Better Teaching: Only Stuff That Works Explicit Instruction, Research and Teaching Globally with Dr. Zach Groshell
Jul 3, 2024
Dr. Zach Groshell, a dedicated teacher and instructional coach, shares his rich experiences and insights on effective teaching. He reflects on his global teaching adventures in countries like Vietnam and Sudan, highlighting the diverse challenges faced in various educational systems. The conversation delves into the importance of research-based methods and critiques the reliance on student-led discovery, emphasizing that clarity in explanation is vital for student engagement. Zach's journey from classroom innovation to educational consulting offers practical wisdom for educators worldwide.
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International Teaching Experience
- Zach taught in international schools with mostly expat children from wealthy families across Vietnam, Sudan, and China.
- He delivered American or IB curriculum in modern private schools, not just English language teaching.
Returning to U.S. Classroom Challenges
- After returning from teaching internationally, Zach taught in a challenging U.S. middle school.
- He found his classroom management skills intact but had to drop project-based methods due to behavior challenges.
Becoming Critical Of Educational Research
- Zach initially mistook research summaries for original studies and grew skeptical of popular educational claims.
- He learned to critically evaluate educational research and its validity to combat misinformation.