School can be tough these days. Many students have been out of school for a long time because of the pandemic, and the continued disruptions and anxieties are still breaking the flow of normal learning. What can parents do to help their children thrive and excel in school, particularly during these challenging and anxiety-provoking times? Dr. Sarah Jean Baker, assistant … [Read more...] about What can parents do to help their children thrive and excel in school?
Giving a child a good early education will benefit them for their entire career as a student. What are the most important factors that influence a child’s educational development? Is education spending a direct measure of education quality? How can residents know whether their tax dollars are being used wisely by local authorities on early education? Dr. M. Hassan Raza, … [Read more...] about What makes a good early education system?
“If my curriculum and pedagogy aren’t sufficiently engaging, is that an argument to rely on grades to coerce students into doing what I want?” This is a quote from Alfie Kohn’s foreword to “UNgrading: Why Rating Students Undermines Learning (and What to Do Instead).” The book inspired Dr. Chloe Bolyard, assistant professor in Missouri State University’s department of … [Read more...] about Ungrading: shifting the classroom focus back to learning
Mathematics may not seem like it goes hand-in-hand with becoming a therapist, but Jamie Cayley knows he can put his problem-solving skills to good use by helping others. In addition to his master's in mathematics, Cayley is working toward a Student Mental Health, Family and Community Support Graduate Certificate to help him prepare for MSU’s clinical psychology graduate … [Read more...] about Problem solving and a passion for helping others
A teacher’s job is complex. Teachers need to communicate subject matter clearly and keep attention. They must minimize distractions, answer questions, provoke students’ critical thinking skills and perhaps most importantly, notice. Dr. Mandy Benedict-Chambers, associate professor of childhood education and family studies at Missouri State, explains the importance of … [Read more...] about Teachers adjust lessons based on students’ reactions