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Getting Students Interested in STEM by Amanda Winstead offers teachers and parents ideas for exposing kids to STEM subjects that may get them interested in a career in one of these fields. While a STEM career may not be a good fit for all children, they all should be exposed to STEM in a manner that might capture their interests. Thanks, Amanda.

Introduction

• Getting students interested in STEM has never been more critical for the future. Consider some of the most influential developments in our modern society. The rise of AI, the influence of social media, and the distribution of mRNA vaccines — behind each of these trends are science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or all of the above.
• When students gain an appetite for STEM knowledge, the future is in their hands. STEM career opportunities are everywhere. But even for students who don’t end up directly in the field, STEM education can help students improve their problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking skills — all while making them more ethical decision-makers in the future.
• The good news for educators is, STEM concepts can be highly engaging since they can be applied in practically all aspects of life. With these strategies, you can get students excited about the possibilities of STEM with ease.

Incorporate Student Interests in Your Lessons

• Think about the topics that captivate your students’ attention. Do they love playing music? Do they enjoy video games or playing baseball? Chat with your students about their hobbies and explain how STEM concepts apply to them, then encourage them to think about STEM next time they take part.
• When you start to point out day-to-day STEM applications, students can clearly see how much they’ve enjoyed STEM in the past. As an example, if you have an aspiring chef in the classroom, you can explain how baking is like a science, requiring exact measurements and chemical reactions.
• The more hands-on you can make STEM applications, the better. For instance, you can work with tech lovers to break down the parts of an old computer or device (or even build one). Or, you can take your outdoorsy students on a nature walk to search for mathematical concepts on display.

Gamify STEM Education

• Some students perceive STEM (and learning in general) as a bore. As a teacher, you have the chance to turn their perceptions around. Make STEM learning fun by blending technical subjects with academic games and scavenger hunts. As an example, you can hold a class outdoors — perhaps in your school courtyard or football field — and challenge students to find different geometric shapes. Give extra points for the tough ones and offer a prize to teams that earn the most.
• Teachers can also hold optional semester-long challenges that blend STEM and the arts. For instance, students can draw a blueprint for their dream house or write a song about their learnings. You can give extra credit or stars that can be traded in for prizes to students each time they complete a challenge in their free time.
• When you gamify STEM education, students can get instant gratification from learning opportunities. This encourages them to keep actively participating in STEM.

Replace Traditional Homework With Engaging Projects

• Fewer educators and parents than ever are embracing traditional homework like worksheets, take-home quizzes, and essays. But whereas traditional homework can cause fatigue — both physically and emotionally — and cause kids to associate learning with negative feelings, fun hands-on projects can boost student interest while helping them learn.
• Rather than having students memorize STEM definitions for a test or create PowerPoint presentations about STEM processes, consider letting students take home STEM projects. For instance, if you start a project at school, you can challenge them to improve their final product at home. If your students are building a bridge out of marshmallows and toothpicks, you can even turn it into a competition — whoever builds the longest bridge and films it standing for 10 seconds wins a small prize! They can also see which bridge holds the most weight.

Get Parents Involved in STEM Education

• Teachers play an important role in developing interest in STEM, but after school ends, students don’t always have the motivation to continue their exploration into the field. Without continued engagement in STEM activities, students may increasingly view STEM careers as difficult or unattainable. The majority (60%) of freshmen lose interest in STEM by graduation.
• However, encouragement from parents can help teachers sustain long-term interest. Parents who give their kids the tools they need to pursue and grow their interests are key to preparing our future generations for STEM.
• Getting students into STEM can be as simple as providing parents with the right resources. Recommend STEM toys for children and cost-free ways to incorporate STEM into playtime. If you’re teaching middle school or high school, you can also recommend boot camps and make-a-thons for teens — ideally those that offer scholarships to ensure they’re accessible to all families.

Start Getting Students Interested in STEM

• Students are naturally curious about the world around them, but incorrect perceptions about STEM often draw them away from the field. Teachers can get students interested in STEM by making it feel more accessible and fun. Start by understanding what your students are interested in, then make those interests a part of your lessons. You can also boost interest in STEM by prioritizing educational games and engaging projects over dull lessons and homework.
• To put a cherry on top of your STEM engagement efforts, get parents involved in STEM education, too. When they have the right resources, they can work with you to prolong their children and teens’ interest in core STEM subjects, so students can succeed in their future careers.

Amanda Winstead

• Amanda is a freelance writer out of Portland focusing on many topics including educational technology. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.

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Education and the Future of Video Games by Amanda Winstead

looks at how video games have impacted education and what the future may hold. It’s an article that all parents and educators should read. Thanks, Amanda.

