Teaching Strategies
Recent Newsletter Articles
Better Together: Combining Reading and Writing Activities, Part 2
In this follow-up to Part 1, written by Stephanie Sommers, Kristine Kelly shares a lesson from her Summer Institute session that demonstrates how reading, writing, speaking, and listening can work together to deepen comprehension, build communication skills, and prepare for more complex writing tasks. Read More
Better Together: Combining Reading and Writing Activities for Greater Learning
Research tells us that students who read a lot tend to be better writers, and students who write tend to be better readers. When taught and practiced together, these two skills create a powerful cycle of literacy as each skill strengthens and complements the other. Read More
From Mimicking to Sense-Making in Math: Insights from Pam Harris
Learn how nationally known educator Pam Harris helps teachers reframe instruction, nurture student reasoning, and make math truly "figureoutable"—and plan on attending the Math Institute on November 7 to hear from Pam live! Read More
Instructional Routines: A Powerful Tool for Adult Education Math Classrooms
The folks at the Adult Numeracy Network (ANN) have built a collection of resources to help adult education teachers bring instructional routines into their math classes. Learn about instructional routines and how they benefit both instructors and students! Read More
Students Need Your Conceptual Understanding!
At Math Institute last November, we had the pleasure of welcoming Amy Vickers, former MN math leader and current math teacher at Nicolet College, to lead us in an engaging workshop around an important topic: Students Need Your Conceptual Understanding. Read More
Mastering Google Tools: Top YouTube Picks for Educators
Navigating the vast array of Google tools can sometimes feel overwhelming. Thankfully, the Minnesota Adult Education Professional Development (MN ABE PD) YouTube channel offers a treasure trove of instructional videos tailored just for us. Read More
Overcoming Tech Barriers in Volunteer Training: A Creative Solution
Are technology requirements creating obstacles for some volunteers in your program? Valerie Britt, Volunteer Coordinator at Hawthorne Education Center in Rochester, found a solution: group asynchronous training! Read More
Breaking Barriers: The Unexpected Benefits of a Discussion-Based ESL Class
An Advanced ESL discussion class at Metro North in Blaine began as a way to help adult learners strengthen their academic English skills but evolved into something much more meaningful. The experience fostered empathy, challenged stereotypes, and demonstrated the power of conversation in bringing people together. Read More
Translanguaging: Harnessing our Students’ Languages for Classroom Success
What is translanguaging, and why should EL instructors strive to support it in their classrooms? Translaguaging is one way to harness all of our students’ linguistic resources, and it requires intentionality and dedication on our part to give students ownership of their learning. Read More
Cultivating Curiosity: Math Routines in Action
This article shares how one teacher revitalized their math classroom using simple yet powerful routines learned at Summer Institute. The article looks at both the successes and challenges of implementing the low-prep routines of Problem Strings and "I Have, You Need." Read More