3:

Passage: 

Wolves live and hunt in packs. This gives them advantages over trying to survive alone. In a pack, different wolves take on roles like leaders, hunters, and caretakers. The packs work together to collectively raise their young. They can also take down large prey through teamwork. Lone wolves have a much harder time finding food and staying safe.

Deconstruction: 

- Main idea: Wolves live in packs for survival. 

- Supporting details: Different roles, raise young, hunt together

- Explanations: Packs help with care and hunting. Lone wolves struggle.

Reconstruction:

Wolves have better chances living together in packs instead of alone. Each wolf has a role to help the pack be strong. Some lead while others care for the young. Hunting together means they can take down big animals. A lone wolf finds it really tough to find food and stay safe without a pack for help.

 Here are some key details about Benjamin Franklin's education:

- Franklin only attended school formally for about 2 years. His father initially sent him to Boston Latin School, but could only afford 2 years of tuition.

- After leaving formal schooling at age 10, Franklin continued his education through voracious reading. He read books on a wide range of topics including science, mathematics, philosophy, rhetoric, and more. 

- When he was 12, Franklin apprenticed at his brother James' printing shop. This allowed him access to a large number of books and he spent his spare time reading.

- In 1727 at age 21, Franklin founded a club called the Junto which met to debate moral, political, and scientific topics. Members had to present essays and engage in discussions, furthering Franklin's education.

- Though he did not attend college, Franklin received honorary degrees from Harvard, Yale, the College of William and Mary, the University of St. Andrews, and Oxford University for his scientific contributions. 

- Franklin valued education and self-improvement his entire life. In 1751, he helped establish the Academy of Philadelphia which later became the University of Pennsylvania.

So while his formal schooling was limited, Franklin sought a well-rounded education through voracious reading, debates with intellectual peers, scientific experiments, and more throughout his life.

Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and Benjamin Franklin were three of the most important intellectual leaders of the American Enlightenment. They developed and adopted revolutionary ideas about scientific rationality, religious tolerance, and experimental political organization.

Reading Boot Camp: SOR the Engaging Way

The Importance of Rich, Multimodal Reading Interventions for Struggling Readers

Reading proficiency is essential for academic success, yet many students struggle to develop strong reading skills. Traditional remedial reading programs often rely on basic phonics and phonemic awareness skill drills and isolated practice, providing the literacy equivalent of "feeding puffed rice cakes to the malnourished" without rich content or meaningful engagement. In contrast, Sean Taylor's Reading Boot Camp leverages research-based best practices to create a robust "Chonko, sumo stew" intervention for struggling readers.

Reading Boot Camp is founded on the principle that struggling readers need ample opportunities to read compelling, content-rich texts, singing songs, vocabulary instruction, and multimodal activities to scaffold comprehension of stories and books. This immersive approach reflects the science of reading acquisition: skills must be practiced in context, not isolation (Castles et al., 2018). Likewise, motivation and engagement drive learning (Guthrie et al., 2007); Reading Boot Camp's high-interest stories and multisensory methods captivate students.

Specifically, Reading Boot Camp incorporates evidence-based techniques like read-alouds, think-alouds, and repeated readings to build fluency (Rasinski et al., 2005). Vocabulary is taught in semantic clusters within narrative texts to boost retention (McKeown et al., 1985). Lessons develop phonics, phonemic awareness, and comprehension in tandem, avoiding narrow focus on any single skill (Shanahan, 2020). This balanced literacy diet delivers the diverse nourishment struggling readers need.

Initial data from schools implementing Reading Boot Camp are promising. In a randomized control trial, students in Reading Boot Camp gained an average of two grade levels in reading over one school year (Taylor, 2021). These impressive results point to the value of providing intensive, content-rich intervention for struggling readers. As Taylor (2020) argues, remediation should not mean deprivation; enriched experiences are key to unlocking literacy. Reading Boot Camp offers a nourishing feast of literature, not just empty reading calories.

Food for Thought: Are Screens Crowding Out Reading?

In today's digital world, screens dominate kids' attention. The average child spends 5-7 hours per day watching videos, scrolling social media, and gaming (Livingstone, 2018). Yet studies show many students now read for pleasure just 15 minutes daily or less (Scholastic, 2015). Have YouTube and Snapchat effectively crowded reading books into the corner? 

Undoubtedly, excessive recreational screen time can displace other enriching activities like reading, exercise, and hands-on creative play. However, screens are not inherently brain-rotting. Thoughtfully designed educational media, used in moderation, can have benefits. Apps and e-books may even spark some reluctant readers' interest. 

More concerning is the decline in reading rich, immersive texts that build vocabulary, background knowledge, and imagination. In an information-overloaded era, young people's reading increasingly skews brief and functional - texts, tweets, news headlines. This impoverished literary diet fails to nourish the mind and spirit as fuller works do.  

Families and schools must take action to bring balance back to kids' media diets. Set reasonable screen time limits at home. Advocate for curricula where real books still reign, not just prepped-for-testing snippets. Show kids that great stories on pages can be as engaging as digital ones - with the added benefits of building concentration and deeper thought. 

Literacy is the foundation for all learning. While technology evolves, books' power to expand young minds endures. Let's share that gift more widely. With so many compelling pages waiting to be turned, every child deserves a full plate at the reading table.

References

Castles, A., Rastle, K., & Nation, K. (2018). Ending the reading wars: Reading acquisition from novice to expert. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 19(1), 5-51.

Guthrie, J.T., Klauda, S.L., & Ho, A.N. (2013). Modeling the relationships among reading instruction, motivation, engagement, and achievement for adolescents. Reading Research Quarterly, 48(1), 9-26.

McKeown, M.G., Beck, I.L., Omanson, R.C., & Pople, M.T. (1985). Some effects of the nature and frequency of vocabulary instruction on the knowledge and use of words. Reading Research Quarterly, 20(5), 522-535.

Rasinski, T., Padak, N., McKeon, C., Wilfong, L., Friedauer, J., & Heim, P. (2005). Is reading fluency a key for successful high school reading? Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 49(1), 22–27.

Shanahan, T. (2020). What constitutes a science of reading instruction? Reading Research Quarterly, 55(S1), S235-S247.

Taylor, S. (2020). Why reading interventions fail. Literacy Today, 37(3), 16-18.

Taylor, S. (2021). Results of a randomized control trial of Reading Boot Camp. Reading Improvement, 58(2), 89-98.

The Rainbow and Cupcakes Approach: Why Teachers are Quitting Due to Lack of Classroom Discipline Support

Teachers in Revolt: The Collapse of Authority in Our Schools

The profession of teaching, once regarded as a noble calling, has descended into bedlam. Teachers across the country are handing in their resignations at staggering rates as classrooms spiral into chaos. The fault lies squarely with school administrations whose lax and indulgent leadership styles have enabled disorder to prevail.

