Catlin Tucker

DECEMBER 17, 2023

When Dr. Novak and I started writing our new book, Shift Writing into the Classroom, we anticipated that teachers outside of English Language Arts would take one look at the title and assume that the book was not intended for them. Yet, we both passionately believe in the power of writing across the curriculum and want writing to be a cornerstone of every subject area.

Classroom 259

Classroom Blended Learning Handbook Analysis 259

Catlin Tucker

NOVEMBER 27, 2023

While reading Adam Grant’s new book, Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things , I was struck by his distinction between teaching and coaching. He writes, “Teaching others can build our competence. But it’s coaching others that elevates our confidence.” He describes the “coaching effect” as our confidence in our ability to overcome challenges and struggles after we have helped guide another person through them (pg. 137).

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Study Strategy Accessibility Resources 195

Catlin Tucker

DECEMBER 12, 2023

In our newest book, Shift Writing into the Classroom with UDL and Blended Learning , Dr. Katie Novak and I guide teachers in creating the time and space to support all parts of the writing process in the classroom. Not only has the explosion of artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbots created concern about assigning writing, but myriad challenges exist when we send writing home with students. #1 Hard to Motivate After a Long Day at School After spending six to seven hours in a structured, often

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UDL Blended Learning Accessibility Classroom 433

Catlin Tucker

OCTOBER 17, 2023

Part III: Transitioning from Whole Group to Small Group to Achieve Equity in Education In the first blog post in this series, Time Efficiency vs. Equity in Education , I wrote about the tension between the demands on teachers’ time and the desire to provide equitable learning experiences. In the second blog, Leveraging AI to Save Time Architecting Equitable, Student-centered Learning Experiences , I highlight how teachers can use AI technology to significantly decrease the time required to

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Groups Blended Learning Differentiated Instruction Strategy 200

Catlin Tucker

OCTOBER 25, 2023

I was recently facilitating a training session on the station rotation model when several educators expressed concern about the noise level of the classroom during a station rotation lesson. They asked how I keep the noise level down at the stations that are not teacher-led. Like most classroom expectations, I spend time directly teaching what each type of station should look and sound like.

Blended Learning 279

Blended Learning Classroom Groups Training 279

Catlin Tucker

SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

Part II: Transitioning from Whole Group to Small Group to Achieve Equity in Education The first blog in this series, “ Time Efficiency vs. Equity in Education ,” explored two major barriers teachers face when shifting from whole group, teacher-led, teacher-paced model to student-centered blended learning models. Time and control are powerful enforcers of the status quo.

Differentiated Instruction 412

Differentiated Instruction Learning Assessment Groups 412

Catlin Tucker

SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

Part I: Transitioning from Whole Group to Small Group In the ever-evolving education landscape, one of the most pressing challenges teachers face is striking the right balance between time efficiency and ensuring equitable learning opportunities for all students. As educators embrace innovative technology-enhanced instructional models , they often grapple with letting go of the time-saving practices inherent in the traditional teacher-led, teacher-paced whole group approach to instruction.

UDL 405

UDL Blended Learning Education Groups 405

Catlin Tucker

SEPTEMBER 18, 2023

Who decided that grading and assessment should be the exclusive responsibility of teachers? Why do we sideline students when it comes to assessment? Self-assessment is a powerful strategy that encourages students to become more invested in their learning journeys. It is a process where students evaluate their work, reflecting on what they’ve learned, how well they’ve understood complex concepts, how much progress they’ve made toward mastering key skills, and where they may need

Assessment 393

Assessment Strategy Exercises Groups 393

Catlin Tucker

SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

Part IV: Thinking About Thinking This is part four of a five-part series focused on using thinking routines to drive metacognitive skill building. Click here to revisit my last blog in this series on using the “I used to think…Now, I think…” routine. To recap, metacognition is a cognitive ability that allows learners to consider their thought patterns, approaches to learning, and understanding of a topic or idea.

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Secondary Analysis Comparison Data 386

Catlin Tucker

AUGUST 15, 2023

Part II: Thinking About Thinking Series This is part two of a five-part series focused on using thinking routines to drive metacognitive skill building. Click here to revisit my first blog in this series on using the “I see, I think, I wonder” routine. Metacognition is a cognitive ability that allows learners to consider their thought patterns, approaches to learning, and understanding of a topic or idea.

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Trends Study Strategy Secondary 288

Catlin Tucker

JULY 30, 2023

Blended learning seamlessly weaves together online and in-person learning experiences to boost student engagement and meet the unique needs of a diverse class by providing flexible pathways through learning experiences. Blended learning aims to lean on technology to do what it does well–information transfer–and free teachers to do what they do well–support individual and small groups of students as they progress toward firm standards-aligned goals.

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Blended Learning Learning Secondary Differentiated Instruction 212

Catlin Tucker

JUNE 18, 2023

As the landscape of education continues to evolve in response to global disruptions and digital advancements, blended learning models have surged in popularity. Among these is the flipped classroom model , a strategy that leverages video instruction to mitigate potential obstacles that make it challenging for students to access information presented live.

