by Lee Watanabe-Crockett | Classroom Management
One key aspect of connecting with learners of the modern digital age concerns what to do about homework. While the debate about its significance rages on in education circles across the globe, we seem to agree (for the time being, at least) that it is still necessary.... 
by Lee Watanabe-Crockett | Collaboration Fluency
Collaborative classrooms are the learning environments of the future. Schools around the world are saying goodbye to the conventional lecture-based learning space where the students remain inert in their respective seats and the teacher remains at the head of the... 
by Lee Watanabe-Crockett | Student Engagement
Teachers may often be dealing with unmotivated students, simply too willing to accept information as given, rather than be interested in thoughtful inquiry and engagement. Even classrooms that encourage creativity and self-direction in students may see its share of... 
by Lee Watanabe-Crockett | Student Engagement
A productive school year happens when teachers employ competent planning and effective classroom management techniques. In doing so, they create the classrooms in which students thrive. How can we ensure we’re keeping learners engaged within these classrooms?The... 
by Lee Watanabe-Crockett | Student Engagement
In order for learning to be meaningful and effective, there are certain things every learner needs. We’re talking about the tools of the heart and mind that drive engagement and foster inspiration. After all, learning isn’t a one-time thing that ends when... 
by Lee Watanabe-Crockett | Essential Questions
In any great lesson, an essential question is what drives your learners’ quest for knowledge and discovery. How do we begin writing essential questions that matter and that inspire our learners? One of the transformations occurring in modern learning is students... 
by Lee Watanabe-Crockett | Student Engagement
When it comes to classroom engagement, the first and last 4 minutes of your class matter the most. As a teacher, kids are the toughest audience you’ll ever have. Holding their attention is difficult enough, but getting it in the first place can be trickiest of... 
by Lee Watanabe-Crockett | Assessment
When it comes to classroom productivity, the ideal classroom is a happy one. It means students are creating solutions and projects that have meaning and purpose. They gladly take initiatives and assume responsible ownership of class time. Above all, it means students... 
by Lee Watanabe-Crockett | Classroom Management
Teachers spend a lot of time with their students during the week. In this time, a teacher will take on the role of a guide, a counsellor, a facilitator, and sometimes a friend. Making learner connections in meaningful and supportive ways is a priority for... 
by Lee Watanabe-Crockett | Collaboration Fluency
How do we achieve equal engagement within a collaborative classroom? The secret to success is tolerance, drawing on individual strengths, safety in community, properly working instruments (tools), and above all, passion. True engagement need not look the same for...