INSIGHTS & IDEAS

The Education Table Blog

Practical strategies, research, and perspectives from the Novak Education team to help educators strengthen instruction, leadership, and inclusive systems.

Student Engagement
Universal Design for Learning

UDL: Designing Multiple Means of Engagement

My granddaughters, Aylin and Ariette, are queens of why. “Why do we need to do this homework?” “Why can’t we keep watching the iPad?” “Why can’t we eat Fruit Loops for dinner?” As ...
Tom Thibodeau · October 24, 2024
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Brain break tips for improved learning in classrooms
Universal Design for Learning

The Power of the 10-Minute Reset

How Frequent Pauses Lead to Improved Learning Outcomes We’ve all experienced that moment of completely zoning out. One minute, you're focused, and the next, you’re off in la la ...
Katie Novak · October 21, 2024
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UDL - Debunking the myths
Universal Design for Learning

6 Misconceptions of UDL

You may know of UDL as a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn. But one thing I have ...
Katie Novak · October 17, 2024
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students in an inclusive classroom
Universal Design for Learning

Inclusion vs. Inclusive Practice in Teaching

“Inclusion” and “inclusive practice” are often used interchangeably in education, but true inclusive practice goes beyond simply bringing people together. Inclusion takes an ...
Katie Novak · October 8, 2024
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urban classroom utilizing udl
Universal Design for Learning

UDL: A Dynamic Benefit for Urban Education

As someone who has dedicated the lion's share of my career to being a school teacher and leader in urban education, I can confidently say there is no other framework more aligned ...
Mirko Chardin · October 7, 2024
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cookies analogy - equality, equity, expert learning
Universal Design for Learning

Learner Agency, Equality, Equity & Making Cookies

One of my best friends, Kate, regularly blesses us with drool-worthy confections worthy of winning fine arts awards. She is the ultimate expert baker. Every cupcake, cookie, and ...
Katie Novak · September 30, 2024
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teacher working in aI
Variability and Barriers

3 Tips for Building Better AI Prompts

While there are various reasons why people choose not to use AI, feeling intimidated could be a barrier for those unfamiliar with it. Some teachers also might not realize what an ...
Matt Bergman, Ed.D · September 24, 2024
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a student talking in class
Inclusive Practices

What are Restorative Practices?

In the education world, you may have heard terms like “circle practice,” “restorative practice,” or “restorative justice.” What exactly are these, do they matter, should you be ...
Mirko Chardin · September 23, 2024
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student with a goal
Universal Design for Learning

Helping Students Set Goals in 5 Easy Steps

It’s the beginning of the year and I am sure we all have goal setting on our minds as educators. We set personal goals for our own teaching and learning and often encourage ...
Pam Tupy · September 4, 2024
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