4 Ways Parents Can Support Their Children in the College Application Process

The college application process can be daunting for parents and their children. The pressure to find the right school and the stress of completing the application can overwhelm everyone involved. However, as a parent, you can support your child during this process in several ways. Here are four ways parents can support their children in the college application process.

Encourage your child to start early

The college application process can be time-consuming, and it’s crucial to encourage your child to start early. This means researching potential schools, understanding the application requirements, and beginning the application process as soon as possible. As a parent, help your child by setting deadlines and creating a schedule to ensure they stay on track.

Encourage your child to use resources to help them prepare for college. This may include attending college fairs, meeting with representatives, and taking college prep courses. By starting early and taking advantage of these resources, your child will have a better chance of success in the college application process.

Provide emotional support

The college application process can be emotionally challenging for your child. They may feel overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious about their future. As a parent, provide emotional support and remind your child that you are there to help them every step of the way.

One form of emotional support is encouraging children to express their feelings, acknowledge their concerns, and validate their emotions. Offer encouragement and remind them of their accomplishments. Additionally, help your child find healthy ways to manage stress through exercise, meditation, or spending time with friends and family.

Help your child with the application process

The college application process can be complex and confusing. As a parent, you can offer support by helping your child with the application process. This may include proofreading essays, helping them gather necessary documents, and ensuring all deadlines are met.

Remember that while you can offer support, allowing your child to take ownership of the application process is essential. Encourage them to take the lead in completing the application and to reach out to their school counselor or college advisor if they need additional assistance.

Discuss financial aid options

College can be expensive, and discuss financial aid options with your child. This may include filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), researching scholarships, and exploring student loan options.

As a parent, have an open and honest conversation with your child about the cost of college and the financial resources available. You can also encourage your child to research potential schools and to consider the cost of attendance when making their final decision.

College applications can be stressful for parents and their children. However, by offering support and guidance, parents can help their children navigate this process with confidence and success. By encouraging your child to start early, providing emotional support, helping with the application process, and discussing financial aid options, you can make the college application process less overwhelming and more manageable for your child.

Remember, the most important thing you can do as a parent is to be there for your child every step of the way. Listen to their concerns, offer encouragement, and remind them that you are there to help them achieve their goals. With your support, your child can successfully navigate the college application process and embark on an exciting new chapter in their life.

This article was originally published at marilyngardnermilton.org.

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The Future of Student Loans | Marilyn Gardner

The Debate

The rising cost of education and the volume of student loans need to be addressed to prevent the effects of debt from affecting future generations. Policymakers and experts agree that rising student debt can negatively affect the financial goals of young people.

They argue that although the older generations could pay for their education, the situation has changed for the younger ones due to the high cost of tuition and the COVID-19 epidemic.

Student loans are typically harder to discharge in bankruptcy than other consumer debts. In court, borrowers must prove they are in financial hardship to get their loans erased.

Although policymakers and experts agree that student loan debt can negatively affect the financial goals of young people, they have different ideas on how to address the issue. For instance, some believe that loan cancellation should be universal, while others think targeted relief is needed.

According to some analysts, the perception that college gives students the only path to success in a lucrative job leads to higher demand. It drives up the cost of education. During the past few years, politicians from different political parties have advocated for increasing access to technical and career education.

The Biden Program

The Biden administration’s program, expected to help about 40 million borrowers, falls between targeted and large-scale debt relief. It provides up to $20,000 in debt reduction for recipients of federal grants and non-Pell grant recipients with a yearly income of less than $125,000.

The program may reduce the federal government’s student loan holdings by about $441 billion. About 8 million borrowers will automatically receive debt reduction, while the rest will have to apply for forgiveness by December 31, 2023.

Aside from debt relief, the program aims to reform the student loan repayment system. It will cap the minimum monthly payment for undergraduate loans at 5% of the borrower’s discretionary income.

