Conversations around student preparedness are becoming increasingly critical and challenging to have. While varying levels of student preparedness have long been an issue, many educators feel that it has only worsened in recent years. Simultaneously, institutions and instructors also want to do more than ever to support student success — making it important to both understand gaps in preparedness and work to address them. You may have encountered challenges related to student preparedness gaps in your own course. Maybe you’ve found that several students don’t have the foundational knowledge that they should have acquired in a prerequisite course. Or maybe you’ve been surprised that students aren’t familiar with the social contract of higher education and don’t quite know what is expected of them. In these and similar situations, you’ve probably asked yourself “What exactly is going wrong?” You're not alone. This blog aims to shine a light on the gaps in student preparedness and offers actionable steps for addressing these issues. Identifying Gaps in Student Preparedness As an educator, you know when things aren't quite right, whether it's a general feeling of disconnect in the classroom or a pattern of underperformance. Recognizing that something might be off with your students' preparedness is an important first step, but it's just the beginning. By identifying the root causes of these issues, you can transform a hunch into information you can act on. Here are a few ways you can identify gaps in preparedness. Assess and Analyze  One tool you can use to uncover areas where students may struggle is careful assessment and analysis. You can even do this at the start of a semester before the most intensive parts of your course are underway. Utilizing tools such as course questionnaires, surveys, and diagnostic assessments can provide you with a wealth of insights into your students' existing knowledge and comprehension. By analyzing the results of such assessments, you'll be equipped with a clear picture of both individual and collective preparedness within your class, enabling you to tailor your teaching approach accordingly. Know The Signs  Recognizing the signs of unpreparedness can also guide educators in identifying gaps. These signs may manifest as distracted behavior, reluctance to participate in class discussions, inconsistent academic performance, or poor study and time management skills. Being attuned to these indicators is crucial for early intervention and support. While there’s not always a single, clear correlation between a sign of under-preparedness and the root cause of it, there are patterns that can be helpful to know. Avoidance of homework and assignments: Sure, some students just aren’t invested in your course or their own education. However, this could indicate a lack of understanding of the material or a feeling of overwhelm when faced with tasks perceived as too challenging. Distracted behavior: This could be a sign of environmental factors at home that are not conducive to learning, such as excessive noise or lack of a dedicated study space. In these cases, students may not have developed strong study skills and could be showing up to class unprepared to fully engage. Expressing feelings of hopelessness about a course or academic path: These feelings can stem from chronic underachievement and not meeting one's potential. Inconsistent academic performance: Fluctuations in grades and assignment quality could suggest many things from challenges with executive function to an incomplete understanding of course concepts.  Overreliance on tutoring or extra help: While seeking help is positive, an overreliance may indicate a deeper issue with self-directed learning or a lack of understanding of the core material. Reluctance to participate in class discussions: While some students are just shy, this may indicate a lack of confidence or understanding of the material.  Welcome One-on-One Interaction Finally, direct communication with your students can uncover layers of complexity behind the challenges they face. By fostering an environment where students feel safe to express their struggles, you gain invaluable insights into their individual experiences. This one-on-one interaction complements your observational and analytical efforts, providing a comprehensive view of the obstacles to student success. 4 Ways to Address Gaps in Student Preparedness There are many ways to address student preparedness gaps. Here are four that you can use in your course. Demonstrate and Encourage Better Study Habits While it's important for you to guide your students, their own efforts are ultimately what will get them across the finish line. By demonstrating effective study techniques and motivating your students to adopt these habits, you empower them to take control of their educational journey.  Not sure what study skills you want to encourage. Here are a few ideas. Active reading Metacognition Note-taking Self-direct learning Time management Achieve’s Goal-setting and Reflection Surveys can help students strengthen their metacognitive skills by encouraging them to set goals and reflect on their progress. These surveys invite them to identify study skills that work best for the way they learn and their lifestyle. Learn more about what you and your students can do with Achieve.  Scaffold Assignments As an instructor, implementing scaffolding in your teaching can significantly impact reaching every student at their level. By breaking down assignments into more manageable tasks, you can guide your students through the learning process step by step. This approach involves providing the right tools and support at each stage, making learning more accessible and less overwhelming for them. Scaffolding allows for a gradual release of responsibility, where your students are initially supported heavily but gradually gain independence as their competence increases. Differentiate Instruction Differentiated instruction is another strategy you can use to customize support to match your students' varying levels of understanding. This acknowledges that your students come into the classroom with diverse backgrounds, skills, and needs. By tailoring instruction to meet these differences, you effectively meet each student where they are. Differentiation can take many forms, including varying the content, process, or product at hand. Check out this blog post to learn more about differentiation. Make Sure Students Are Motivated Finally, fostering an active and engaging learning environment is key to motivating students. When learners are excited about participating, they're more likely to invest the effort needed to overcome their challenges. Creating a classroom atmosphere that values curiosity, collaboration, and active learning can make all the difference. Identifying and addressing gaps in student preparedness is a multifaceted challenge that requires a thoughtful approach. By assessing and analyzing student needs, recognizing the signs of unpreparedness, fostering personal interactions, teaching better study habits, employing scaffolding and differentiated instruction, and ensuring motivation, educators can make significant strides in preparing students for success.    Sources https://www.apa.org/ed/schools/primer/inattention https://www.cmu.edu/teaching/designteach/teach/problemstudent.html  https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/learning/conditioninfo/signs  https://teaching.cornell.edu/identifying-addressing-learning-gaps  ... View more

