Teaching Blog

Coach G's Teaching Tips

David Ginsburg has served over 20 years as a math teacher, instructional leader, and PD provider. He leads a Philadelphia-based team of consultants that specializes in instructional coaching, leadership coaching, and common-core implementation. Follow David on Twitter, and connect with him through email and LinkedIn. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: teaching strategies.

Teaching Opinion A Final Tribute to My Greatest Teachers
I learned more from my students about how to--and how not to--treat them and teach them than I learned from education courses, in-service training, books, and teacher evaluations combined.
David Ginsburg, June 27, 2016
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6 min read
School Climate & Safety Opinion Ability Grouping: Better for Students or Easier for Schools?
I never worked harder in or out of the classroom than I did when preparing and presenting two lessons per class. Yet despite my diligence, ability grouping was ineffective, as reflected in students' actions and words: "You are too bogus Coach G. You know Group A is not that smart and Group B is smart, and you separate us so we look dumb. All of us should be in the same group to help each other out."
David Ginsburg, June 1, 2016
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6 min read
Mathematics Opinion Four Purposes of Math Problems
To help students develop competence and confidence in math, teachers should be concerned with the quality of problems they assign rather than the quantity.
David Ginsburg, March 28, 2016
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5 min read
Teaching Opinion Four Keys to Effective Classroom Learning Centers
When implemented well, learning centers empower students and accommodate their diverse needs as learners.
David Ginsburg, February 28, 2016
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3 min read
Teaching Opinion Knowledge vs. Skills: What Should Teachers Target?
With so much information at students' fingertips, teachers should select and plan classroom activities based on what students should be able to do rather than just what they should know.
David Ginsburg, January 31, 2016
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3 min read
Teaching Opinion Three Problems With Traffic Light Behavior Charts
When a child's behavior commands our attention, we need to ask ourselves, "What do I want this student to learn from my response to his/her action?"
David Ginsburg, December 28, 2015
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3 min read
Assessment Opinion Real-Time Data-Driven Instruction
Why wait for test results to use data to drive instruction? Collect data during all academic tasks, and use it to make timely decisions based on students' needs.
David Ginsburg, November 30, 2015
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1 min read
Mathematics Opinion Go-To Resources for Common Core Math
Are you overwhelmed trying to navigate the sea of sites related to Common Core Math? Here's a manageable list of free online resources my team has found helpful in our Common Core Math work with instructional leaders and teachers.
David Ginsburg, October 14, 2015
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1 min read
Professional Development Opinion Common Core Crisis: What to Do About Math Scores
Don't blame teachers when math scores drop. Give them the support they need for learning to improve.
David Ginsburg, September 30, 2015
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1 min read
School Climate & Safety Opinion Calling Parents: To Keep Kids in Line or Help Them Learn?
Parents don't just want to hear what's wrong with their children. Telling them what's right about their children earns trust and cooperation--from them and their children alike.
David Ginsburg, August 30, 2015
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3 min read
Mathematics Opinion Learning by Doing ... and Grappling
I loved my students' reactions after they learned something with little or no help from me. Exhales. Smiles. High-fives. Exclamations ("Man, I got it, Coach G!"). And yes, dancing. (I even joined in when it was "Time for the Percolator.")
David Ginsburg, July 31, 2015
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2 min read
Assessment Opinion Exit Tickets: Too Little, Too Late
Teachers need to assess students as they're learning, not as they're leaving.
David Ginsburg, June 30, 2015
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1 min read
Teaching Profession Opinion Stop Preaching and Start Teaching
Don't tell students they can be successful. Show them how to be successful.
David Ginsburg, May 31, 2015
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2 min read
Mathematics Opinion Pencils Down, Minds On
Solving problems starts with sense-making, not answer-getting.
David Ginsburg, April 30, 2015
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2 min read
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