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Microlearning 101: What is it and how to use it?

Education

Learning a new topic or subject can seem daunting. No two-person may face the same difficulties while doing so, and each takes their time to do it. This is because learning skills are dependent on one’s intellect. But no matter how developed the intellect of one person is, they will face a problem if asked to cram broad topics without understanding them. If someone is already busy with some kind of job of study, needs only a basic idea of a topic, spending hours on understanding the intricacies of the topic might not be required. This is where the benefit of microlearning lies. With the help of microlearning, it becomes easier to grab an idea of something if not entirely within a short time.

But before we get down to analyse the various aspects of microlearning, we need to answer the most critical question, ‘What is Microlearning?’ So, let us understand what it is.

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What is microlearning?

There are several microlearning definitions given by experts, none of which is regarded to be the official one. However, all of them agree that microlearning is the method of learning a subject or skill in short bursts of lessons. Here, instead of long lessons or lectures, the information is provided in a compressed way to make it easier for the person to understand.

Microlearning makes the process of studying easier by breaking it down to compartments, so one doesn’t need to cram everything at once.

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The origin of microlearning

Though official records haven’t been found regarding the actual microlearning definition or origin, it is believed to be present for millennia. Some even believe microlearning to be an innate skill of humans as we all learn things in short doses.

Hector Correa first mentioned microlearning in his book, ‘The Economics of Human Resources,’ published in 1963. Though after that it didn’t come into the limelight much later when computers came into being. Especially after the invention of smartphones, microlearning found its foothold. Credit needs to be given to the rising popularity of e-learning tools and methods.

Andragogy theory | How do adults learn? (Malcom Knowles)

What are the methods of microlearning?

Though there is no fixed rule about the methods used for imparting microlearning, there are commonly used ways. Here are the most common and popular methods of microlearning in current times:

  • Short games with levels and challenges.
  • Pieces of text.
  • Audio lessons like podcasts, recorded lessons, etc.
  • Short video lessons.
  • Graphical content like sketches and charts.
  • Quizzes, tests, etc.

However, it needs to be remembered that all the methods mentioned above for microlearning might not be available for every type of topic or skills.

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Why is microlearning popular?

With the dependency on technology and lack of time, people are always on the search for short alternatives, unlike traditional learning methods. People want to learn more in less time, something that isn’t possible with traditional learning. And so, more and more are moving away from traditional learning methods and adopting ways like microlearning, etc.

Everyone is busy, running from one place to another with the constant goal of reaching somewhere. So, asking them to sit and study a subject or learn a skill in a detailed manner seems impossible. They neither have the required time nor interest.

But give them lessons that are short and can be accessed from anywhere, they’ll be up for it in an instant. Due to this reason, e-learning is becoming more and more popular nowadays. And the same is the case with microlearning as it is a significant part of e-learning.

Also, microlearning lessons are specifically designed for smartphones, as they are convenient to be carried everywhere. So one can keep learning even when commuting from one place to another. Microlearning lessons are divided into a series, so it doesn’t put pressure on the learner to learn everything at once. This increases the accessibility of learning, unlike traditional learning.

Thus, a simple search on Google today lists out hundreds of microlearning platforms and apps. And apps like Duolingo, Ted-ed are more popular than traditional learning methods nowadays.

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What are some of the microlearning examples?

Though it will require way more than 1 article to list all the available examples of microlearning, our researchers have meticulously curated a list consisting of the most popular and convenient ones. So here are the best five microlearning examples you can use in 2020:

1. Language learning

You must be wondering, don’t we already know the languages? Yes, we do, at least our native language. But it doesn’t serve us much when we are on foreign grounds. So why not learn a second language that might help us in future. For example, if you desire to visit Italy someday, learning a bit of the language will help you go a long way. But as you only need a brief idea instead of the intricate details and nuances, it won’t be effective to enrol in some traditional lessons. So microlearning language apps are the way to go. Duolingo, Easy 10, etc. are some of the most popular apps out there that make learning new languages easy like games.

Also, as they are available on smartphones, you can carry them with you anywhere and everywhere. So maybe the next time when you’re on the subway, pop in the earphones and take a lesson on these apps?

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2. Vocabulary and grammar

Grammar and vocabulary play a significant role in the way you express our thoughts. For example, you might have the perfect idea in our mind, but while expressing it, you can’t think of the word that would explain it best. If this happens with you, trust me, you’re not the only one. Almost everyone faces this problem from time to time.

But it’s straightforward to solve this problem by continually updating our vocabulary and grammatical skills. And that doesn’t need one to cram huge volumes of dictionaries and thesauruses anymore. There are several microlearning platforms and apps that will teach you one word or sentence a day. That not only breaks down the whole lesson into consumable amounts but also makes it more convenient.

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3. Developing skills

No matter if we are a student or an adult associated with any kind of profession, there’s always a scope and also desire for learning new skills. For example, a teenager may desire to learn drawing, but due to his studies can’t afford to take traditional drawing classes. However, with microlearning apps and platforms, he can learn to draw at his own pace and time. And this way, he won’t be hampering his studies also as both the things are done simultaneously.

Again, an adult working in a bank is being considered for promotion. So, now he wants to do M.B.A to increase his value and help get the promotion. But traditionally doing an M.B.A course requires him to leave his job to attend the classes. So, he can easily sign up for any of the microlearning platforms and start taking a similar course at his own pace without compromising the job.

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Not only that, in some cases, but even employers also use such microlearning apps or platforms. They do so to teach their employees about the new skills required for working properly in the company. Courses, for example, cryptocurrency, finance, customer services, business management, etc. are only some of the vast range of available courses.

4. Reading books

Many of us have a hobby of reading, and for some, it isn’t less than a passion. But, with constant work and less attention span, it isn’t easy every time to complete a book of three to four hundred pages. But what if you could simply get to know the gist of the story without the need of skimming through all the pages. Yes, there are many microlearning reading apps which will provide audiobooks to the users to listen. So one can listen to the book even when some other thing needs to be done. Some even have audio summaries of the whole book so that the user can know the key takeaways of the book within a few minutes.

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5. Preparing for tests

Preparing for tests is always a tough thing to do, no matter whether you are a student or an adult. Let us take this instance. A student has to sit for an American College Test or A.C.T, but he doesn’t have the time and means to enrol in a traditional class for its preparation. Though earlier it would have meant that s/he wouldn’t be able to sit for the examinations, it is not so today. Thanks to several online microlearning tutor apps and platforms, he can easily prepare for the tests. After completing the lessons, he can also check his progress through several mock tests.

Again, few microlearning tools help people learn about particular entrance exams like MCLAT and several others.

What are the benefits of microlearning?

Though the list of benefits of microlearning is quite long, we are mentioning a few of them here. So, some of the most common benefits of microlearning are:

1. Content is super easy to create & consume

This benefit is for educators who prepare such courses. As microlearning courses have shorter content than their traditional counterparts, it becomes easier to create them and deliver them faster.

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2. Affordability of the courses

Due to the small structure, educators don’t need to spend a huge amount on high-end tools to create the programs. Thus they can design and produce courses with a bare minimum amount. This also helps the users to enrol in such courses without the need of paying a hefty amount yet getting proper knowledge of the subject.

3. Flexibility of the learning process

Unlike traditional learning methods, the microlearning methods don’t follow a rigid pattern. The learner doesn’t need to adhere to the fixed timeline of the traditional courses. Instead, he can incorporate the microlearning lessons into his timeline according to his preference. For example, he can take them while commuting, having meals or maybe just before going to bed. This increases the flexibility of the course. And thus the user is more interested in sticking to it.

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4. Better knowledge Retention

In traditional lectures, learners don’t have the option to go back and listen to them time and again. But in microlearning, the course material is always available. So they can go through it over and over. This helps them retain more knowledge about the subject. Thus the depth of their learning is more in case of microlearning.

