Sara Sawdey

sesawdey@gmail.com

Sara Sawdey has a knack for engaging 6-year-old boys who instead of sitting in class learning to read and write, would rather be in the gym playing dodgeball. Sara took some of these squirmy guys and transformed them into the Vowel Squad. The Vowel Squad then embarked on a journey of deep understanding and peer teaching!

Episode Template

The Problem:

Kids don’t want to sit all day. They want to move!.

The Solution:

Deputize students to teach their peers.

What You Can Do Tomorrow: 

• Deputize a small cadre of students to peer-teach a challenging topic.
• Have this small group create an instructional video.
• Have your small cadre evaluate their video.
• Display the video to the remainder of the class.

Listen to the episode for more detail!

 Please check out all of the episodes of the Hacking Engagement Podcast on iTunes!

Google is the way people in the 21st Century collaborate. Are you using this tool in your classroom? If not, you’re missing a golden engagement opportunity. In this episode, We’ll explore how to introduce Google into your classroom even if you don’t teach at a Google school!

Here’s a link on becoming a Google School.

If you need a Google Account, follow this link.

Once on your Gmail homepage, access Google Drive through the box in the upper-right corner that’s comprised of 9 small boxes forming a small square. Your Google Drive appears as a blue, green, and yellow triangle. Click on it. To create a GOOGLE FORM, select the large red NEW option in the upper-left hand corner of your drive. If Google Forms is not visible in the drop-down menu, merely select MORE. Here’s my 2 question Google Form:

Once the form is completed, you can share the link on Google Classroom and assign it, or you can provide the URL link directly to students, or you can even create a QR code which will take kids right to the assessment! By submitting this electronic form, students will provide you with plenty of information about their Google comfort level and you’ll have their email addresses!

When students submit writing assignments, have them do it via GOOGLE DOCS. Google Docs looks and feels very similar to Microsoft Word. In fact, you can easily transform a Word document into a Google Doc. You go through the same steps creating a Google Doc as you did a Google From. Google Docs gives teachers and students remarkable collaboration opportunities. Direct your students to go to their drives, select new…and then Google Docs. Have them type a brief message and share it with you!

And finally, challenge students to create a GOOGLE SLIDES presentation. Google Slides are similar to PowerPoint. Students rapidly gain confidence and mastery of this platform. Challenge them to create a 3 slide presentation that includes:

• Interesting personal information
• Why using Google is important
• What’s their favorite way to express themselves with Google

After they’ve completed their presentations, they should share them with you. Then, organize kids into groups of 4 and have them present their Google Slides to one another! This will be an engaging hands-on demonstration of the potential of this amazing tool!

Episode Template

The Problem:

Teachers often don’t utilize free tech tools that could engage students.

The Solution:

Utilize Google

What You Can Do Tomorrow: 

• Create a Google Account.
• Walk students through the sign-up process. 
• Direct learners to complete the Google intro Google Form.
• Direct students to share a Google Doc.
• Direct students to create a Google Slides presentation.

Listen to the episode for more detail!

 Please check out all of the episodes of the Hacking Engagement Podcast on iTunes!

Jen Wilson

Jen Wilson is the “Quick Response Woman”. She advocates engaging reluctant readers with QR codes. Give a listen and learn how to use QR codes, in every grade and in every subject, to engage learners!

Here’s Jen’s wonderful post on the nuts and bolts of using QR codes!

i-nigma is an easy free QR code site where you can get a QR code reader for your phone!

If you’d like to up your QR code game…check out qrstuff.com 

Episode Template

The Problem:

Many students are unenthusiastic about reading.

The Solution:

Utilize QR Codes

What You Can Do Tomorrow: 

• Select a book or reading essential to your course content. 
• Learn about QR codes and how to use them. 
• Produce a QR code for the lesson prompt. 
• Create the student prompt for the trailers.
• Create categories for the Academy Awards presentation. 

Listen to the episode for more detail!

 Please check out all of the episodes of the Hacking Engagement Podcast on iTunes!

Perhaps you’re coming on too strong! Comic by James Sturtevant

Teachers are often lectured, “Get to know your students!” That’s not easy to do. A lot of kids can be pretty closed down and if you try to get to know them before they’re ready…it can be counter productive. This episode offers a different approach to bonding with students. Try reverse engineering these relationships!

My lovely wife Penny and I recently authored an article on Edutopia all about sharing stories to bond with students and colleagues.

