Brain-Based Tips To Increase Learning Retention

As educators, trainers, or facilitators, our goal is always to make information memorable. While it’s unrealistic to expect people to remember everything, there are strategies to increase retention. I recently led a workshop series, “Engaged to Educate,” where we explored these techniques. The Power of Contribution in Learning One fundamental approach is designing content for […]
Best Conversation Starter Cards

Whether seeking suggestions from an artificial intelligence like ChatGPT or interacting with fellow humans, the power of prompts cannot be understated. The questions we ask and the way we frame them directly impact the responses we receive. This holds true for human intelligence and connection as much as it does for AI. Imagine walking up […]
How to Raise Kids With Technology

As we wade through the digital era, the age-old question of how to raise children has morphed into a more nuanced discussion: How do we raise kids with technology? This question, brimming with complexities, reflects our collective journey as parents, educators, and conscientious members of society. Recently, I embarked on a personal mission to delve […]
Clever Small Group Team Building Activity: 60 Removal

Small group team building and community exercises often revolve around activities that foster collaboration and camaraderie. However, today, I’m introducing a unique concept for you to take away and ponder. During a keynote session I once hosted, I presented 800 school coordinators with a deck of 60 question cards. The origins of this exercise were […]
Engaging Closing Activity: Group Anthem

One of my favorite closing exercises that I’ve learned is called the “Group Anthem.” I first learned this from a facilitator named Nate Follin in New Hampshire. Let me explain what it’s about. What is the Group Anthem? Despite its name, there’s no singing involved. It’s simple. After spending quality time together, whether that’s a […]
How to Improve The School To Parent Relationship?

Parent involvement in schools, especially at the high school level, often poses challenges for educators. Many educators have observed increased parental engagement in elementary schools, but by the time students reach high school, parental involvement wanes considerably. How can we bolster this relationship and encourage parents to take a more active role in their children’s […]
How To Be A Great Facilitator: 5 Clever Strategies

Facilitation is an essential skill in various professional roles, but not everyone has formal training in it. In this article, I’m going to share valuable insights on becoming a better facilitator using five clever strategies during a discussion and offering practical advice for improving facilitation skills. Embrace the Identity of a Facilitator First, I encouraged […]
Smarter Facilitation: How to Strengthen Communication

In the world of education, effective communication with school staff is crucial for fostering collaboration, supporting students, and achieving educational goals. In this article, we’ll explore various strategies and insights shared during a recent session on this topic. The session emphasized the importance of connecting before diving into content, creating space for authenticity, and asking […]
What To Say To Gain Buy-In When Attendance Is Mandatory: Live Demo

My primary objective is to ensure that everything we discuss connects to our central theme. If there’s a deviation from this, I want to address it promptly. After all, we’ve dedicated our time together with the hope of having meaningful conversations, uncovering insights, and experiencing “aha” moments. Today, I have a plan in mind. However, […]