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Flipped Classroom Classroom Video Strategy 409

Catlin Tucker

MAY 20, 2023

How can formative assessment data help students to develop their metacognitive skills? Formative assessments are ongoing assessments embedded throughout the learning process. These informal assessments provide information to the teacher about students’ understanding of the material being covered and the skills being introduced. This data allows the teacher to identify where students are struggling, where they are excelling, and where they need additional support.

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Assessment Blended Learning Data Strategy 466

Catlin Tucker

MAY 7, 2023

Don’t let transitions steal class time! Some classes understand the expectations of the station rotation model almost immediately. The teacher explains the model, the students understand the expectations, and the class moves into stations smoothly. Other classes need a little more practice before fully implementing the station rotation model. When introducing station rotation, I encourage teachers to embrace a couple of routines to make the experience run more smoothly.

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Blended Learning Secondary Exercises Training 294

Catlin Tucker

APRIL 28, 2023

In my Art of Blended Learning Online Course this week, we continued our work on the playlist model. I began our synchronous session by addressing frequently asked questions about this model. In this post, I will share answers to some of those questions. Q1: How Long Should Students Work on a Playlist? The length of time required to complete a playlist can vary depending on the scope of the playlist.

Blended Learning 406

Blended Learning UDL System Strategy 406

Catlin Tucker

DECEMBER 3, 2022

The station rotation model is a popular K-12 blended learning model that rotates students through a series of stations or learning activities. The station rotation model comprises three types of stations: a) teacher-led, b) online, and c) offline. When I facilitate workshops on this model or coach teachers using this model, I get a lot of questions.

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Blended Learning Strategy Groups Examples 385

Catlin Tucker

AUGUST 1, 2022

In my last blog post , I said self-awareness is a foundational social-emotional learning skill. If students are unable to identify their emotions, thoughts, and values and recognize how they influence their behaviors, it will be challenging for them to develop the other SEL core competencies. As students understand themselves on a deeper level, they’re more likely to be successful in developing their self-management skills.

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Learning Strategy Study Outcomes 343

Catlin Tucker

FEBRUARY 3, 2022

This week, I received a comment to my blog asking: What do you feel is the biggest difference between playlists and choice boards? Would you say a playlist is more data-driven and a choice board gives more variety in learning modalities? These are great questions! I have heard teachers use these terms interchangeably, yet there is a distinct difference between these the playlist model and choice boards.

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Blended Learning Assessment Data Strategy 519

Catlin Tucker

JANUARY 10, 2022

Teaching has always been a demanding profession, but this school year takes the cake! Teachers are navigating substitute teacher shortages, COVID protocols, and record numbers of absent students in addition to the normal demands of this job. It makes sense why so many educators are feeling mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted. Yet, the last two years have highlighted how crucial school is for students and families.

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UDL Blended Learning Assessment Groups 442

Catlin Tucker

DECEMBER 9, 2021

We talk a lot about student engagement in education. Most educators got into this profession for the students, and, as a result, we want their experience to be as engaging and positive as possible. There is far less written about teacher engagement, even though teacher engagement and student engagement are reciprocal. When teacher engagement dips, it has a negative effect on student engagement.

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Blended Learning Learning Student Engagement Course 516

Catlin Tucker

NOVEMBER 30, 2021

A friend recently asked me, “How do you continue your own learning?” I responded, “I read a lot.” I dedicate time every morning to my professional growth by reading an article or chapter in a book. This 30-minute reading routine began as a new year’s resolution several years ago. I’ve found it so rewarding that it is a practice I’ve continued.

UDL 359

UDL Blended Learning Learning Trends 359

Catlin Tucker

NOVEMBER 18, 2021

While coaching teachers this month, several expressed a desire to include review and practice activities in their station rotation lessons to help students prepare for end-of-the-semester assessments. Helping students review for an exam often takes the form of a study guide or review game. These traditional approaches to review are problematic on three fronts.

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Blended Learning Groups Study Assessment 478

Catlin Tucker

NOVEMBER 5, 2021

A friend recommended Adam Grant’s podcast “ Is it safe to speak up at work ?” As I listened to this episode, I was thinking about the concept of psychological safety through my educator lens. My work focuses on supporting leaders, coaches, and teachers in transitioning from traditional teaching practices to blended learning. Blended learning is the combination of active, engaged learning online and offline.

Blended Learning 489

Blended Learning Classroom Groups Assessment 489

Catlin Tucker

NOVEMBER 2, 2021

The last two years have been mentally and emotionally exhausting for everyone in education. As I work with leadership teams, many are struggling to engage their teachers in professional learning this year. Schools invested money in purchasing devices and improving access to reliable internet to meet the demands of the pandemic, and leadership teams want to keep the momentum going.

Blended Learning 510

Blended Learning Learning Professional Learning Strategy 510

Catlin Tucker

OCTOBER 29, 2021

I have a soft spot for the station rotation model. It was one of the first models, along with the flipped classroom, that I could employ in my low-tech classroom. In the early days of my transition to blended learning, I had one Chromebook, which I received after writing a Donor’s Choose project. I thought, “What the heck? Let’s give this station rotation model a try!