Dug Sturtevant…He looks like he needs another toenail trim!

Dug Sturtevant suspended like a ’57 Chevy waiting for a toenail trim

Episode Template

The Problem:

It’s hard to get to know students.

The Solution:

Become more approachable through reverse engineering.

What You Can Do Tomorrow: 

• Select an experience.
• List attributes. 
• Practice a 2-minute monolog about an interesting experience.
• Deliver the monolog before the lesson.
• Prompt students. 

Listen to the episode for more detail!

 Please check out all of the episodes of the Hacking Engagement Podcast on iTunes!

Andy Jados

Andy Jados is a high school principal who’s not afraid to admit that he struggled with classroom management as a teacher. Listen to his fascinating story about how he turned his class around…and how he now helps struggling teachers transform their classrooms!

Andy is a disciple of the classroom management techniques of Harry Wong. Here’s a link to Dr. Wong’s popular book The First Days of School. 

Episode Template

The Problem:

Some classes are chaotic.

The Solution:

Organize Classroom Procedures

What You Can Do Tomorrow: 

• Make a list of common distractions in your class.
• Create an organization plan.
• Promote your plan.
• Assign students tasks. 
• Debrief students. 

Listen to the episode for more detail.Please check out all of the episodes of the Hacking Engagement Podcast on iTunes!

Student journaling is in desperate need of a 21st Century public relations face-lift! Listen to this episode to learn how to deeply engage students through blogging. This is blogging at a whole new level, not just…”Tell me your feelings about this topic!”

Here’s a link to my prompt on the Buddhist Meal.

Here’s a link to my prompt on the Islamic Podcast.

Episode Template

The Problem:

Many students are turned off by journaling.

The Solution:

Utilize Student Blogging

What You Can Do Tomorrow: 

• Prepare a wonderful meal.
• Sign-up for Edublogs.
• Create your first blog post. 
• Direct students to comment.
• Create your first blog prompt! 

Listen to the episode for more detail! Please check out all of the episodes of the Hacking Engagement Podcast on iTunes!

Unfortunately, too many teachers are obsessed with laying down the law on the first day of school!In this episode, I’ll inspire you to shelve the word “rules” and christen the word “procedure”. I’ll also promote the engagement potential of “Opening Night”…the first day of school. The heart of this episode, however, is the concept of introducing class procedures through student improvs! Give a listen and then change the way you look at the first day of school!

LISTEN AND OBEY

In this episode, I’ll inspire you to shelve the word “rules” and christen the word “procedure”. I’ll also promote the engagement potential of “Opening Night”…the first day of school. The heart of this episode, however, is the concept of introducing class procedures through student improvs! This is a much more enlightened and effective approach! Give a listen and then change the way you look at the first day of school.

Episode Template

The Problem:

Many students are bored stiff on the first day of school.

The Solution:

Utilize Student Improvs

What You Can Do Tomorrow: 

• Decide which of your class procedures would be suitable to improv.
• Demonstrate an improv. 
• Organize your student groups. 
• Give them 2 jobs. 
• Display a large stopwatch or timer. 
• Prepare a class procedures handout.

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 Please check out all of the episodes of the Hacking Engagement Podcast on iTunes!

ii.. This podcast was inspired by my book “Hacking Engagement…”50 Tips and Tools to Engage Teachers and Learners Daily”, which will be available in the late summer of 2016. In this episode, I’ll describe a typical listener who would enjoy and benefit from this program, I’ll provide the episode template, and I’ll introduce myself.Please check out all of the episodes of the Hacking Engagement Podcast on iTunes!

A Guest Post by Jen Wilson 

My husband and I recently visited a new church in our area. While reading the weekly bulletin, I noticed a QR code. I immediately thought, “Wow, I love how they’re using this technology!” However, when I read the paragraph, I realized they referred to the goofy-looking barcode as a CR code.  To make sure this never happens to you, let me give you the 411 on QR codes.

WHAT IS A QR CODE?

In my own words, creating a QR code is a simple way for people to scan and access the information you’ve programmed the square barcode to read. #simple   Think of it like a barcode on a bag of chips. When the cashier scans the code, it brings up the exact brand and price of the delicious snack. QR codes mimic this same process- except anyone can create a code, AND anyone can scan it!

HOW DO I CREATE AND SCAN QR CODES?

Even though there are hundreds of QR code generators, my favorite is qrstuff.com. Within 7 seconds, you’ve created a personalized QR code!