Welcome to "Try This!", a weekly blog series where we dive into the ever-evolving world of generative AI and share valuable insights and practical teaching ideas. Discover how educators are leveraging AI, gain fresh perspectives, and explore innovative approaches to education that you can try out yourself. This week, we’ve rounded up five resources on AI in Electives. Check them out below: A guide exploring the importance of teaching AI across K-12 education and providing educators, particularly in elective courses, with insights and resources to integrate AI education into their curriculum effectively. A blog discusses the integration of AI into high school curriculums, exploring methods to establish AI clubs and extracurricular programs to prepare students for future careers in an AI-driven world. An article on a high school in Georgia leading the way in AI education by integrating it into its curriculum across various subjects, providing students with essential skills for the future job market, and addressing the need for diversity and inclusion in the field of AI. An article showcasing methods to incorporate elective courses for educating students on artificial intelligence, with a focus on promoting responsible and ethical utilization of AI tools in fostering creativity and conducting research. An article discusses Lakewood High School's new "AI Foundations" program aimed at preparing students for current AI-related job opportunities, emphasizing ethical use and practical application, with certification opportunities and plans for further expansion. Let us know your thoughts on AI in Electives in the comments below the post. Don't miss out on the upcoming webinar, "AI Amplified Learning: Discipline-Specific Strategies Workshop" on March 21 to delve deeper into AI in education. Register today! ... View more

Welcome to "Try This!", a weekly blog series where we dive into the ever-evolving world of generative AI and share valuable insights and practical teaching ideas. Discover how educators are leveraging AI, gain fresh perspectives, and explore innovative approaches to education that you can try out yourself. This week we’ve rounded up five resources to share with you on the topic of AI in Science Education. Below, you'll find: An article on how AI tools like ChatGPT are changing psychology education, providing guidance for  instructors on how to effectively use ChatGPT as a learning tool in the classroom to leverage its capabilities and mitigate risks like cheating. An article discussing a study on a high school curriculum that integrates AI with chemistry to teach students to build a virtual pH meter, aiming to increase interest in color chemistry, machine learning, and the global relevance of science. An article on how AI is revolutionizing the study of biology in schools by providing personalized learning experiences and interactive simulations, highlighting its potential to make biology education more engaging and efficient for both students and educators. A paper from The Canadian Psychological Association examining the impact of AI on psychology education, outlining opportunities like writing assistance and challenges like ensuring academic integrity when using AI tools. An article exploring how AI tools like virtual lab assistants, accessible equation generators, and AI tutors can increase access and equity in science education by providing personalized support and accommodations for diverse learners. Check them out and let us know what you think about AI in science education in the comments below the post. Don't miss out on the upcoming webinar, "AI Amplified Learning: Discipline-Specific Strategies Workshop" on March 21 to delve deeper into AI in education. Register today! ... View more

