Use Diffuse Mode of Thinking for Powerful Problem-solving
There’s a reason they sell waterproof notepads. You’ve heard it too… someone says “I figured it out in the shower” or “I had a great idea out on a walk,” or “I remembered the name of my 6th grade math teacher just as I was trying to fall asleep.” “Of course you did!”...
Your survey deserves a good response rate! 10 tips for success
Sheila here, writing again with my favorite collaborator, Kim Leonard… Response rates are everything in survey design. You spend countless hours designing your survey. You work through a design thinking process, getting to know and understand your respondents. You...
12+ Retrieval practice strategies for instructors & trainers
Retrieval practice is one of the most researched evidence-based learning strategies we have. It’s so simple to implement, yet can be quite hard work. Think of it like running (please pardon the ableist metaphor). We know how to do it, but it’s pretty hard work to...
Balancing tensions in Survey Design: Check all that apply vs Forced Choice
Sheila here, writing again with co-author and co-conspirator, Kim Leonard. Lately, we’ve been thinking about the many balancing tensions we often face in designing quality survey questions - whether we’re developing our own surveys or helping others design and...
Designing a Survey by Committee? You need these 10 tips!
I’ve been working with two wonderful professional associations on their annual (or biennial) State of the Industry surveys - The Presentation Guild* and the Data Visualization Society** and have 10 essential tips to share. To start, I spoke with each group about the...
9 Reflective Questions You Should Be Asking as You Design a Survey
Sheila here, back writing with my favorite survey design partner and co-author Kim Leonard. Questions are a powerful tool no matter what work you’re doing. Questions can catalyze thinking and shift perspectives. In designing surveys - whether for our own projects or...
Spoiler Alert: Learning Should Feel Like Hard Work
I’m happy to report that this year, I’ve followed through on at least one of my New Year’s resolutions - to read more (non-fiction) books. It’s been going great, except for the sad fact that usually after I read a book, I can recall precious little of its contents. ...
The Feynman Technique – Retrieval Practice at its Best
Ever read a great article and go to tell your parter, friend, or family member about it only to realize that you've forgotten many of the details or can't quite explain the concepts in the article despite feeling that you understood what you read? Happens to me...
Teaching AND Learning: It Takes Two, Baby…Me and You
Yeah, I have that song in my head today. “One can wish upon a star; two can make a wish come true.” Here’s why (other than the obvious - it's a great song, so upbeat and joyful!): I’m a teacher. Always have been. And I know that if my learners don’t learn,...
Using an “I don’t know” Option in Survey Design
I don’t know. In 1982’s Fast Times at Ridgemont High, high school Social Studies teacher Mr. Hand asks student Jeff Spiccoli, “Why are you continuously late for this class Mr. Spicoli? Why do you shamelessly waste my time like this?” to which Spicoli responds, “I...
Sheila B Robinson, Ed.D.
Inspiring talks and custom professional learning that meets your learning needs from a career educator and instructional designer.