Resources for Educators

Agility Board Game

Agility supports teachers to develop the strategic thinking needed to make hundreds of split-second decisions every day in response to challenges that emerge in the classroom. These decisions impact learning, affect classroom relationships, and shape student identity. As teachers play Agility, they will collaborate to explore a variety of teaching routines rooted in research in motivation, cognitive science, and culturally relevant and sustaining pedagogies. Agility routines are designed to support and affirm every child as a unique individual and learner. In the game, the ultimate goal is to maximize learning for each and every student. Throughout the course of the game, players will be guided through a process of instructional decision-making using an If – Then – Reflect approach to mentally prepare for agile teaching decisions.

An online version of Agility is also under development.

The Virtual Classroom

In one simulation, actors play the role of children working in pairs in a classroom setting. Educators are able to test and improve their skills at providing instructions that will yield optimal learning for students by reflecting on the student avatar responses. In another simulation, educators discuss literacy and the brain with parent avatars and practice answering questions during a parent teacher conference. We are currently testing simulations in pilots with local educators and pre-service teachers.

Teaching with Grace

This interactive, web-based simulation tool provides a risk-free environment for a live teacher to try out specific pedagogical techniques with 3D virtual students.