Sunday, July 31, 2016

Why Ask Why? 17 Different Types of Questions to Ask.

I listened to a teacher explain his pleasure in his teaching method. He explained that the secret to his being a successful educator is that he asks students “Why?”

The only question I had about this technique was “Why?”

His answer was because his mastery of “Why” teaching has led his students developing the critical thinking necessary to pass the Common Core tests. My first thought was, thank goodness people don't have to take these tests for success outside of school. My next was that I bet a lot of these kids find this guy to be such an annoying teacher. But, even if I was wrong, and asking "Why" can turn the mediocre teacher into one who is masterful, do we really need a teacher to do this? Just invite a five-year-old to the classroom.  They’re great at asking, “Why?”


Sarcasm aside, the more important issue here is that a teacher doesn’t become good because they learned to repeat a three letter word and has figured out how they can make their students answer it. A good teacher gives their students a more important skill. That is the skill of supporting students in learning how to ask their own relevant questions for real reasons and helping them develop questions that are more complex than just, “Why?”


There are many types of questions that teachers can help their students develop. The Questioning Toolkit provides these common question types:

Saturday, July 30, 2016

The Hottest Posts Everyone's Reading

This week’s hottest posts are dominated with tips on using social media. Read them and discover how to effectively use Facebook Live and what not to do. Learn why Twitter Scavenger Hunts are a fun activity to have at school events. Rounding out the top are the essential elements of a Twitter bio as well as advice on becoming Twitter famous.  If any of these posts are of interest, check em out below and share with others using the buttons below on Twitter, Facebook, email or whichever platform you like best.

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Tuesday, July 26, 2016

10 Tips for Effectively Connecting at #NYCSchoolsTech Summit - Even If You’re Not There

The #NYCSchoolsTech Summit is the largest annual #EdTech conference in New York City. At the conference innovative educators from across NYC Schools share their knowledge and expertise with other educators from NYC, surrounding areas, and even around the world thanks to social media. The conference is so popular, it trended on Twitter last year.  

There are dozens of workshops, lunchtime activities, and a terrific keynote speaker (we won't say his name, but here’s a hint) which makes it hard to choose and even harder to stay informed of all that is going on. But don’t despair. When educators connect, everyone benefits and learns even if they aren’t able to attend a particular session.  


Here is how participants (live or remote) and presenters can do just that at the 2016 #NYCSchoolsTech Summit.

Sunday, July 24, 2016

4 Key Elements Necessary for a Killer Twitter Bio

Making a great bio on Twitter is easy and if you're on Twitter you should know how to do it. If you're not on Twitter you should be and the first thing you should be prepared to do is create a bio.  When you do, remember these four elements:

1) Use a headshot that features "your" face. Not the face of you and your beau or your baby or your puppy.  Not your face among many. Just your face.

2) Use your name. Twitter is about real people connecting with real people.

3) Use identifiable hashtags.  Hashtags are the language of social media. Show you're in the know and speak the language that will help you connect to others who share your interests and ideas. Read why here

4) Link to where folks can go to find out more. This could be your website, blog, or LinkedIn profile. Give folks a place to go if they want to know more about you and your ideas.   

Here's what mine looks like:
Do you have any additional certifications or credentials? Add em to your bio like the host of the killer #NYCSchoolsTwitter chat, @Eileen_Lennon did below. Here's how she did it.
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What do you think? Are some of these elements you might incorporate into your bio? Anything missing that you have found helpful?