There is a very important practice that great detectives, Pulitzer Prize winners, and creative geniuses have in common — a practice of asking paradigm-busting questions. The following Genius-inspired Questioning process was inspired by three books (see references below). I hope that…
At the start of every class, one student could opt to do a bonus point activity and recite our collective expression of gratitude to our local Aboriginal nation for sharing their land so we could work, play, and live on…
Here is a PDF version of the presentation I gave at Vancouver island University about “reading sprees” — dividing up a text and assigning different parts to different teams to teach back. In this example I discuss the work we…
Law enforcement studies (LESD) students –as a group — are usually NOT keen to read. Indeed, finding ways for LESD to share the reading duties has been a major focus for me in the classroom. I have been developing “reading…
I will describe the use of graphic narration to deepen students understanding of the Truth and Reconciliation 2015 report with this quote from one of my students. A PDF of the completed 3-cohort graphic narration follows the quote. The last thing I…
“Spice of Life” video instructions. To teach peers about students’ and cultural background, they choose one spice (or herb, vegetable, or fruit) and create a 1-minute “foodie” video showing they — or a family member — preparing a dish with their chosen ingredient. But…
At the start of my teaching career I noticed that each term I would have to start at zero with my student and build — brick-by-brick — a respectful and nourishing culture-of-learning. By the time the term ended, the students…
I have learned over the years that some of my most successful teaching moments come after a full term of kind, strong, consistent hard work. Here is an in-depth reflection from a student who struggled in class right up until…
Inquiry: How can I help law enforcement studies students grow their integrity “muscles” and prepare to work on the honour system that will be required in their future careers? Strategy: LESD/ LAWS1207 Honour-system explained. In Dr. Ariely’s documentary (on Netflix), he…
Inquiry: How do I work around students’ implicit bias and create a learning opportunity for evidence-based discussion of sexism and homophobia? Strategy: I wanted to use students own lived experiences of sexism and/or homophobia. In addition, I wanted the learning process…