Posts by Marie Bjerede
Elements of High Agency School Environments
A successful school-based learning environment includes a culture of continual improvement that fosters agency and intrinsically motivated professional development among teachers, while supporting innovation and experimentation.
Game Based Learning: Serious Educational Play
Real game based learning has learning as a side effect of achieving the game’s main objective and gaining skill at the actual game mechanic. In this blog we talk gaming with a number of academic experts and practitioners of game based learning.
How Mobile Learning Supports Student Growth and Ownership
By: Marie Bjerede. Young people now see their phone as an extension of themselves. If they see it as an extension of their learning, not just looking up information, entertainment, interacting socially, or doing work, then that deepens their sense of identity as a learner.
What it’s like to be a Maker Mom
As the parent of a young maker I am constantly thrown into the position of working with my daughter on things I have no idea how to do -- and that's what being a Maker Mom is all about. If you’re looking for ways to support your child in transforming from student to maker, here are five ideas for your toolbox.
Hours in Front of a Screen… Wasting Time or Getting Motivated?
What is a parent to do when it appears a child is wasting time on a screen, yet passionate? Here are four tips, and the story of realization from Marie that answers the question, "is hours of screen time, wasting time? Or moments of motivation?
It’s Time for Accountability Reform
With new accountability, teachers have the space to teach the student, not just the content. And when a student is known and understood and empathized with, teaching for student ownership increases test scores as a side effect.
Gaming That Leverages Engagement, Mindset and Design
How can gaming for a few hours over the course of two months have such a dramatic impact? The researchers suggest 3 mechanisms that research has shown can have a significant effect.
What’s More Important, High Test Scores or Self-Direction?
The education technology discussion is fraught with false dichotomies. One that I find particularly troubling is the false choice between improving test scores and preparing for life and work in the 21st century.
Why I’m Opting IN To Testing My Kids
State testing is how we know if students are being educated to the same levels as those in other demographic and socio-economic groups. Marie believes that we must never again allow the poverty-based disparities in education to be unmeasured and ignored.
What Personalized Learning Means in My Family
What a school looks like that prepares students for meaningful, authentic work and meaningful relationships, what we still need to provide our kids for real personalized learning, and how our family promotes this kind of education at home.