5. Engaging content

Traditional learning methods can become boring at times, whereas microlearning has more engaging content. Usage of pictures, audios, visuals in it makes it more interesting. Also, as most microlearning tools are in the form of apps, it resonates more with the learners. This is because they already spend the majority of their days on apps ranging from social media to games.

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6. Gives the users freedom

The key goal of microlearning is to enable the learner to use his or her free time to learn sometime instead of forcing them into doing so. So it provides them with the freedom to study at their will. Being small in size, they are also easy to download and finish within a short period.

What are the disadvantages of microlearning?

Though there are several good aspects, there are also some disadvantages of microlearning. Here are some of them:

1. Not suitable for complex subjects

Microlearning is best suited for simple to medium level subjects. However, it fails in delivering proper results in the case of complex issues because of their complex nature.

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2. Lack of in-depth training

Microlearning is designed to provide a surface-level idea of a skill rather than an in-depth training. For example, someone can have a basic knowledge of playing the guitar through microlearning, but he won’t be able to be a virtuoso through it.

Conclusion

Seeing all the aspects of it, it won’t be unjustified to say that microlearning is here to stay. The attention span of users is decreasing day by day, and everyone wants immediate action. This is what will drive microlearning to the future of learning methods.

Andragogy theory | How do adults learn? (Malcom Knowles)

Remote work

Learning in any form is an art that needs to be cultivated and nurtured to gain the maximum benefits out of it.

Though the objective is common for both adults and kids – enhancing the knowledge level. There lies a fundamental difference in the techniques and methods by which the learning is imparted. Adult learning has its own set of theories and approaches, leveraged to uplift the motivation and inspirational levels. Andragogy Theory is a prominent adult learning mechanism to achieve the desired efficiency and effectiveness.

Andragogy theory is the brainchild of Malcolm Knowles. In the article, we will discuss the key concepts and principles of andragogy. You can relate as to how adult learning theories vary from that of the education granted to children. Some certain basic variations and assumptions require attention when it comes to adult learning.

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The Adult Learning Theory – Andragogy Definition

In 1833, Alexander Kapp, a renowned and legendary German academician, first initiated the term “Andragogy”. It was eventually transformed into adult learning theory by world-famous German social philosopher and historian, Eugen Rosenstock-Hussey. 

But Andragogy theory gained prominence under the leadership of Malcolm Knowles, a pioneer of Humanist and Adult Learning from the USA. The name is derived from a Greek word, the meaning being “leading man” or “man-leading”.

The focus is mainly on self-direction; the activities and learnings are under the control of the learner. Knowles adult learning theory encourages inherent attention to hands-on training. His thoughts were oriented around studying and learning by forming groups. Collaborations and interactions among students and learners primarily drive and facilitate the Andragogy theory.

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To summarize, andragogy definition empowers the adult learners to work on their creativity and intellect, thus diverging from the traditional methods of teacher-oriented learning.

The Five Assumptions of Andragogy – Knowles Adult Learning Theory

Knowles specified initially 4 assumptions for firming the principles and concepts of the Andragogy theory. The assumptions were mentioned to differentiate with the theory of pedagogy, based on child learners. A fifth assumption was later added by him.

Let us now try to understand each of the assumptions or the pillars of Knowles’ Andragogy Theory:

1. Self-concept

The maturity of a person flourishes and rises with experience. This is the time when a person tends to focus away, being dependent, to a more self-directed individual. The same theory is applied to learning when a person deviates from instructor-led training to self-learning. Remote and online learning courses and sessions demand a self-directed mode of education. The very reason that the instructors are not present to constantly guide and monitor your progress, it necessitates following the principle of Andragogy.

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2. Learning Experience

With experience, the knowledge and competency levels of adults increase. Practical and on the job learning is beneficial to understand the key concepts and guides in deep learning. Adults can easily relate use cases or real-life examples with their academic courses. It eventually speeds up the learning process. That’s a vital difference between Andragogy and Pedagogy.

3. Readiness or eagerness to learn

Adult learners understand the relevance of education to their professional and personal lives. They are enriched with the maturity of selecting the appropriate learning courses or sessions to facilitate their work. The awareness level regarding the benefits and impact of education on jobs is well understood and applied. This increases their zeal and eagerness to learn about the concerned topics.

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4. Problem-centric learning

With the progress of maturity and experience, adult learners prefer the immediate and real-time application of their knowledge. They do not prefer acquiring competencies for theoretical needs. For them, application on their regular daily jobs or activities is essential and vital. It’s a paradigm shift from a subject-focused approach towards a problem-centric practical application approach.

5. Self-motivation and inspiration

A vital point of distinction between the Andragogy theory and Pedagogy is drivers for motivation and inspiration to learn. Children are more concerned to obtain higher grades and rewards in their academic and learning sessions. The external factors drive their motivation levels. Whereas adults are self-motivated and inspired to pursue their education or learning spree. They register for learning courses or sessions essentially to speed up their competency levels and work efficiency.

Knowles’ principles of Andragogy is focused on the above mentioned 6 assumptions. We will now discuss the 4 pillars or principles of Knowles Adult learning principles.

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The Four Principles of Adult Learning or Andragogy Theory

Knowles adult learning principles guide teachers, educators and instructors on the aspects they must focus on.

  • Adults are eager to know how the training sessions and courses are planned. They scrutinize the topics selected, the duration, and the study materials. They evaluate the trainers or instructors based on reviews. The mode of training is essential for them as they are restricted by full-time participation. They prefer participation and involvement in designing the course features and subjects. In many Corporates, the participants suggest topics to the instructors, required for their tasks or activities.
  • Adults relate their experiences gained from past learnings on their academic sessions. They even derive real-life examples and facts and try to sync with the knowledge being imparted through the learning courses. This assists in imbibing deeper and contextual understanding of the topics. Achievements and errors both are referred to extract the best out of the learning process. Hence their learning effectiveness is far more practical and efficient. Majority of the adult learners are interested in rectifying their mistakes and shortcomings along with upliftment of their knowledge deficiencies.

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  • While preparing the curricula for adult learning, one must focus on highlighting practical use cases and examples. Adult learners normally undertake to learn courses and sessions since they require improvements in their professional and personal growth. Therefore the curricula must be designed to focus on these aspects. This generates interest among adult learners. They can relate the topics learned, to their activities and jobs. Additionally, if you provide them with problems that they might be facing in their life, that’s a boon for them. Guiding and assisting in the self resolution of the issues is the best way to uplift their talent and potential. 
  • Curriculum for kids is mainly focused on theories and memorizing content with logical understanding. Adult learners do not appreciate such a mode of learning. They love interactions and collaborations in a session. Group discussions, joint project work, presentations, debates, etc. interest them more. This not only helps in self-directed and self-focused learning, it promotes sharing of experiences too. Participants can learn from others and even relate to similar problems or issues faced by fellow learners. 

Knowles describes further that as part of the Andragogy Theory, there are 7 outcomes or results that must be achieved.

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What are the 7 outcomes of Andragogy Theory?

1. Understanding yourself

Adult learning theories must positively focus on understanding self characteristics. One must be able to sort out the niche subject areas or topics that generated interest and passion. It is essential to know your capabilities revolving around professional and personal attributes. Setting goals for future growth is vital for success and prosperity. Adult learners need to respect their self-esteem for progress ahead.

2. Respect for others

Respecting the ideas of others and accepting feedback empowers adult learners with interpersonal effectiveness. Respecting others views and listening attentively are important attributes to develop an environment of bonding and trust. The basic concept is to focus on the ideas and not the human characteristics. Andragogy theory is to generate an interest in learning through active participation and collaboration. That can be achieved only through a strong and robust interpersonal relationship.

