BY KAHA GEDI

Teaching isn’t just about giving information; it’s about creating learning experiences that students find interesting and useful. When teachers try new ways to connect with their students, learning becomes more exciting and not to mention meaningful. Here are five essential tips for schools and educators to support students.

Introducing Michigan Virtual, or LANSING, Mich, who unveiled a bold 2025-2030 Strategic Plan for transforming education. They are a leader in learning innovations and are sharing key tips for educators and schools to build off their new 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. This ambitious plan accentuates three strategic priorities: driving educational change, broadening student pathways, and powering professional learning. These efforts aim to address Michigan’s urgent need for educational talent development and provide innovative, technology-driven learning solutions for students and educators alike. These efforts aim to address Michigan’s urgent need for educational talent development and provide innovative, technology-driven learning solutions for students and educators alike. Other regions, including Toronto, Ontario can also learn from these strategies and use them to improve their own educational systems too.

To support both students and educators, schools should look to:

• Adopt new learning models: Schools should explore innovative educational measures like virtual training and project-based learning to meet diverse needs. These models allow students to engage in hands-on experiences that relate to real-world problems, helping them develop important skills like teamwork and critical thinking.
• Expand career pathways: Focus on integrating flexible, real-world learning experiences to prepare students for life beyond school. This could include: job shadowing, internships, or partnerships with local, or small businesses, giving students a chance to explore different careers and understand what skills are needed. I think this is a great idea because it diversifies students’ experiences and helps them get ready for the real world. It shows them how what they learn in school can be used in real-life situations. By taking part in these opportunities, students can make important connections and learn more about their future careers.
• Prioritize professional development: Investing in flexible learning opportunities to keep up with trends in education technology is crucial. Providing teachers with ongoing training helps them learn new tools and techniques, which they can then use to enhance their teaching and better support their students.
• Foster collaborative networks: Engaging with partners such as Michigan Virtual to introduce and attain system-wide transformations. Collaboration allows schools to share resources and best practices, creating a stronger support system for educators and students alike. By working together, schools can implement new ideas more effectively.
• Leverage technology: Use AI and other tech tools to create personalized, high touch learning environments that enhance student engagement. Technology can help make lessons to fit individual student needs, making learning more enjoyable and effective. For example, virtual reality experiences, which can be provided with a higher budget, and can be used once in while during classes, can definitely make lessons more interactive.

In conclusion, to make education better, teachers need to change how they connect with students. By trying new learning methods, offering real-world experiences, supporting teacher training, working together with partners, and using technology, schools can create meaningful learning experiences. Michigan Virtual plan shows that these ideas can help students and teachers today and prepare them for the future. By using these strategies, schools can improve learning and help students succeed.

BY GLORIA O’KOYE

In faith,

Would the love that  gets publicly

Professed be like

Clanging cymbals when things don’t

Go exactly as they were prayed.

Where every detailed fine print of wants

Instead of needs are not fulfilled,

Will the tongue curse more than counting

All the unspoken grace.

Would the thank you shape shift

Into why me and hate you.

Would I love you transition into I wish

I never believed in you.

Was the spiritual connection

A one way relationship scandal.

In love

If all the materialistic things disappear

Or prenup

Would it survive till death due us part?

Would the physical qualities dim down

Like day and night

Be the reason to set sail to foreign lands

To conquer, forgetting what home was

About.

In parenthood,

Would the love be tainted if the bloodlines

Was not solely yours?

Would it be unconditional if challenges

Arise?

Would gentle or traditional ways help

Resolve conflicts as first words turn

To power struggles as the babies

Grow, would the love not be tested

By time?

Would love be the solution

Like how romanticize society made it to be

Like it answers all.

Is Love without action and only fairytale

Filled words truly mean love?

BY AMARI SUKHDEO

Balancing college classes, assignments, part-time jobs, and personal life can be challenging, especially when everything feels like a top priority. Between study sessions, deadlines, and social commitments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

However, developing effective productivity habits can help you: stay organized, reduce stress, and even carve out more time for the things you enjoy. Here are six essential tips to help you stay on top of your responsibilities without sacrificing your well-being.

Use a calendar to organize your time

Start by organizing your schedule using a calendar or planner, whether it’s digital or paper based. Set aside time for classes, study sessions, and any other commitments, making sure to include travel time, meals, and breaks. Having a clear view of your week ahead can help prevent missed deadlines and last-minute stress.

Make a focused to-do list

Every week, create a to-do list that includes both large and small tasks. Estimate how long each one will take, then prioritize them based on deadlines and difficulty. A well-organized list can help you stay focused and makes it easier to work through your day without feeling overwhelmed. Re-evaluate your list as the week goes on, moving completed tasks off the list and adding any new ones to keep everything up to date.

Tackle tasks during your peak hours

Everyone has certain times of the day when they’re most alert. Identify your peak productivity hours, whether morning, or late night and schedule your hardest work for those times. Experiment with different times of day to discover what works best for you, and be flexible; sometimes schedules shift, so having a backup plan can be useful when you need it.

Eliminate distractions

Staying focused is key to getting things done efficiently. Find a study spot where you can work without interruptions, and turn off phone and app notifications during study sessions. Using a timer to work in focused blocks, such as 25 minutes with a short break afterward, can keep your mind on track and prevent burnout. If you’re easily tempted by social media or browsing, consider apps that temporarily block distractions, or allow access to them only during breaks.

Take regular breaks to recharge

Taking breaks might seem counterproductive, but they’re essential for maintaining focus over time. If you feel mentally exhausted, or start losing concentration, step away for a short walk, do some stretching, or grab a snack. Breaks help recharge your mind, allowing you to return to tasks with renewed energy. You might also want to include “micro-breaks,” where you pause for a minute, or two to stretch, or breathe deeply, especially during longer study sessions.

Remember self-care

Your well-being directly impacts your productivity. Make time for sleep, eat balanced meals, and find ways to manage stress, like: deep breathing, exercise, or meditation.

While self-care might feel like another “task” on your list, it’s crucial for staying healthy and keeping up with the demands of college life. Building these habits now will pay off in better focus, higher energy, and greater resilience over time.