• It’s been highly accepted that video games can help children learn. The educational benefits of gaming have been found to increase everything from learning skills to social interactions. Unfortunately, even though there are an estimated 51.1 million kids under the age of 18 who consider themselves “gamers,” there are still a lot of negative stereotypes surrounding video games that need to be squashed.
• That’s especially true when it comes to their impact on learning. When video games are accepted and embraced for their full academic potential, they can reach kids and adults both in new and innovative ways, educating them in ways that more “traditional” methods can’t. So, how should games be utilized by parents and teachers, and what should we expect from the future of video games as it pertains to education?

An Outlet for Visual Learners

• One of the biggest benefits video games can have is that they’re often accessible to everyone. Most games are easy for people to pick up and understand right away, and that includes educational games. When kids, especially, are playing a game, they don’t necessarily realize they might be learning something at the same time. For visual and sensory learners, games can make a huge difference in how they absorb and apply things.
• Video games tend to appeal to visual learners because they:
• Organize information in a way that’s easier to understand
  Visualize complex ideas
  Improve attention
  Increase information retention

• Some games and apps are specifically designed for educational purposes, like Duolingo or Math Snacks. But, there are some games your kids/students might already play for fun that can be used to educate them in different areas, too. Some of the best “hidden” educational games include:
• Minecraft – Encourages problem-solving skills, reading, and math
  Oregon Trail – Teaches about historical events while requiring critical thinking skills
  Portal – Focuses on using math, science, logic, and physics
  Eloh – Teaches basic trigonometry skills

• Take an interest in which games your kids or students are already playing. Chances are, you might be able to find some educational purpose in it, so you can work with your kids to highlight those things while they’re enjoying their gameplay. Whether you’re trying to work with a visual learner or someone who needs a more hands-on, immersive approach, meeting them with a game they already enjoy or introducing something you think they’ll like is a great way to further their educational growth.

Learning Life Skills

• Video games don’t usually focus on one subject unless they’re games specifically designed for an educational setting. But, many of today’s games can teach long-lasting life skills. Some of the real-world skills both kids and adults can pick up on by regularly playing include:
• Learning how to take and manage risks
  Patience
  Perseverance
  Problem-solving
  Leadership
  Critical thinking
  Communication

• Those are skills that can translate into countless careers, including multiple positions in the business industry. People have used games like Monopoly to learn different strategies and problem-solving skills for years. The right video games, when applied in a certain direction, can do the same things.
• Many gamers end up going into careers as graphic designers, computer programmers, audio engineers, or even writing. Growing up loving every aspect of gaming can quickly become an inspiration. Those are all careers that require a lot of skill, time, and education. Most importantly, though, they require experience and passion. Not only does gaming teach valuable life skills, but it can inspire people from a young age to step up to educational challenges and take on difficult career paths so they can contribute something back to the gaming world.

Pictures Curtosy of Unsplash – @unsplash

There Are No “Lazy Games”

• Beyond preparing children (and adults) for the future, video games have instant educational and developmental benefits. The cognitive benefits of video games include:
• Improved concentration
  Better hand-eye coordination
  Memory enhancement
  Improved focus
  Multitasking skills
  Faster brain function

• With that, it’s important to get rid of the stigma surrounding video games that suggests they are mind-numbing or require little to no thought. Additionally, it’s time to abolish the idea that video games make people lazy.
• Multiple studies have shown that people who play video games can be more inclined to stay physically active and take better care of themselves. That’s largely because video games can improve your mood and boost your mental well-being. Gamers are often less stressed and happier. When you’re in a good mood and have more energy, it’s easier to want to exercise and be more physical. Gaming can also help to boost your confidence in whatever physical activity you’re doing, making it more likely that you’ll stick with it.
• Physical and mental health go hand-in-hand. Your mental health state can impact your physical health, and when you’re feeling sick, tired, or fatigued, your mental health is likely to suffer. So, boosting your mental well-being through games is a great way to also make sure your physical health remains a priority. That’s especially important for the growth, development, and well-roundedness of school-aged children.