Today's principals seemingly care more about being liked than being respected. They favor a "cupcakes and rainbows" approach to discipline, refusing to back teachers who try to maintain control in their classrooms. The inmates are running the asylum, and teachers are treated as little more than glorified babysitters. This abdication of authority by those in charge has emboldened students to run riot.

Willful defiance has become the norm as unruly pupils realize they can get away with shirking their studies and harassing classmates and teachers alike. Rather than restore order, administrators speak in psychobabble about addressing underlying emotional needs and creating "safe spaces." Such mollycoddling has only exacerbated the chaos.

Maslow before Bloom's may sound enlightened, but it rings hollow when teachers struggle to accomplish any learning amidst the bedlam. Needs can only be met when classrooms are secure environments conducive to education. Schools must reestablish boundaries and behavioral standards before any social-emotional growth can occur.

By refusing to enforce discipline and coddling disruptive students, administrators have created a Lord of the Flies environment. Until schools restore respect for teachers' authority to run an orderly classroom, the profession will continue hemorrhaging talent. The best teachers will find alternative careers rather than subject themselves to the daily degradations of an ungoverned student body.

If we are to arrest the exodus of teachers from our schools, administrators must recover their moral backbone. The cupcakes and rainbows approach has been an abject failure. Teachers need the support to reimpose discipline and cultivate a climate of respect. If not, the chaos in our classrooms will only grow worse. For the sake of the teaching profession, and for the education of our children, school leaders must regain the courage to lead. Anything less is an abdication of their sacred duty.

Readers Theater: Night of the Living Nombies: "The unread are among us"

Night of the Living Nombies

 Here is a possible preface for the play:

Preface

In our modern, technology-driven world, it's becoming increasingly common for people to get distracted by their phones and devices. We see it everywhere - friends zoning out during conversations, parents ignoring their children's requests, couples unable to pry their eyes away from tiny screens. This phenomenon of technology addiction and its tendency to disconnect us from real human interaction served as the inspiration for "Night of the Living Nombies." 

The play explores what might happen if this issue is left unchecked. If people continue to prioritize phones over true engagement, could we essentially turn into lifeless zombies - or "nombies" - unable to meaningfully connect with each other? As the children in the play discover, their once loving parents have deteriorated into mumbling, phone-fixated shells of their former selves.  

While humorous in tone, the play also rings with a deeper message about the importance of being present and the dangers of excessive technology use. If we aren't careful, we too could fall victim to the nombie trance. By highlighting this relatable issue, the play encourages us to reflect on our own habits and find balance with technology before it's too late. Just as the children devise a clever solution to "cure" their parents, we too have the power to pull ourselves back from the brink of disconnection. There are always opportunities to put down our devices, engage with our loved ones, and retain our humanity.

Characters:
Josh - 12 year old boy
Zack - Josh's friend, 12 year old boy
Emma - Josh's sister, 10 year old girl
Lucy - Emma's friend, 11 year old girl
Dad - Josh and Emma's father
Mom - Josh and Emma's mother
Mr. Wilson - The kids' teacher




Scene 1 - Josh's House

[Josh and Zack are playing video games in the living room. Emma and Lucy are coloring at the table. Mom and Dad shuffle into the room staring at their phones and mumbling]

Josh: Hey Mom, can you make us a snack?

[No response, parents continue staring at phones]

Zack: Yo Dad, wanna play winners?

[Still no response]

Emma: Mom, Lucy's staying for dinner, is that cool?

[Parents mumble incoherently, not looking up from phones]

Lucy: Why are your parents acting so weird? It's like they're zombies or something.

Josh: I know, all they do lately is stare at their phones. They're like nombies!

Zack: Nombies?

Josh: Yeah, like zombie zombies, but with phones!

Emma: Nombies! I like it. We've gotta figure out what's going on with them.

Scene 2 - The Next Day at School

[The kids enter Mr. Wilson's classroom]

Mr. Wilson: Good morning class, please take out your homework from last night.

[Josh raises his hand]

Mr. Wilson: Yes Josh?

Josh: Mr. Wilson, have you noticed all the parents acting weird lately?

Zack: Yeah they just stare at their phones all day like zombies!

Mr. Wilson: Now that you mention it, I have seen a lot of parents distracted by their phones...

Lucy: We think they might be turning into nombies!

Mr. Wilson: Nombies? What's that?

Emma: It's like a zombie but for phones! All they do is mumble and stare at their screens.

Mr. Wilson: Hmm, you may be on to something here. I think we need to investigate this further! Let's table the homework for now and talk about these "nombies."

Scene 3 - Back at Josh's House

[Parents are once again staring at phones. Kids enter]

Lucy: Your parents are still nombified!

Josh: We've gotta snap them out of it!

[Josh grabs Dad's phone but he won't let go]

Dad: Grrr! No! Mine!

Emma: Mom, can you drive us to the park?

[No response]

Zack: Man, they're too far gone. What are we gonna do?

Mr. Wilson: [entering] I think I may have a solution! I did some research and found a frequency that should reverse the nombie trance.

[Mr. Wilson plays a shrill tone on a device. Parents shake their heads looking disoriented]

Mom: Kids? What's going on? I feel like I just woke up from a dream.

Dad: Me too, like I was in a fog or something.

Mr. Wilson: Your kids helped me discover that your phones were turning you into nombies! We used a special frequency to snap you out of it.

Mom: Oh my, we have been distracted by our devices haven't we? Thank you kids for saving us! Now let's put these phones away and spend some real quality time together!

[Kids cheer. Parents join them and they all celebrate by turning off their phones and eating dinner together.]

The End

Night of the Living Nombies

Characters:

Josh - 12 year old boy

Zack - Josh's friend, 12 year old boy

Emma - Josh's sister, 10 year old girl

Lucy - Emma's friend, 11 year old girl

Mom - Josh and Emma's mother

Dad - Josh and Emma's father

Mr. Taylor - The kids' teacher

 

Scene 1 - Josh's House

 

[Josh and Zack are playing video games. Emma and Lucy are whispering at the table]

 

Emma: Have you noticed how weird Mom and Dad have been acting?

 

Lucy: Yeah all they do is stare at their phones and mumble. It's like they're turning into zombies!

 

[Parents shamble into the room, faces glued to phone screens]

 

Josh: Mom, can you make us a snack?

 

[No response]

 

Zack: Yo Dad, wanna play winners?

 

[Dad lets out an inhuman groan, eyes locked on phone]

 

Lucy: They didn't even notice us. It's like we're invisible!

 

Josh: You're right. Something evil is happening to them. We've got to figure this out.

 

Scene 2 - The Next Day at School

 

[The kids enter Mr. Taylor's classroom]

 

Mr. Taylor: Sit down class and take out your devices. Today's lesson will be online.

 

[Josh raises his hand]

 

Mr. Taylor: Yes Josh? Make it quick.

 

Josh: Mr. Taylor, have you noticed changes with the parents? It's like they're turning into zombies!

 

Mr. Taylor: Nonsense! Now log on and start learning. The future is virtual.

 

[Mr. Taylor's eyes glow red. The kids gasp.]

 

Zack: He's one of them! The phones are turning everyone into nombies!

 

Mr. Taylor: Nombies will rule this world! You cannot stop progress. Now pay attention to your screens. Your education depends on it!

 

[Kids look around in horror as classmates succumb to the phones' hypnotic screens.]

 

Scene 3 - Josh's House

 

[Parents grunt and stumble around, consumed by phones. Kids sneak in.]

 

Emma: Mom and Dad are completely nombified! What do we do?

 

Josh: We have to resist the phones! It's the only way!

 

[Josh smashes family phones. For a moment the parents blink, looking normal.]

 

Dad: Kids? What happened? I feel like I was in a trance...

 

[Then Dad's eyes glow red again. He lurches towards the kids as eerie music plays.]

 

Lucy: Look out! Your dad's still a nombie!

 

[Kids scream and run offstage. Sinister nombie groans fade.]

 

FIN

The Benefits and Criticisms of the Zettelkasten Note-Taking Method

- The Zettelkasten method is very flexible and customizable, which allows people to adapt it to their own needs and workflows. This makes it a strong contender for many people, but it may not suit everyone's preferences.

- It works extremely well for certain purposes like developing ideas over time, making interconnections, and synthesizing concepts. For simple factual recall or temporary notes, it may be overkill.

- The time investment required is a valid concern. It takes time upfront to build a networked system of notes. This time pays off later for many when writing, researching, etc., but it is a hurdle.

- For some, the complexity and non-linear nature of Zettelkasten is overwhelming and difficult to manage. More structured or simplified methods may be better suited.

- It is a powerful system for knowledge management and creativity, but other methods also have strengths. A basic note taking system combined with mind maps or flash cards can also be effective depending on one's goals.

Overall, while the Zettelkasten system is unmatched in some areas, it may not be the universally "best" system for every person or use case. As with most productivity methods, finding the right fit for one's own needs and style is most important. But for interconnected, evolving notes, Zettelkasten is likely hard to beat!

Enhancing Knowledge Management and Memory Through Interconnected Systems

In our information-rich world, effective knowledge management is more important than ever. We are bombarded with vast amounts of data daily. Without systems to organize, interconnect, and synthesize this information, it becomes nearly impossible to manage. Two techniques that can enhance knowledge management and memory abilities are the Zettelkasten note-taking system and the mind palace memory technique. 

The Zettelkasten Method

The Zettelkasten note-taking approach was developed by Niklas Luhmann in the 20th century. At its core, it consists of a system of small, atomic notes that are interconnected in a web-like structure. Each note captures an individual idea, quote, or piece of information. The notes are linked together with a tagging system that identifies related concepts.

This creates a growing, organic network of knowledge from the bottom up. As new notes are added, they connect to existing ideas, sparking new insights. The highly cross-referenced structure allows rapid retrieval and development of ideas over time. Writers, researchers, and other knowledge workers leverage Zettelkasten to manage complex information and fuel creative works.  

Some key principles of the Zettelkasten method include:

- Atomicity - Each note covers one focused concept

- Connectedness - Notes are extensively cross-linked based on relationships  

- Granularity - The system comprises many small notes rather than fewer large ones

- Evolution - The structure grows organically over time, taking on new forms

The Mind Palace Technique

The mind palace is a centuries-old memory technique that involves mentally visualizing a familiar physical space and placing information or objects within it as visual cues. It takes advantage of the powerful graphical memory abilities of the human brain. 

To use this technique, you might imagine your childhood home or a frequently visited building. As you mentally walk through it, you could visualize setting down distinct memory cues - such as linking parts of a speech to objects in a room. The visual, spatial, and experiential elements combine to create strong mnemonic anchors. 

With practice, the mind palace provides an extensive mental storage and retrieval system. It excels at remembering sequential information like procedures, lists, or speeches. It also flexibly works along with other memory techniques like memory journeys or the method of loci.

Integrating Zettelkasten and Mind Palace

While Zettelkasten and mind palace approaches differ, they strongly complement one another for knowledge management. Zettelkasten provides a system for atomic notes that capture individual ideas and concepts. Mind palaces offer a visual means of organizing the information for easy recall.

Potential integrations include:

- Using mind palaces to memorize the structure and organization of your Zettelkasten note web.

- Linking Zettelkasten notes to visual anchors in mind palace locations to boost recall.

- Building mind palaces within your Zettelkasten on certain topics or note clusters.

- Using Zettelkasten notes as cues for information stored in the mind palace. 

Together, these two interconnected techniques provide structured knowledge management and flexible memory capabilities far greater than either alone. In our data-saturated world, leveraging tools like these is essential for anyone seeking to master complex informational landscapes.

Ron Clark's Timeless Wisdom for Reconnecting Generation Alpha: Create "Ohana" Community

The Disconnected Generation: Understanding and Reaching Generation Alpha through Inspired Teaching

Introduction

We stand at a precipice in human history. Technology has connected society like never before, yet simultaneously, a generation of youth finds itself more disconnected than any prior. Generation Alpha, those born after 2010, are true "digital natives" who have never known a world without smartphones and social media (McCrindle, 2014). While technology provides endless entertainment and instant gratification of desires, this generation's overreliance on technology has come at a grave cost. Rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide in Alpha youth have skyrocketed in recent years (Twenge, 2020). Educational performance has declined, as students find it difficult to focus their attention on academics rather than their devices (Rosen et al., 2014). Most troubling, this generation shows a concerning lack of empathy, understanding of others, and desire for human connection (Turkle, 2017). How did society arrive at this juncture, and how can educators help lead Generation Alpha back to shared human values? The educational philosophy of Ron Clark provides a guiding light.


Ron Clark and the Need for Inspired Teaching

According to renowned educator Ron Clark, Generation Alpha's struggles originate from a lack of inspired teaching focused on students' emotional needs. Clark, who was named "American Teacher of the Year" in 2000, founded the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta in 2007. The Academy focuses on inspiring students' passion for learning through innovative, engaging methods. Central to Clark's philosophy is inspiring the whole child - their intellect, social-emotional skills, and sense of purpose (Clark, 2020). Clark stresses the importance of building personal connections with students to understand their individual needs. His approach centers on forging a strong classroom community, developing growth mindsets, and helping students find their spark and passion (Clark, 2020). In Clark's view, today's teachers must be inspirational leaders in their students' lives to overcome the distractions of technology and social pressures.

Simon Sinek's "Golden Circle" Model

Business consultant Simon Sinek provides a framework for understanding Clark's people-first approach to education. Sinek developed the "Golden Circle" model for inspirational leadership, beginning with WHY before considering HOW and WHAT (Sinek, 2009). Rather than focusing first on academic content and pedagogy, Clark starts with the WHY - each student's emotions, interests, and needs. Clark aims to help students find their purpose and spark before addressing HOW to teach academic content. This WHY-centered philosophy stands in contrast to traditional education's focus on WHAT content will be taught and HOW it will be taught. Clark and Sinek's shared emphasis on purpose over process provides a new lens for enlightened, empathetic education.

Review of Literature on Generation Alpha

To appreciate why Clark's approach is critical for today's youth, we must understand Generation Alpha and their unique challenges. Demographer Mark McCrindle coined the term "Generation Alpha" in 2014 to describe those born after 2010, the generation following Millennials (McCrindle, 2014). Generation Alpha is the first fully digital generation, never knowing a world without internet or smartphones. By 2020, over 2.5 million Alphas were already online regularly, a figure projected to grow exponentially (Livingstone et al., 2020). Researchers have only begun to unravel the impacts of this lifelong technology immersion.

Early studies reveal both benefits and drawbacks of Generation Alpha's digital dependence. On the positive side, Alphas show greater technological skills from constant exposure, as well as quick thinking and multitasking abilities (Cantlon et al., 2010). However, the detriments are even more concerning. Psychologist Jean Twenge's research shows spikes in depression and suicide among Alphas and their older Gen Z peers, which she attributes to social media and smartphone overuse (Twenge, 2020). Educational researchers like Rosen et al. (2014) have found technology distracts Alpha students from focusing in class. Turkle's (2017) interviews with youth reveal a generation more comfortable interacting online than in-person, lacking deep bonds with peers. While more research is needed, these preliminary findings indicate technology has disconnected Alpha youth from social-emotional skills needed for life.

Declining Empathy and Values

The most worrying trait of Alpha youth so far is their declining empathy and lack of human connection to others, likely stemming from technology overuse. A meta-analysis by Konrath et al. (2011) found a 40% decline in empathy among American college students between 1979 and 2009, which appears to be accelerating. Researchers have proposed social media use as a key driver of this change, as online communication differs significantly from face-to-face interaction (Vossen & Valkenburg, 2016). Without seeing others' facial expressions and responses, youth lose opportunites to develop empathy and communication skills. Excessive texting also replaces time once spent socializing in-person, depriving teens of chances to understand different perspectives (Uhls et al., 2014). As Alpha youth spend more time interacting online than off, this empathy decline is likely to continue without interventions.

Alongside lowered empathy, studies indicate Generation Alpha is adopting more relativistic rather than universal human values. Psychologists like Twenge (2018) have found greater levels of individualism and rejection of shared values among today's youth. Communication theorist James Carey (1989) argued decades ago that electronic media promotes subjective, segmented views of the world rather than shared cultural values. For digital natives, online echo chambers can reinforce beliefs without exposure to new views (Tandoc & Johnson, 2021). Additionally, reliance on technology for fulfillment may displace value once found in family, community, and transcendent beliefs. While every generation differs from the last, Alpha youth show a concerning disconnect from human values needed for civic discourse and societal cohesion (Lin et al., 2020).

A Rootless Generation

For Generation Alpha, this detachment from shared values leaves many feeling rootless and without direction. Turkle's research reveals young people's yearning for meaning and connection amid digital noise: "In our flight from conversation, we have gambled away the depth of our connections" (2017, p.4). Generation Alpha enjoys constant entertainment and validation online, but these leave an emotional void. Counselors describe a "failure to launch" phenomenon among Alpha youth, lacking motivation or direction for their lives (Seemiller & Grace, 2017). Without shared values or personal bonds, many Alphas drift aimlessly through digital diversion rather than real-world purpose and growth.

Here, Simon Sinek's Golden Circle model explains Generation Alpha's malaise. According to Sinek, Millennial and Alpha youth are so used to instant digital gratification that they have forgotten "the main benefit of WHY": a sense of meaning (Sinek, 2016). Having grown up in an online culture of endless content and customization, many in Alpha see life as "an endless buffet of choices" without a north star to guide them (Seemiller & Grace, 2017). This endless virtual buffet cannot nourish their deeper need for connection, empathy, and purpose. Educators like Ron Clark understand meeting those human needs is imperative to students' well-being and growth.

The Solution: Inspired Teaching

If Generation Alpha is to find meaning and direction in their lives, teachers must get at the heart of each student's WHY - their passions, values, and needs. This requires inspired teaching that views every student's potential with wonder, builds strong bonds, and meets their social-emotional needs first. As Clark discusses in his book The Excellent 11, inspired teaching has three key pillars:

1. Building Relationships: Getting to know each student's interests, strengths, and challenges on a personal level.

2. Creating Community: Fostering a warm, welcoming classroom culture of trust and collaboration.

3. Sparking Passion: Helping each student discover their unique talents and sense of purpose.

By starting with these foundations, inspired teachers lead students to find their inner WHY before developing skills and knowledge.

 Here are some "I can" and "I will" statements incorporating the 11 qualities from The Excellent 11:

Wisdom:

- I can seek wisdom through learning and life experience. I will make wise choices.

High Expectations:  

- I can set high expectations for myself. I will work hard to achieve my full potential.

Compassion:

- I can show compassion by caring about others. I will act with kindness and empathy.

Honor:

- I can live with integrity and honor. I will do the right thing even when it's difficult.  

Courage:

- I can be courageous in the face of fear. I will stand up for what I believe in.

Humor:

- I can find joy and humor in life. I will keep a positive attitude.

Creativity:  

- I can think creatively. I will approach challenges with an open and imaginative mind.

Inspiration:

- I can inspire others through my passion. I will stay motivated and share my enthusiasm.  

Passion:

- I can find my spark and pursue my passions. I will discover what makes me come alive.

Flexibility:

- I can adapt to change. I will stay open-minded and resilient. 

Dedication:

- I can be dedicated to my growth and purpose. I will commit myself to excellence.

Build Relationships

Central to inspired teaching is honoring each student's inherent value through personal relationships. Students need to feel genuinely seen, heard, and cared for as individuals by their teachers (Alder, 2002). Generation Alpha students often feel anonymous and isolated online; teachers can counteract this by getting to know students' personalities, families, hobbies, quirks, and needs. While technology presents distractions, teachers like Clark minimize technology in favor of personal conversations and shared experiences with students (Clark, 2020). Laughing together over amusing stories lets students open up and express their true selves. Sincere care for students as people first builds the trust needed for academic success.

Create "Ohana" Community

Along with individual connections, inspired teachers develop a warm classroom community that values every member. By fostering cooperation over competition, they shift students' focus from ME to WE (Sinek, 2009). Clark encourages collaborative projects, presentations, songs, chants, and traditions that unite his class in shared identity and purpose (Clark, 2020). Students gain a vital sense of belonging from their classroom community. This community acts as a haven and anchor amid outside distractions, keeping students invested. Teachers must be culture builders first, valuing care, empathy and service to others in class. Shared experiences then naturally build bridges across differences (Bruner, 1996). For disconnected Alpha youth, feeling part of a meaningful community can be life-changing.

Spark Passion

Once strong relationships and community exist, inspired teachers ignite students' passion for learning by helping them find their inner "spark." Every child has special talents and interests waiting to be discovered. Clark has students share their dreams and aspirations early on, then helps connect these to purposeful goals and projects (Clark, 2020). Students then pursue learning fueled by intrinsic motivation, not external achievement pressure. Technology's instant gratification often stifles passion; inspired teachers reawaken it through student-centered learning. Tailoring instruction to students' WHY makes material resonate on a deeper level. Students feel truly alive when using their skills for something greater than themselves. By revealing each student's highest calling, teachers help them see learning as part of their unique life journey.

Implications for Teacher Education

To reach disconnected Generation Alpha students, teacher training must address social-emotional and inspirational skills first. While academic rigor is important, teachers' ability to connect with and inspire students through relationships and community are even more vital (Alder, 2002). As Clark notes, teaching is the only profession that "takes an oath to care for others first and subject matter second" (2020, p.7). Unfortunately, many teacher education programs focus more heavily on content knowledge and technical skills like lesson planning rather than relational skills (Durlak et al., 2011). Evolution is needed to train teachers capable of inspirational, transformational teaching.

Programs should stress evidence-based methods to improve teacher-student relationships like validating communication, empathy exercises, and reflecting on biases (Rimm-Kaufman & Sandilos, n.d.). Strategies for community-building, such as cooperative learning and restorative justice practices, are also essential foundations. Additionally, renewed emphasis on teachers' emotional intelligence would enable them to perceive and respond to students' emotional needs and motivations more adeptly (Hen & Sharabi-Nov, 2014). The most powerful teacher education guides teachers to look within and know themselves first before seeking to lead students (Palmer, 2017). Self-work to elevate their purpose, passion, and emotional mastery allows teachers to spark these in students. With inspired teachers dedicated to students' wellbeing first, Generation Alpha's profound disconnection can transform into empowered purpose.

Conclusion

Technology has brought the world closer while distancing our shared humanity. Generation Alpha has never known life offline, leaving many emotionally adrift. Yet there is hope. Inspired teachers like Ron Clark see each child's potential and treat them accordingly. By building relationships, community, and passion, society can guide Alpha youth to rediscover their spark and purpose. The solution will come not through technology, but from within the human heart. Let us reclaim our calling to care, listen, inspire, and unite. With inspired teaching and leadership, Generation Alpha can evolve beyond disconnection into the most empowered, purposeful generation yet. But it begins with reconnecting to our shared WHY - the innate goodness within every student and within ourselves.

References

Alder, N. (2002). Interpretations of the meaning of care: Creating caring relationships in urban middle school classrooms. Urban Education, 37(2), 241-266.

Bruner, J. S. (1996). The culture of education. Harvard University Press.

Cantlon, J. F., Li, R., & Zurn, P. (2010). Cognitive development and education. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Cognitive Science, 1(3), 330-340.

Carey, J. W. (1989). Communication as culture: Essays on media and society. Psychology Press.

Clark, R. (2020). The Excellent 11: Qualities teachers and parents use to motivate, inspire, and educate children. Da Capo Lifelong Books.

Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D. & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta‐analysis of school‐based universal interventions. Child Development, 82(1): 405-432.

Hen, M., & Sharabi-Nov, A. (2014). Teaching the teachers: Emotional intelligence training for teachers. Teaching Education, 25(4), 375-390.

Konrath, S. H., O'Brien, E. H., & Hsing, C. (2011). Changes in dispositional empathy in American college students over time: A meta-analysis. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 15(2), 180-198.

Lin, L. Y., Sidani, J. E., Shensa, A., Radovic, A., Miller, E., Colditz, J. B., Hoffman, B. L., Giles, L. M., & Primack, B. A. (2016). Association between social media use and depression among U.S. young adults. Depression and anxiety, 33(4), 323–331.

Livingstone, S., Mascheroni, G., Dreier, M., Chaudron, S., & Lagae, K. (2015). How parents of young children manage digital devices at home: The role of income, education and parental style. London: EU Kids Online, LSE.

McCrindle, M. (2014). The ABC of XYZ: Understanding the global generations. The ABC of XYZ.

Palmer, P. J. (2017). The courage to teach: Exploring the inner landscape of a teacher's life. John Wiley & Sons.

Rimm-Kaufman, S., & Sandilos, L. (n.d.). Improving students' relationships with teachers. American Psychological Association.

Rosen, L. D., Carrier, L. M., & Cheever, N. A. (2013). Facebook and texting made me do it: Media-induced task-switching while studying. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(3), 948-958.

Seemiller, C., & Grace, M. (2017). Generation Z: Educating and engaging the next generation of students. About Campus, 22(3), 21-26.

Sinek, S. (2009). Start with why: How great leaders inspire everyone to take action. Penguin.

Sinek, S. (2016, September 29). Millennials in the workplace [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hER0Qp6QJNU

Tandoc, E. C., & Johnson, E. (2021). When echo chambers collide: Opposing political blogs' representation of controversial news stories. Journalism Studies, 22(9), 1206-1223.

Turkle, S. (2017). Alone together: Why we expect more from technology and less from each other. Hachette UK.

Twenge, J. M. (2018). IGen: Why today's super-connected kids are growing up less rebellious, more tolerant, less happy--and completely unprepared for adulthood--and what that means for the rest of us. Simon and Schuster.

Twenge, J.M. (2020). Why increases in adolescent depression may be linked to the technological environment. Current Opinion in Psychology, 32, 89-94.

Uhls, Y. T., Michikyan, M., Morris, J., Garcia, D., Small, G. W., Zgourou, E., & Greenfield, P. M. (2014). Five days at outdoor education camp without screens improves preteen skills with nonverbal emotion cues. Computers in Human Behavior, 39, 387-392.

Vossen, H. G., & Valkenburg, P. M. (2016). Do social media foster or curtail adolescents' empathy? A longitudinal study. Computers in Human Behavior, 63, 118-124.

A Lack of Leading by Example What School Leaders Get Wrong:

What Ails America's Principals and Coaches? A Lack of Leading by Example

Inquiry: What do American school administrators and instructional leaders often get wrong when it comes to improving teaching and learning in our classrooms?

Evidence: As an seasoned observer of the machinations and outcomes of the U.S. education system, I cannot help but notice the glaring lack of leading by example demonstrated by many of the individuals charged with guiding instruction and raising achievement in our schools. Principals, assistant principals, instructional coaches, curriculum coordinators - these professionals are tasked with overseeing teachers, evaluating instruction, and implementing strategies to enhance classroom practice. Yet so many fall short when it comes to modeling excellent teaching themselves.

Walk the halls of a typical American elementary or secondary school and you're unlikely to encounter an administrator or coach actually teaching a lesson. Instead, they flit about observing teachers, holding meetings, or sequestered in their offices. Now, strong organizational and managerial skills are certainly essential for these roles. But equally important, I would argue, is maintaining one's own instructional expertise through regular teaching experience with students.

How can principals provide meaningful feedback to guide teachers if they haven't set foot in a classroom themselves in years? What qualifies a coach to demonstrate model lessons if they never step in front of students? Expertise fades without regular practice. Excellent teachers continue honing their craft daily through experience. School leaders must do the same if they want to lead effectively and elevate the quality of teaching schoolwide.

The once or twice yearly administrator-taught demo lessons common in many districts just don't cut it. Principals and coaches should teach whole classes on a weekly basis to stay sharp. This sends a powerful message that instructional leadership means leading by doing, not just telling others what to do. It builds credibility, empathy, and trust. Teachers see that administrators face the same challenges and gain practical insights from their teaching. It keeps leaders' eyes on excellence from the front lines.

In many American schools, however, teaching is seen as beneath the pay grade of administrators and coaches. They have "risen above" the classroom fray to focus on "more important work" like budgets, testing, and operations. Teaching is left to the teachers while leaders hide away in offices engaged in non-instructional tasks. What message does this send? That teaching is not important enough to warrant their time? That leading teachers doesn't require actually teaching yourself? I daresay this attitude reveals one major reason why teaching quality suffers in many schools - a lack of hands-on instructional leadership.

A mastery of pedagogical expertise should be seen as a core duty of any school leader guiding classroom instruction, not as an optional extracurricular activity. Principals and coaches disconnected from regular teaching become increasingly unable to lead improvement efforts. How can you steer teachers toward excellence if you haven't been in a classroom modeling excellence yourself recently? The insights and credibility gap widens yearly. Before long, leaders end up giving feedback and advice completely out of touch with classroom realities. No amount of watching instruction from the back of a classroom can substitute for the experience of actually delivering lessons yourself.

Evidence continues mounting on the power of school leadership focused squarely on instruction. Study after study identifies hands-on, learning-focused leaders as a top driver of student achievement and school improvement. Yet we continue promoting administrators and coaches with little to no emphasis on preserving their own teaching skills. Coaching certification programs stress theory over practice. Principal training focuses on operations rather than ongoing instructional excellence. We set up leaders for failure by not demanding they actively lead from the front through regular teaching.

Imagine if every principal taught at least one class each week. Think of coaches consistently modeling excellent instruction for teachers through co-teaching and targeted lessons. Teacher improvement efforts led by leaders intimately familiar with daily classroom realities because they face them too. Schools where the top priority of administrators is showcasing educational best practices through their own teaching. This vision may seem far-fetched given current realities in many American schools. But it's precisely the direction we need to head.

Conclusion: For too long, school leadership in America has been seen as distinct and separate from classroom teaching. Principals and coaches who haven't taught in years - or even decades - are charged with driving instructional excellence. This is a fatal flaw of our system. We must demand leaders at all levels stay actively immersed in teaching through regular classroom experiences. This should be a central job requirement and evaluated metric of their performance. Only then can we build a culture of learning that permeates from the top down in our schools. Leaders must model what excellent instruction looks like on a daily basis. The time is now to redefine the roles of principals, coaches and all leaders to place teaching at their core - not just evaluating and overseeing teaching from afar. America's students and teachers deserve nothing less.

Teaching Insights from Cognitive Science: Comparing Uncommon Sense Teaching and Make It Stick

Comparing and contrasting the two books "Uncommon Sense Teaching: Practical Insights in Brain Science to Help Students Learn" by Judy Willis and "Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning" by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, and Mark A. McDaniel:

Uncommon Sense Teaching and Make It Stick: A Comparative Analysis of Applying Cognitive Science Principles to Improve Learning

Abstract

Both "Uncommon Sense Teaching" by Judy Willis and "Make It Stick" by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, and Mark A. McDaniel seek to improve learning outcomes by translating insights from cognitive science research into practical teaching strategies. This article provides a comparative analysis of the two books, examining their similar goals and approaches as well as distinct emphases. Key takeaways are synthesized regarding strategies such as interleaving practice, emphasizing effort and challenge, and tapping into emotion and social dynamics to enhance memory and learning.

Introduction

A growing body of cognitive science research offers valuable insights into how the brain acquires, processes, and retains information. In recent years, prominent scholars in the field have published works aimed at making these research findings accessible to educators and applicable in classroom settings. Two acclaimed books taking this approach are Judy Willis' "Uncommon Sense Teaching" (2010) and "Make It Stick" by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, and Mark A. McDaniel (2014). Both texts share the overarching goal of bridging the gap between cognitive science and education, but take somewhat different angles in translating the research into practical strategies. This article will compare and contrast the approaches, frameworks, and recommended practices put forth in each book, highlighting their similarities and distinctions. Key takeaways will be synthesized regarding research-backed methods to enhance learning outcomes.

Similarities in Goals and Approaches

At their core, both "Uncommon Sense Teaching" and "Make It Stick" aim to leverage insights from cognitive psychology and neuroscience to improve teaching and learning. The authors synthesize a wide breadth of studies with direct relevance to the classroom environment, distilling the research into actionable teaching strategies. Furthermore, both texts critique conventional educational approaches that are incongruous with cognitive science findings. For example, both critique study habits based on massed practice (cramming) and re-reading, arguing these are less effective for long-term retention compared to spaced practice and elaboration strategies. Both books also emphasize that productive struggle enhances learning, pushing back against models that simplify material to minimize effort. Finally, the two books share a learner-centered orientation, advocating practices that consider the brain's natural learning systems.

Key Differences in Emphasis

While the two texts share similar underlying goals and approaches, their specific emphases differ based on the authors' backgrounds and interests. As a veteran K-12 teacher, Willis focuses extensively on learning differences, classroom community, and influences such as stress, emotions, and social dynamics on learning. Her background as a neurologist informs her emphasis on neuroscience, including findings on memory formation and the impact of exercise, nutrition and sleep on the brain. In contrast, Brown, Roediger and McDaniel approach the material from the perspective of cognitive psychology researchers and academics. Their book meticulously analyzes strategies that enhance retention and knowledge transfer, such as interleaving practice, elaborative interrogation, and self-explanation. While touching on emotional and social factors, their discussion centers on principles of cognitive theory.

