COURSERA For Teachers

Chalk up another change in technology. In a major paradigm shift in way education course modules are provided, a relatively new idea had entered the education scene. It is called Coursera (coursera.org). It is basically a consortium of colleges and organizations offering free online courses to anyone. World-renowned professors in their respective fields often teach these courses.

While most “students” are basically auditing the course, many institutions offer an option where a student can take an exam or complete a project and receive academic credit for their work.

A recent web search of the Coursera site found these offerings that are relevant for teachers.

“Foundations of Teaching for Learning 2- Being a Teacher.”

This programs runs from Oct 20-Dec.1^st. It is offered by the Commonwealth Education Trust. The course syllabus is available on the website. If you wish to obtain a  “Verified Certificate” there is a fee of $29.00

Another course that should prove helpful to classroom teachers is

“ Common Core ion Action. Literacy in the Content Areas.” This course is being offered by the New Teacher Center and runs from October 20- until December 5^th.

In addition to providing syllabus information, many of the course offerings have a statement of suitability so you can determine if there are prerequisites and if the courses are specifically designed for a particular audience.

There are also courses offered in specific content areas like mathematics or chemistry. Many of the course offerings are available in multiple languages.

Take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your knowledge base for free.

C.2014 J. Margolis

Do Students Get Enough Sleep?

The American Academy of Pediatrics has been continually monitoring sleep habits of students during the school year, They believe that local school districts  need to be mindful of what constitutes the optimum number of hours  required for a “ good night’s sleep” and to adjust school starting times  to reflect the needs of the students. The Academy’s information is directed on the number of hours of sleep, 8.5-9.5 hours per night. The report also stresses the importance of physical activity which will aid in reducing student obesity (a major problem in America’s schools). Adequate sleep can also help improve a stu8dent mental health as well as academic performance. According to the Academy, “insufficient sleep in adolescents [is] an important public health issue that significantly affects the health and safety, as well as the academic success, of our nation’s middle and high school students.” Middle and high school starting time s should be around 8:30

“According to the National Sleep Foundation, teenagers need at least nine and a half hours of sleep every night. However, the National Sleep Foundation reports that less than half of American children get at least nine hours of sleep each night, and 58 percent of 15- to 17-year-olds regularly sleep fewer than seven hours each night. (From Atlantic Magazine online, August 25, 2014.)”

Often, because of the scheduling and busing logistics, it is difficult to juggle appropriate school starting times. However, school administrators need to be mindful of these facts.  Teachers and parents can obtain more about this subject as well other topics relating to student health and academic achievement by going to the website http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/

For additional reading you may wish to view http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/05/09/u-s-students-rank-worst-in-new-sleep-study/(from Time Magazine online (May 9, 2013)

C.2014 J. Margolis