Aim Higher Flyer
A Monthly Look into ECHS Instruction
CIF Stars
Classroom Talk Strategies
Algebra I Speed Dating
Government Debate
Chemistry Think-Pair-Share
Biology Speed Dating
AP World History Debate
Tech Bytes
GALE Reference Library
Sheldon ISD has recently subscribed to the GALE virtual reference library. This reference library allows students to research a topic but only returns sources that you can properly cite.
For instance, a search under the World History in Context tab for "Minoans" yielded 35 reference texts, 7 magazine articles, 22 news articles, and 7 academic journals. All of which can be commented on, highlighted and saved to your or the student's Google drive!
There are tabs for literature, world history, United States history, science, National Geographic, news, Spanish texts, and environmental issues. There is even a tab called "Opposing Viewpoints" which contains pros and cons of popular debate topics. Students can even practice SAT, ACT and STAAR skills in the Testing and Education Reference Center tab.
I encourage you to explore the website and think about how you can use this to help scaffold research skills in our students. I would be happy to answer any questions and help guide you through the website.
Chrome Hacks
Grammarly: Checks anything you write in Chrome for grammar and spelling mistakes
OneTab: Declutters all of your tabs onto one page
Postman: Notifies you anytime you receive an email to your Google account
Pocket: Allows you to save any document, PDF, or link and access it on any device at a later time (and all in one place!)
StayFocused: Blocks distracting websites such as social media for any period of time you set. If you set it it to block Facebook from 9-3, you physically won't be able to access it!
Language Immersion: Trying to learn or hone a new language? Language Immersion randomly switches words and phrases from English into your language of choice (in anything you open in Chrome!)
Check all of these out and more here and here.
Motivation Station
Book Study
If you would like to participate contact Mrs. Wheeler. A full version of the book is available online through the district's library website.
Student Engagement: A Summary
Additionally, the website discusses a model for generating intrinsic motivation. Authors Middleton, Littlefield, and Lehrer posit that students, when first exposed to a learning activity, determine if that activity is going to be interesting. If so, the student engages in the activity. However, the student then evaluates the activity on two factors: stimulation (challenge, curiosity) and personal control (freedom of choice, not too difficult). If an activity is deemed controllable and stimulating they are more likely to engage. However, if over time, the activity deemed interesting loses elements of stimulation or control, the student will remove it from the list of activities they find engaging.
The article also compiled a research-backed list of strategies that help to engage students. The suggestions include role-modeling excitement over material, building relationships, including a variety teaching strategies, and setting realistic goals. See the full list here.