The application process’s complexity and the program’s participants’ low success rate have garnered criticism. Despite this, the Biden administration noted that its plan would allow more people to qualify for student loan forgiveness.

Critics of the program also raised concerns about its feasibility and cost. For instance, the cost of debt cancellation will reach $400 billion over three decades. Other groups claim that the lower minimum payment will increase the cost of living and harm taxpayers.

Despite the program’s adverse effects, supporters of the initiative noted that it benefits the country. Economists also said that it wouldn’t increase inflation rates. Supporters of the program indicate that it would allow graduates to take on lower-paying jobs in the public sector.

This blog was previously published on February 6, 2023 at MarilynGardner.org

Education Trends to Watch in 2023

Trends that will have a significant impact on the future of education in 2023 and beyond are focused on mental health, hybrid learning, and prioritizing students.

Looking ahead to 2023, we expect more innovation and inspiration for learning communities.

Hybrid Learning Model

In 2020, the sudden emergence of online classes caused many students to miss out on learning opportunities. Since then, we’ve learned that online learning can benefit educators and students if appropriately implemented.

In the next year, schools will continue developing hybrid learning models that allow students to take in-person classes while participating in the virtual classroom. With the necessary equipment and lesson plans, administrators can ensure that the hybrid classroom is successful.

If a few students get sick but are well enough to join the class virtually, they’re less likely to drop behind.

Power Skills

According to a survey, over 90% of hiring managers consider soft skills such as collaboration and problem-solving more important than hard skills when hiring.

Schools and colleges are starting to implement new strategies to promote the importance of soft skills. In the UK, for instance, officials are trying to redefine these skills as power skills.

Project-based learning is one of the methods used to integrate these skills. This type of teaching model allows students to solve problems using hands-on activities.

E-Games

In the US, almost 100 percent of children play video games regularly. The increasing popularity of electronic games has been attributed to the rise of online learning.

Games can provide students with a variety of ways to experience certain concepts. Gamification can also help develop a more balanced learning process.

This blog was previously published on January 6, 2023 at https://marilyngardnermilton.org/

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Distance Learning

Before the rise of technology, getting a college degree required taking in-person classes. This method was often challenging for working professionals and those with different schedules. With the increasing number of degree programs that allow for online learning, it’s now easier than ever to find a program that fits your needs.

Although online classes can be challenging, they can also be an excellent alternative to traditional classes. Using online courses effectively can help you get the most out of them. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your next class.

Show Up

One of the essential factors you need to consider when using online courses is the dedication and discipline required to complete them. Although you can be flexible with when and how you want to finish your work, you can’t put it off.

One of the easiest ways to ensure that you follow through with your online course is by remembering that you are paying for it. Like in-person classes, you must show up to get the most out of your online education. Doing so will allow you to get the most out of your course and ensure you make the most of your learning.

Set Up Accountability Measures

Before the semester begins, set goals and regularly check in with yourself to ensure that you follow through with them. In in-person classes, you often receive visual or verbal reminders about an upcoming assignment. However, without a professor’s guidance, it’s up to you to ensure you have the time to finish the work.

If you need help holding yourself responsible, try setting up an accountability partner with a fellow student or a friend. Being proactive, organized, and self-aware can help you get the most out of your online education.

Minimize Distractions

Getting caught up in social media, Netflix, and other electronic devices can keep you from focusing on your studies. The amount of difficulty these distractions can cause depends on your situation and personality. For instance, some people can easily block out the noise in their homes by listening to music. Others can try working from a local library or coffee shop.

If you are working from home or in a different area, try turning off your cell phone to avoid getting distracted by notifications or text messages. If you still have trouble staying away from the web and checking your email, try downloading a browser plug-in that can block various websites and apps.

Participate

Participate in the online forum to improve your understanding of the materials and connect with fellow students. This can be done by commenting on a fellow student’s paper or posting a question about a particular project. Ask your professors for clarification if there is something that you should know.

