Beige.
She droned on in monotone, beige lectures. We completed predictable, beige assignments. The class had lifeless, beige interactions. She doled out meaningless, beige encouragement. I think her chalk was even beige. I mean, it wasn't like she pelted us with pencil-top erasers (at least that would have brought some life to the class!) or diminished us (she was kind), but there was zero that went on that wasn't beige. Grey. Sepia.
image retrieved from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/fake_eyes/342753239/
Break the mold! In Mrs. Beige's class, we had a beige routine. I'm not saying routines are all bad. I will argue, however, that if your students could write your next lesson plan based on previous classes, you are in a beige rut. My Big Campus offers countless tools to add color to your lessons without any extra work for you- and in many cases, far LESS work for you. Grab a Schoolwork from the Library (complete with videos and images) and let us grade it for you. Unblock a website for students to practice through games and interactive materials. Use Chat as a backchannel to find out what students are really thinking/questioning about a video (or your lecture!) instead of pigeon-holing them into a worksheet. Mix it up!
Encourage collaboration! It's school. The word "school" is a six-letter-gateway-curseword in the eyes of some students partly because it is the one place in life they are forced into isolation. Collaboration is normal for our students in all aspects of life from socializing to sports to clubs to even family interactions. We want students to be independent thinkers, but they also have to function as a responsible, contributing team member. Allowing for collaborative learning not only prepares them for their next steps in life (http://mbcurl.me/S9XW and http://mbcurl.me/S9XY) but also is much more engaging for them. My Big Campus has the framework ready to go for you through Bundles, Pages, MBC Docs, Discussions, Groups, and Chat. Recommended dose: use liberally!
Give meaningful, prompt feedback! Little kills an inquisitive young mind faster than perceived apathy toward his/her work. With the understanding that large class-sizes and crowded schedules may not allow teachers to give lengthy responses to every piece of work from every student immediately, My Big Campus offers many solutions! Schoolwork offers auto-grade options that provide instantaneous feedback for students. Teachers can then go back and provide comments as needed. Teachers can also show approval of student activity simply by clicking the heart icon. Students love to have their accomplishments acknowledged through Achievement badges as well. Teachers can assign these to entire classes or individuals to be displayed on the students' profile walls. Show your students you are aware of their hard work and they will continue to impress!
Show them you are human! We all have a unique, personable side that students crave to see (that's why they think you want to be their "friend" on Facebook!). Learning from a robot is a cold, beige experience. Having lengthy conversations with students about Use the safe, academic, social platform offered by My Big Campus to let students have a peek at who you are when you are not teaching math. Add a profile picture of you doing your favorite activity. Blog about your interests. Post on your Wall your thoughts about a school-appropriate current event. By modeling proper netiquette on your account, you are teaching valuable lessons about digital citizenship while allowing for a more personal connection with your students.
Jumping outside of the beige is not only beneficial for your students, but is rejuvenating as a teacher. Let My Big Campus help you splash more color into your classroom!
image retrieved from: http://www.kinderart.com/painting/rainbow.shtml
