John McCarthy

Educator and life long learner. Exploring the many ways to advocate for student voice in their learning career. Passions: my family, writing, teaching, and gaming. Blog: www.openingpaths.org Blog: www.deadwoodwriters.org

Most commented posts

  1. Rebutting Misconceptions about Differentiated Instruction — 7 comments
  2. Inspiring the Writer in everyone — 7 comments
  3. Learning Preferences Cards — 5 comments
  4. Student Learning Preferences Quick Surveys — 4 comments
  5. Education is like Yoga III: Starting School Right — 3 comments

Author's posts

Jun 21

“Why should I care?” – Learning with a Purpose using Authentic Learning Experiences

“Why should I care?” This is the question that educators must address, as the answers can determine the level of engagement by students for curriculum experiences. The best answers are not explanations but learning experiences that are authentic to the learners’ world beyond the classroom. In Michigan, 1st and 2nd graders design and maintain a …

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Jan 04

Making Differentiation Productive: A Planning Guide

Differentiation can be challenging and fruitful if done with planful intention. Below is a guide for bring forth more success in your work to meet the needs of ALL learners by ensuring that learning experiences have these elements or components. Post or tweet your questions or ideas to @JMcCarthyEdS Core Steps for Planning Differentiation List …

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Oct 16

Student Voice: Making Learning Happen

When it comes to learning, involving the learner is important. Reflect on how you learn best. Having a say so as to align or customize the experiences is something that most of us prefer. Why would our students feel any different. These resources below are part of a conference session about steps towards empowering student …

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Sep 05

Learning Supported by Digital Tools: MOCA

Using technology to support instruction continues to be a challenge that is tackled by schools and classrooms everywhere. How do we ensure that the focus is on the student learning, and not on the digital tool? One answer is to begin with the “Learning” and find the tools that support that outcome. Learning through Technology …

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Mar 22

Empowering Students with Strong Collaboration Skills

What really is Collaboration? Collaboration is an important 21st Century skill that is of critical need for our students as the future participants of industry, entrepreneurial opportunities, education, and government. Collaboration is a valuable commodity that in its appearance seems more art than science, when the opposite is just as true. Here are three definitions …

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Jan 24

PBL Resources to Build and Sharpen Practice

I was asked recently for some recommendations for books and articles to read about Project Based Learning. Sharing the list, I thought it would be beneficial to share the same list to everyone. This is not an exhaustive list. The intent is to provide one to give a range of access from those just starting …

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Dec 18

Talk Moves: Students Learn to Own Learning Conversations

Follow John McCarthy, EdS on Twitter at @JMcCarthyEdS. Check the resources on this site and here as well for So All Can Learn. Talk Moves: Students Learn to Own Learning Conversations In a science classroom at Marysville Middle School, the students in Amy Busen’s class are participating in an active conversation where they respond to …

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Oct 08

Presentations for AdvancED 2017-18

John McCarthy, EdS – follow on Twitter: @JMcCarthyEdS View resources from book: So All Can Learn: A Practical Guide to Differentiation Please explore the resources from my sessions for AdvancED at their international conferences. Please contact me if you have any questions or want to share ideas. 5 Powerful Ways to Differentiate Project Based Learning …

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Sep 24

Managing Innovative Authentic Learning Experiences

Follow on Twitter @JMcCarthyEdS and subscribe to this website and the Youtube Channel for access to the latest in instructional design and developing and empowering Student Voice. ********* Planning and implementing innovative learning experiences at the unit design level can feel like a daunting task. If you’re reading this then I applaud your courage and …

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Aug 31

Authentic Learning Experiences Tool Box – New resources available

  Picture students making frequent connections to curriculum outcomes in deep and meaningful ways. Imagine them caring about the academic tasks as if someone important to them is counting on their success. Authentic Learning Experiences (ALE) transforms this picture into reality. ALE is a growing practice in 40 minute lessons to units that go one …

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