From the Mind of Tom Drummond

With the start of the new school year, my husband took on his first teaching assignment as a college teacher. We’ve spent many hours at the kitchen table planning classes, assignments and determining the best way for students to “get it” in each class. In some quick research to add twists and turns to class (so that he meets his goal that his history class doesn’t feel like every other history class students have ever taken), we came upon this reference-backed collection of best practices for use in the college classroom. Don’t be fooled – the strategies translate directly to middle and high school classrooms.

The practices include ideas for lecture, group discussion, questioning, reflection, active learning, group assignments, aligning course goals and grading, modeling, giving feedback, establishing the “state” of the classroom and helping students take responsibility for their learning. Great work, Tom Drummond!
Professional Development Tip for September 18, 2008