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

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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

Should You Attend A Community College or a University?

The choice between attending a community college or a university depends on many factors, such as your plan for higher education and the requirements for admission.

Despite the advantages of community colleges, many students still prefer to attend 4-year universities. They offer a variety of facilities and a more rounded student life. Community colleges usually have 2-year programs that allow students to transfer their associate’s degree to a full university.

Both types of higher education institutions are valid, how do you pick the right one for you? Here are some of the differences between community colleges and universities to help you decide.

Degree Programs

While a community college’s degree programs typically take two years to complete, most four-year universities require students to take general education courses for their first two years.

Some students may choose to take the two years of general education at a community college instead of going to a traditional university. Doing so saves them from having to take many of the same courses in the first year. This can also allow you to save money, as community college courses can often be less expensive.

Student Life

Although community colleges are usually cheaper than universities, they do not have the same level of resources as their four-year counterparts. This means that many students do not have the opportunity to participate in the typical college experience of living on campus or participating in campus life.

If you’re choosing to do 2 years at a community college in order to complete your general education requirements, you may struggle to adapt to university life due to not having entered the university at the same time as your peers. 

Class Size

Most community colleges have small class sizes, which allows for more interaction in the classroom. However, many of their faculty members are employed part-time, which makes it hard for students to have access to their professors. With bigger universities, it can often be the opposite. Your professor may be full-time, but you’re often in bigger classrooms that can range between 40 to 100 students at times. This can lead to a less personalized experience and even the possibility that your professor won’t even know who you are off the top of their head.

Flexibility

Compared to traditional universities, community colleges have a much more diverse student body. They typically have a student body that ranges from 17 to 60 years old, and the average age is around 30. Due to the varying types of students, community colleges are often much more flexible when it comes to your situation. Community colleges often offer more night classes or are more understanding if you have a job or a child at home that affects your attendance.

This article was originally published on MarilynGardnerMilton.com

Tips for Overcoming Anxiety as a College Student

College can be a stressful season of life, whether you’re living on campus far from home or commuting from living with your family. More demanding academics, changing social circles, and preparing for a future career can contribute to a student’s stress levels. In addition to dealing with everyday stress levels, some students experience more debilitating anxiety. Whether it’s test anxiety surrounding academics, social anxiety preventing the formation of good relationships, or even just general anxiety about everyday troubles can drastically affect a student’s ability to thrive in college. However, there are great resources to support students struggling with anxiety! Keep reading below for tips on overcoming anxiety in college.

Avoid Isolation

It can be tempting to hole up in your room and avoid stressful situations when feeling anxious. However, isolating yourself is rarely helpful. Loneliness can exacerbate anxiety, so prioritize social time in your schedule. If you’re struggling to make friends, consider joining a club or organization on campus that aligns with your interests!

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What Are the Requirements That Come With a Teaching Degree?

You’ve always dreamed of being a teacher and positively impacting kids’ lives. But along with its rewards, teaching can have its share of frustrations. And it’s hard work. You have to be at the top of your game all day to keep your kids engaged. And you have to be prepared to do a lot of paperwork, be well organized, keep a lot of balls in the air at the same time, and meet with parents, who can sometimes be difficult.

You have to be prepared to listen to your kids and give guidance, too. They’ll tell you about everything from worrying about failing in school to bullying and abusive parents.

Is teaching for you? Experts suggest trying it out before you begin your coursework. Get a job as a substitute teacher, teaching assistant, or tutor, become a child’s mentor or help at an after-school program. Talk with your teachers, too. They’ll give you advice and guidance and tell you what it’s really like to be a teacher.

Educational Requirements For Becoming a Teacher

All teachers need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. Courses in curriculum design and development, child development and child psychology, teaching methods, and assessment are usually part of the program. You’ll have to do some student teaching, too.

While you don’t need to major in education, you’ll need to complete the required coursework to qualify for certification. One option is to do a double major in education and a second topic that interests you.

Teacher Certification and Licensure

Many schools use the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests as an entry exam for students who want to become teachers. The tests measure a student’s basic reading, math, and science skills.

You’ll have to take Praxis tests or tests similar to them again when you graduate to qualify for certification. The Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching look at a future educator’s understanding of instructional theory and student learning.

The Praxis Elementary Education: Content Knowledge for Teaching tests assess how well future teachers can apply their knowledge of reading, math, language arts, and social studies in the classroom.

Public school teachers need to be licensed, too. Since every state has different regulations, be sure to look into your state’s licensure requirements.   

Types of Education Degrees

Education is a lifelong process. It should never stop, and it should always be an enjoyable experience. Education isn’t just for children either; adults can also study from continuing education courses to degrees in higher learning institutions. When people choose what type of degree they’d like to pursue, there are several factors that can help them make their decision. In this article, we will go over some types of education degrees available today.

