Ed Tech Blog

Writing is a fundamental skill that students are expected to develop across all grade levels and disciplines. Yet, for many learners, writing often feels like a daunting and frustrating challenge. It’s not uncommon to hear students say they “don’t know what to write” or feel overwhelmed by the process of getting their thoughts onto paper. However, recent advances in cognitive science provide invaluable insights into how writing instruction can be designed to align with the way the brain naturally processes information. By applying these principles, educators can make writing less difficult, which not only improves students’ writing skills but also increases their motivation and engagement as learners. When writing feels more manageable and meaningful, students are more likely to develop confidence, persistence, and a genuine interest in communication.

The Cognitive Load of Writing and Working Memory Limits

One of the key reasons writing is challenging for many students is because it is a cognitively demanding task that requires juggling multiple mental processes all at once. To write well, students must come up with ideas, organize those ideas logically, apply correct grammar and spelling, and continuously monitor and revise their work—all while considering the needs of an imagined audience. Cognitive science...

Read more: Unlocking Writing Success: How Cognitive Science Makes Writing Easier and More Engaging for Students

In today’s education landscape, integrating technology into the classroom is no longer a luxury but a necessity. When used thoughtfully, technology can enhance teaching, foster student engagement, and prepare learners for the digital world. Yet, even with the best tools at their disposal, many teachers hesitate or struggle to incorporate technology effectively. This hesitation often stems from feelings of uncertainty, lack of support, or insufficient involvement in the technology adoption process. To bridge this gap, schools and educational leaders need a structured approach that empowers teachers to confidently and meaningfully implement technology. Below is a comprehensive five-step plan designed to encourage teachers to embrace technology in their lessons, ensuring they feel involved, supported, and motivated throughout the process.

Involving Teachers Early Builds Ownership and Trust

One of the most important foundations for successful technology integration is to involve teachers early in the decision-making process. Far too often, schools select new tools or platforms without consulting the educators who will ultimately use them. This top-down approach can leave teachers feeling disconnected or even resistant to change. By engaging teachers from the outset—whether through surveys, focus groups, or pilot programs—schools communicate respect for their professional expertise and acknowledge the realities of classroom...

Read more: Empowering Educators: A 5-Step Plan to Integrate Technology in the Classroom

Teaching is often thought of as a one-way street where knowledge flows from teacher to student. However, anyone who has spent time in a classroom understands that teaching and learning is much more of a two-way street. In fact, students can be among the greatest teachers we have. Over the course of a school year, teachers come to realize that their students teach them valuable lessons—not only about education but about life itself. These lessons span a wide range of themes including curiosity, resilience, empathy, adaptability, communication, and joy. As we reflect on the past year, it becomes clear that the learning journey is not exclusive to students; educators gain insight, inspiration, and growth from their students every day.

Rediscovering Curiosity and Wonder

One of the most striking things teachers learn from their students is the power of curiosity and wonder. Students often approach the world with fresh eyes, asking questions that may seem simple or even challenging. Their natural inquisitiveness pushes teachers to revisit assumptions, deepen their own knowledge, and sometimes even explore new ideas alongside their students. The enthusiasm and eagerness to understand the world around them serve as a powerful reminder that learning should be a lifelong...

Read more: Learning Together: Valuable Lessons Teachers Gain from Their Students

In today’s evolving educational landscape, student empowerment is no longer an abstract ideal—it’s a concrete necessity. Schools striving to build inclusive, collaborative environments are recognizing that giving students real responsibility fosters deeper engagement, stronger relationships, and lasting personal growth. One remarkably effective way to nurture student ownership and leadership is through student-led meetings, particularly weekly all-school gatherings facilitated and run entirely by students. These meetings offer a consistent platform for students to build confidence, practice leadership, and shape a shared school culture that is truly theirs.

From Adult-Led to Student-Driven: A Paradigm Shift

Traditionally, school meetings have been designed and directed by adults—principals, teachers, or administrative staff—who often use the time to make announcements, address concerns, or highlight achievements. While these meetings serve an important functional purpose, they can sometimes reinforce a passive culture where students are simply recipients of information. Shifting to a student-led model turns that passive experience into an active one. When students are the organizers, presenters, and facilitators of weekly school-wide gatherings, they are no longer bystanders—they become engaged participants and decision-makers.

This transition from adult-dominated spaces to student-driven ones does not mean chaos or lack of structure. Rather, it reflects a deeper trust in students’

Read more: The Power of Student-Led Meetings: Building Leadership and School Culture

In schools across the world, culture is not defined by the posters on the walls or the policies in the handbook. It is shaped by the daily interactions, values, and expectations shared by students, teachers, administrators, and support staff. A positive school culture doesn’t just happen by chance—it requires intentional effort and reflection. One of the most powerful tools school leaders have to foster this kind of transformation is inquiry. By asking thoughtful, strategic questions—and truly listening to the answers—leaders can unlock new levels of trust, collaboration, and inclusivity.

Here are three pivotal questions that, when embraced as a regular practice, can genuinely transform the culture of any school. These questions help uncover hidden issues, amplify unheard voices, and reinforce a shared commitment to growth and empathy.

1. Whose voices are missing from this conversation?

This deceptively simple question is a cornerstone of inclusive leadership. Every school hosts a range of stakeholders—students, teachers, administrative staff, support personnel, families, and community members. Yet, despite best intentions, many school decisions are made by a small group of individuals, often those in leadership roles or with the loudest voices. This question forces leaders to stop and assess who might be unintentionally excluded from...

Read more: Transforming School Culture Starts With These 3 Questions