Learning is Personal Ryan Plaza MAED with Emphasis in Differentiated Instruction Concordia University, Saint Paul CI525: Innovations in Learning and Teaching Dr. Lynn Peterson February 13, 2026
gallery
Top 10 Concepts
Walk
Explore Here
By: Ryan Plaza
Click the Box to explore the Concept
Concept #5: Project Based Learning
Concept #4: Metacognition
Concept #2: Mindfulness Technique
Concept #3: Mindfulness Technique
Concept #1: Standards Based Grading
Concept #10: Design Thinking
Concept #8: Critical Thinking & Content Knowledge
Concept #7: 3 R's
Concept #6: Critical Thinking
Concept #9: Metacognition Over Distractions
Discussion Starters
Final Thoughts
Citations
Standards Based Grading
Standards based grading lends itself to putting students in an active role of their learning. This leaves the teacher as the guide to provide clear feedback. This feedback provides clear information on where they are at in terms of specific standards (Beachboard & Kersey, 2022)
Image created using Canva Ai
Mindfulness Technique: Mindful Observation
Mindfulness is incredibly important in the modern classroom. It allows students to reduce stress and increase self control. This strategy can directly tie into science standards while also emphasizing mindfulness. Going on nature walks allows students to utilize all of their senses while learning about the world around them (Minshew, 2021).
Image created using Canva Ai
Mindfulness Technique: Body Scanner
I appreciate the visual created by the body scanner idea. It teaches students to be more attuned with their bodies and practice self reflection. It requires students to spend specifc time at each section of the body and check with how they are feeling. In doing so, students can be more reflective in their personal life as well as their academic one. This can lead to higher achievement among students (Minshew, 2021).
Image created using Google Gemini
Metacognition
It is important to note that metacognition is not a passive activity. It comes with being intentional, actively monitoring and regulating the thinking process. This can be strengthened through direct instruction, reflection, and practice. It helps students play a more active role in ther learning and better understand what strategies work best for them (Ganz, 2025).
Image created using Canva Ai
Project Based Learning
Project based learning is more than just completing a teacher assigned "project". It involves a much more intensive process that focuses on a relevant real world problem. It alligns with student interests and requires in-depth work to fulfill the outcome. It is student centered which creates a sense of pride and ownership in their learning (Mcdonald, 2019).
Image created using Canva Ai
Critical THinking
Education must do more than teach students to remember and regurgitate facts. Teachers must actively teach critically thinking skills. Teaching students skills such as analyzing, interpreting, adapting, and problem solving make them more well-rounded people and better equipped for society. This means that those who have the opportunity to practice and develop these skills are more employable in the modern work force (McCool, 2024).
Image created using Craiyon
3 R's of Mindfulness
Three pillars of Mindfulness focus on the ability to recognize, release, and respond. This includes the ability to recognize what is happening in the moment, releasing negative impressions, and responding in ways that are true to the person. Mindfulness can be taught and the benefits are far reaching for students. It can help students traverse difficult situations, promote resillience, and grow both social and emotionally (Midwest Teachers Institute, 2025).
Image created using Canva Ai
Critical THinking and COntent Knowledge
The achievement gap in education is more than just one of content knolwedge, but that of critical thinking skills as well. They must both be explicitly taught simultaneously. Thinking maps are a great way to blend the two as it requires students to make connections and apply their knowledge of content (How to Close the Critical Thinking Gap, 2024)
Image created using Canva Ai
Metacognition over distractions
Practicing metacognition allows students to work on their attention skills. It enables them to learn how to focus and concentrate effectively on the task at hand. This teaches them how to manage distractions outside of their control and develop strategies when they do arise (Willis, 2023).
Image created using Canva Ai
Design Thinking
Teaching problem solving is an important part of being an effective educator. Design thinking provides a framework for students to use as a way to inform their problem solving pathway. It starts with discover, what are students curious about or what are they trying to understand. Then it goes into defining the issue they are trying to find a solution for. Finally, exploring the possible solutions and being resillient through the struggles (Miller, 2020).
Image created using Canva Ai
Discussion Starters
- How can educators explicitly teach and implement mindfulness strategies within their own content area?
- How can educators provide more metacognitive practice that requires more thoughtful responses as opposed to passive responses?
- Should content knowledge and critical thinking skills be taught with the same time and attention? In what ways can we assess this?
- Should mindfulness practice and implementation be included throughout school day or should the focus solely be on content knowledge?
Final THoughts
Program Essential Question: In light of what is known about differentiated instruction, how shall professional educators effectively teach every student?
Exploring the topics within the top 10 slideshow further emphasizes the importance of creating purposeful learning opportunities for each student. It requires educators to not limit experiences but provide additional supports for students to participate in meaningful collaborative settings. In teaching mindfulness, metacognition, problem solving, and critical thinking skills it helps to mediate achievement gaps and practice useful skills that can be applied across content areas and life. An example of this is by focusing projects on students individual interests. It allows them to apply their content knowledge to real world scenarios and take a more active role in their learning. This is a great way to cater the learning experience to the individual. As students continue to practice these skills they will begin to better understand what works for them and use their own strategies to access and become more involved in their learning. It will create a confidence within them where they feel more confident in advocating for themselves and what they need in the classroom. By implementing and learning about new strategies educators can be better equipped to meet the needs of every student.
