Our podcast guest this week used to craft beautiful lectures and picture-perfect power points for his students.  He realized that students would – at test time – just repeat his words back him…almost exactly.  Now, Erik Francis is an author and expert on the critical nature of questioning in the classroom.  He makes the case that questions can be our most effective instructional tool in moving students to dig deeper and go further in their studies.

Podcast with Erik Frances:  https://myedexpert.com/category/podcasts/
Erik’s blog on Projects vs. PBL: https://myedexpert.com/why-must-it-be-doing-projects-vs-project-based-learning/
Erik’s Bio: https://myedexpert.com/vendor/MaverikEducation/ Twitter: @Maverikedu12

As you’re digging in on questioning techniques, enjoy Laurel Schmidt’s free download:  “Don’t take No (Or Yes!) for an Answer:  The Art of Inquiry.”

Link to her downloads: https://myedexpert.com/vendor/thanelaurel/
Link to fabulous podcast with Laurel:  https://myedexpert.com/ep-09-our-students-brains-google-between-their-ears/

Thinking about the wonder of science is a mainstay of STEM author Carolyn DeCristofano‘s work.  At the link is a costume contest she’s supporting in which students & teachers dress up like their favorite STEM book.  How much fun is that?
Link to details on STEM costume contest:
https://www.fromthemixedupfiles.com/2018/09/stem-tuesday-cos-stem-contest/
Carolyn has shared so generously on our site.  She’s posted five lessons from STEM books that are all free downloads.
Link to Carolyn’s resources: https://myedexpert.com/vendor/bhstemed/

“Firestarters” and “Idea Generators” are two strategies that writing expert/author Angela Stockman utilizes to ramp up thinking.  Super popular grabs on our site, so share these with all ELA teachers!
Link to Angela’s fabulous resources: https://myedexpert.com/vendor/angelastockman/

Thanks for supporting best practices in teaching and leading!

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