One of the most critical factors you should consider when using online courses is the regularity of your check-in. Since the learning environment is flexible, you can easily schedule a time for a discussion response if you have a few minutes before dinner.

If you have difficulty finishing your assignments, try reaching out to your professor. Being proactive can help you get the help that you need.

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Originally published at MarilynGardnerMilton.org

Key Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategies in Higher Education

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, or DEI, is a vital topic that anyone working in the recruitment, development, and advancement of higher education workers should be aware of. There are many steps that anyone can take to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.

Listen to Feedback

A study revealed that many college presidents are aware of the concerns about racial diversity on their campuses. The survey also found that almost 90 percent of students have organized around racial issues. The study’s findings revealed that student-led efforts to improve racial diversity and inclusion on campuses would likely face similar future challenges. Listening to students from historically underrepresented groups can provide valuable insight into the issues that affect higher education.

Participate in Training Opportunities

Individuals and institutions should commit to becoming more knowledgeable on the various practices related to DEI. Several learning opportunities are available, such as conferences focused on racial diversity. Members can also participate in live and on-demand sessions and email and social media training.

Subscribe to Learning Resources

Several publications comprehensively cover diversity in higher education. These include the Journal on Diversity in Education and Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. The organization also publishes a twice-weekly newsletter that features news from leading sources on recruitment, diversity, and leadership.

Collaborate Between Departments

One of the most critical factors that a university or institution can consider when it comes to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion is collaboration. A well-defined plan and statement are not enough to ensure everyone is on the same page when creating a more inclusive and diverse environment. Besides creating a well-designed strategy, the collaboration also helps make the necessary changes in the institutional environment.

The complexity of campus structures and communities makes collaboration even more critical. Removing barriers that prevent collaboration can help create a transparent process allowing all stakeholders to participate in the various activities and conversations related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

One of the most effective ways to collaborate with other institutions is through regional groups. These groups are designed to help foster collaboration among members. As a member of the organization, you will have access to various professional development opportunities and peer-to-peer discussions. In addition to these, you will also be able to create unique initiatives that will help improve your institution’s diversity and inclusion practices.

Be Vocal

Everyone is responsible for addressing higher education diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. If you are aware of an institution’s practices that do not align with the goals of creating an inclusive and welcoming environment, you should consider taking action. You can also contact the HR officer, campus ombudsperson, or Title IX director of your institution to help you make a difference.

Originally published at MarilynGardnerMilton.org

Popular Education Podcasts For Teachers

Podcasts are all the rage nowadays, and whether you’re looking to be entertained or you’re looking to learn something new, there’s bound to be a podcast about it. Education in particular has a lot of podcasts out there that discuss the latest trends and problems for educators as well as share advice, inspirational stories, and so much more. If you’re an educator interested in listening to a few education podcasts, look no further. 

Teachers In America

This weekly podcast from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt talks with educators from across the country about various topics such as helping your students pick the perfect book, dealing with that one student who doesn’t want to participate and so much more. The podcast is from educators, about educators, and for educators, and it’s perfect for anyone who might be in need of assistance in their own teaching career.

This Teacher Life With Monica Genta

If you’re looking to be entertained while you get your teaching advice, look no further than Monica Genta’s show. In each episode, she shares some of the incredibly funny stories that she’s experienced and that her teacher friends have shared with her, with some of them being so ridiculous you’d likely struggle to believe they were true. While she shares these stories, she also tries to include practical strategies that you can use in your own classroom. This is a show full of relatable and positive stories that any teacher can appreciate.

The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast

The goal of this podcast is to provide middle and high school teachers with practical ideas for improving their English teaching. In each episode, Betsy Potash talks about how she set up a library in her secondary school, as well as how she encourages reluctant students to read. She also shares her ideas for novel units and how she uses tech in her lessons.

