Two ingredients of student-centered learning: a flexible environment and caring adults
September 6, 2019 |Research shows that relationships with caring adults can be a critical factor in a student’s success in school, especially in cases where students experience instability at home. Not only that, but growing data reveals that students need access to a whole web of support to facilitate their development academically as well as socially and emotionally. […]
For mastery-based approaches, consider a disruptive blended-learning model
September 4, 2019 |It often takes time for a school to change age-old instructional practices. To shift away from traditional seat-time learning and whole-class instruction, many schools start with hybrid blended-learning models, conduct small-scale pilots, or run years of professional development overhaul. In some schools that are relatively tiny (and new), however, educators are using their size and […]
9 steps to creating and managing successful blended classrooms
July 2, 2019 |“Going blended” is about more than just technology—it’s about rethinking instruction and effectively managing innovation over time. While that can seem daunting, the Christensen Institute’s Blended Learning Universe (BLU) has a research-driven design guide to support educators as they build (and refine) their blended-learning programs. This guide can be adopted by teachers striving to implement […]
Is the Enriched Virtual blended-learning model the future of high school?
June 27, 2019 |Many in the education innovation space are thinking about high school redesign to better reflect students’ 21st century learning needs. Initiatives like the XQ Super School project and the Department of Education’s Next Generation High Schools have accelerated a national conversation on reimagining the high school experience to include “real-world” learning components as well as […]
3 secrets to successful Station Rotations
March 21, 2019 |Station Rotation is one of the most popular blended-learning approaches. The model isn’t new or unique to blended learning; teachers have been using learning activity “centers” in their classrooms for decades, particularly at the elementary level. What qualifies Station Rotation as a blended model is when at least one station involves student-led online learning. By […]
Blended-learning advice for educators from educators
January 16, 2019 |“What’s the one piece of advice you’d give educators leading emerging blended-learning programs?” is among the set of questions we ask educators on school profiles in the BLU directory—and it often yields the most interesting responses. With 2019 underway, if you’re an educator reading this blog, chances are you’re kicking off a new blended practice […]