Michael Yell on Developing a Climate of Engagement

Michael Yell on Developing a Climate of Engagement

Mon 17 2011 As teachers of history, we know that there are the curricular realities of textbooks, common assessments, district outcomes, and state standards to meet. But as teachers of history, we can regularly experience the motivating effects of having students...
Michael Yell on Making Every History Lecture Engaging

Michael Yell on Making Every History Lecture Engaging

Sun 13 2011 The lecture has fallen on difficult times . . . it relies too heavily on auditory input and makes students passive as opposed to active learners. —Silver, Strong, and Perini (1) As history teachers we may often use the lecture format, and perhaps many of...
Michael Yell Motivates Students with the Mystery Strategy

Michael Yell Motivates Students with the Mystery Strategy

Sun 6 2011 The word history comes from the Greek historein—meaning “to inquire.” Recommendations for using inquiry [for learning history] have a long tradition. People learn through inquiry. . . . inquiry is an approach consistent with current theory and research on...

A different, more engaging, first day of school

By Michael Yell posted 08-15-2011 12:45:23 PM Many years ago, around our familily dinner table, we were discussing the first day of school with our children (now all out of their respective university programs and into their professional careers). When my youngest...