Inspiration...A Different Kind of School Field Trip

When the thought of inspiring our students is considered we often think about special events: guest speaker, special project, or field trip. 

For a moment, let's play out the dynamics of a field trip. 

The teacher selects a location of value to supplement the curricular program of study. Students seek permission from their parents to attend because they want to go. On the day of the trip, there is great excitement because students feel they are "getting out of school". Students often wear their coolest clothes, put their favorite snacks in their backpacks, and get on the bus smiling. They are genuinely excited.

What if we were able to duplicate that excitement, desire, and inspiration at our schools? How would education be different if each morning our students got off the bus with the feeling of arriving for a field trip...wearing their coolest clothes, having their favorite snacks, and smiling with genuine excitement. Students would be eager to start their day. Learning would be an adventure. And, yes, when their parents ask, "What did you learn in school today?" there would actually be an answer different from "Nothing!"

What will you do today to create such a classroom, such a school, and most importantly, such a child?

The Virtual Modality

The virtual modality is just as much a reality as the auditory, visual, and kinesthetic modalities. Some of our students learn best in the virtual environment because they are more engaged there than anywhere else. The catch is the assumption that the virtual environment and its independence provides an easier path to knowledge. It does not. Online courses certainly have their place and make the world smaller. The net value of any online course, though, is whether or not the learner brings a new skill set to their face-to-face interaction with other humans. There needs to be a balance. Online courses are a tool just as a hands-on lab or a Socratic seminar. There is no easy path to knowledge. The work must be done and self-discipline must be present.

Student Success

Following up on Tips For Success In School I wish to focus on student success. As teachers everything we do needs to support our students' pursuit of success. However, we are only part of the solution. 

Our society is asking us to educate. Unfortunately society is sending us unhealthy students who are not ready to learn. Most students are tired and hungry when they arrive at school. These same students lack energy and have not done their homework. 

Each family needs to set up a workable schedule. The schedule should include designated study time and sleep time. Eating breakfast is not an option. Making good choices at lunch is  important. Drinking water is critical. If a student is not taking physical education classes at least three times a week, then the family schedule needs to include additional exercise time.

Here are the Tips For Success In School again. Consider the number of issues which would be minimized or eliminated if these five things happened daily for students.

1. Complete all homework on time.
2. Get eight to nine hours of sleep each night.
3. Eat a healthy breakfast.
4. Eat a healthy lunch.
5. Exercise 45 minutes three times a week.

Before we talk about other issues that impact student success, let's ensure these five things are in place. From a strong foundation, great things will be achieved. From a weak foundation, we will keep getting what we get.

If you need me to charge you for this advice in order for it to be more meaningful to you, I will. This blog is valued at $250. Individual replies to questions are $50 each. Make checks payable to Alan K. Campbell. Address available upon request.

No Extra Credit Will Be Given

Just as with the "Late Work Is Not Accepted" blog, the message is direct.

Teachers should not give extra credit assignments at the end of a marking period to help students improve their grade.

Students should complete the original work on time instead of trying to complete extra work. Giving extra credit assignments at the end of a marking period is an indication of a poor decision-making on the part of the student or the teacher or both.

Yes, I have given extra credit assignments at the end of a marking period. I did so when my planning and work during the marking period was weak. The behavior changed when I eliminated extra credit work. I was forced to do a better job throughout the course. Student behavior changed when they realized I was being honest with them and would not give them extra credit work.

Tips for Success In School

1. Complete all of your work on time.
2. Get eight to nine hours of sleep each night.
3. Eat a healthy breakfast.
4. Eat a healthy lunch.
5. Exercise 45 minutes three times a week.


These tips are for students and teachers.

Teacher Health

Teaching is hard. Being an effective teacher is even harder. You manage students, plan and deliver lessons, confront paperwork, and participate in meetings. At the end of the day, you go home, do more school work, then fall into bed only to wake-up to do it all over again the next day. Sound familiar?

In order to be an effective teacher, you need to recharge YOU everyday. Your home needs to be a place for you not another version of school. When you get home focus on your family, exercise, read a book, drink water, and eat healthy. Laugh, argue, cry, reflect on or about anything but school. Go to bed early, those tests can wait. Sleep deeply. 

In order for you to have the energy to give in your classroom each day, you must yourself be healthy. What have you done for you lately? 

Share the simple things which help recharge YOU.

E-Learning: Crayons and Computers

E-learning, or electronic learning, refers to learning through the use of an interactive, electronic device. Frequently, this learning occurs through a process of completing tasks while using the Internet. Just as with a physical classroom, respect and commitment are critical to student participation and success. 

Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum with regards to belief in  the effectiveness of e-learning, it's here. Learn how to use e-learning effectively with your students now. Teach your students to be respectful and safe online. Understand it is another tool, just like a crayon.

As with the great painters in history, a crayon became a paintbrush which lead to the creation of the masterpieces. The same will be true for our students, computer usage will become e-learning which will then lead to the creation of the masterpieces of tomorrow.