10 Tips for Building Better Learning Goals
Goals are often derived from broader academic standards designed to help students develop essential skills and knowledge over the long term. For example, a science goal might be "Students will be able to explain the water cycle and its impact on weather patterns." This aligns with a specific science standard that emphasizes understanding core environmental processes.
Clear learning goals are not just tools, they are powerful tools for educators and students. They provide a sense of purpose, allowing students to track their progress and celebrate their achievements. Students who understand the "why" behind their learning become more engaged and motivated to reach their full potential.
With this in mind, here are ten tips for building better learning goals. Click here for access to the PDF with active links.
4 Ways to Use Brisk AI in Teaching
1. Create
2. Inspect
3. Change Reading Level
4. Give Feedback
Speechify: An AI Text-to-Speech Game Changer
You may have had a student who has struggled with reading comprehension and needs additional scaffolding and support, such as an audio version of a text. Although this accommodation is helpful, it can be time-consuming and sometimes challenging to manage as a teacher.
Speechify: An AI Text-to-Speech Game Changer!
Luckily, there are various tools out there that can convert text-to-speech; however, I want to share with you a free AI tool called Speechify that is changing the way that we can support students. I like the application for various reasons.First, it is available in multiple formats and across multiple devices as a web application, Chrome Extension, Mac application, and more.
Secondly, Speechify provides users with text-to-speech support in Google Docs, websites, email, Canvas, PDFs, images, and more. One of the most powerful tools is its ability to take a screenshot and read from it! For example, I took a screenshot of a Google Slide, and it read it to me!
Finally, I love that it provides both free and paid versions, which is economically feasible for students who may not have the financial resources to access.
Video Tutorial on Speechify's Text-to-Speech Feature
Want to learn more? Check out this free video tutorial for more!The First Five is an SEL Gamechanger!
Although many of us see the value of building relationships with our students, researching, planning, and implementing Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) activities can be time-consuming.
The First Five is a daily resource designed to make educators' lives easier! Just sign up, and it will be delivered to your email inbox, filled with practical ideas that can be implemented in the first five minutes of class. Whether you are a primary or secondary educator, you will receive 18 new activities and ideas daily that focus on connecting with students, self-care, and character development.
Still not sure? You can take a look at today's First 5 for yourself. Simply choose whether you are a primary or secondary teacher to see!
Each First Five contains nine vetted SEL activities. Simply select the best option in your classroom that day and go! It's literally that easy. For example, check out today's check-in activity:
Check out the video below for more information:
Quillbot: An Amazing AI Tool for Writing Support and Paraphrasing
Writing is a valuable exercise in translating thoughts and ideas into language; however, many of our students struggle with writing because they are intimidated, uncertain, and confused about the writing process. Quillbot is designed to provide students with helpful suggestions aimed at refining their original ideas.
In addition, Quillbot can be used to rephrase reading passages that students have difficulties understanding. For instance, imagine that students are struggling with understanding a particular reading passage. They could use Quillbot to rewrite content in a way that makes sense.
Audio Note: Using AI to Organize Your Notes and Ideas!
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is more than Chat GPT writing prompts, driverless cars, and chatbots. In fact, one of the biggest benefits of AI is that it can help us organize our thoughts more effectively. Take for instance a new AI application I recently came across called Audio Note.
What is Audio Note?
Audio Note allows you a place to record voice notes (up to one minute on the free version) or provide text notes (unlimited in the free version), then use AI to rewrite in whatever format you need. You can currently use AI to rewrite your thoughts as a(n):- Note
- List
- Journal
- Tweet
- Linked In
How to Use it With Students?
Update
Hello Learn Lead Grow Readers!
A few weeks ago, I had mentioned that I was planning on retiring from blogging. The outpour from you has been amazing!
After much thought and consideration, I have decided to continue blogging on a limited basis. I appreciate your support!
Matt
10 Tips for Building Better Learning Goals
Goals are not just the foundation; they are the roadmap for effectively planning a UDL lesson. They often serve as a roadmap, providing stud...
-
Jamboard is quickly becoming a favorite tool for many educators across the globe. It is simple to use and easy to integrate; however, the o...
-
The Frayer model is one of my favorite tools for building student vocabulary. Whether you are face-to-face or in an online environment, bui...
-
Whether you are teaching face-to-face, virtually, or in a hybrid situation next school year, it is important to get to know our student'...