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3. Accepting changes

Constant changes in professional and personal life is a common phenomenon in the modern era. Adult learners need to adapt to such changes with grace. They must not be biased toward certain schools of thought and methodology. It is suggested to possess a flexible and dynamic attitude towards life, people, and the new generation of thoughts or ideas. Inventions, discoveries, researches are constantly bringing forth new concepts and algorithms. Innumerable experiments are conducted to bring in innovative thoughts and ideas. Adult learners must possess a transparent mentality in grasping those changes and adapt them accordingly. 

4. Root Cause Analysis

The preventive method of resolving problems or issues is often temporary. One fails to perform a deep-dive analysis to understand the underlying causes of the problem. This results in constant recurrence of the problems, hampering productivity and an increase in cost and effort. The future growth is severely impacted.

The suggestion is to engage in a proactive method of problem resolution, wherever possible. Discovering the root cause analysis of recurring issues is super beneficial in increasing efficiency. Adult learning must focus on this important aspect and encourage participants to follow in their professional and personal lives.

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5. Learning from experience

People often tend to avoid recollecting past experiences and consider them as a hindrance to their future progress. Knowles shares a different perspective on this thought. He discusses that the Andragogy theory must focus on understanding past experiences and sharing the learnings. This encourages positivity in the thought process and assists in critical thinking. The idea is to avoid ignoring past experiences, eventually utilizing them to generate analytical thoughts and ideas.

6. Societal changes

Human survival depends on the betterment of society. Hence it is essential to bring in changes through innovative thoughts, benefitting humanity. Adult learning theory must focus on encouraging and educating people on societal behavior. Identification of improvement areas and generating potential solution opportunities are suggested methods of learning.

Note: Knowles was instrumental in imbibing a new era of adult learning, creating a difference in the philosophy of education.

Adoption of Andragogy Theory in Corporate and e-learning

Since we have now understood the concepts and principles of adult learning theory, it is important to be aware of its application too. Training providers, instructors, and academicians need to utilize the learnings in their training programs and online courses.

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Tip to incorporate Angragogy theory in training process

  • Analyze the past learning courses and programs. The focus point of the analysis must be to find out the deviation from the adult learning framework and principles. The deviations will assist in curating the future training curriculum with proficiency.
  • Identify practical and real-life examples and use cases for each subject or topic of the adult learning programs. An extensive study is required to gather such examples. Such case studies are the key to the success of generating interest among adult learners.
  • Corporates must seek feedback and suggestions from employees in designing their learning courses and web-based training. Adult learners love to be part of the learning design activity. They can provide constructive suggestions on the content, modes of training, duration, and also the technology being leveraged.

  • Provide options to adult learners to select their preferred learning courses. They must be provided the opportunity to select the method of training – classroom-based or online webinars. According to their preferences, they can enroll and attend the learning programs.
  • The assessments must comprise of real-life problems, most commonly faced in professional and personal lives. The participants must be encouraged to form groups or solve the issues individually. They, in turn, must also present the solutions in front of the class and seek feedback and comments.

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Andragogy theory Example by Knowles

  • The different parts of a computer, both software and hardware, need explanations on their usability and importance
  • Focus must be on common activities and tasks performed in daily life and defocus on just memorizing concepts
  • Interactions between learners must be encouraged to share previous experiences on computers. The training guides and resources must allow participants to leverage their past learnings into the activities.
  • Instructors must encourage participants to resolve assignments and progress through the course on their own. Only required guidance and assistance must be provided as and when needed to rectify the errors.

Best Books on Adult Learning Theory

  1. The Modern Practice of Adult Education of Knowles by Englewood Cliffs
  2. Knowles’Andragogy in Action – Applying Modern Principles of adult education by Jossey Bass
  3. Knowles’ The Adult Learner – A neglected Species by Houston
  4. Towards a Developmental Theory of Andragogy by Nottingham University

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Conclusion

Adult learners possess immense experiences due to their past acquaintances, in both their professional and personal lives. Nurturing this important aspect and leverage the same in developing innovative ideas and solutions benefits in the upliftment of competency. Knowles believed in this simple theory, introducing a significant change in the world of adult education and learning. Its benefits have been observed by several training institutes and online teaching schools. Special focus on real-life examples is vital to entice adult learners and students to register and attend the learning programs.

A substantial improvement in the future growth and achievements of the learners have been observed. They stand beneficial in relating their real-life problems and issues with the topics and subject areas. The result is greater satisfaction and improvement in different aspects of life.

Webb’s Depth of Knowledge | A Teacher’s Guide

Education

For a teacher, it all comes down to giving out the best possible education for the students. Learning doesn’t merely mean cramming up lots and lots of information without an understanding of them. Education in the truest form means to uplift students’ knowledge or anyone on the receiving end.

And this is why the teachers need to use the depth of knowledge in their works. Depth of knowledge since its invention has become an important tool for educators to impart proper knowledge. In this article, we’ll talk about the various aspects of the depth of knowledge and how teachers can benefit from its use.

Content Index

  1. What is webb’s depth of knowledge?
  2. Stages of depth of knowledge
  3. What is the Dok Wheel?
  4. Why educators use Dok?
  5. Depth of knowledge activities

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What is Webb’s Depth of knowledge?

Webb’s depth of knowledge or Webb’s dok is a method that helps the teachers in recognition of a student’s understanding. It provides them with a framework of reference along with the needed vocabulary to analyze how a student thinks or analyses content.

It helps the teachers to understand the assessments, tasks and lessons while preparing them. And to answer the question of whether they would improve the cognitive rigour of students or not.

Depth of knowledge is regarded to be an important part of Common Core Standards in the 21st Century.

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History of Webb’s dok

Norman L. Webb of Wisconsin Center for Education Research is the creator of Depth of Knowledge or dok. In 1997, Webb came up with a framework for identifying the level of rigour of a student during the assessment. The general methods generally measure the level of understanding by the students. It doesn’t measure how deeply they have learned the matter and are capable of using them in real life.

The goal of the depth of knowledge is to set up the context and level of the learning by a student.

What does rigour mean in education?

Educators use the term ‘rigour’ to mean educational expectations and learning experiences that are intellectually and educationally challenging for an individual.

In simple words, rigour in academics means that the students’ thinking and analytical skills develop to a higher level from their original level.

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Stages of the depth of knowledge

There are four depth of knowledge levels or stages. They gradually increase in complexity, starting from the least to the maximum. The four depth of knowledge levels are as follows:

  • Level 1: This level is called the ‘Acquired Knowledge’. It consists of recall & reproduction. This means how much does the student remember the facts explained to them till then. If he or she can define the procedure properly.
  • Level 2: The second level is called the ‘Knowledge Application’. It consists of skills and concepts. A student at this level is supposed to answer questions using the learned concepts.
  • Level 3: The third level is called ‘Analysis’. It consists of strategic thinking. Students are required to explain how answers can be found based on the concepts and procedures. They use tools like justification, reasoning and planning in this stage.
  • Level 4: The fourth and final level is known as ‘augmentation’. This level includes extensive thinking. In this level, students are to go beyond the standard levels and find out how the learned concepts can be used in the real-world scenarios.

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What are the depth of knowledge questions?

All four depth of knowledge levels have certain questions that increase in complexity gradually. These are called the depth of knowledge questions.

What is dok wheel?

The dok wheel is considered to the graphical representation of the depth of knowledge. It is a circle divided into four equal parts. All the four parts consist of several tools that the students are required to use to demonstrate their depth of knowledge on a certain subject.

Though very popular among educators and institutions, the dok wheel is a controversial thing. This is because no credible origin of the wheel or its creator is known. However, it is known for sure that Dr Webb didn’t design the wheel. So it cannot be considered to be the perfect graphical representation of the depth of knowledge. Thus, there is no credibility of this wrongly used depth of knowledge chart.

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According to some experts, this depth of knowledge chart is a poor attempt of visualizing Webb’s assessment standards. They believe, all it can be considered to be is a futile shortcut of understanding the new measure of rigour.

