What Works in Israel Education

The question of what works in Israel education is a large one.  There are as many different answers as there are Jewish educators.  In an article published in HaYidion, RAVSAK's magazine for all things Day School, Dr. Kenneth Stein looks at what is working in Jewish Day School Israel education.  In the article, "What Works in Israel Education" he writes:

"How do you teach students to comprehend the multiple virtues of Jewish nation building? My answer: documents. A clear understanding of Israel’s essence unfolds the core questions that generate the answers that led to the Zionist national identity and then to Israeli success. The documents explicate the story.

The essence of Zionism is Jews taking destiny into their own hands. Among other factors, the Jewish drive to acquire land, grow their population, build infrastructure, earn political power, develop an economy, and express self-determination led to the establishment and sustenance of the Jewish State."

You can access the full article by clicking here.  You are also encouraged to read more articles printed in this edition of HaYidion by clicking here.

Food for Thought:

• Do you agree with Dr. Stein's methods and ideology for Israel engagement (namely, one that is focused on history)?
• Are there any core statements and/or questions you would add to Dr. Stein's list?  Are there any you would take away?
• Do you agree that "documents as primary sources" have the strongest impact on your learners?

During our upcoming webinar on January 11 at 6pm EST, Miriam Brosseau of The Jewish Education Project will take us through technology in our classrooms.  We are all at different levels of integration - some are more timid, others are more adept.  Whatever level you are currently, you can always learn more and evolve your classroom practice.

In researching for the upcoming webinar I came across a few pieces of interest.  This first piece speaks to more hesitant among us.  In an article posted on edutopia.org, Nicholas Provenzano writes 4 starter suggestions:

1) Start Small

Try and find a tool that is easy for you to use and fits well into your curriculum and lesson. You need to feel comfortable if you want your students to feel comfortable.

2) Practice Makes Perfect

Try the tool out for a while. "One and done" is no way to try anything, especially a piece of technology where repetition generally leads to greater understanding.

3) Ask Your Students

Your students are a great source of information on wonderful web tools and the technology that is already a big part of their lives. Allowing students to take ownership of integrating technology ideas into the classroom can be a great experience for everyone.

4) Reach Out

There are many great educators on Twitter and other social media platforms that have experience with using electronic devices in the classroom.

Author of the book Education Nation, Milton Chen, offers his insights on the benefits of integrating technology into the classroom.  In "If Technology Motivates Students, Let's Use It" he writes: "Many often discount the motivating aspects of technology, but I say, if students are drawn to certain types of media or experiences, let's use the power of that motivation and connect learning to it."

As both Milton Chen and Nicholas Provenzano tell us - if it is working, use it!  The best way to do that is practice with the equipment.  Don't be afraid to try something new on your own and with your students.  Figure out what the technology is able to do for you and work with your students to decide its benefit for learning.  Remember: technology is a means to an end, not an end by itself.  With that in mind, here is a list of different technologies that have the potential to work well in your classroom. Play with them and see for yourself!

Pintrest.com - This website allows you to create different bulletin boards as a way to bookmark online sites and resources. The site adds a "pin" tag to your browser toolbar;

Voki.com - Voki allows you to create a talking avatar. This is a great way to let students bring their poems and stories alive (This was a tool we used in our Hebrew School for evaluation purposes.  The students LOVED it!);

Myfakewall.com - This is a fabulous website that allows students to create a fake facebook wall. If you had the great idea for students to create a facebook wall for a historical figure, famous mathematician or scientist, a concept or skill, but your district doesn't allow access to facebook on school computers, then this is the site for you!

Yippy.com - This search engine adds another element to research. When you type in a term, Yippy returns the word definition, unless it is not applicable, and an encyclopedia entry at the top of the listings. A link is available to see further entries for both. Beneath are website returns.

Xtranormal.com - "If you can type, you can make a movie," is their slogan. Teachers can create lesson presentations in a new way and students can present their own stories, scripts, and research in a unique setting.

This is just the tip of the iceberg!  For more options visit the wikispace, cooltoolsforschools.  You will not be disappointed!

Food for Thought:

These questions were posted by Miriam Brosseau through the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Awards Winners Facebook page.

• What sorts of technology do you already use in your classroom?
• What are your biggest roadblocks to integrating technology into your classroom?
• How do your learners use technology?

To answer the questions visit the facebook page, post a comment to this blog, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .