Over the past decade, academic research has increasingly examined issues of multitasking and distraction as people try to squeeze more activities into their busy lives. Prior to the Internet age, some cognition science research focused on how behavior might be better understood, improved and made more efficient in business, hospital or other high-pressure settings. But as digital technology has become ubiquitous in many people’s daily routines — and as multitasking has become a “lifestyle” of sorts for many younger people — researchers have tried to assess how humans are coping in this highly connected environment and how “chronic multitasking” may diminish our capacity to function effectively.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a test that uses children’s ability to assemble LEGO pieces to assess their spatial visualization ability. Spatial visualization is the ability to visualize 3D shapes in one’s mind, which is tied to increased GPAs and graduation rates in STEM college students. Source: Using LEGO to…
When I think of my role as a teacher, I consider my dual roles: a high-school science teacher and an instructor who prepares new teachers to teach science. These roles are very different, and each offers its own set of rewards and challenges. At the same time, I approach each with the same two mindsets:…
When I see a great light display, I rarely consider the effort and meticulous planning that goes into it. While I was going through my decorating process on Friday, I couldn’t help but think of the parallel to our classrooms. When great instruction is happening in our classrooms, we often don’t think of the effort…
15 years ago, I made two major choices before I went to school in the mornings. I picked what cereal I would have (how good were Ricicles?), then sifted through my CD collection before popping one into my Discman for the day. … Think of that same journey I took 15 years ago. Today, it’s…
Two big updates to Google sheets, the ability to visualize data with machine learning and syncing data in Google Sheets to Google Docs or Google Slides. Machine language charting allows you to ask Google Sheets questions about your data, and let Google Slides figure out the best way to present the information to you. This is…
UKEdChat magazine: The best classroom management techniques are subtle, pleasant, and pervasive. Rules and routines, as well as guidelines and guidance, are crucial, so teachers should always maintain a calm and confidence that inspires trust and earns mutual respect. Because every child requires growth in social, emotional, soulful, andacademic learning, teacher firmness is no more or less…
