Author: Lee Araoz

Teach It

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“The person who learns the most in any classroom is the teacher.

If you really want to learn a topic, then “teach” it. Write a book. Teach a class. Build a product. Start a company.

The act of making something will force you to learn more deeply than reading ever will.”

~ James Clear

10 Strategies to Ensure Success in School, Work, and Life

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Screenshot 2019-02-19 08.10.09

Click the image above to view my presentation slides.

1. DON’T Accept the Default

  • Seek out an option that is BEST for YOU.
  • Make it your mission to fight: “We’ve always done it this way” thinking.
  • ALWAYS find a BETTER way!

2. Develop a GROWTH MINDSET

  • Remind yourself that failure is an important part of learning. FAIL FORWARD!
  • Understand the power of positive self-talk. Change your words; Change your mindset.
  • Look to examples of famous people who failed multiple times before achieving success.

3. Be so GOOD They Can’t Ignore You

  • Do MORE than the default – Arrive early and stay late!
  • PRACTICE what you don’t know. WORK on your weaknesses.
  • Be AVAILABLE at ALL times!
  • Volunteer for everything.
  • CRUSH the competition!

4. NEVER Stop Learning

  • Embark on self-directed, passion-based professional and personal development.
  • Listen to podcasts, view webinars, and READ whatever you can get your hands on.
  • Become an expert in your field at your own blistering speed. “The standard pace is for chumps.” Kimo Williams
  • Curate and share content with colleagues/friends.

5. CREATE as Much as you Consume

6. SHOW your WORK

  • Brag about your successes, your creations and your workplace on social media.
  • Don’t hold back because you worry that it’s not good enough or original enough. “To be original, you don’t have to be FIRST, you just have to be DIFFERENT and BETTER.” ~Adam Grant
  • Create a website, a digital newsletter or a YouTube channel to spread the word.
  • As a job-seeker in the new millennium, you are your own personal brand. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to promote yourself.

7. Establish a POSITIVE and PROFESSIONAL digital presence for yourself

  • Understand that your digital footprint (tattoo) is permanent and you have total control over the content you put out there. So keep it positive and appropriate!
  • THINK before you POST!
  • REMEMBER that employers will VET your social media accounts.

8. GET Connected

  • Discover the VIBRANT community of AMAZING professionals on Twitter. Follow hashtags! This has been a true GAME-CHANGER for me! I’ve learned more on Twitter in months than in years of traditional PD.
  • Grow your PLN (Personal/Professional Learning Network).
  • Go to meetups, conferences, and workshops (the topic matters less than the people you connect with).

9. Save EVERYTHING

  • Keep a journal and or blog about your successes and failures in school and the workplace.
  • Take pictures, make “Best of” slide shows, and share your work: product and process.
  • Keep a digital portfolio of everything you do with your students.
  • Digitize your resume using apps like Smore/Canva and continually update it.

10. EMBRACE CHANGE

  • and you will rarely be disappointed!

Authenticity Matters: 12 Ideas To Make Learning ‘Real-World’

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contributed by Shireen Jaffer

As educators, we have all had at least one student approach us with the question, “How will this help me in the real world?”

Every year, teachers are reminded of the academic requirements they must help their students fulfill. These requirements typically involve students taking many tests throughout the year. Accordingly, educators feel pressure to ensuring their curriculum leads to passing test scores.

This pressure can also leave teachers struggling to ensure their lesson plans allow students to apply their learning to their interests in the real world. To help you alleviate this struggle, here are 12 activities for your classroom that encourage interest exploration.

Click here to continue reading.