Why do institutions and educators use depth of knowledge?

With the constant changes in the education sector, the term ‘rigour’ is gaining more and more popularity. From institutions to educators, everyone is trying their best to improve the rigour of the class.

But the problem in doing so is that there is no perfect understanding of the word amongst them. Thus, kids are forced to read books tougher than their intellectual levels, do piles of homework, etc. The proper meaning of rigour is to make the students learn and think at a higher level, popularly known as the higher-order thinking.

Higher-order thinking means that the students must think on levels beyond the common standards. They shouldn’t just memorize facts about a concept taught to them and repeat them in the same manner when asked. Instead, they should have the potential to think deeper on it. What this means is, they should move past cramming and understand the subtleties and intricacies of the subject. They should be able to use the learned information in a real-world context.

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Thus, educators use measures like Bloom’s Taxonomy and Webb’s Depth of knowledge. This is done to develop the skill of critical thinking in the students. They should be able to think in creative, evaluative ways and express it properly to others.

Therefore, by properly using depth of knowledge, they can design their teaching methods in a better way. Doing so will help the teachers improve the rigour of the class more effectively.

Why is the depth of knowledge effective?

The design of the depth of knowledge levels plays a significant role in its effectiveness. This is because the students in this method are not simply cramming without understanding. They need to master each level before moving on to the next and higher level.

For example,

  • The Depth of Knowledge level 1 asks – ‘what do we know so far?’
  • The Depth of Knowledge level 2 asks – ‘what makes it important, how do we use it?
  • The Depth of Knowledge level 3 asks -‘why is it needed?’
  • The Depth of Knowledge level 4 asks – ‘how else can we use it in real-world scenarios?’

All these questions help the students to have a deeper idea about the things they are learning. And as they understand the information provided to them in a better way, it improves the way they communicate it with others.

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This is because the depth of knowledge focuses on the context than uses. Thus, if used properly, it enables them to think critically and answer complex questions.

Using the depth of knowledge in teaching

Teachers can use the depth of knowledge framework while designing assessment for various reasons like:

  • Assess the level of learning.
  • If the learning objectives are met or not.
  • Set what levels of learning objectives need to be met.
  • Assess the depth of the students’ learning of the subject matter.
  • Evaluation of alignment between instructions, curriculum and assessments.
  • Review and improve assessments like quizzes, tests, etc.

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Which subjects are suitable for the depth of knowledge framework?

The depth of knowledge framework can be used for subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and also Fine Arts.

Depth of knowledge activities

Depth of knowledge activities are the tasks that can be set by the teachers for the students to perform based on the depth of knowledge levels for assessment of cognitive rigour.

Here are some depth of knowledge activities for teachers to choose from, based on the level of the students:

Dok activities for Level 1

  1. Step-by-step directions to make something.
  2. Basic calculations like addition, division, subtraction, etc.
  3. Memorize lines for recitation or poem.
  4. Draw or paste cut-outs to portray an event, story or scene.
  5. Retell a story or event using their own words.
  6. Find the measurement of objects.
  7. Recall and recite formulas, tables, etc.
  8. Locate and find the meanings of words from the dictionary or thesaurus.
  9. Calculate using formulas where at least one of the values is given.
  10. Report the findings of a topic in front of the other students.

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Dok activities for Level 2

  1. Explain a scene or event by making a diorama.
  2. Write a summary or report on a given topic.
  3. Complete complex calculations like standard deviation, etc.
  4. Prepare a photo essay on a given topic.
  5. Demonstration of a particular task.
  6. Prepare a survey or questionnaire on a given topic.
  7. Complete complex measurements like Ven diagram, pie chart s, graphs, etc.
  8. Explain the steps required to solve a particular problem.
  9. Prepare a functional model.
  10. Write a diary/blog piece on a personality.

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Dok activities for Level 3

  1. Take part in a debate.
  2. Analyze the results of a survey or questionnaire.
  3. Propose a potential solution to a problem studied earlier in the class.
  4. Participate in a panel discussion and talk on a given topic.
  5. Write a review for a product.
  6. Write a creative literary piece like essay, story, poem, etc.
  7. Conduct an investigation on a research topic.
  8. Prepare a speech on why you support a particular topic.
  9. Solve complex mathematical problems.
  10. Explain how an abstract concept can be applied to a real-life scenario.

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Dok activities for Level 4

  1. Explain how a real-life or fictional problem can be solved by studying various disciplines.
  2. Research on a topic using hypothesizes.
  3. Take part in any task that requires strategizing and taking decisions based on new information.
  4. Conduct a social service program or organize a school-based program or event.
  5. Take part in a task that requires working and collaborating with a group. For example, filmmaking, acting, scriptwriting, etc.
  6. Find a topic and draw conclusions regarding it from multiple sources after analysis.
  7. Take part in an internship program.
  8. Create a newspaper report of an event.

Is it possible to apply the depth of knowledge in online classes?

Due to the global pandemic, like other sectors, teaching also has taken a digital approach. Instructors are using video-conferencing software and app to conduct classes over the internet. This raises the question if the depth of knowledge can be applied to online classes or not. The answer is yes, like traditional classes, a teacher can also use dok in online classes to increase rigour.

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How to increase rigour in online classes using the depth of knowledge?

In present times, many teachers are using platforms like Unremot, etc., to conduct online classes. They can use the following techniques to conduct formative assessments of the students in both regular and online classes:

  • Ask the students to present any topic of their liking taught so far in the session. This will help the teacher gauge what percentage of the knowledge that the students have been able to grasp.
  • Use question-answer sessions and quizzes to assess the participation of the students.
  • Give the students tasks like drawing, doodling, sketching on topics to explain certain topics. This will help understand if they can visualize the topics or not.
  • Ask them to prepare models and charts to see the logical understanding they possess on the topics taught in the class.
  • Encourage them to work with others by giving group projects they need to present in front of others.

Student motivation

Why should teachers opt for Unremot for conducting classes?

Though new in the market, Unremot is becoming the first choice for online classes, webinars, conferences, etc. This is mainly because of the robust yet straightforward UI of the platform. It is more than a simple video-conferencing software and has an array of other services.

Conclusion

Looking at all the aspects of the depth of knowledge, it is justified that Webb’s dok plays a significant role in teaching. Teachers can improve their teaching by the proper use of Webb’s dok levels and activities.

13 Best online yoga classes 2021 | Fitness from home (Free & paid)

Remote work

Yoga is a form of spiritual practice to maintain equity in mental and physical balance. Originating in ancient India, it is being followed as the source for attaining divinity and peace. The modern world has recognized its immense benefits towards the betterment of humanity. The practise of yoga has increased considerably, with more and more relying on its utility. The rising interest and faith among people of all generations have significantly boosted the emergence of online yoga classes. 

In the article, we will discuss some of the key benefits of yoga and the best online yoga classes in 2020. The classes are designed to train you on the different yoga postures, as per your needs and preferences. The ultimate objective is to shape your body muscles, pacify your mind and reenergize your heart.

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Content Index

  1. What are the benefits of yoga?
  2. What to expect from online yoga classes
  3. 13 best online yoga classes
  4. Tips for your first online yoga class

What are the benefits of Yoga?

The benefits of Yoga are immense, both physically and mentally. Dedicated practice can considerably reduce and relax pains at different parts of your body. The yoga postures are designed in a way to work efficiently on various muscles and bones of the human body. They have a phenomenal effect in reducing insomnia, reduce blood pressure and blood sugar, and even breathlessness.

Your body metabolism is maintained effectively, eventually increasing your digestive capacity. It enhances your appetite and hence balanced body growth. Yoga has been observed to have a significant impact on strengthening the body muscles and joints. Your body flexibility increases, thus boosting up your energy level and immunity.  

