Great teachers teach lessons differently than their colleagues. It’s why their students are more engaged, productive, studious, and academically competent. Yes, there is a classroom management component to their success. Great teachers are experts in this area too. But lessons form the backbone of … Read more
Every student in your class needs their own personal whiteboard. They need to know where to keep it, how to care for it, and when to use it. Its strict operation and function must be taught, modeled, and practiced like any other routine. Once … Read more
In this day and age it’s common—and in some schools and districts even mandated—to allow students to make up anything and everything they want. Not happy with your test grade? No problem, just take it again. Forgot your homework? Turn it in whenever you … Read more
Warning: This article describes a strategy that is controversial. It’s not controversial for us here at SCM. It’s something we’ve been doing and recommending for many years. However, the education establishment is aghast at our approach. For example, the standard advice when a student … Read more
19th Century psychologist and Harvard professor William James believed so strongly that teaching was a mutual process that when his students’ participation waned he would lie down in class as if to take a nap. Perhaps you can relate. Active participation is crucial to … Read more
“I shouldn’t have to entertain my students.” “I don’t have all day to lesson plan.” “I can’t compete with video games and social media.” These are common teacher frustrations. I’ve heard them a million times. And they’re all true. But here’s the thing: You … Read more
According to a recent article in New York magazine, nearly every student is using AI to cheat their way through college. It’s happening in high school and lower grades too. Sad and troubling, of course. But here at SCM we accept what we cannot … Read more
The importance of having high expectations for students is thrown about so often that it’s lost any real meaning. It rolls off the tongue like a royal decree. “Thou maketh high expectations!” On cue, everyone nods along—Oh yes, yes, so important—while afraid to ask … Read more