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The genius of genius hours
Brian Stack EducationMore than a decade ago, Google introduced the Pareto principle to its company. First conceived by Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto at the turn of the 20th century, the concept came from Pareto's observation that 80 percent of Italian land was owned by 20 percent of the population.
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The changing world of language education
Jessica Taylor EducationGoing without a script, TESOL President Andy Curtis spoke from the heart to attendees Wednesday morning at TESOL 2016. As president of TESOL in the same year as its celebration of 50 years, Curtis spoke with enthusiasm and excitement.
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Breaking down barriers as educators — one step at a time
Jessica Taylor EducationTESOL 2016 started out Tuesday evening with a bang when opening keynote speaker Aziz Abu Sarah gave a moving and inspirational speech about how to break down barriers as educators. Sarah describes himself as an explorer, cultural educator, peace builder and entrepreneur. He has traveled to about 40 countries working on bringing people together and finding ways to really communicate with one another.
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There’s no shortcut to success for children with LD
Steve Spillane EducationA parent patiently guides his child who has fine motor challenges to learn how to tie her shoes independently: "That's right Sally! Make the bunny ear, then loop the lace around the bottom." As those words leave his lips, their sound is overpowered by the toot of the bus driver's horn.
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Who’s leading the K-12 ed tech market — Google or Microsoft?
Bambi Majumdar EducationWhich technology is best for K-12 education? This old debate is rearing its head up again. A market report from Futuresource shows that despite Google's recent success in the classroom, Microsoft products — Windows-based PCs and devices — are outselling everyone else in this niche.
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It boggles the mind: A puzzling word game
Debra Josephson Abrams EducationThere is significant research on the efficacy of using games to teach ESL/EFL. Yolageldili and Arikan are among those who encourage game use: "Games have a special role in any foreign language teaching program because they facilitate foreign language learning especially for young learners." Gaudart concurs: "Using simulations and games are two of the most effective techniques for a teacher when he or she wants to allow second or foreign language learner practice in the target language."
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Forgetting to learn: Making room in the brain
Dorothy L. Tengler Medical & Allied HealthcareHuman memory is a complex, brainwide process that is essential to who we are. Experts say once you've learned to ride a bicycle or drive a car or swim, you never forget. But surprisingly, new research suggests that while learning, the brain is actively trying to forget.
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Is college the right choice for students with LD?
Tom Bergeron EducationParents and educators work hard to help prepare their children to become successful adults, and obtaining a college degree is typically seen as the path to success. But what about other avenues? This question is especially important for children with learning differences. Studies show varying graduation rates, but they all clearly indicate students with learning differences have a far more difficult time obtaining a high school diploma, and attaining the elusive college degree.
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Microcredentials provide educator personalization
Brian Stack EducationOur world is changing at such a rapid rate that our schools need educators with specific skills and experiences. Gone are the days when schools could supplement an educator's "general education degree" with a one-size-fits-all professional development model. Today's educators need access to professional develop that is highly personalized, competency-based and targeted to specific knowledge and skills.
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Hiding grammar lessons in content material
Douglas Magrath EducationA variety of activities will enhance language acquisition. Suggestions include articles, student presentations, discussions, role-plays, field trips and demonstrations. In a content-based approach, grammar still needs to be taught since the need will arise for the students to communicate using a specific structure (passive voice, for example). Grammatical accuracy still needs to be part of the hidden agenda of the course, especially for college-bound students, and it can be hidden in the readings.
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