English Language Learning Degrees

English language learning degrees are for adults who wish to learn English or improve their knowledge of the language. An education degree in this field might involve courses on phonetics, grammar, and vocabulary. A student might also be involved with studying children’s literature at both the high school level and college-level classes.

Early Childhood Education Degrees

This is another education degree one might pursue if they wish to work with children. This degree is suited for those who want to teach young students how to read, write and understand math skills and other concepts. A degree in early childhood education would involve courses on working with children from birth through age eight.

Educational Leadership Degrees

This is a degree for those who wish to work as principals of schools, or perhaps even move into administration at their current school. While more research and studying may be involved with educational leadership degrees, they also require extensive experience working in the classroom during one’s education process.

Associate Degrees in Education

An associate degree in education is an option for those who want to work with children at the elementary or secondary level. A two-year program might be involved, which would allow students to become teachers after graduation. This type of education degree does not usually offer student teaching opportunities, though, so some experience working in a school setting may also be required before graduation.

Doctoral Education Degrees

This is the highest education degree one can obtain. Doctoral degrees generally take two to three years after a bachelor’s and involve extensive research in the student’s chosen field of study. To qualify for this type of degree, one must first have a master’s degree in their field of study. There are two types of doctoral degrees: Ph.D. and Ed.D., which stands for Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Education.

This article was originally published on MarilynGardnerMilton.org

The Highest Rated Liberal Arts Colleges in the U.S.

The U.S. News has released its top five liberal arts colleges in the United States.

One notable change in this year’s rankings is the decreased emphasis on standardized test scores. Given the fluctuation in requirements for standardized tests, the report put less stock in those scores.

Taking into consideration factors like class size, acceptance rates, and student outcomes, the list includes four schools from the Northeast and one from California. Schools on the list have small class sizes in common among them. Other factors include faculty resources, expert opinion, financial resources, student excellence, and alumni giving.

Institutions on this list also have a leg up regarding social mobility. That is, the schools all score well on the improvement of their graduates’ circumstances after graduation. That is measured by comparing the status of pell grant recipients after they graduate. The Pell Grant program is reserved for undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need.

Here are the top five liberal arts colleges in the United States:

Williams College

Located in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Williams College boasts an acceptance rate of only fifteen percent. Williams College graduates join an alumni body full of influential people, including President James Garfield.

Amherst College

Also located in Massachusetts, Amherst College welcomed an inimitable freshman class. Eighty-five percent of incoming freshmen ranked in the top ten percent of their high school classes.

Swarthmore College

In the Philadelphia suburbs, Swarthmore College is ranked as the third-best liberal arts college in the United States. Swarthmore College was founded in 1864 and is one of the earliest co-educational institutions in the country.

Pomona College

Pomona College is the lone entry to the top five list from outside the Northeast. With an acceptance rate of only nine percent, Pomona is one of the most selective institutions in the country. Pomona is also notable for its commitment to diversity in its student body. It has been widely recognized for its intentionality in reaching out to lower-income and first-generation college students in its admissions efforts.

Wellesley College

Wellesley College is a women’s college located in Massachusetts. Wellesley grads join an impressive roster of alumnae, including former First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the first female Secretary of State Madeline Albright.

This article was originally published on MarilynGardnerMilton.org

The Cost of a Degree for Students and Universities

Many families raising children have notions of sending their kids off to university or college so they can get an education. The hope is that such an education prepares them for adult life where they can use their skills and knowledge to generate significant income over the course of their life. That money is hoped to help them raise a family, buy a home, go on vacations, save for retirement, and generally have a comfortable life.

The truth isn’t always so simple. There is actually some debate about the costs of degrees, for both students and universities.

Costs for post-secondary education continue to rise in many developed countries. This makes getting a degree harder for many students. While there are many government programs to provide assistance with financing college or university, rarely do all these benefits add up to getting students through school without having to pay a lot of money of their own.

Worse yet, some of these benefits take the form of student loans that trap students into a vicious cycle of debt that takes years, if not decades, to get out of. Whereas degrees used to be a solid pathway to higher levels of income, much of that extra income is now offset by interest rates and payments due on student loans.

Complicating matters is how the value of degrees seems to be on the decline. Whereas they were once the gateway to a better life, there are now many jobs that require them just to be an entry-level opening into the career world. Incomes, wages, and salaries have also not always grown proportionately to the economy of most nations.

Degrees still hold value for many students, but not all. In fact, a double-digit percentage of students seems to be better off not even attending, when looking at their lifetime income as adults.

For colleges and universities, the costs of operating continue to rise, which means what they charge students also has to go up. While there is interest in obtaining degrees, not everyone can do it, resulting in fewer potential applications and actual students on many campuses. This can result in serious financial strains for institutions such as these, and cutbacks just reinvigorate the cycle of how tight money is for everyone.

This article was originally published on MarilynGardnerMilton.org