A noticeable effect is experienced on the blood circulation capacity of the body, thereby improving the heart health. The result is fewer chances of heart failure or any other cardiovascular disease.

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Yoga has a sound impact on a human’s mental health. It reduces the stress level, rejuvenating the body and the mind. You experience a wonderful calmness circumference you, leading to a healthy social and personal life. The concentration level is uplifted, the patience level is enhanced, and the mind attains a cooling relaxation.

What can we expect from yoga classes online?

Online yoga classes are conducted by experts and professionals. You are guided through a series of postures, necessary for the entire body. There are standing exercises, sitting ones, and the postures where you need to lie down on your back. Few are conducted by even sitting down on a chair. Breathing exercises are the key features of online yoga classes. Meditation and relaxing methods are followed after that.

Certain participants may require extra attention depending on their body formation and other physical challenges. The instructors guide them individually to overcome their problems. The yoga classes online attempt to generate a lively environment among the participants. Ensuring a refreshing and jubilant atmosphere is one of their key criteria for success.

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Best Online Yoga Classes 

Numerous online yoga classes are nowadays conducted on the internet or through an app. The difference is the instructor is not present physically in front of you. Hence you need to focus on the steps being executed attentively and listen to their guidance.

Here’s a list of the best online yoga classes and programs. You can read about them and decide to register based on your preferences and objectives.

1. Yoga Download

It is one of the preferred brands conducting online yoga programs and sessions. Started in 2006, it has successfully registered about 250K members. They have perfectly curated yoga sessions for beginners as well as experts. You need to sign up on their websites to subscribe to their plans. To be acquainted with their way of guidance, you can opt for some free classes. Once you are comfortable, you can pay for the subscription. Their plans range from 8 USD per month to 18 USD per month.

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2. Yoga International

It offers one of the advanced online yoga classes to strengthen your core. They have a world-class group of teachers and instructors, possessing extensible knowledge of yoga and their usage. You can search the classes and courses offered by them and register accordingly. Explore their innumerable online guides and articles for proper knowledge of yoga and their effect on the human body and mind. You can opt for their 30-day free trial before availing any of their paid programs. 

Currently, they have approximately 300K members registered on their website. The members are granted access to their specialized design online yoga classes. Some of them worth mentioning are the courses for Autism disorders, gaining Spinal mobility and stability, attaining Mental peace, improving flexibility, and many more.

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3. 5 Minute Yoga

It is an ideal app offering free online yoga classes, especially for beginners. As a beginner, you will find it difficult to engage in advanced and strenuous yoga postures. Before venturing into something too challenging, it is better to warm up your body and mind with some short and light exercises.

The app, as the name implies, provides workouts for a minimal duration of 5 minutes. The postures are simple and easy ones, but suitable to tone up your body muscles. It provides the facility to track your daily progress. Moreover, sometimes your lifestyle and professional asks, may not permit you for elongated yoga sessions. The app assists in overcoming such a challenge by offering useful postures in a small duration.

4. Glo

Glo is phenomenal in offering more than 4000 online yoga classes and programs. They have different types of subscription levels, providing unlimited access to their sessions. The key programs provided in Glo are the Pilates training, yoga combined with the relaxing effect of essential oils, exclusive breathing exercises, and even postnatal postures. The duration of each class varies depending on the complexity and essence of the exercises. 

Their group of experts and instructors guide you through sequential steps of executing the postures with ease and convenience. Their meditation classes are super soothing, bringing in complete relaxation of the body and mind. Through the exercises, they even train how to detoxify your body, leading to an increase in metabolism rate.

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5. Yogi2Me Free Charity Zoom

Yogi2Me provides one of the best personalized online yoga classes at your service. Their certified instructors and yoga experts will guide as per your body flexibility, lifestyle, and needs. They offer streaming videos to check on the exercises, demonstrated step by step as per your convenience. The programs are skillfully customized to benefit each individual. That’s the USP of Yogi2Me.  

You can also join their free online yoga classes with a donation for their charity service.  

6. Yogi Approved

Yogi Approved is one of the excellent online yoga classes offering state of the art designed programs. It is simulated and conducted by Ashton August, Michelle Stanger, Alba Avella, Denelle Numis, Jennifer Pansa, and many more. They are all amazing fitness instructors guiding you through a series of postures suitable for different levels of fitness. A free trial period of 14 days is offered for the learners, before subscribing to the programs. Both individual and group classes are conducted, supported by a pool of talented yoga experts.

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A unique feature of the school is they plant a food-producing tree for each class undertaken by the participants. Till now they have planted a record of 95,438 trees, a truly appreciating initiative for the betterment of health and society. You can search your preferred classes by sorting based on duration, name of the instructor, category and difficulty level. 

7. Daily Yoga

Daily Yoga is one of the best online yoga apps that can be downloaded into your smart devices. It provides numerous best at home yoga programs to select and practice. Each program comprises of stepwise guide and instructions to follow. You can join their community to connect with similar other participants and share your experiences. The forums allow you to ask questions and get help from experts or fellow learners. 

The app also helps to track your health and yoga progress records through efficient statistical analysis. The instructors are all world-renowned yoga experts offering online yoga classes to pacify your body and mind.

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8. Yoga with Adriene

YouTube Videos are quite popular nowadays. So why not avail them in tuning your body. Yoga with Adriene is a YouTube Channel offering free online yoga classes. The host of the channel is Adriene Mishler, a superb trainer and instructor of yoga. She has over 7.87 million subscribers. 

The best part of her channel is the refreshing and friendly atmosphere created by her for her audience. She transforms your mind and body to a divine and peaceful state, enlivening your spirit. She focuses on strengthening the core foundation of your body. Slowly and steadily, she will guide to nurture your body towards a toned state. Her videos are widely popular, terming her as the Queen of Yoga.

9. Gaia

Gaia offers the best at-home online yoga videos for fitness freaks and enthusiasts. Their website is full of interesting information on yoga with documents, films, events, and articles. You can select your preferred online yoga classes based on the category, teacher, duration, difficulty level, and focus area of the body.

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Before selecting a video, you can check the reviews and ratings by other participants. The videos can be played on any of your smart devices and laptops. A total of more than 8000 online yoga videos are present on the website for the members. You need to sign up to avail of the free trial and watch the videos. They have a big pool of yoga trainers and experts to guide you through the various programs and classes.

10. Purple Valley Ashtanga Yoga

A successful YouTube channel, focusing on breathing exercises. The instructors and trainers essentially focus on body flexibility by pacing up the yogas. That’s the way Ashtanga is executed to enhance fitness and durability. You will be benefitted by engaging into one to one interactions and guidance by world-famous yoga teachers.

They are believers of Ayurveda mode of medicinal healing. Through their yoga postures and training sessions, they focus on transforming the body and the mind into betterment. You can search through innumerable videos uploaded on their channel and start practising. All the steps are provided with proper instructions and demonstrations.

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11. FLYLDN

A London based Yoga studio, reaching out to their audience through live videos and online yoga classes on Instagram. Their programs are free and can be availed by anyone. The instructors are experts in their area of specialization. The key attractions of the videos are lively background and enthusiastic atmosphere.

The classes vary from slow-paced ones to faster movements. If you want to achieve mental peace, then attend their chill classes. If you want to reduce your fat and belly, then opt for their advanced strenuous programs.

12. Grokker

One of the popular and preferred online yoga classes accessed by many. They have varieties of programs to select and practice. They conduct yoga challenges and run contests. The trainers are selected after proper scrutiny and hence are the best of the lot. You can check the profiles of the instructors from their website.  

They offer light training, heavyweight training, focused body training, meditations, and many more. You can watch the video streams in any of your smart devices. They offer a free trial and once convinced you need to pay USD 14.99 monthly.

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13. Body Positive Yoga

Amber Karnes created the YouTube Channel to help and guide humanity for a better and healthier lifestyle. She has a unique style of performing the postures by leveraging props, some of which are easily available at home. 