Welcome to "Try This!", a weekly blog series where we dive into the ever-evolving world of generative AI and share valuable insights and practical teaching ideas. Discover how educators are leveraging AI, gain fresh perspectives, and explore innovative approaches to education that you can try out yourself. This week, we’ve rounded up five resources on AI and social studies education. Check them out below: An article discussing the potential of AI to enhance social studies education by supplementing instructional materials and encouraging critical thinking among students, emphasizing a balanced approach. A blog post on how history and social studies educators can adapt their teaching methods to leverage AI writing tools effectively, highlighting the potential to enhance student engagement and learning by providing personalized content. An article offering tips and suggestions on integrating AI tools into social studies curriculums, such as interactive simulations that deepen students' understanding of historical events and influential figures. A video demonstrating practical applications of AI tools such as ChatGPT in a social studies classroom to enhance student engagement and foster critical thinking skills. An article from the National Council for the Social Studies exploring the role of artificial intelligence in social studies education, highlighting its potential to revolutionize teaching and learning despite concerns about academic integrity. Check them out and let us know what you think about AI and social studies in the comments below the post. ... View more

Welcome to "Try This!", a weekly blog series where we dive into the ever-evolving world of generative AI and share valuable insights and practical teaching ideas. Discover how educators are leveraging AI, gain fresh perspectives, and explore innovative approaches to education that you can try out yourself. This week, we’ve rounded up four resources on AI and English Language Arts Education. Check them out below: An article featuring perspectives from a middle school English language arts teacher delves into the possibilities of AI tools in ELA education. It highlights their significance in offering instant feedback, empowering student autonomy, and enriching critical thinking and writing abilities. An article discussing the impact of AI, like ChatGPT, in writing-intensive courses with resources for instructors to adjust to this shift, such as discussing AI with students, and sharing AI policies. A blog post on AI's impact on personalized language arts education from an instructor's perspective, showcasing how AI tools are transforming student learning with tailored experiences to meet their unique needs and pace. A guide for instructors on how to create an acceptable use policy for AI technology in ELA classrooms, emphasizing the importance of teaching students how to responsibly and effectively utilize AI tools for educational purposes. Let us know your thoughts on AI and ELA education in the comments below the post. ... View more

Welcome to "Try This!", a weekly blog series where we dive into the ever-evolving world of generative AI and share valuable insights and practical teaching ideas. Discover how educators are leveraging AI, gain fresh perspectives, and explore innovative approaches to education that you can try out yourself. This week, we’ve rounded up four resources on AI in Mathematics Education. Check them out below: An opinion piece discussing the evolving role of AI in math education, highlighting the current opportunity for educators to leverage AI tools in crafting real-world applications of concepts effectively. An article that advocates for the integration of generative AI, particularly ChatGPT, in mathematics education and provides practical ways to start using AI in your classroom. A guide for instructors in elementary school math education, highlighting ways AI can assist in preparing personalized learning paths, automate time-consuming tasks, and enrich math lessons during class.  A research paper reviewing the role of AI in mathematics education, revealing its increasing significance and potential to enhance learning outcomes by individualizing instruction, providing adaptive feedback, and fostering collaborative learning environments. Let us know your thoughts on AI in Mathematics education in the comments below the post. ... View more

Meet Ying Kong, a passionate literature professor at the University College of the North, who is dedicated to making education inclusive and accessible to all.  Ying's mission revolves around ensuring that every student, regardless of their background or circumstances, has an equal opportunity to learn and thrive. She goes above and beyond to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and supported, especially those in remote or indigenous communities. One of the ways Ying works her magic is through innovative tools like Macmillan Learning's Achieve software. This amazing resource isn't just about textbooks and assignments—it's a game-changer. With features like text-to-speech, all-encompassing learning platforms, and smart writing assistance, Achieve levels the playing field for students facing various challenges. Whether it's spotty internet connections or juggling education with the demands of single parenthood, Achieve provides personalized, culturally sensitive support to help students succeed. We're thrilled to invite you to watch Professor Kong's inspiring presentation. She'll show you how Achieve is breaking down barriers and making accessibility a reality for every student. Click below to catch the full video! ... View more

