The Educator's Notebook

On The Wisdom Of Teachers: Scientific Vs. Craft Vs. Moral Knowledge
EdWeek - 10/30/19

“Scientific evidence is not the only source of knowledge nor is it the source of knowledge that always holds high ground in decision-making. Two other important kinds of knowledge are what might best be labeled craft knowledge and moral knowledge. Craft knowledge stems from the understanding gathered over time by practitioners, including through stories, ad hoc observations, and intuition. It is the evidence that usually legitimizes professional judgment in our field, in part because scientific knowledge is not available or cannot be generalized to the thousands of different situations educators face daily.”
Grades And Comments: What Actually Helps Learning?
Kappan - 10/28/19

“Page concluded that grades can have a beneficial effect on student learning only when accompanied by standard or individualized comments from the teacher. Studies conducted in later years confirmed these results.”

“Teachers Who Promote Creativity See Educational Results”
Gallup - 10/28/19

“Teachers' use of creativity in learning was determined by the frequency with which they report allowing students to do each of the following: 1) choose what to learn in class; 2) try different ways of doing things, even if they might not work; 3) come up with their own ways to solve a problem; 4) discuss topics with no right or wrong answer; 5) create a project to express what they've learned; 6) work on a multidisciplinary project; 7) work on a project with real-world applications; and 8) publish or share projects with people outside the classroom.”

Does The “Word Gap” Shape Later Cognitive Growth?
The 74 Million - 10/23/19

“A study last year raised questions about the extent of the gap, but the science is clear that children’s first three years are the most critical time for brain development."