Helping Your Teen Approach the College Search Process

Helping Your Teen Approach the College Search Process College planning is a highly involved process. If you and your teen are feeling overwhelmed by the many aspects of this important decision, its best to take a deep breath and remember: one step at a time. Here are a few tips on how to choose a college and find great fit. Make a list of programs of interest. Teens should look for colleges that offer academic programs of study that match their goals and interests. Its fine to still be undecided about a major, but its still a good idea for teens to start brainstorming. That way, they will focus on colleges that offer them plenty of options. A student who is interested in some sort of business path, for example, would be wise to make sure any colleges on his or her list offer a variety of business majors. Consider academic goals. Maybe a student wants to apply to medical schools in a few years. Its critical that he or she lays the groundwork now by choosing a reputable college for the bachelors degree. Other students might have dreams of prestigious careers in highly selective fields, which might make their college choice all the more important. Parents should talk with their teens about their career goals to ensure they find the right college to match their desires and aptitude. Assess the value/price. For every family, cost is a major factor when it comes to evaluating colleges. Teens and parents should start researching federal financial aid (www.fafsa.ed.gov is a good place to start) and each colleges financial aid processes and options. Its also essential to have a conversation about budgeting and how much of their education costs teens will be expected to cover. Think about location. Some students are eager for a big change and might love the idea of an out-of-state college, if the cost is feasible. Others might prefer staying closer to home and their family support system. Parents and teens should discuss all issues related to a colleges location, including the climate, whether or not they will get a car, and how often their teens will be able to visit home. Research campus life. Theres much more to college than academics. Teens should make a list of things theyre looking to get out of college life and make sure the colleges theyre evaluating offer plenty of ways to enrich their college experience. For some teens, clubs and activities might appeal. For others, it could be social events and campus happenings that bring students together. Bottom line, a rich campus life can help make a college feel more like home. Ask around. An outside perspective can be very helpful during the college search. Teens should visit their guidance counselors, who might be able to connect them with high school alumni attending their colleges of interest. The colleges themselves might be able to put teens in touch with current students who can answer questions and give some insight into what life is really like at that college. Every parent wants their teen to find the right college and be happy and successful there. Parents can help their teens dreams become a reality by encouraging them to approach the college search and application process diligently and methodically. For the last half of high school, college planning should be their job. Teens who embrace that conscientious attitude will make a good college decision.

Dos and Donts for Teaching with Technology

Do's and Don'ts for Teaching with Technology As you know already, technology can enhance your lessons and empower your students. But there are effective and less effective uses of technology in the classroom. Here are a few dos and donts: Do embrace technology that furthers student learning. Use tools that are relevant to what you teach and have a clear purpose. Talk with other teachers to learn what they use and how they find it beneficial. Dont abandon successful traditional teaching methods. Technology use for the sake of technology use isnt the goal. Find ways to amplify your teaching with technology, not completely upend an approach that works. Do use technology to make your administrative tasks easier. Many tech tools and apps allow you to be more efficient at what you do every day: grading, answering questions, offering research resources, tracking student progress, and more. Take advantage. Do make sure any apps used do not replace deeper thinking. There are so many different learning apps available that can help students quiz themselves, reinforce concepts, and much more. But be sure these apps are used appropriately and not in place of other activities that facilitate deeper analysis. Do use technology to engage students. Technology allows you to infuse exciting, dynamic content into your daily lessons. Digital storytelling, interactive lessons, live surveys the list of options to transform your classroom is long. Dont consider technology an add-on. Its easy to stick with what works, but be careful not to just do what youve always done plus add in some technology. Ultimately, technology should help you achieve learning outcomes and improve your instruction. Technology can strengthen your teaching and your students learning. Take the time to ensure any tools you use will help you to achieve your objectives and to be the most effective teacher possible.