Citations
Beachboard, C., & Kersey, E. (2022, April 5). Getting Started With Standards-Based Grading. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/getting-started-standards-based-grading/
Canva Pty Ltd. (n.d.). Canva AI: Your all-in-one AI assistant. https://www.canva.com/ai-assistant/
Craiyon Ltd. (n.d.). Craiyon: Your FREE AI image generator tool. https://www.craiyon.com/en
Ganz, M. (2025, July 21). Metacognition in the Classroom: More Than Thinking About Thinking | Learning A-Z. Learninga-Z.com. https://www.learninga-z.com/site/resources/breakroom-blog/metacognition?srsltid=AfmBOoqCXbOlvcAcQb7PX--27WOYtNgdKIpVnE1XSQqkovqp3csUshyW
Google AI. (n.d.). Google Gemini: AI assistant. https://gemini.google.com/
How to Close the Critical Thinking Gap» Thinking Maps. (2024). Thinkingmaps.com. https://www.thinkingmaps.com/resources/blog/how-to-close-the-critical-thinking-gap/
McCool, D. (2024, March 18). Why you should teach your students critical thinking. ECampus News. https://www.ecampusnews.com/teaching-learning/2024/03/18/why-you-should-teach-your-students-critical-thinking/
Mcdonald, L. (2019, December 5). Projects and Project-Based Learning: What’s the Difference? - Graduate Programs for Educators. Graduate Programs for Educators. https://www.graduateprogram.org/blog/projects-and-project-based-learning-whats-the-difference/
Midwest Teachers Institute. (2025, January 21). Mastering the Art of Teaching Mindfulness in the Classroom - MTI: Professional Development Courses & Graduate CE for Teachers. MTI: Professional Development Courses & Graduate CE for Teachers. https://www.midwestteachersinstitute.org/teaching-mindfulness/
Miller, M. (2020, June 28). 10 ways to teach problem solving (with FREE curriculum!). Ditch That Textbook. https://ditchthattextbook.com/gps-the-series/
Minshew, A. (2021, October 22). Mindfulness Exercises for Kids in the Classroom. Waterford.org. https://www.waterford.org/blog/mindfulnes-activities-for-kids/
Willis, J. (2023, September 18). How metacognition can improve learning outcomes. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/fostering-metacognition-boost-learning/
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Transcript
Learning is Personal Ryan Plaza MAED with Emphasis in Differentiated Instruction Concordia University, Saint Paul CI525: Innovations in Learning and Teaching Dr. Lynn Peterson February 13, 2026
gallery
Top 10 Concepts
Walk
Explore Here
By: Ryan Plaza
Click the Box to explore the Concept
Concept #5: Project Based Learning
Concept #4: Metacognition
Concept #2: Mindfulness Technique
Concept #3: Mindfulness Technique
Concept #1: Standards Based Grading
Concept #10: Design Thinking
Concept #8: Critical Thinking & Content Knowledge
Concept #7: 3 R's
Concept #6: Critical Thinking
Concept #9: Metacognition Over Distractions
Discussion Starters
Final Thoughts
Citations
Standards Based Grading
Standards based grading lends itself to putting students in an active role of their learning. This leaves the teacher as the guide to provide clear feedback. This feedback provides clear information on where they are at in terms of specific standards (Beachboard & Kersey, 2022)
Image created using Canva Ai
Mindfulness Technique: Mindful Observation
Mindfulness is incredibly important in the modern classroom. It allows students to reduce stress and increase self control. This strategy can directly tie into science standards while also emphasizing mindfulness. Going on nature walks allows students to utilize all of their senses while learning about the world around them (Minshew, 2021).
Image created using Canva Ai
Mindfulness Technique: Body Scanner
I appreciate the visual created by the body scanner idea. It teaches students to be more attuned with their bodies and practice self reflection. It requires students to spend specifc time at each section of the body and check with how they are feeling. In doing so, students can be more reflective in their personal life as well as their academic one. This can lead to higher achievement among students (Minshew, 2021).
Image created using Google Gemini
Metacognition
It is important to note that metacognition is not a passive activity. It comes with being intentional, actively monitoring and regulating the thinking process. This can be strengthened through direct instruction, reflection, and practice. It helps students play a more active role in ther learning and better understand what strategies work best for them (Ganz, 2025).
Image created using Canva Ai
Project Based Learning
Project based learning is more than just completing a teacher assigned "project". It involves a much more intensive process that focuses on a relevant real world problem. It alligns with student interests and requires in-depth work to fulfill the outcome. It is student centered which creates a sense of pride and ownership in their learning (Mcdonald, 2019).
