Reading Time: 4 minutesOne of the most common challenges in teaching is knowing whether students truly understand what has just been taught. A clear explanation, attentive faces, and nodding heads do not always mean learning has occurred. This is where checking for understanding plays a crucial role. Check for understanding, often abbreviated as CFU, refers to short, low-stakes […]

Reading Time: 3 minutesGiving feedback during a lesson is one of the most effective ways to support student learning. However, stopping the flow of class every time a student makes a mistake or has a question can disrupt focus, slow down instruction, and make some learners uncomfortable. The good news is that with thoughtful strategies, teachers can deliver […]

Reading Time: 7 minutesMany instructors spend a surprising amount of time writing feedback—only to discover that students skim it, misunderstand it, or never apply it to the next assignment. The problem usually isn’t effort. It’s design. Long, detailed feedback can overwhelm students, especially when they’re tired, stressed, or focused on the grade. Small feedback notes can be more […]

Reading Time: 4 minutesWhy 1-Minute Exit Tickets Matter Modern classrooms are fast-paced and cognitively demanding. Teachers need quick feedback loops, and students need low-pressure ways to reflect on learning. Short exit tickets strike this balance perfectly: they gather meaningful data without overwhelming students or teachers. Research on formative assessment shows that frequent, lightweight check-ins improve learning more than […]

Reading Time: 5 minutesIn busy classrooms — whether in-person, hybrid, or fully online — students can fall behind long before major assignments or exams reveal trouble. Educators often want to intervene earlier but lack fast, practical ways to identify who is quietly struggling. The good news: you don’t need complicated diagnostics or hours of grading. With a few […]

Reading Time: 3 minutesFeedback doesn’t have to be dry or overly formal. By adding emojis and symbols to your comments, you can make feedback more engaging, expressive, and effective — whether you’re working with students, coworkers, or peers online. Why Use Emojis in Feedback? Visual reinforcement: Emojis help emphasize key points and highlight important feedback. A simple ✅ […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesYour smartphone isn’t just a distraction — it can become your most powerful learning tool. With the right apps, settings, and habits, you can turn your phone into a mobile study assistant that helps you stay focused and organized. Why Use Your Phone for Studying? We carry our phones everywhere — so why not use […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesMistakes are not just inevitable in learning — they are essential. As educators, the way we respond when a student makes a mistake can deeply influence their confidence, motivation, and overall learning journey. The Role of Mistakes in Learning Mistakes provide a valuable opportunity to reflect, rethink, and grow. However, many students fear making them […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesTraditional grades can sometimes hinder rather than help student learning. They often increase anxiety, discourage experimentation, and may not reflect a student’s true understanding. An effective alternative is low-stakes assessment — a powerful strategy for monitoring progress without the pressure of grades. 1. What Is Low-Stakes Assessment? Low-stakes assessments are tasks that carry little or […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesGiving effective feedback doesn’t have to be time-consuming or difficult. In fact, the best feedback is often simple, structured, and immediate. Below are 7 methods you can start using today to foster better communication and team growth. 1. Start – Stop – Continue This structured approach prompts reflection and action. Ask the person: What should […]