Blended Learning 510

Blended Learning Secondary Chromebook Groups 510

Catlin Tucker

OCTOBER 10, 2021

Teachers got a crash course in creating video content when schools shifted online. They relied on videos out of necessity to explain concepts and model strategies while students learned from home. As teachers transitioned back into classrooms, many abandoned video in favor of live instruction. However, if teachers are going to say the same thing the same way for all students, I encourage them to make a video.

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Strategy UDL Blended Learning Video 524

Catlin Tucker

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

In our book UDL and Blended Learning , Dr. Katie Novak and I encourage teachers to work toward firm, often standards-aligned, goals. We also stress the importance of providing students with flexible means. All students can make progress toward firm goals, but they may need to take different paths to get there. Some students will move more slowly and benefit from additional support, scaffolds, and signage to get to the desired destination.

Assessment 515

Assessment UDL Blended Learning Outcomes 515

Catlin Tucker

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

Guest post written by Amy Tobener-Talley. September 8th is International Literacy Day, a great time to think about promoting a class culture that values reading. However, encouraging students to read in and out of class is challenging as small screens command much of their time and attention. It is becoming increasingly difficult to pry students away from Snapchat, Netflix, Spotify, Instagram, and video games to read anything longer than a snippet.

Blended Learning 469

Blended Learning Libraries Strategy Trends 469

Catlin Tucker

AUGUST 29, 2021

Learning is a dynamic process that requires active engagement. Unfortunately, many students have gotten comfortable in their roles as passive observers or consumers in the classroom. Yes, that is a less cognitively and socially taxing role, but it is not nearly as interesting or engaging. This passive position also does not require that students think intentionally about their learning.

Schoology 545

Schoology Learning Chromebook Laptops 545

Catlin Tucker

AUGUST 16, 2021

Student agency, or a students’ ability to make key decisions about their learning experience, is an essential aspect of blended learning. Student agency requires that we design our lessons to offer students meaningful choices. These choices can help us universally design learning experiences that strive to remove barriers and invite students to decide how to engage with information, make meaning, and demonstrate their learning.

Blended Learning 546

Blended Learning Strategy Assessment Examples 546

Catlin Tucker

AUGUST 10, 2021

When I began my doctoral program, one of my first assignments was to create a vision board. I was instructed to imagine my life in the future and create a visual to represent what I wanted that reality to look like. What did I want to be doing personally or professionally in five years? What was I hoping to accomplish or achieve? What did I want my day-to-day life to look and feel like?

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Exercises Google Video UDL 393

Catlin Tucker

JULY 30, 2021

Dr. Katie Novak and I wrote UDL and Blended Learning: Thriving in Flexible Learning Landscapes to support teachers in developing a mindset, skill set, and toolset nimble enough to traverse any teaching and learning landscape with confidence. After a year and a half of uncertainty and now with concerns about COVID variants emerging again, we want educators to feel prepared to tackle whatever challenges come their way while providing diverse groups of students with engaging, inclusive, and accessi

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UDL Blended Learning Course Learning 293

Catlin Tucker

JULY 22, 2021

As educators, we must strive to place students at the center of the learning experience, encourage them to learn through a lens of interest, and enjoy opportunities to pursue their passions. However, inviting students to choose their learning “path” in the classroom may feel daunting. How do we support students in identifying something they are passionate or curious about and provide the resources necessary to facilitate their learning?

Learning 243

Learning Video Resources Examples 243

Catlin Tucker

JULY 19, 2021

The pandemic has elevated the phrase “blended learning.” When schools closed or shifted to hybrid schedules, many institutions turned to blended learning to navigate the new demands placed on teachers and educational institutions. As an outspoken advocate for blended learning over the last 10 years, I was initially excited to see so much momentum in this area.

Blended Learning 546

Blended Learning Learning Flipped Classroom Online Learning 546

Catlin Tucker

JUNE 14, 2021

This challenging school year has made it clear that educational institutions and educators must be flexible and willing to adapt to a changing educational landscape. This will be easier to do if school leaders harness the talent on their campuses and create systems that encourage teachers to learn with and from each other. Professional learning should not be relegated to a handful of all-staff training days.

Professional Learning 381

Professional Learning Blended Learning Learning UDL 381

Catlin Tucker

JUNE 21, 2021

I like to compare the teacher’s work designing learning experiences to the work of an architect. In my new book with Dr. Katie Novak, UDL and Blended Learning , I share a story about working with an architect to design a new home after my family lost our house in the Tubbs Fire in 2017. Over a series of three meetings, my architect asked me countless questions about what I wanted in a home and how I used the space.

Blended Learning 474

Blended Learning UDL Learning Groups 474

Catlin Tucker

JUNE 6, 2021

The end of the school year is a great time to do a few “housekeeping” items. This is probably the last thing you feel like doing after the year we have had! Despite finding these chores tedious while doing them, I always feel more organized afterward. Doing these things also makes planning for the upcoming school year less daunting come August. . Reflect on Teaching.

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Schoology Online Learning Google Outcomes 545