TO CREATE IN 4 EASY STEPS:

• Decide what data type you want to be linked to your QR code, then click the bubble next to your decision. (This means when someone scans the QR code it will take them to….. a website or a YouTube video or an email address, etc.)

• Next, type in or copy & paste the content. (If you selected website, copy & paste the website you want viewers to see.)

• If you’d prefer to have a different color (the standard is black and white), click anywhere in the color box to select a new color

• Finally, click Download QR code, and ta-da, you’ve made a QR code! 

TO SCAN:

Again, I know there are hundreds of QR code readers / scanners out there, but my go-to is i-Nigma. It’s a free app and available for download on Apple and Android devices. To get Chromebooks to scan a QR code, go to the Google Play store and download the QR Code Extension. If you’re using a computer, try Web QR.

*Remember: devices that have cameras are the only ones that can scan QR codes.

WHY USE QR CODES?

1. It’s a quick and easy way for students to access online information- instead of having to type in a longggggggggggggg, confusing URL. Instead of saying, “Go to http://www.tsdfkljsd.com/1111kjlsjkdfs/kjlfslkjfsnniii34567454,” simply hand them a QR code, and they’re good to go.
2. It’s an easy way to level activities or ability group. Simply find different websites, games, or videos and color code them based on level or need. For example, all of the red QR codes could be linked to enrichment or extension activities. Yellow codes could be homework help resources. The green ones could lead students to extra practice on a specific skill.
3. The possibilities are endless. I’ve seen teachers use QR codes as Quiz Scavenger Hunts- where students complete questions, and depending on their answer, scan another code, which will lead them to the next location or problem. Other teachers link a QR code to their class website or email address, then put it on their newsletters and/or outside their classroom door.

With QR codes, you’re able to be creative. Here are two resources providing more ideas:

Ways to Use QR Codes for Education

Pinterest: Ideas and resources on QR codes in the classroom

Jen’s Twitter:

@mrsjenwilson11

I teach World Civilization at Big Walnut High School. It’s a dual enrollment class from Columbus State. It’s a wonderful class! We study Africa, Asia, and Mesoamerica. Hardly any DWEMs (dead white European males) are mentioned. Ironically, I’m a live white European male and I teach the course to largely white adolescent faces.

So…fostering global conversation is a primary goal. It’s good for them. It’s good for the planet! Our primary vehicle for worldy yakking is the Socratic circle.

Mrs. Sturtevant’s worst nightmare

Here’s how we conduct our Socratic circles.

Spectacular global conversations materialize when students embrace diverse and sometimes, to American students at least, exotic paradigms.

Engaging in meaningful experiences is an outstanding method of procuring broader perspectives. I prompt my students to DO SOMETHING…then I have them blog about it. My students have been remarkably complementary of these activities, their blog posts have been magnificent, and their ensuing performances in Socratic circles have been epic!

Below, are links to five experiences that were instrumental in fostering profound discourse this semester:

Our first Socratic circle was on Chinese philosophy. Taoism is an enigma!

Taoism’s Advertising Campaign

I forced students out of the building and into the beautiful woods behind our school. It helped them grasp this incredibly elusive and slippery mindset:

THE TAOIST WALK

We left China and then migrated to ancient India. Students were prompted to create comic strips characterizing their dharmas:

THE BHAGAVAD GITA AND YOU  

Then, we waded into the touchy subject of Islam. Students were required to create podcasts:

THE ISLAMIC PODCAST

We experienced Buddhism by crafting mandalas. Instead of students taking them home and having mom stick them on the fridge with a magnet, we honored them in an ostentatious and memorable fashion. Curious? Please follow the link:

Rae Brennaman’s beautiful mandala

HONORING A MANDALA

And finally, students embraced the intricate challenge of writing like Mayans:

Campbell Allen’s Birthday

WRITE LIKE A MAYAN

These experiences inspired my students. If you follow any of the links, you can also see links to the student blogs. You’ll find their names in the lower right hand corner of each page. Through these experiences, my kids became temporary residents of the cultures we studied. The Socratic circles that followed blossomed into impactful teachable events!

My book “You’ve Gotta Connect” is all about how teachers can forge strong relationships with students. You can also listen to me dialogue about bonding with young people on numerous podcasts.

Please follow me on Twitter @jamessturtevant

I also love doing professional development. If you’re interested, here’s my email: pjsturtevant@gmail.com