IMPORTANT NOTICE: This program is traditionally a face-to-face classroom training program, but the Spring 2021 semester section will be held online as we prioritize distance learning in response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
A featured event with Mike Anderson, prominent expert and award-winning author of Learning to Choose, Choosing to Learn
"When work is a pleasure, life is a joy! When work is a duty, life is slavery." Maxim Gorky
There is an uncomfortable truth about many children's school experiences - with little voice or autonomy, many students languish with schoolwork that has little personal relevance. They view school as something done to them, not something in which they have true power and voice. However, when teachers share power and control with students, offering simple and meaningful choices about their work, schools become vibrant, interesting places where students care about their work.
Additionally, one of the great challenges of differentiated instruction is getting students into the "just-right" zone. Not only is the "just-right zone” where learning is most effective, but it is also where learning is most enjoyable. This means that when given appropriate choices, and when taught how to choose well, students will self-differentiate. Teachers who use the reading workshop approach know the power of teaching students how to choose "just-right" books. This same principle can apply in any content area. Students can find just-right math problems, take on appropriately challenging science and social studies work, and explore just-right art and music challenges.
There's more good news. When used well, choice doesn't have to involve herculean teacher planning. In fact, many teachers find that they have more positive energy and passion for teaching when using choice. Their time is spent more efficiently, and they get excited as their students come alive in the classroom. One teacher in a school using choice recently remarked, "I'm retiring at the end of this year, and I'm having so much fun I don't want to retire anymore!"
In this active and interactive presentation, educators will gain practical strategies and skills for implementing choice effectively with students. They will see examples of choice in action, and they will experience meaningful choices themselves. All participants will receive a robust set of resources to help guide their ongoing implementation after the event is finished.
Engage your students with personal and relevant schoolwork using differentiation: the power of choice!
Educators will gain insight about differentiation through:
- practical strategies and skills to implement choice effectively,
- exposure to examples of choice in action,
- personal, meaningful experience of choice, and
- resources to guide implementation of choice in their classroom.
Portsmouth Harbor Events & Conference Center
Address: 100 Deer St. at 22 Portwalk Place, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Phone: (603) 422-6114
https://goo.gl/maps/x9DUQySUEAU2
Directions from the From the South
Portwalk Place may not be recognized by Google, US Postal Service, nor GPS; please use 100 Deer Street as your trip destination to map your route.
- Interstate 95 N to Exit 7 in
New Hampshire - right onto Market Street
- right onto Russell Street
- Merge onto Deer Street.
(100 Deer Street is straight ahead when stopped at end of Russell Street) - Pull into Portwalk Place at 100 Deer Street. (This is a one-way drive.)
Directions from the North
Portwalk Place may not be recognized by Google, US Postal Service, nor GPS; please use 100 Deer Street as your trip destination to map your route.
- Interstate 95 S to Exit 7 in
New Hampshire, - left onto Market Street,
- right onto Russell Street
- Merge onto Deer Street.
(100 Deer Street is straight ahead when stopped at end of Russell Street) - Pull into Portwalk Place at 100 Deer Street. (This is a one-way drive.)
