5 Popular Education Beliefs That Aren’t Backed by Research

Plus, How to Move From the ‘Main Idea’ to ‘Background Knowledge’ [George Lucas Educational Foundation]( [Logo] [Logo text] April 3, 2024 [icon]Supercharge your Edutopia experience. [Join our community!]( [lead article image]( [5 Popular Education Beliefs That Aren’t Backed by Research]( Making adjustments to these common misconceptions can turn dubious strategies into productive lessons, the research suggests. [How to Move From the ‘Main Idea’ to ‘Background Knowledge’]( Traditional approaches to reading instruction—such as finding the ‘main idea’—are less effective than a knowledge-rich approach, the research shows. [27 Super-Smart, Teacher-Tested Closing Activities]( Quick (and fun) strategies to check for understanding, reinforce learning, and identify misconceptions in the last moments of class. [Using Google Tools to Support Newcomer ELLs]( Teachers can guide English language learners in using a variety of Google tools to make lessons more equitable and accessible. [What It’s Like Leading a Dual-Language School]( See how one school leader creates responsive and constructive spaces for English language learners at a dual-language elementary school. [A More Efficient and Productive Way to Conduct Math Assessments]( Here’s how to assign graded work that more accurately assesses elementary students’ learning and saves time. [Using AI to Enhance Universal Design for Learning]( Generative AI can make educational content and instruction more accessible, helping teachers meet a breadth of student needs. [Poll: Where Do You Stand on Icebreakers at Meetings?]( Love them or hate them: What do you think of icebreakers, energizers, and other “games” at meetings? [How Teachers Can Set and Maintain Reasonable Expectations for Themselves]( Combat stress and make space for self-compassion by using these cognitive reframing strategies to set realistic expectations. [Encouraging Secondary Students to Read]( When students are reading below their grade level, these different approaches can motivate them to engage with texts and improve their literacy skills. [ THE RESEARCH IS IN ]( [Logo]( [Logo]( Follow Us [Follow Edutopia on Facebook]( [Follow Edutopia on Twitter]( [Follow Edutopia on Instagram]( [Follow Edutopia on YouTube]( [Edutopia.org]( | [Unsubscribe]( George Lucas Educational Foundation P.O. Box 3494 San Rafael, CA 94912-3494