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...
A Tale of Two Workshops: How Retrieval Practice Saves Time and Money
Retrieval practice - the act of testing yourself on what you know - is a simple but powerful tool for making learning stick. Well-researched, it's a strategy everyone is capable of, and few of us intentionally use. Why? It's like many other good habits - getting...
Encoding, Remembering, Retrieving… Learning is super curvy!
My newsletter, The Learning Curve, is aptly named and here's why: The initial moment of learning -- of encoding -- is incredibly mysterious and complex. This is from John Medina's Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School. Medina...
Using An Annual Survey? Here are 5 “Must-dos”
Do you put out an annual survey at your organization? I work with associations and other organizations that do annual surveys (or biennial, quarterly, or other regularly scheduled surveys) that collect data on: salary working conditions state of the industry...
Aaack! Another Survey! Avoid Survey Fatigue and Get People to Respond to YOUR Survey
Hey there! Sheila here, writing today with my intrepid and illustrious co-author, Kim Leonard. Yikes! Another survey! One day, it’s a professional association wanting to know where we stand on holding an online conference. The next, it’s your child’s school...
Giving a Presentation or Teaching Online? Engagement is NOT Just About the Strategies Part II
Part I of this series on virtual audience engagement describes engagement and the “YOU” factors that contribute to participant or student engagement in virtual presentation, professional development workshops, webinars, or online courses. Moving past the personal...
Sheila B Robinson, Ed.D.
Inspiring talks and custom professional learning that meets your learning needs from a career educator and instructional designer.