The Future of Video Games and Education

• By now, you’re probably at least more convinced about the effectiveness of video games in an educational setting than you were before you started reading. But, what does the future hold for video games? Specifically, what do the advancements in technology and gaming mean for parents and teachers who are eager to use them?
• First, it’s important to understand the popularity of different game genres, and how they might change over time.
• Role-playing games, for example, are exceedingly popular with kids and adults. Some of the most widely-known include EverQuest and Elder Scrolls. What’s great about games like these is that they allow players to experience “real-world” situations (even in fantasy settings) by problem-solving and trying different techniques to make their way through virtual worlds. In recent years, many RPGs have gone online. That has opened up even greater opportunities for boosting communication and team-building skills. The technology used to connect players around the globe will undoubtedly continue to advance and become more fluid. It’s a great way for kids to learn about other cultures while doing something they love.
• With the rise in things like AI and virtual reality, simulation games will also undoubtedly be used more frequently for educational purposes. Simulation games can improve general life skills like controlling the basic needs of fictional characters. They can also teach very specific skills using science, engineering, math, and so much more. Because of the way virtual reality is advancing, students who tend to be hands-on learners can gain a lot from playing simulation games.
• Whether you’re a parent or teacher, it’s important to consider how beneficial video games can be. They’re designed for entertainment, of course. Even educational games are meant to be fun and captivating.
• But, mainstream games can often be used to serve different educational purposes. By shifting your perspective on gaming and understanding how regular play can be educational, you can use them to your advantage as an educational tool.
• The future of education and video games together widely depends on how well video games will be accepted as learning tools. Now that you know some of the benefits (and there are more!), you can start a trend of your own in your local school, community, or even at home by using games to further your child’s development and improve their general life skills.

Amanda Winstead

• Amanda is a freelance writer out of Portland focusing on many topics including educational technology. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.

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Five Ways To Financially Prepare Your Children for College by Craig Middleton offers sound advice for parents who are getting ready to send a child off to college. It makes the point that starting real-world financial lessons prior to leaving home is vital and offers specific ways to make this happen. Teaching students how to budget and giving them real financial responsibility while they are still at home is essential and this article will help. Good luck.

Introduction

• College is difficult for young adults. It is not just the academics that can be challenging, either. Students also have to manage their own money, often for the first time. This can be stressful for both a teen and his parents. You can make things easier for everyone by following these five tips for helping your children financially prepare for the college experience.

1. Involve Them in the Loan Process

• Your children will likely be paying off student loans long after they graduate from college. They should thus be involved in and prepared for this process. Make sure they understand the terms of any loan and when interest begins to accrue. They should also learn about different student loan refinance plans.

2. Warn About Scams

• Elderly people are not the only ones falling victim to financial scams. Predators may also target naïve students. Talk to your child about common scams and how to avoid them. Specifically, your teen should understand how to spot bogus emails, texts, and calls demanding cash or requesting payment of a fake bill.

3. Teach Then To Budget

• Budgeting is a key part of financial independence. If you plan to give your college student spending money while at college, consider paying one lump sum at the start of the semester. They will then have to learn how to budget that money over the ensuing months. You and your teen should also make a formal budget by writing down expected income and expenses each month. Make sure that you both understand which costs your student will pay, and which ones you will help cover.
• You may also want to give your child a fixed amount of cash to use on certain expenses, such as textbooks. Tell your teen that he can keep any of this money that they do not spend. This will encourage them to look for cheaper options, such as used or electronic textbooks. You and your child should also talk about this budget at the end of each semester. The two of you can then adjust the budget if necessary. After a year or two in college, your kids will understand how they are spending their money and learn how to save up for larger, entertainment-related expenses such as concert tickets.
• They should also realize the importance of making financial tradeoffs. For instance, if your child wants a new car, he may have to work extra hours or sacrifice some outings with friends in order to afford this expense. Learning this lesson as a young adult will make it easier to handle finances once he is completely independent.

4. Let Them Make Mistakes

• Of course, budgeting for the first time often leads to mistakes. Your kid may spend a ton of money on restaurant meals early in the semester and then not have enough cash left over for other bills. It may be tempting to lecture your child in this situation, or to simply fix the issue.
• However, they will not learn anything if you immediately come to the rescue. A few minor missteps should not ruin your teen’s finances, and they should teach him how to better manage money in the future. Instead of admonishing your child, help come up with a solution.

5. Let Them Be Independent

• Similarly, your child should learn that you will not be able to support her financially forever. You do not have to cut him off entirely, however. Instead, slowly cut back on the amount of money you give each semester. Even before she goes to college, you should also have her start paying at least two of her bills each month. If she has to use her own money to cover a cell phone or iTunes bill, she may be more judicious with all purchases. Once your child leaves for college, she will be one step closer to adulthood. To fully prepare for life on her own, make sure she understands how to manage finances.

Craig Middleton

• Craig is a New York City-based retired business consultant, who is an expert in education and cultural trends. He has a Masters of Business Administration and a Masters in Education from St. Johns and loves sharing his knowledge on the side through his writing. If you have any questions or comments you can direct them to Craig at craigmiddleton18@gmail.com.

Also, check this out.

How to buy a house when you have student loan debt – Student loan debt doesn’t automatically preclude you from buying a house. While it does make the process more challenging, you can become a homeowner with student debt. Share with college grads you know. @zlwichter @Bankrate

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