Blended learning that brings Khan Academy into the classroom

In California they're piloting a program that brings the Khan Academy into the classroom.  It sounds promising, with the potential to gain efficiency and raise achievement levels.

You can read more at Education Quick Takes.

Graphic organizers "cheat sheet"

After my post on the middle school character cluster assignment, I thought I would follow up with an introduction to graphic organizers (aka concept maps).  This might be helpful to parents or others unfamiliar with these commonly used teaching tools.

a concept map

Retrieval Practice Produces More Learning than Elaborative Studying with Concept Mapping

"Test-taking cements knowledge" at Education Quick Takes

momof4

It doesn't say anything good about ed school that only one basic science course is required. BTW, as first-graders in the mid-50s, my class learned parts of plants, plant nutrition, photosynthesis, heliotropism etc. Why am I not surprised that global warming is part of this curriculum? I also agree with the last comment about the inefficiency of this approach, but efficiency seems to be fighting with mastery for last place in the pantheon of ideas that concern the ed system.

I love that: efficiency fighting with mastery for last place.

In my experience it's no contest. Mastery is last and efficiency isn't even in the running.

Public schools are almost anti-efficiency at all levels: in hiring and spending as well as teaching and learning.

That's why public schools are happy to slow the progress of gifted students by substituting enrichment for acceleration.