She also advises on how to calm the body and the mind. Her suggestions on dietary controls are commendable. She believes in introducing the body through a healthy regime that covers different aspects of good practice. The best part of her tutorials is the inspiration she tries to imbibe in her followers to develop their self-confidence and passion. 

There are many other online yoga classes, apps, and YouTube Channels available. The above are some of the popular and reliable ones that you can try and avail with ease. Some offer plans which are affordable and some offer free courses and videos. You can select your preferred programs and start utilizing their benefits.

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Tips to prepare yourself for your first online yoga class

  • Keep yourself dehydrated throughout the day to avoid muscle and body cramps
  • Avoid eating 1 to 2 hours before the practice
  • Buy a comfortable yoga mat
  • Wear comfortable yoga fit clothes, easy to stretch
  • Keep a bottle of water always with you
  • Keep a towel as you may sweat out often
  • Do not stop practising, ensure to uplift your motivation level
  • Follow the instructions carefully and ask questions for any doubts
  • Do not feel disappointed if there are mistakes, try to improve through focused attention and dedication
  • Do not be overburdened with the first impact on body and mind, slowly you will overcome all
  • Maintain discipline and respect your instructor
  • The breathing pattern must be adopted and followed strictly to avoid structural disbalance
  • Dedicate a fixed time of the day for the classes and adjust your rest time accordingly
  • Maintain a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle to prevent any adverse effects
  • Shower in warm water after the practice and refresh yourself

How to teach vocabulary | Passing down the power of words

Education

We all know it is essential to learn grammar which is helpful to form the structure of the speech. Though, words being the leading carriers of meaning. Learning more words and learning how to handle them accurately helps to understand English in a better way. In this blog, we will discuss how to teach vocabulary, teaching vocabulary strategies, fun ways to teach them, etc.

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What is a vocabulary?

A vocabulary is a set of words used in a language. Vocabulary serves as a fundamental tool for communication and acquiring knowledge. 

How to teach vocabulary?

Merely repeating the definitions of words from the dictionary is not the right way to learn/teach vocabulary. Learning vocabulary can be direct and indirect. Indirect learning is associated with the routine like speaking to others and reading books. The teacher strategises direct learning.

1. Indirect learning

One usually learns the meaning of most words indirectly. It comes along with everyday experience with written and oral language. Indirect learning comes along mostly in two ways – listening and reading. People tend to talk to each other, listen to the news, listen to the speech of great speakers, etc. In all these processes, they meet several people or watch videos or hear the audio of many personalities in daily life. A word is familiarised as it is used in a different context and several occasions.

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But on these occasions, the learning is limited to the extent of words that are in practice. The other way of indirect learning is reading. One gets to learn many new words by reading extensively on their own. The more you read, the more words you will encounter and the more word meanings you learn. The learning is not limited or hampered by reading books. 

2. Direct learning

Direct learning of vocabulary helps the students to learn difficult words. Although one learns a lot of vocabulary indirectly, some vocabulary is required to be taught to the students directly. Through direct learning, students learn words that are complex concepts that are not part of the student’s everyday experiences. Direct instruction of the meaning of words relevant to given texts enhances the student’s reading comprehension. Direct instruction also includes providing students with specific vocab instruction and teaching student’s word-learning strategies.  

Teaching specific words before reading books, repeated exposure to vocabularies in different contexts, and engaging students in activities to use the familiarised vocabularies are the three teaching vocabulary strategies to be used by a teacher to teach students.

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a. Teaching specific words before reading

Before students read a book, it would be convenient, and as a teacher, you can make it suitable for students by teaching them specific words they will see in the text. In the initial stages, it is important to teach vocabulary before reading as it helps the students to comprehend the text. This is apt for children. For adults, generalised teaching is required. And for this generalised teaching, a teacher should adequately prepare a course plan in prior. 

b. Repeated exposure to vocabularies in different contexts

Vocabularies are effectively learned only when a person witnesses the same word in different contexts. The more you seem to listen, see and use, the better you learn them. As a teacher, you should keep this aspect into consideration and prepare the work plan accordingly. Provide extended vocab instructions that promote active engagement and exposure to new words. Repeated exposure to new words helps in familiarisation.

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c. Engaging students in activities to use the familiarised vocabularies

It is not difficult to learn hundreds and thousands of vocabularies over time. It is important to not forget those vocabularies that a student has learned over all the classes. For this, a teacher should engage the students in vocabulary activities that would familiarise the vocabularies and sticks to the brain of the students for an extended period. A student learns words best when they are provided with instruction and when that instruction has them work actively with words. Create a platform and engage students in spoken and written communication where they can practically use the vocabularies learned theoretically. The more the students use the new words and the more they come across in different contexts, the more likely they are to learn and retain the words throughout their life. 

Tips to learn vocabulary: Daily or once in two days, ask a student to write down 10 – 15 different vocabularies in a chart and paste it in the classroom. By seeing it continuously, it automatically registers in the minds of the students. Like this, all the students should take up their turn and follow this systematically.

Fun ways to teach vocabulary

Learning vocabularies is definitely not the exciting thing students do in a school. Incorporating fun elements while learning vocabularies curates the interest of the students. Let us discuss the fun ways to teach vocabulary.

1. Odd-one-out

The title itself pretty much covers what it is going to be all about. Yes, you are right. Choose 4 or 5 words related to the theme you are talking about. Among them, 1 word should be relevant, and other words should sound to be strictly relevant, but definitely irrelevant. The irrelevant ones are eliminated, and the relevant one is the odd one out. This activity is for the beginners to introduce vocabularies to students in the initial sessions.

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2. Act it

Learning vocabularies should definitely be in a fun way, at least in the beginning sessions and this topic ‘act it’ is a must to keep the students engaged. Assign students a word and ask them to act it out to the rest of the class to figure out the word. Students can take a turn to act out the vocabulary words while other students try to figure out what it is. For this, the class should be familiar with those words. There is a lot of vocabulary in English, and students can’t randomly answer them without any basis. Thus, the teacher should plan out before teaching the vocabulary and conduct such vocabulary activities once they are familiar with it. For example, a teacher can conduct a teaching session on Monday and make the students to act it on Tuesday and can continue it as a routine in alternative days. 

Tip: Prepare a worksheet for a month or for certain days encompassing complex vocabularies. Prepare them in a chart titling ‘the word of the day’ and paste in the classroom. As one sees it for the entire day, they are likely to learn complex words easily. This works out perfectly for both vocabulary activities, primary students and vocabulary activities high school students. 

3. Story writing

Than writing is there any better way to retain the memory of what we learned? When we keep learning different things, it is common for everyone to forget what we learn. For these instances, as a teacher, you can assign stories on an individual basis or make it a class project. Students having incorporated all the words they learned into the texts of the stories clearly understands how to use the word in a context. This also enhances the ability of the students to learn proper spelling and definitions of the word.

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4. Using emoji

Emojis are something that kids, as well as adults, can relate to. As both kids and adults are in continuous touch with social media sites like Facebook, Instagram and messenger app Whatsapp being the most common among them, they get to use emojis during a conversation in any above-said applications. You can use emojis for themes like sports, food, drink, modes of transport, directions, face emojis and get students to write what strikes their mind while seeing it. Further, add more ideas in pairs and small groups and finally complete it as a group activity. 

5. Lego bricks

Using lego bricks is an excellent method to learn, teach and practice synonyms, antonyms, building a sentence using new vocabulary, or previously taught vocabulary. Once the session is over, a dry white marker can be used to erase the words off. The play is simple here. You can keep the synonym for a word on one side and the meaning of the same on the other side and ask the students to pick the right one. This method is helpful to learn vocabulary and antonyms. Lego bricks can also be used effectively in building sentences. You can also use this activity with stickers on bricks. An extension of the same is to create a story using vocabulary from a certain number of lego brick blocks. Using lego bricks to teach vocabulary is fun and interesting.