Image created using Canva Ai
Critical THinking
Education must do more than teach students to remember and regurgitate facts. Teachers must actively teach critically thinking skills. Teaching students skills such as analyzing, interpreting, adapting, and problem solving make them more well-rounded people and better equipped for society. This means that those who have the opportunity to practice and develop these skills are more employable in the modern work force (McCool, 2024).
Image created using Craiyon
3 R's of Mindfulness
Three pillars of Mindfulness focus on the ability to recognize, release, and respond. This includes the ability to recognize what is happening in the moment, releasing negative impressions, and responding in ways that are true to the person. Mindfulness can be taught and the benefits are far reaching for students. It can help students traverse difficult situations, promote resillience, and grow both social and emotionally (Midwest Teachers Institute, 2025).
Image created using Canva Ai
Critical THinking and COntent Knowledge
The achievement gap in education is more than just one of content knolwedge, but that of critical thinking skills as well. They must both be explicitly taught simultaneously. Thinking maps are a great way to blend the two as it requires students to make connections and apply their knowledge of content (How to Close the Critical Thinking Gap, 2024)
Image created using Canva Ai
Metacognition over distractions
Practicing metacognition allows students to work on their attention skills. It enables them to learn how to focus and concentrate effectively on the task at hand. This teaches them how to manage distractions outside of their control and develop strategies when they do arise (Willis, 2023).
Image created using Canva Ai
Design Thinking
Teaching problem solving is an important part of being an effective educator. Design thinking provides a framework for students to use as a way to inform their problem solving pathway. It starts with discover, what are students curious about or what are they trying to understand. Then it goes into defining the issue they are trying to find a solution for. Finally, exploring the possible solutions and being resillient through the struggles (Miller, 2020).
Image created using Canva Ai
Discussion Starters
Final THoughts
Program Essential Question: In light of what is known about differentiated instruction, how shall professional educators effectively teach every student?
Exploring the topics within the top 10 slideshow further emphasizes the importance of creating purposeful learning opportunities for each student. It requires educators to not limit experiences but provide additional supports for students to participate in meaningful collaborative settings. In teaching mindfulness, metacognition, problem solving, and critical thinking skills it helps to mediate achievement gaps and practice useful skills that can be applied across content areas and life. An example of this is by focusing projects on students individual interests. It allows them to apply their content knowledge to real world scenarios and take a more active role in their learning. This is a great way to cater the learning experience to the individual. As students continue to practice these skills they will begin to better understand what works for them and use their own strategies to access and become more involved in their learning. It will create a confidence within them where they feel more confident in advocating for themselves and what they need in the classroom. By implementing and learning about new strategies educators can be better equipped to meet the needs of every student.
Citations
Beachboard, C., & Kersey, E. (2022, April 5). Getting Started With Standards-Based Grading. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/getting-started-standards-based-grading/
Canva Pty Ltd. (n.d.). Canva AI: Your all-in-one AI assistant. https://www.canva.com/ai-assistant/
Craiyon Ltd. (n.d.). Craiyon: Your FREE AI image generator tool. https://www.craiyon.com/en
Ganz, M. (2025, July 21). Metacognition in the Classroom: More Than Thinking About Thinking | Learning A-Z. Learninga-Z.com. https://www.learninga-z.com/site/resources/breakroom-blog/metacognition?srsltid=AfmBOoqCXbOlvcAcQb7PX--27WOYtNgdKIpVnE1XSQqkovqp3csUshyW
Google AI. (n.d.). Google Gemini: AI assistant. https://gemini.google.com/
How to Close the Critical Thinking Gap» Thinking Maps. (2024). Thinkingmaps.com. https://www.thinkingmaps.com/resources/blog/how-to-close-the-critical-thinking-gap/
McCool, D. (2024, March 18). Why you should teach your students critical thinking. ECampus News. https://www.ecampusnews.com/teaching-learning/2024/03/18/why-you-should-teach-your-students-critical-thinking/
Mcdonald, L. (2019, December 5). Projects and Project-Based Learning: What’s the Difference? - Graduate Programs for Educators. Graduate Programs for Educators. https://www.graduateprogram.org/blog/projects-and-project-based-learning-whats-the-difference/
Midwest Teachers Institute. (2025, January 21). Mastering the Art of Teaching Mindfulness in the Classroom - MTI: Professional Development Courses & Graduate CE for Teachers. MTI: Professional Development Courses & Graduate CE for Teachers. https://www.midwestteachersinstitute.org/teaching-mindfulness/
Miller, M. (2020, June 28). 10 ways to teach problem solving (with FREE curriculum!). Ditch That Textbook. https://ditchthattextbook.com/gps-the-series/
Minshew, A. (2021, October 22). Mindfulness Exercises for Kids in the Classroom. Waterford.org. https://www.waterford.org/blog/mindfulnes-activities-for-kids/
Willis, J. (2023, September 18). How metacognition can improve learning outcomes. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/fostering-metacognition-boost-learning/