Let’s K-12 Better

In this podcast, host Amber and her daughters talk about education from a student’s perspective. They talk about various topics that are commonly discussed in the field today, such as social-emotional learning and gaming. This is a unique perspective of both the teacher and the student, and it’s worth a listen.

Self-Care For Educators

Dr. Tina Boogren is the host of this podcast and each episode talks about her experiences with burnout and how other educators can do better about taking care of themselves. She encourages them to take a break from their work to allow themselves to rest and enjoy their lives outside of teaching. We all know being a teacher is tough, and self-care is important if you don’t want to burn out.

This article was originally published on MarilynGardnerMilton.org

How Teachers Can Prepare For A New School Year

Another year of school is here. Whether you’re a first-time teacher or an experienced one with years under your belt, every year comes with new problems. It’s practically impossible to be fully prepared for what will happen over the course of the school year, but that doesn’t mean teachers need to go in blind. There are plenty of things you can do in order to be better prepared and give your students and yourself the best year ever. Here are a few tips to help teachers ace the new school year.

Get Organized

If you want to have a great year, the first thing you’ll want to do is make sure your classroom is organized. This makes the learning process run smoother and saves everyone a lot of time. Make sure that students have name tags, have a folder where you can leave appropriate materials for substitute teachers, and set up your grade book early. All of these things and more can help make your year far less hectic, especially those early days of the year.

Create A Healthy Class Environment

If you want your students to have a positive learning experience that allows them to thrive, you need to create a great class environment. A lot can go into this, such as seating arrangements and furniture placement. The way you lay out the class will vary based on the age of your students, but a few great options are to post a schedule for your students that mentions important days in the school year, when they go to lunch, and other important announcements. Make sure your desk is in a place that allows you to have eyes on the entire room. You might want to consider learning centers, or a classroom library as well. Anything that promotes healthy and safe learning habits is a great call.

Determine Classroom Rules and Routines

Before the year starts you’ll want to make sure you’ve created a clear and concise set of classroom rules and regulations. Think about what did or didn’t work the previous year so you can have a better ruleset for the new year. Once you’re actually in the classroom, explain the rules to your students. Make sure they understand what the consequences of their actions will be, whether they misbehave, forget to turn in their homework, or anything in between.

This article was originally published on MarilynGardnerMilton.org

Education Trends that Continue in 2022

Due to the rapid emergence and evolution of technology and the rise of the fourth industrial revolution, the professional world and society have changed significantly. This has led to the need for more effective and engaging learning environments. To ensure that their students are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in today’s world, teachers must continuously monitor and learn about the latest trends in education.

As they prepare to implement the latest education developments, teachers should additionally be aware of the five most important trends that will affect their profession.

The rapid emergence and evolution of technology has not only changed the way students learn, but it has also led to the increasing number of people who are able to access information and classes through the internet. In 2017, over 6.5 million students were enrolled in various distance learning programs.

The rise of technological capabilities has led to the development of various learning-support tools and media that can help students improve their academic performance.

The increasing number of students taking advantage of online learning programs has raised concerns about the potential impact of this trend on the quality of education.

One of the main concerns about the increasing number of students taking advantage of online learning programs is the lack of opportunities for them to develop soft skills. This could prevent them from engaging with their fellow students in a more authentic and effective manner.

Another issue that online learning programs can present to teachers is the possibility of them having to change their teaching methods to ensure that their students are engaged.

Fortunately, the availability of online learning programs and technology-infused instruction can provide teachers with a variety of opportunities to improve their teaching methods and meet the needs of their students. One of the most important advantages of this trend is the ability to provide their students with the opportunity to watch live or recorded versions of lectures.

The availability of online learning programs can also help teachers provide their students with the necessary accommodations to meet their individual learning styles. For instance, in certain courses, teachers can provide their students with additional learning resources that will help them go deeper into the material.

One of the most important advantages of this trend is the ability to provide teachers with a variety of opportunities to improve their teaching methods and meet the needs of their students. One of the most effective ways to do this is by implementing a learning management system. This type of system can help them track the progress of their students and provide them with more timely coaching.

