My McTeachin' Toolbox

 Watch the Following Two Videos About Seven Essential Life Skills for Success “What is going to be the basis of American economies that the 21 st century is known for?” “How do you educate for innovation?” “How do we start to reinvent American public education?” These three questions seek to emphasize the importance of a redesigned learning experience in the American public schools – one not only focused on content, but on essential life skills needed for future success.   Both Tony Wagner and Ellen Galinsky’s seven skills discuss going beyond the content, and truly teaching the future leaders of our world key life skills .   Here is a quick breakdown of the 7 skills both speakers address very similarly: §   Critical Thinking – BOTH §   Collaboration/Leading by Influence (Wagner)      Perspective Taking (Galinsky) §   Agility/Adaptability (Wagner)              ...

When beginning an action research project, I have learned that the inspiration for whatever topic ones chooses should start with the vision for positive action and change in the education environment.  It is not just a study, but a study that will yield action directly into a school environment.  When it comes to my initial action research plan/idea, I plan on basing my study on the need for better new teacher training and induction into my campus environment.  Not only will my project focus on the content knowledge and skillsets that incoming teachers must utilize, but the support system provided to ensure that new teachers are given the best opportunity to be successful in their first year in the classroom. My overall research question:  Are new/incoming teachers to the elementary campus receiving adequate training, resources, and support to be successful in their first year of teaching?                 This ac...

                                    Action research and traditional research methods can both be positive change agents in today’s education settings.  They both seek to solve problems through investigative actions and to target areas in need of improvement.  After reading the textbook and watching the Module 1 videos, I have come to appreciate the idea of action research.  This was a new concept I had never heard about before, but one I know that will serve me well in my years ahead in education.  In my opinion, the best quality of action research is being able to apply it directly to the school environment and to the work being done for students.  Moreover, it is an ongoing process.  The experience and information that is collected can then be used to make changes in the school system to seek improvement in any given area. (Mertler, 20...