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L1 and L2 acquisition: Hints for teachers
Douglas Magrath EducationThe process of first language acquisition (called L1 acquisition) has been studied extensively, and the process is important for the theories of second language acquisition (called L2 acquisition). According to Stephen D. Krashen's "Fundamentals of Language Education," "Language acquisition is a subconscious process. We are not aware it is happening." The process involves the innate ability of humans to acquire language (called language acquisition device or LAD).
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American K-12 education needs a massive rethink
Bambi Majumdar EducationFormer Education Secretary Arne Duncan’s new book has recently been a topic of discussion across various news outlets. Duncan’s book offers a critical view of America's schools, which he feels are way behind their international counterparts. He also suggests ways to improve the system so that both teachers and students benefit in the future. American students do not rank in the top 10 in for K-12 or higher education internationally. This does not bode well for the future. Rethinking America’s education system has, therefore, become a priority.
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What I did over my summer vacation
Debra Josephson Abrams EducationFor two hours, she writes on the board. We sit and dutifully copy. Occasionally, she turns and points at one of us, says something in Korean, and we are supposed to repeat what she has said. If she has asked a question, we are supposed to answer it. Sometimes, after the board is full, she recognizes a mistake, erases it, and begins again. It is this way three nights each week for two hours each night for a month. Many Koreans have told me that the teacher’s approach is the Korean approach to education, despite what the school’s website promises.
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Start with a ‘pop’ by bringing today’s culture to the…
Savanna Flakes EducationWelcome back to another exciting school year! Let’s start the year off with a bang by building relationships, establishing a positive learning community, and including some pop culture to increase student interest and engagement. Our goal is to ensure our lessons are relevant for 21st century learners to support 21st century college and career success. If a lesson is relevant, students can answer, "What am I learning?," "Why am I learning this?" and "How can I use this information/skill in the real world?" Pop culture offers us the opportunity meet today’s students where they are.
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The evolution of the school lunch menu
Brian Stack EducationFor anyone in their 30s or older, it comes as no surprise that over the past two decades, America’s palate has evolved and diversified. Tuna casserole and meatloaf dinners have been replaced with meals that have much bolder flavors and are influenced by many ethnic backgrounds. As you might expect, the changing palate for adults also means a new palate for kids, and that has had a big impact on school lunch programs from coast to coast.
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Common Core creator’s breach-of-contract case continues
Seth Sandronsky EducationWho knew that parties involved in the business of school assessment could end up in federal court? Consider a U.S. magistrate who ruled against an education entrepreneur and plaintiff in a breach-of-contract case with a global education and information firm over the amount of bonus payments tied to an employment agreement. Dr. Judy Codding is the plaintiff, and there is a history here. She took part in the writing of the Common Core State Standards in English language arts and math that California, the U.S.' most populous state with over 6 million K-12 public school pupils, has adopted along with 41 other states.
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Simple ways to connect and build relationships with your students
Erick Herrmann EducationTeachers get into the profession of teaching because they care about young people and want to help them be successful in life, and ultimately to make the world a better place. We all know that relationships are at the core of our work, and that this critical aspect of education and the classroom makes our job of educating children more effective and fulfilling for everyone. Yes, building relationships with students takes time, a commodity that is in limited supply in the classroom. The following list of activities and ideas can be used in virtually any context, but may need to be adapted slightly depending on the grade level and make up of your classroom.
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Puerto Rico’s recovery faces ongoing privatization challenges
Michelle R. Matisons Civil & GovernmentOn July 9, Puerto Rican officials submitted a 411-page draft recovery plan to the U.S. Congress that outlines Gov. Ricardo Rosselló’s vision for the island’s future as it acknowledges that the death toll from Hurricane Maria may be much larger than originally admitted. This plan states that prior to September’s storm, the island already struggled "with an economic crisis spanning more than a decade." That crisis led a federal oversight board to take over Puerto Rico’s finances in 2016.
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Florida database integration law aims to stop school shootings
Bambi Majumdar Law Enforcement, Defense & SecurityIn Florida, database integration will be the new tool to combat school shootings. Following the Parkland tragedy, state authorities convened and passed a law to this effect. A centralized database will be created to help officers and school authorities prevent such shootings in future. One of the significant catalysts for this move was the fact that the Parkland shooter had left many warning signs in his social media posts that were overlooked.
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Flexible learning starts with flexible classroom spaces
Brian Stack EducationThe latest craze with my New Hampshire high school teachers is to supplement, or in some cases replace, their institutional, inflexible classroom furniture with more student-friendly options. In a school with a very tiny furniture budget, my staff has accomplished this task by soliciting donations, applying for grants, and in some cases, building their own furniture. A walk through the few re-imagined spaces that we have completed thus far is reminiscent of a trip through a trendy Ikea showroom.
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