Welcome to "Try This!", a weekly blog series where we dive into the ever-evolving world of generative AI and share valuable insights and practical teaching ideas. Discover how educators are leveraging AI, gain fresh perspectives, and explore innovative approaches to education that you can try out yourself. This week, we’ve rounded up four resources on AI-Powered e-Learning: Education Beyond the Classroom. Check them out below: A LinkedIn post exploring AI’s potential to revolutionize online courses by offering personalized learning, adaptive content, and intelligent tutoring systems. A blog post on the transformative role of AI in e-learning, reshaping education through AI's capabilities in natural language processing, predictive analytics, and content creation. An article discussing how AI in e-learning transforms traditional experiences into personalized journeys for students and allows for educators to gauge student progress to identify areas needing support. A study on the growing influence of AI in education, emphasizing its role in personalized experiences, addressing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and discussing the potential to shape the future of education and technological literacy. Let us know your thoughts on AI-powered e-Learning beyond the classroom in the comments below the post. Don't miss out on the upcoming webinar, "Fighting Fire with Fire: Navigating Student AI Use with AI-Enriched Assignments and Assessments" on February 16th to delve deeper into AI in education. Register today! ... View more

Threading the Needle: Cultivating Ethical and Inclusive Teaching in an AI Era: Tuesday, April 30 at 12pm ET Presented by Debi Rutledge and Jennifer Guerra This working session kicks off with a distinguished panel of educators on how they have managed the delicate balance of integrating AI into pedagogy with ethical considerations at the forefront. This working session will then have attendees collaborate to address real teaching scenarios  that invite educators to leverage AI tools to  uphold principles of fairness, equity, and inclusivity in educational settings. Attendees will walk away from this working session with concrete strategies that foster a learning environment where AI integration aligns harmoniously with ethical teaching practices. Reserve your spot now to elevate your teaching practice with ethical AI-enhanced teaching techniques.   Register for the Webinar ... View more

Welcome to "Try This!", a weekly blog series where we dive into the ever-evolving world of generative AI and share valuable insights and practical teaching ideas. Discover how educators are leveraging AI, gain fresh perspectives, and explore innovative approaches to education that you can try out yourself. This week we’ve rounded up five resources to share with you on the topic of Instructor-AI Collaboration for Responsible and Enhanced Learning. Below, you'll find: An article on using AI teaching agents in classrooms to improve student collaboration and enhance learning experiences through human-AI teaming. An article highlighting AI's impact on student isolation and the importance of schools prioritizing human relationships with the help of AI-instructor collaboration.  A LinkedIn blog post on how AI can revolutionize education by creating collaborative classrooms, tackling teacher training, addressing tech glitches, ensuring student data privacy, and reducing costs through real-life case studies. An article on the benefits of student collaboration with AI on drawing performance, and emphasizing the significance of teacher guidance, storytelling, and continuous evaluation. A study on teachers using an AI assistant in collaborative learning activities shows increased adoption of intervention strategies and diversified coregulation methods to enhance teacher awareness and offer intervention options. Check them out and let us know what you think about instructor-AI collaboration in the comments below the post. Don't miss out on the upcoming webinar, "Fighting Fire with Fire: Navigating Student AI Use with AI-Enriched Assignments and Assessments" on February 16th to delve deeper into AI in education. Register today! ... View more

A Whole New World: Exploring AI's Impact on Future Pathways of Education: Tuesday, April 16 at 2pm ET Presented by Susan Winslow, Chief Executive Officer, Macmillan Learning Join us for an illuminating webinar featuring Macmillan Learning CEO, Susan Winslow, and a distinguished cohort of educators exploring the profound implications of AI in shaping educational and professional worlds, in particular AI-related competencies soon-to-be graduates will likely need to develop to succeed in many professional settings in the near future. This engaging session will also cover AI's influence on educational paradigms and provide a platform to contemplate strategic interventions that enhance student learning outcomes in rapidly evolving corporate and educational settings.    Watch the Recording ... View more