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6. Brainstorming

Teachers who help students to learn new words associating with words they already know well will help students with long term retention. Vocabulary builds upon itself and associating with words they already familiar with students is one of the most effective ways to teach unfamiliar words. Brainstorming is one method of associating vocabulary with familiar words. Once students have heard a word and its definition, teachers can write down the word on the board and ask the students to say words that go along with new vocabulary words. For example, if the word is a calf, students might say cow, herd, and cattle. It creates a visual reference for students while writing the words on the board. 

Tips to improve vocabulary skills yourself: While this ultimately comes from the student’s end, the teacher can at least motivate the learners to read books. Reading different kinds of literature help the students to see words in different contexts. The most valuable thing you can do as a teacher is to encourage your students to read. Extensive reading is the main pathway to acquire knowledge of learning different words. Students need to find the new words they encounter in daily reading. Try to reuse them in another context to familiarise them. Reading different kinds of literature/book is perfectly suitable for vocabulary activities for high school students.

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FAQs

1. How to teach vocabulary?

Teaching vocabulary can be strategised as teaching specific words before reading a book, repeated exposure to vocabularies in different contexts, and engaging students in activities to use the familiarised vocabularies. 

2. What is a vocabulary?

A vocabulary is a set of words used in a language. Vocabulary serves as a fundamental tool for communication and acquiring knowledge. 

3. How to teach vocabulary to children?

Vocabulary is not a difficult thing to learn. Also, it is not easy to teach vocabulary to kids. Theoretical teaching to students would most probably be a dull session for children. Incorporating fun elements is very important to teach vocabulary to children.

4. How to teach vocabulary for adults?

As adults are quick learners compared to children, a mix of theoretical and practical sessions are better. Suggesting students read books and asking them to note down the complex words and discussing everyone’s word in class is also a better way to teach vocabulary for adults.

5. How to teach vocabulary in fun ways?

The fun ways to use emojis are to incorporate the fun elements like using emojis, lego bricks, brainstorming sessions, acting it out, finding the odd one out, engaging in story writing activities, etc. 

6. How to teach vocabulary online?

Teaching vocabulary online can incorporate fun ways. Acting it out, the odd one out, using emojis, brainstorming sessions and engaging in writing activities are the perfect fun ways teaching vocabulary online.

20 Best online book clubs 2021 | Find your reading community

Remote work

In several ways, books enrich our lives. They may help us unwind and refresh, provide strength and motivation in tough times, and evoke feelings of empathy, frustration, joy, and sorrow.

One much-cherished pastime that book lovers around the globe often share is engagement in book clubs. Joining a book club is a perfect way to remain linked to a group of like-minded readers while broadening your awareness of what literature has to offer. In the tumultuous times of COVID-19, attending a regular book club might not be possible.

You will be glad to know that there are great online book clubs for reading enthusiasts like you! Whether you’re trying to draft your next great book review or simply find your own squad, seek one of the best online book clubs and connect from anywhere in the world at any time with an online community of book lovers.

 

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Did you know? Authors tend to attend online book club discussions more than traditional book clubs!

Less-known but great online book clubs 

For all those readers who prefer to join the not-so-mainstream online book clubs, we have here a list of less-known but good online book clubs. Join one of them and start engaging with many perspectives!

1. Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club 

The Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club is one of the online book clubs that require a monthly membership but comes with lots of exclusive material. Without a doubt, it is one of its kind. If you register with this book club, you can receive exclusive interviews with writers, group forums, and even classes! The classes cover a wide range of topics related to readers, such as how to write better book reviews, journaling techniques, how to ask for Advanced Reader book prints, and much more. If you are trying to improve all facets of your reading life, the Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club will surely support you. You can join them here.

2. Broke Bibliophiles – Bangalore Chapter (BBB)

Broke Bibliophiles – Bangalore Chapter (BBB) is one of the best blossoming online book clubs in India. Online book clubs like BBB bring people together and enable them to develop opinions and share them. Online book discussions and reviews are an important part of the work. This club also serves online book dealings. So viola, as you relax on your sofa, you can browse titles, or discuss books. They launched an online community named ‘The Reading Racoons Library’ to expose kids to literature as most parents do not know what their kids want to learn. You can become a member by simply joining their Facebook group!

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3. Indian Book Club 

Although not very popular, it is slowly rising as one of the best online book clubs in India. Not only do readers share reviews and recommendations in the Indian Book Club, but they also share personalized posts such as their book collections, discoveries from special editions and even share or sell books they have read and loved. This comprehensive book club also lists online deals and offers on books.

Tip: Pangat is a small social club of Hindi literature enthusiasts from all over India. If you enjoy reading Hindi language books and want to meet others who share the same love, do join this community!

4. Silent Book Club 

Launched in 2012, the Silent Book Club now has more than 240 chapters around the world participating! Their community on Facebook is one of the most engaging, with people giving and asking for book reviews, heartwarming personal stories and even cheeky book-related stories. Now, they hold virtual book club meet-ups for readers from all over the world!

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5. The Procrastinators Book Club

The Procrastinators Book Club is a book club run on Goodreads. This one is all about finally getting around to that book or series which you have always wanted to read, but have not gotten around just yet to actually read. Join your fellow procrastinating readers here for community readings, games, competitions, and more.

Best online book clubs started by Celebrities

1. Oprah’s Book Club by Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey was the first celebrity to start a book club. And, a lot of us are so glad she did! Her book club is undoubtedly one of the best online book clubs all around the world. It has since moved online as a segment from her popular talk show and is now a multi-platform club bringing interested readers together to explore inspirational stories. Join the Goodreads club to contribute to the conversation or sign up to Oprah’s newsletter for updates, feedback, and suggestions on the book club. Oprah’s latest pick, Becoming by Michelle Obama urges readers to venture into the life of the former United States First Lady, recounting her journey through childhood, motherhood, and her Whitehouse time.

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2. Andrew Luck Book Club by Andrew Luck

Do you enjoy soccer and reading? You might want a book club that fuses both interests. Look no further than the Andrew Luck Book Club! Andrew Luck is an NFL quarterback, and he enjoys reading as well. His passion for reading is so much that he got his book club created. As one of the best online book clubs in the world, it provides two options. The Rookie Book is a book for children, and the Veteran Book is an adult book. This club is really all for you, even though you have no idea who Andrew Luck is and you also do not care about football. Interestingly, the books are not linked to football. For football lovers though, this online book club is a great avenue to connect with the star himself.

Here is how it works. Andrew Luck would recommend two books every month (an adult book and a children’s book). Luck says he might also have “surprise” hosts assisting with the book picks during the football season. Post your opinions on the book with the #ALBookClub hashtag and listen to the podcast to discover Luck’s opinions on that book, his interviews with the writers, and much more. Joining Andrew Luck Book Club, one of the most loved online book clubs 2020, will be a decision you will not regret!

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4. Our Shared Shelf by Emma Watson

Another one of the most famous online book clubs 2020 is Our Shared Shelf. It was created as part of her work with UN Women, by actress Emma Watson. The goal was to read as many books as possible on feminism and gender equality. Now, however, the team of Emma Watson is not running the Goodreads group anymore. The community remains free, however, so members can continue to operate the book club themselves. Continued discussions of books, generally on feminism, still take place in the Goodreads community now. And, it is still one of the best online book clubs that is definitely worth checking out! 

5. SJP Picks by Sarah Jessica Parker 

SJP Picks, released on Book Club Central, is a forum for Sarah Jessica Parker to express her love of reading and explore good books with readers from all over the world. Sarah Jessica is not limited to a single genre but shares her favorite novels from thought-provoking feminist literature to sappy romances. Her new pick, Sarah Smarsh’s Heartland, is an eye-opening autobiography that exposes the struggles and the pervasive inequality of American working-class poverty. Join SJP Picks’ newsletter on Sarah Jessica Parker’s latest reads for ratings, author interviews and many more other interesting details. Connect with her through the mutual passion for reading!

