Welcome to Quick Lists, a set of blog posts on improving instruction. This is the first in a series of posts that will give ideas, suggestions, and support for instructors — both in higher ed and high school.
Each Quick Lists post will give five takeaways on an education-based topic and information on how Stukent compliments the topic, whether through products, other resources, or outreach. There will be ideas on increasing classroom impact, engaging in service learning, knowing when to let go, and more.
As a student, I have benefited from quality instruction. As a university instructor, I have tried to provide meaningful content. And, as a writer, I have the opportunity to share with you this blog series to support your instruction. It is with recognition that instructors wear a lot of hats and put in a lot of effort when it comes to their profession that Quick Lists is announced.
To start off, let’s look at a list of resources that can help build insights into education. There are certainly other resources available, but here are some to get you thinking:
Educational Resources
1. THE BROOKINGS INSTITUTION
This non-profit organization provides research on topics such as the U.S. economy and politics, international issues — and education. Access categories such as “Higher Education,” “K-12 Education,” and “Education in Developing Nations.”
From this source you may find articles with research to support a proposed initiative in your school or examples that help generate ideas on integrating an educational approach.
2. EDUTOPIA
One of two areas of focus of the George Lucas Educational Foundation, which is specifically focused on the K-12 space, Edutopia provides material on a range of educational topics. Teachers in higher ed can benefit as well.
Use this source for information on learning approaches and challenges. You can also find insights on more effective teaching.
3. ERIC
The Institute of Education Sciences allows for open search on educational topics, a gateway to scholarly articles on a variety of subjects. You can limit search results to peer-reviewed articles and can search within date ranges, by description, by author name, and more.
4. RAND EDUCATION AND LABOR
The non-partisan RAND Corporation focuses on issues of public policy. The RAND Education and Labor category of the corporation provides a range of early childhood education, K-12, postsecondary content, and more.
“We use the best available analytical tools and methods to evaluate existing policies and programs and recommend new ones,” according to the organization.
5. U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION
The specific resource here is actually a list, entitled “National Education Organizations,” provided by the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The list invites website visitors: “Use these resources as a one-stop shop for any questions you may have regarding education reform issues.”
Facebook Forums from Stukent
The Stukent Professor Community on Facebook — primarily for higher ed instructors — is a place to ask questions, share insights, and gain ideas on how to better teach. To find out more and to join the group, visit the Stukent Professor Community page.
Stukent also hosts a Facebook community for high school instructors who teach social media marketing, digital marketing, or introduction to business. Visit the Social Media Marketing Education page to learn more and to join.
Quick Lists
And that’s how it works. Each Quick List is to give ideas, tips, and/or resources to strengthen you as an instructor. Truly, education is a combination of experience, perspective, invention, and reinvention — along with a lot of other elements that educators know well.
Let Quick Lists be among the resources that inform and invigorate your instruction.
