This week’s 27th edition of 3 Teacher Tips Thursday comes from Michael Consul’s Co-op student Mara Balmaceda student of Senator O’Connor (special student edition).
Below are 3 simple yet effective resources broken up into 3 categories:
– Great Ideas
– Online Tools
– Teacher PD
Enjoy 3 Teacher Tips Thursday. Hope you find it resourceful.
MASTERCLASS
My Co-op teacher, Ms. Nicole Dawe, started this new aspect for the co-op students who are unable to go out into their fields of choice due to the pandemic, virtual access, and exposure to their fields of interest.
Once a week, we dive into one masters’ lesson – we vote on the field the week before – these classes focus on a blend of real-life skill application, general inspiration and philosophy of learning.
MasterClass’s courses include a wide variety of lessons from individuals who are MASTERS of their FIELD. For example, music producer Timbaland teaching beats, creative direction from science fiction storyteller Margaret Atwood, and cooking lessons from chef Gordon Ramsay.
MasterClass videos provide students with a jumping-off point for lessons. They provide not only entertainment but an opportunity to reflect on what it takes to excel in the field these ‘masters’ have dominated. The skills these masters teach and demonstrate also translates into our lives today!
FOCUS BOOSTER !
As a student, it seems difficult to keep track of time or to even find the motivation to start doing work. This app is called focus booster, is a free desktop app that aims to help improve your focus and productivity. Using this tool almost daily is definitely helpful. It uses the Pomodoro 25-5 method. A common time management technique that helps you have focused, long work sessions with frequent, short breaks in between.
For every 25 minute studying session, you’re rewarded with a 5 minute break, and after four 25 minute periods, you’ll then receive a 25 minute break.
I really like this technique. I use it myself for studying because it promotes consistent, sustained studying concentration, as well as, the reduction of procrastination and mental burnouts from working on assignments at the last minute. The best method to get into the flow of a routine and create the best time aside for some schoolwork and productivity.
BOOK WIDGETS
BookWidgets is a fun and different way of learning for teachers. If you like Pinterest, you’ll love BookWidgets. It’s a good tool to motivate their students by adding interactive activities into lessons. This website that makes learning easier and works well with Google Classroom, Schoology, Microsoft Teams or other learning platforms.
I enjoy using Pinterest to find inspiration for new outfits, aesthetic photos, workout routines or studying tips. BookWidgets is a branch of Pinterest for educational tools. It provides teachers with new ideas when it comes to fun activities, writing tools, and lesson ideas for different subjects.
Various social media can also be used as a PD tool. Tiktok is an example. Your “For You Page” will never get boring with the millions of videos uploaded. Try using social media to find educational videos or tips and tricks to use in your own classroom/learning space. And your students will think your cool when you can name a particular meme or trending dance 🙂
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mara Balmaceda is grade 11 student at Senator O’Connor College School and a very active student leader. Mara is currently enrolled in Business SHSM, currently doing her coop placement in the Catholic Student Leadership department.
Instagram: @mara.balmaceda
This addition of 3 Teacher Tips Thursday is brought to you by: Teachers meet Teachers. A group of educators who’s motto is “Changing Education by fuelling those who run it!”
Instagram: @teachersmeetteachers
I hope you enjoyed our 27th weekly edition of 3 Teacher Tips Thursday. Got an idea, online tool, or PD opportunity you want to share? Email stefanie.lenzo@tcdsb.org.
Catholic Student Leadership 
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