I was recently traveling and read this story in the United Airlines Hemisphere’s magazine. Detroit has had some incredible leadership during what has arguably been the most challenging years in its history. They have been innovative in their approach to many large problems, and could possibly serve as a model to many other US cities as they deal with similar unemployment problems. In the last  20 years the auto industry has had significant changes with competition, computerization, etc,. Many counted Detroit out: thinking the city’s greatest days were behind them. How inspiring that there are leaders there that were determined to not only survive, but thrive.

The idea that the city would educate specifically for available skilled jobs seems ingenious. Tens of thousands were looking for jobs while well paying skilled jobs were being left unfilled.

The skills needed for these jobs were hard to find and took very specific technical training. I believe many communities have this same situation. The quick action and collaboration with businesses, learning institutions, government agencies and a willing (and eager!) work force has blended together to be a successful combination.

It left me thinking: Would this model work elsewhere? Is it wise for education and one’s career choice to be so reactionary? I am not sure; however, there are good points to be made for young people to put some time in researching “up and coming” jobs when considering their future.

For the full article, click here. 

I recently had the privilege of attending a small focus group assembled by several small companies that produce traditional learning supplements such as paper flash cards, study guides and custom workbooks. The companies wanted to reassess their learning materials in context with a trend they’d recently heard of called flipped classroom.

A flipped classroom teaching model inverts the traditional idea that instruction happens in class, instead delivering instruction online outside the class, and moving “homework” into the classroom. 

The focus group, comprised of mostly teachers, was split in their opinion. While some had experienced difficulty in getting students to participate and engage learning material outside the classroom, others expressed near elation that they got to spend more one-on-one time with their students and were better able to diagnose areas to improve instruction or help students who were struggling.

I definitely found myself leaning toward the “Yay” for flipped classroom group. Remembering my own experiences in school, I would have appreciated more one-on-one time with my teachers, receiving instant feedback or more help on areas I struggled with, like math. It would have saved a lot of the tears and isolation I felt doing homework at night and not understanding the concepts that others were getting so easily. But I can definitely understand that while I would have been eager to improve, it might have proven troublesome with other students. The flipped classroom model also presents difficulty if not all students have the same access to computers, mobile devices or the Internet. This model could easily alienate those from different socio-economic backgrounds.

This infographic offers a great overview of the topic. Where do you stand on flipped classrooms, yay or nay?

I recently read that 46% of senior citizens in the U.S. die with less than $10,000 in financial assets. It is no secret that we have a problem with saving and smart money management. It is easy to live in the moment and not put much thought into the future. Lets help students value financial literacy and give them the tools to make their own financial plan.

Albert Einstein referred to compound interest as "magic" and called it "The most powerful force in the universe…". Remember, this was a guy who knew a thing or two about forces in the universe. There are dozens of examples of compound interest, and it shows students that if you leave your money alone it will make you money without you doing anything.

Here is an illustration of compounding interest:

Some other financial games:

http://www.budgetchallenge.com

http://www.stockmarketgame.com

http://www.finlittv.com