Synthesizing Key Takeaways

Despite their different angles, these books converge on several research-backed strategies that teachers can employ to improve student learning:

- Interleaving practice on different topics results in better long-term retention and transfer compared to massed practice.

- Emphasizing effort and productive struggle enhances learning, while over-simplification diminishes retention.

- Tapping into social dynamics and emotion can aid memory formation and recall.

- Retrieval practice through low-stakes quizzing strengthens memory compared to re-studying material.

- Elaborative strategies like asking students to explain concepts engage deeper cognitive processing.

Conclusion

"Uncommon Sense Teaching" and "Make It Stick" succeed in translating insights from the rich field of cognitive science into practical recommendations teachers can apply in the classroom. Though differing in their precise angles and emphasis, the books converge on key evidence-based strategies to enhance learning outcomes. Teachers aiming to leverage research findings to improve their practice would benefit from studying and synthesizing the approaches outlined in both of these impactful texts.

Comparing Student Commitment Systems: Ron Clark's 55 Essentials and Doug Lemov's 49 Techniques

Introduction

Effective teaching is critical for student success. Two popular and influential books that outline methods for effective teaching are Ron Clark's The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child and Doug Lemov's Teach Like a Champion: 49 Techniques that Put Students on the Path to College. Both books provide educators with practical techniques for managing classrooms, engaging students, and promoting academic excellence. This article will compare and contrast the key ideas from each book and discuss how Clark's 55 Essentials and Lemov's 49 Techniques complement each other to help teachers be more effective.

Overview of Ron Clark's 55 Essentials

Ron Clark's The Essential 55 outlines 55 rules or “essentials” for creating a positive classroom environment and helping each student reach their potential. Clark draws on his own experience as an award-winning educator in both rural North Carolina and inner-city New York. His 55 essentials provide guidance on everything from greeting students at the door to maintaining an organized classroom.

Some of Clark's key essentials include:

- Essential 1: Greet students at the door. This simple act builds personal connections with students as they enter the classroom.

- Essential 5: Do not accept disengagement. Keep students actively participating.

- Essential 15: Provide students with the freedom to learn in their own style. Appeal to visual, auditory and kinesthetic learners.

- Essential 23: Make learning fun and exciting. Incorporate music, games, and humor.

- Essential 31: Provide students choices. Allow them to have a say in their learning experience.

- Essential 37: Hold students accountable for their actions. Apply rules equitably and consistently.

- Essential 55: Be passionate about teaching. Your passion is contagious.

Character Counts!

Clark argues following these essentials will lead to student success by fostering positive student-teacher relationships, engaging students in active learning, and creating an organized, supportive classroom environment.

Overview of Doug Lemov's 49 Techniques

Doug Lemov's Teach Like a Champion outlines 49 specific techniques teachers can utilize to improve student learning and behavior management. Lemov, a managing director at a charter school network, studied videos of outstanding teachers and identified their most effective techniques. His 49 techniques are organized into sections on classroom management, boosting academic rigor, and building student character.

Some notable techniques from Lemov include:

- Technique 2: Stretch It. Extend student learning by asking for a more thoughtful answer. Do not accept a one-word response if a student is capable of a detailed explanation.

- Technique 5: No Opt Out. Require all students to answer questions, even if the student initially states "I don't know." Have them attempt an answer to reinforce participation.

- Technique 16: Begin with the End. Start each lesson by explaining goals and their relevance to larger objectives. Help students understand the "why."

- Technique 21: Circulate. Move strategically around the room while students work. Your physical presence improves oversight and engagement.

- Technique 26: At Bats. Give all students multiple attempts to verbally respond. Each attempt is an "at bat" where they can succeed.

- Technique 33: Soft Start. Gradually add more challenge to a learning activity. Have them first complete an easy problem before tackling harder problems.

- Technique 49: Joy Factor. Incorporate elements of surprise and fun. Help students take pleasure in learning.

Lemov argues these techniques will boost student achievement by setting high expectations, improving classroom management, and making learning more rewarding for students.

Comparison of the Methods

While Ron Clark's 55 Essentials and Doug Lemov's 49 Techniques have some differences in focus and terminology, they share many core ideas for effective teaching. Both emphasize high-energy, student-centered classrooms. They advocate for active learning through questioning, discussion, and participation. The methods complement each other well. Here are some key commonalities:

Student Engagement

Clark and Lemov both focus heavily on keeping students actively engaged throughout each lesson. Clark's Essential 5 is "Do not accept disengagement" while Lemov's Technique 5 is "No Opt Out." They both push teachers to require responses and participation from each and every student, not just the few who voluntarily respond. Lemov's Circulate technique is similar to Clark's Observe technique – both involve strategically moving around the room to interact with students.

Classroom Management

Several of Clark's essentials and Lemov's techniques offer overlapping advice on effective classroom management. Having clear routines and procedures (Clark Essential 3 and Lemov Technique 28) is critical. They both also discuss the importance of starting and ending a lesson successfully (Clark Essential 11 and Lemov Technique 48). Providing positive reinforcement and managing consequences for behavior is another shared theme.

Academic Mindset

Both authors stress the importance of setting high academic expectations for all students, regardless of perceived ability. Lemov's techniques like No Opt Out and At Bats encourage effort and perseverance for challenging academic tasks. Similarly, Clark's essentials like Essential 15 (let students learn in their own style) and Essential 31 (provide choices) emphasize accommodating students' diverse needs while still believing in their potential. They both aim to foster growth mindsets in students.

Student-Teacher Relationships

Several essentials and techniques tie into building positive student-teacher relationships and creating an affirming classroom community. Greeting students at the door is discussed in Clark's Essential 1 and Lemov's Technique 28. Using humor to make learning engaging is found in Clark Essential 23 and Lemov Technique 49. Both works stress showing passion and care for students, while still maintaining high expectations.

While Ron Clark's focus is more on the social-emotional climate, Doug Lemov hones in more on academic rigor. However, together they provide comprehensive guidance on fostering supportive relationships and high achievement.

Key Differences

The most notable difference between the two works is Clark's emphasis on social-emotional learning compared to Lemov's emphasis on academic rigor. However, both elements are critical to student success. Below are several key differences:

- Clark's essentials place more weight on relationships, including teacher-student and peer relationships. Several essentials like Essential 1 (greet students), Essential 12 (learn student interests) and Essential 29 (peer mentoring) focus directly on interactions. Lemov, on the other hand, zeroes in more exclusively on driving academic achievement.

- Lemov offers more concrete techniques for instruction like Begin with the End, At Bats and Cold Call. Clark's advice is generally more broad and focuses less on specific instructional moves.

- Clark advocates more for culturally responsive teaching and meeting diverse student needs, such as allowing different learning styles (Essential 15). Lemov focuses more on holding all students to high expectations without differentiation.

- Lemov emphasizes more data tracking to measure effectiveness like technique 43 (data-driven instruction) and technique 44 (maintain useful records). Clark does not focus on data.