According to a study conducted by the Future of Jobs, the importance of critical thinking, creativity, and people management is acknowledged by employers. They also want to see professionals who are capable of making hard decisions and displaying their leadership abilities.

Originally published on Marilyn’s website!

How to Teach Empathy to Children

Although it’s not always possible to teach empathy, it is still possible to do so. It requires more than just being a good role model. In addition to being able to act as a positive role model, it also involves understanding the psychology of empathy and the skills that children need to develop to share their thoughts and feelings.

If you think of empathy as a fixed trait that people are automatically born with, then it might seem strange to think of it as a skill or ability that people can develop. However, empathy isn’t a single skill or ability that can be easily acquired. It requires a combination of skills and abilities to develop.

One of the basic characteristics of empathy is the ability to feel another person’s emotions. This ability, which is called “affective empathy,” is believed to exist in both humans and animals.

For instance, if your baby is experiencing a distressed feeling because another child is crying, can he share his feelings?

Although your child is still very young, he doesn’t yet understand all the facial expressions that you’re saying. He doesn’t yet know what triggers these feelings or the range of emotions that you can experience.

The development of empathy can be influenced by a child’s experiences. For instance, how they communicate with one another, their social relationships, and whether they can cope with shared feelings of overwhelming or unpleasantness.

When it comes to showing empathy, you need to first acknowledge the needs of another person. You also need to feel justified in doing so. The cultural forces that influence a child’s development of empathy include the media and authority figures.

Being able to show empathy isn’t something that you can automatically develop, nor is it something that can be influenced by the environment.

When it comes to developing empathy, children tend to shrink away from experiencing the pain of another person. This is a natural response to avoid being perceived as hurting another person.

Developing a positive parenting style can help children develop empathy. This type of approach makes them feel secure and helps them feel like they can be supported.

Being able to feel secure helps kids develop a stronger sense of self-worth and helps them feel like they can rely on us for support. They are also more likely to take risks when they see people who need help. This is because they’re more likely to feel that they can help. See the Parenting Science guide for more information about how to practice positive parenting.

Being able to regulate your negative emotions can also help children develop empathy. According to a study conducted by Song et al., children who are more capable of handling their negative feelings are more likely to show empathy for others.

Being able to acknowledge and explain negative feelings can also help children develop empathy. This can be done through talking about the causes of their feelings and the effects of their actions.

Studies also suggest that “emotion coaching” can help kids of all ages. However, younger kids are more likely to benefit from this type of approach. Early kids are already capable of displaying a capacity for empathy, but they don’t always use it. There are several ways that parents can help children develop their empathy.

According to research, asking kids to reflect on the feelings of others can help them develop their empathy.

In an experiment conducted on 400 Dutch school children, Sierksma and her colleagues asked them to imagine a scenario involving a classmate. Half of the students were told that the classmate was a friend, while the other half were told that the same was not the case. In a scenario, your classmate is late and needs to clean up the classroom. She says she’s worried about her mother’s deteriorating health condition. Would you help her?

The results of the experiment showed that children’s responses changed after the researchers added a second step to the procedure. This step made the kids reflect on the situation. The researchers then asked the children to think about the girl and rate her feelings. They then made the kids reflect on the situation.

After rating the feelings of the girl, the children were no more likely to choose the friend than the other kids. They also said they would help the girl, regardless of whether she was their friend or not. The additional reminder prompted the kids to change their judgments even more.

All of this is to say that you can, in fact, teach empathy to children!

Emerging Trends in Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education (ECE) is a wide-range of topics that you should be aware of. Whether you are a teacher or just care about kids, keeping up with the latest trends in the field is a great way to nourish the little ones in your life.

Seeing the ideas being discussed in ECE conferences can be uplifting. There is still a lot of research that shows that early childhood development can have a lasting impact on children and adults. Many studies also suggest that when done right, ECE can help children develop their social and academic skills.

