Tag Archives: New Tech Network

Reading is Fundamental in PBL

Important article for the role reading plays in project based learning, a cornerstone of New Tech Network learning! Reading is a fundamental part of that!


Reading is Fundamental in PBL
by Andrew Larson New Tech Network
Article: click here

“One of the “Need to Knows” we get a lot in Magnify Learning PBL training sessions is, “how does one incorporate reading books into projects?” I went back and forth with this question in previous years of doing Project- Based Learning, but now I know exactly how I feel about it. Using books as content scaffolds in projects is essential. Whether literature or nonfiction, having students read a book alongside project work makes sense. Here are ten guidelines for using books in a PBL setting.”

True School Change

For parents interested in learning more about the New Tech Network program and the idea of true school change, this is a great read! Would be glad to hear what you think about this article in the comments or a quote from the article that you would like to discuss. Here’s a closing quote from the article that I think is important to think about…

“The students who thrive in college and later in the workplace will need to be armed with social and emotional skills that can only be derived from a learning environment that empowers them to ask questions, think deeply, and actively engage with their peers and adults. NTN schools have been encouraging such actions for years and its results are indisputable.”

Read Whole School Changes the Old School, Transforming Education Today to Better Prepare Students for Tomorrow by Tim Presiado, New Tech Network click here

A question to think about, what does “true school change” mean to you? When we think of change, what would we like different for our students and your children from what we experienced in America’s educational system?

The Peer Tutoring Model

At this year’s New Tech Conference I learned about a Peer Tutoring program that I think would be great especially for secondary schools with students that aspire to support others as tutors and mentors. It would be a great way to build morale at secondary schools across grade levels and to model what we find at university campus writing centers and math labs! Check out more about the Hillcrest High School Peer Tutoring Program at the PTRC Blog link: Peer Tutoring Program Spotlight: Hillcrest High School click here

The Peer Tutoring Model

“The program is set up to offer one to one or small group student-led after-school tutoring sessions. Program participants are students who have been identified by teachers, parents, or themselves as needing additional help or work time as well as Beta members who expressed interest in being tutors.”