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6. Reese’s Book Club by Reese Witherspoon

Lifting the voices of women is at the heart of Reese’s Book Club, started by Reese Witherspoon. How women’s narrative is championed by this community is very impressive. Unity and empathy through the storytelling lens is how they begin meaningful conversations. Each month Reese picks one book she likes, which at the core, is a story with a woman. Then, she shares it with her book club. One of the most prominent online book clubs, it is a group driven by positive interactions with books, writers, and fellow members. The club inspires thinking, excitement, and conversation online. She recently selected two books for her club to read: Austin Channing Brown’s “I’m Still Here” and Lucy Foley’s “The Guest List”. 

 

Online book clubs on Social Media 

1. The Reddit Book Club on Reddit

The Reddit Book Club has over 80,000 members. If you want a broad and involved community, this is among the best and free online book clubs. Members vote for their next reading each month and then discuss the book through discussion threads. Threads remain available and you can also go back and talk about picks from previous books.

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2. The Reblog Book Club on Tumblr

How intense is your love for Tumblr? If your answer is “way too much”, why not make Tumblr a hub for one of the most fascinating and free online book clubs? The Reblog Book Club is tailor-made just for you! It announces its book and its reading schedule every month. To become a part of the conversation, simply post the hashtag #ReblogBookClub on your own Tumblr blog. It is then reblogged into the main conversation by the Reblog Book Club. And since Tumblr is all about blog posts from various genres, do not hesitate to discuss any book as you wish. A few suggestions to do so: a review, fan art, GIFs, poems, and letters. You are also encouraged to share your nail art by the Reblog Book Club. Indeed, the Reblog Book Club is more than just a book club. So, let your creativity shine!

3. Poppy Loves Book Club on Facebook 

Poppy Loves Book Club serves as something more than a book club. It is about empowering women: offering them a safe place to talk about their thoughts and feelings – about the book, or about other personal issues. It is a safe place for discussion. She will pick an adult novel every month, often from an independent or self-published author, and submit a bundle of questions and topics for discussion. Poppy then hosts a live stream on Facebook with the author of the book that allows many book clubs to talk, ask questions and discuss those gnawing thoughts that the book has left with the person who created them.

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4. Rebel Book Club on Instagram

The founders, Ben Keene and Ben Saul-Garner set up the Rebel Book Club in 2015 after finding a market void for book clubs based on non-fiction. It is one of the finest online book clubs on Instagram. Five years on, it has evolved to become a worldwide network. Here, every month a new book is suggested based on current trends and feedback from members. This month, the book is ‘Stormzy’s Rise Up’.

5. Penguin Book Club on Twitter 

Although following a conversation on the service can be challenging, particularly in real-time, Penguin believes the time-shifted passion of reading books is a great way to bring people together. The publisher will select a book every month and recommend that their followers use the hashtag #readpenguin to tweet their thoughts about it. Then, Penguin will hold a Twitter chat at the end of the month, with the author of the book as the guest. The publisher has been telling its fans not to post spoilers on the book!

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Best online book clubs on Goodreads

A massive readers’ community online, Goodreads had several book clubs. Find out which one appeals to you most!

1. Goodreads Choice Awards Book Club 

This one is widely known as the official Goodreads Book Club, although not really so. The book club reads Goodreads Choice Awards winners across various categories over the course of the year. So, if you are looking to read and discuss a wide range of highly reviewed books with others, here is the book club for you.

2. The Next Book Club 

The Next Best Book Club is among the largest groups on Goodreads, having over 18,000 members. The super moderator is Lori Hettler, a freelance indie publicist who enjoys supporting small presses and independent writers. The group is regularly faced with amazing challenges such as The Beatles Reading Challenge, which converted the Beatles song titles into exercises for reading. If you really like challenges, then this one’s for you.

Did you know? Hettler’s community is so successful that she was even invited to build the official reading challenge for the whole Goodreads platform this year!

3. Addicted to YA

You may want to join this immensely popular club if you enjoy Young Adult Fiction. Either standalone novels or series, they are always reading multiple YA books at a time. There is plenty of lively discussions, as well as “Author Features,” which include a synopsis and an interview with a YA author and a book giveaway.

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4. The Catch-up Book Club 

The whole idea behind this group is to catch up on the popular books you have always wanted to get around to but have not had the opportunity yet. The group selects one classic per month, one current common title, and a “bookshelf catch-up” that certain group members have already read, but others have on their TBR lists.

5. The History Book Club 

The book club is just the way it sounds. If you are looking for a history lovers group that also enjoys reading, then this is the best online book club for you. There are so many conversations going on, like monthly reading books that generally speak about history. Join to become a member of one of Goodreads’ largest groups.

Online book clubs in India 

Take a look at the online book clubs which feel closer to home. 

1. Delhi Book Club 

Since 2008, Delhi Book Club has recommended and reviewed books, and is now 6,500 + members big! Their Facebook community is the forum for updates and conversations around the month’s book, and they are consistent with their target. This club is all about books and books only! They also hold offline conversations, which will be back once the quarantine situation is over. Readers are encouraged to dress up as characters from the month’s book and re-enact scenes.

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2. Non-Fiction Book Club of India

Whether you are solely a non-fiction reader or a fiction lover looking to immerse yourself in the world of non-fiction books, this community will welcome all audiences! This book club holds community reading sessions and explores a wide range of topics from feminism and economics to science and beyond.

Scholastic Book Clubs online

Scholastic has come up with Scholastic Book Clubs online for teachers and parents to enhance the learning horizon of children. 

For teachers

Scholastic Book Clubs have made a reading a cherished part of childhood. The monthly catalogues are handpicked with love by scholastic editors and literacy experts. They are packed with the best children’s books for each grade — presenting Book Club teachers with a valuable tool to recommend books that suit the interests and level of reading of each student, and offering parents a simple and inexpensive way to order the right books their children would enjoy. As an instructor at Scholastic Book Clubs, you will have access to the very best children’s books just right for your class — plus special seasonal catalogues so you can give families a broader range of books that suit the interests of children every month. This is especially needed in times of online learning.

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For parents 

Parents can connect with their child’s teachers by registering on the Scholastic website. They can simply register as a parent and select the level of reading and interests of their child. By doing so, book recommendations will pop up, and parents can use them to keep their child engaged in the process of learning.

 

How to start your online book clubs?

Keep the following pointers in mind if you wish to start and run your very own online book clubs. 

1. Find a website or forum for collaboration and coordination 

Find a virtual space where you and your community can chat, vote on picks and arrange the dates of discussion. There are several options to do this, such as a Facebook group or through organizational websites dedicated to book clubs. 

2. Select a name for your book club 

When you have defined where your community will collaborate and interact, choose a name. Make it sound exciting!

3. Identify and connect with the target readers 

Use social media to identify your target readers and put up posters on your accounts to boost the reach and attract readers to your community.

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4. Remember to keep the size small 

Think about your ideal club size before sending out the invites to your club. We suggest keeping it small, as it makes handling meetings easier. 

5. Decide on a video platform for your virtual meetings 

Ask your remote club colleagues which platform they would like to use for online communication. We recommend you check out Unremot.

6. Choose a book and discussion date 

Then, pick a book! To decide which member picks, set up a rotation and let the first member choose the book. Reveal it to them on your discussion board. 

7. Ask questions or express your thoughts over the entire month 

To remain linked with your club, post your thoughts and questions as you lead up to the discussion date.

Tip: Get comfy in your online book club meetings. Ask members what they are eating or drinking and lift the spirit of the meeting before you begin the discussion! 

Pick your most-liked online book clubs and delve deeper into your passion for reading!

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