Author: Jolene Zywica, PhD

Mindset’s Impact On Learning

Great learning has the power to change how we think about ourselves, our relationships, and our role in the world. For both students and teachers, one of the most significant impacts on a person’s learning is their mindset, or... Read More

5 Learning Principles We Rely On to Improve Student Engagement

The research backs up what every teacher intuitively knows: students learn best when they’re actively engaged in their learning. Engaged students perform better across nearly all metrics, and leave high school prepared for the... Read More

Learning Theories & Design Frameworks: The Research Driving Our Tools & Resources

We’ve come to believe that the single most important factor in a students’ learning is their level of engagement in their learning. Engaged students show up prepared, participate in class activities and projects, dedicate time and... Read More

Engagement is More than Participation

Earlier this spring I was able to visit with students at Quest Forward Academy Santa Rosa. In passing, I heard a student mention their “participation” in class. I was reminded of my own experiences in school, which mostly centered... Read More

Teacher Spotlight: Catherine Dempsey

Quest Forward High Schools (QFHS) use Opportunity Education’s Quest Forward Learning to empower teachers with tools and resources that encourage students to engage deeply in their learning and take ownership of their growth and... Read More

10 Strategies for Developing Work Skills

In my last post, I described four essential work skills to help your students work smartly, efficiently and successfully. Those skills are:   Focus   Plan   Make an Effort   Document Today I’m going to focus on... Read More

4 Work Skills Your Students Need To Succeed

Today we’re going to focus on four work skills that will help your students work smartly, efficiently, and successfully. These skills emphasize executive functioning and are essential for students to succeed in school, career, and... Read More

Engaging in class, in school, and in the world

Learning happens everywhere, not just in school. To truly understand and support a student’s engagement in learning we need to look beyond the classroom.  Engagement in learning can be seen from several perspectives: in class,... Read More