- Clark's essentials place more emphasis on classroom setup, cleanliness and organization. This is evident in essentials like Essential 4 (organized classroom) and Essential 54 (clean up). Lemov does not delve much into the physical space.

While the works have differences in focus, the two approaches can complement each other well. Teachers can benefit from Lemov's specific instruction techniques as well as Clark's relationship-centered essentials.

Benefits of Applying Both Approaches

Ron Clark's 55 Essentials and Doug Lemov's 49 Techniques provide educators with a wealth of practical tips for boosting student outcomes. The methods share many core values while also having complementary differences in focus. Teachers can gain the most benefit by thoughtfully implementing ideas from both works. Here are some of the benefits:

- Establishing rigorous academic expectations using techniques like Begin with the End and No Opt Out.

- Making class fun and engaging for students using joy factor and songs, chants, and games.

- Building positive relationships and sense of community using greetings, one-on-one conferences, praise, and incentives.

- Creating an organized, efficient classroom using procedures, routines, tracking data, and maintenance.

- Reaching all learning styles through choice, differentiation, interactive methods, and reacting to engagement cues.

- Developing students’ character and life skills by teaching personal responsibility and conflict resolution strategies.

- Finding an appropriate balance between social-emotional development and academics.

Neither work on its own is sufficient for maximizing student potential. Clark provides exceptional guidance on the human elements of teaching while Lemov offers concrete methods to challenge students and enhance instruction. Together, Ron Clark's Essentials and Doug Lemov's Techniques provide a comprehensive formula for becoming an inspirational, highly effective teacher. Any educator looking to improve their craft could benefit immensely from studying and implementing the combined wisdom from these two outstanding books.

 Here are some examples of combining Ron Clark's 55 Essentials and Doug Lemov's 49 Techniques into student-centered "I can" and "I will" statements:

I can greet my teacher and classmates at the door because it builds community. (Clark Essential 1)

I will actively participate in class activities and discussions because disengagement limits my learning. (Clark Essential 5)

I can learn material in different ways that match my learning style. My teacher will provide me choices. (Clark Essential 15) 

I will thoughtfully answer every question posed to me, even if I'm unsure. I will challenge myself to attempt a response. (Lemov Technique 5)

I can have fun learning through games, music, and humor. This engages me in lessons. (Clark Essential 23)

I will start every lesson by listening to the goals and objectives. I understand why I am learning skills and content. (Lemov Technique 16)

I can make mistakes and learn from my attempts. My teacher gives me multiple tries to get the right answer. (Lemov Technique 26)

I will track my own data and use it to celebrate growth and set new goals. (Lemov Technique 43) 

I can build positive relationships with my teacher and peers by collaborating and communicating respectfully. (Clark Essential 12)

I will follow classroom rules and accept consequences for my actions. This maintains a positive environment. (Clark Essential 37)

Here are some revised inspirational "I can" and "I will" statements:

 1. I will speak to others with dignity and respect, for my words carry power.

2. I will listen attentively, for true understanding comes from focus.

3. I can engage thoughtfully in discussions, for my perspective matters.

 4. I will build up my classmates, for encouragement uplifts us all.

 5. I can accept alternate viewpoints, for diversity of thought leads to growth.

 6. I will handle victory and defeat with grace, for character shines through when tested.

 7. I can ask meaningful questions, for curiosity is the seed of wisdom.

 8. I will demonstrate polite manners, for courtesy contributes to the community.

 9. I will carry myself with honor, for integrity speaks louder than words.

 10. I can express gratitude sincerely, for appreciation energizes the giver and receiver.

 11. I will welcome all gifts graciously, for goodwill is remembered more than the gift itself.

 12. I will perform acts of service, for one selfless deed can lift many hearts.

13. I can be truthful, even when difficult, for honesty nurtures trust.

14. I will speak clearly and confidently when called upon, for preparation breeds competence.

15. I can convey ideas articulately, for precision of speech reflects clarity of thought.

 16. I will work diligently without seeking rewards, for inner fulfillment is the highest prize.

17. I can take responsibility for my learning, for through commitment I reach my potential.

 18. I will transition efficiently out of respect for others, for timeliness demonstrates care.

 19. I can stay prepared, for organization enables excellence.

20. I will approach work positively, for attitude influences achievement.

21. I can be cooperative and follow protocols, for teamwork achieves more than individual efforts.

 22. I will remain engaged during lessons, for focus reveals value. 

 23. I will build bonds of mutual respect, for strong relationships form the foundation. 

24. I can act with integrity even when unsupervised, for doing what's right matters most when no one is watching. 

25. I will make all visitors feel welcomed, for hospitality builds goodwill.

 26. I can demonstrate selflessness and share space with others, for inclusion makes everyone feel valued. 

27. I will refrain from judging those facing consequences, for compassion is owed to all. 

28. I can show initiative to solve problems independently first before seeking help, for self-reliance cultivates growth. 

29. I will exhibit etiquette and professionalism, for conduct conveys capability. 

30. I can assume responsibility for my space, for stewardship reflects character. 

31. I will leave each place better than I found it, for excellence is built through consistent effort. 

32. I can remain focused on the task at hand, for present diligence brings future success.

33. I will make proper introductions, for first impressions open doors to lasting rapport. 

34. I can demonstrate selfless generosity, for good manners put others first. 

35. I will readily assist others in need, for service spreads joy. 

36. I can hold doors and lend a hand to all, for a spirit of chivalry builds community. 

37. I will apologize sincerely when appropriate, for righting wrongs mends bonds. 

38. I can enter spaces mindfully and respectfully, for courtesy sets positive tones. 

39. I will voice affirmation more than criticism, for praise uplifts far more than reprimand. 

40. I can listen silently and soak in wisdom, for focus reveals insight.

 41. I will communicate professionally, for tactful speech opens ears and hearts. 

42. I can express heartfelt thanks to mentors, for gratitude nurtures growth. 

43. I will stay to the right and allow room for others to pass, for compromise keeps all moving forward. 

44. I can walk in line and wait my turn patiently, for order maximizes efficiency. 

45. I will not cut in front of others, for honor respects earned placement. 

46. I can listen silently during lessons, for self-control enables learning. 

47. I will follow rules and model integrity, for leadership stems from righteousness. 

48. I can stand up to wrongdoing, for bravery to defend what is right uplifts us all. 

49. I will express my beliefs considerately, for diplomacy paired with conviction effects change. 

50. I can radiate joy and speak life through positivity, for optimism lifts spirits. 

51. I will live purposefully without regrets, for today taken seriously leads to tomorrow lived fully. 

52. I can learn from failures and missteps, for resilience is forged through overcoming challenges. 

53. I will be truthful in all matters, for honesty builds trust. 

54. I can make the most of each moment, for time utilized well brings growth and contentment.