Sube Blog

Watch the video on THAT VIDEO SITE. This video narrated by Alan Watts has an inspiring message for educators, parents, or anyone that works with mentoring students. It is a poignant reminder that the adage "follow your heart" is more important now than ever. Below is an article about it on Brain Pickings. What Would You Do If Money Were No Object? Alan Watts on the Life of Purpose by Maria Popova Read the article One key question for breaking free of consumer culture’s hamster wheel. British philosopher and writer Alan Watts (1915-1973), author of the cult-classic The Way of...

Estella Pyfrom is an inspiration.  At 76, after working as a guidance counselor for 5 years, she took matters into her own hands to make sure all children in her community had access to computer technology.  She had the courage and heart to put all her savings into this amazing educational project. Her mobile computer lab, Estella’s Brilliant Bus, has provided free, computer-based tutoring for more than 2,000 students since 2011. Estella’s Brilliant Bus travels to schools, shelters and community centers throughout Palm Beach County, Florida. “The digital divide is absolutely real,” said Pyfrom, 76. “And it didn’t just become a...

Sometimes a simple internet search of a term that I am using repeatedly in my work can lead to new insights. During a lively conversation with friends analyzing the challenges of teaching and learning a language, we talked about the need to shift from memorizing and rote learning to reflective thinking and critical thinking. In the dialogue, the question came up of whether reflective thinking in the U.S. culture manifests differently than reflecting thinking in Asia, and we started questioning our own definitions of reflective and critical thinking. So I looked up some definitions. Below is my favorite posted on...

The most common challenge I have seen and experienced in teaching a second language is that of meeting the needs of students with many different levels of proficiency in one classroom. Some beginners, others intermediate and even some advanced learners all in one 45 minute class. Seems impossible? I discovered "differentiated instruction' one day when someone told me that was what I was doing in my flashcard game. I researched it and I have been hooked ever since. Many of us do it naturally at different points, but taking the time to read about and apply a differentiated learning approach...

Sir Ken Robinson is an inspiring speaker that reminds us how important it is to listen to the individual passions of each student, while providing insightful information about our educational systems and how they need to evolve to meet the needs of our students. His historical overview is fascinating.