Despite how important early childhood education is, it doesn’t always mean that we have the necessary skills to guide the kids. This is why it’s important that we keep up with the latest trends in the field.

Aside from being able to keep up with the latest trends in the field, you don’t have to spend a lot of time watching educational documentaries to keep up with what’s happening in ECE. We asked experts in the field to share their thoughts on some of the key trends that they’re seeing in the field.

One of the key trends that’s happening in the field is the increasing emphasis on systematic phonics instruction. According to Christina Williams, the owner of Book Bums, this is due to the growing number of experts and community groups denouncing the harmful effects of the curriculum being promoted by major publishers.

Many of the research centers that are located in Hanford are focused on the outdated assumptions that are being used in the teaching of reading. With the increasing number of experts denouncing the harmful effects of the curriculum, Williams sees changes coming in the field.

According to Williams, she has seen many teachers who are not able to teach children to read and spell well. She says that the main reason why this is is is due to the universities not teaching them how to properly implement phonics instruction. This is because many of them are not able to grasp the concepts of words. In addition, the materials used in the teaching of reading are often based on outdated methods that leave a lot of students behind.

Due to the lack of skilled teachers in the field, many ECE professionals are struggling to stand out from the crowd. According to Chris Drew, a university instructor, there are many individuals working in the field who lack the necessary skills to teach phonics. He advises aspiring teachers to thoroughly study and demonstrate their competency in this subject in their job interview.

Since learning to read is a vital component of academic success, it’s very important that ECE professionals are able to change the paradigm regarding this subject. According to Williams, too many students are not able to read at a high level and end up in the criminal justice system. She is also grateful for the increasing number of teachers who are able to implement effective reading instruction.

According to Drew, the Scandinavian approach to ECE is starting to gain popularity in the North American market. It’s no wonder that people are eager to try out this new approach to teaching. Besides being able to bring some fresh air into the classroom, the goal of this type of teaching is to provide a conducive environment for learning.

Drew also noted that the increasing number of children being exposed to nature through play is also a contributing factor to the increasing number of children being able to develop their physical and academic skills. He said that playing in natural environments can help children build a connection with their local ecosystem.

Although the popularity of Forest Schools has increased, many schools still lack the necessary space to accommodate them. This is also the reason why many teachers are also incorporating natural elements into their lessons. Aside from being able to bring some fresh air into the classroom, the goal of this type of teaching is to provide a conducive environment for learning.

The achievement gap is a statistical measure that shows the differences in the academic achievement of different groups. It is calculated by various factors such as the graduation rates of students, college enrollment, and grade point averages. It can also be used to identify groups that are most likely to perform well in college and in life. Among the other factors that can affect the achievement of students are their first language and the type of language they are learning.

The achievement gap is also used by the federal government to determine the funding for ECE. In 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act gave states the opportunity to evaluate their needs for ECE and apply for grants. These grants are then allocated to programs that are designed to help improve the academic skills of children.

One of the most crucial components of a successful education is the assessment of student learning. This is also one of the primary metrics that schools have to measure in order to identify their success with their young learners.

Early education centers that are serving disadvantaged children may receive more funding from the state if they can demonstrate that their students are making academic progress. These centers are usually located in areas where children from low-income families live.

The new Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) provides a framework for the continuous assessment of student learning. It can also help schools develop effective strategies and implement new state initiatives.

In addition to being used in schools, technology is also becoming an integral part of ECE as experts in this field continue to consider how to teach it to their students. One of the most challenging factors that they have to consider is how to prepare children for the digital age.

Aside from being used in schools, technology is also becoming an integral part of ECE as experts in this field continue to consider how to teach it to their students. Despite the positive effects of technology, there are still many questions that teachers have to consider.

One of the most important factors that ECE professionals have to consider is how kids are interacting with technology. According to the Common Sense census, there are four main forms of technology that children can use.