Welcome to "Try This!", a weekly blog series where we dive into the ever-evolving world of generative AI and share valuable insights and practical teaching ideas. Discover how educators are leveraging AI, gain fresh perspectives, and explore innovative approaches to education that you can try out yourself. This week we’ve rounded up five resources to share with you on the topic of AI in Education from Student Perspectives. Below, you'll find: A video discussion on the integration of AI tools in higher education, emphasizing efficiency, expressing concerns about job displacement, and highlighting the importance of AI literacy for future job competitiveness. A webinar recording featuring a panel discussion where students share experiences on the use of generative AI tools in higher education, exploring the impact on learning experiences, academic performance, and addressing ethical concerns. An article on AI tools in NYC high schools, exploring opportunities, challenges, and concerns about cheating, while emphasizing the importance of balancing AI's potential with academic integrity. An article from BBC Young Reporters on the importance of incorporating lessons about AI in the education system to ensure responsible use without hindering creativity and critical thinking. A blog post on the impact of AI on education, focusing on student perspectives at Luther Burbank High School, highlighting pros and cons, and encouraging responsible use of AI in education. Check them out and let us know what you think about AI in education from student perspectives in the comments below the post. ... View more

AI Amplified Learning: Discipline-Specific Strategies Workshop: Thursday, March 21 at 1PM ET Presented by Jennifer Duncan, Matthew Bruce Ingram, Vaughn Scribner, and Matt Evans Enjoy an engaging AI Workshop tailored for college instructors ready to move beyond general principles and actively integrate AI-enhanced teaching strategies into their discipline. This workshop is designed to empower educators with practical insights and strategies for leveraging generative AI to enhance student engagement, streamline learning experiences, and foster innovative teaching methodologies. What You’ll Take Away: Move beyond general principles to understand, plan, and activate new AI-enhanced teaching strategies Concrete tactics for using generative AI to enhance student engagement Practical insights for streamlining learning experiences and fostering innovative teaching methodologies Hands-on practice in smaller discipline-specific groups with educator-coaches   Watch Session Now! ... View more

Fighting Fire with Fire: Navigating Student AI Use with AI-Enriched Assignments and Assessments: Friday, February 16 at 12pm ET Presented by Solina Lindahl and Scott Cohn Join us for an informative and hands-on virtual workshop where instructors will develop three pedagogical strategies for using generative AI to tackle three of the most pressing concerns that have arisen due to the wide availability of generative AI software: directing and encouraging responsible student use to meet specific learning outcomes; constructing and evaluating assignments that intelligently incorporate generative AI, and assessing student knowledge in the age of gen AI. Led by experienced educators, you will have the opportunity to learn from peers and practice developing class activities that help you use artificial intelligence to not only mitigate cheating, but also foster deeper student learning and engagement. What You’ll Take Away: A better understanding of how to utilize generative AI in the classroom to address common concerns and improve student learning. Three pedagogical strategies that can be implemented immediately, as well as practical ideas for incorporating generative AI into assignments and assessments. Inspiration to explore new ways of using technology for educational purposes. Access the recording today! ... View more

Welcome to "Try This!", a weekly blog series where we dive into the ever-evolving world of generative AI and share valuable insights and practical teaching ideas. Discover how educators are leveraging AI, gain fresh perspectives, and explore innovative approaches to education that you can try out yourself. This week we’ve rounded up five resources to share with you on the topic of Leveraging AI to Drive Innovation in Education. Below, you'll find: An article discussing how the use of AI can transform curriculum design, enabling personalized learning with real-life examples. A list of 10 ways AI is enhancing the course design and development process, offering new capabilities to try out and improve personalized learning experiences. A LinkedIn post exploring how AI-driven personalization can create efficient student learning experiences, addressing ethical considerations and recommending a blended learning approach. A video on the impact of generative AI on education, envisioning a future where AI elevates discourse and fosters higher-order analytical skills. A study analyzing the use of adaptive learning systems in education, emphasizing their importance during the pandemic and calling for further research. Check them out and let us know what you think about leveraging AI to drive Innovation in education in the comments below the post. ... View more