Author: Yolanda White Johnson PhD

Yolanda White Johnson PhD is an educator, lifelong learner, and passionate advocate for personal growth. Through her blog and YouTube channel, "The Growth Alchemist," she guides individuals on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment through the exploration of topics like self-improvement, resilience, and mindset shifts.

Tests, tests, and more tests. Our students take them to measure their academic growth. Our teachers are evaluated on them, students are grouped based on them, and they identify schools. In the area of education, standardized tests have reigned supreme as the go-to, be-all-end-all for measuring student learning and academic growth. Countless research is emerging to challenge the validity and effectiveness of standardized tests in accurately measuring what students truly know and, just as importantly, what a student can learn in the future. State standardized tests are the standard by which we measure progress. However, these tests merely scratch the…

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Ever feel like stress is running the show? You’re not alone. Juggling work, relationships, and everyday life can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed. Welcome to a world filled with demands, responsibilities, and constant pressure. Stress has become a common companion. It affects our emotional well-being and mental health, hindering our ability to thrive under pressure. But what if there was a secret weapon that could help you master your stress? Introducing emotional intelligence – a skill that empowers individuals to understand and manage their emotions effectively. Emotional intelligence (EI), also known as (EQ) goes beyond mere intelligence and academic achievement. It encompasses self-awareness, empathy, and the…

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Hi there! Some links on this page are affiliate links which means that, if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I greatly appreciate your support! Looking for some must-read books that have the power to transform your life? Stop looking Embarking on the journey of reading some of the best life-changing books. A great book can profoundly impact your worldview, emotional intelligence, and creativity. Literature has the unique power to transport us to different realms, introduce us to new ideas, and challenge our preconceptions. Whether you’re a seasoned…

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Ever wonder why your child does not have a permanent teacher you can make contact with? Or, perhaps most of their “teachers” are really long-term substitute teachers? Well, unless you have been living under a rock, most people are aware that the American education system is facing a phenomenon known as the “teacher exodus,” with escalating reduction rates in the number of teachers it has become more of a shortage crisis. More than ever, students and parents are witnessing a rotation of educators, with permanent positions increasingly replaced by a succession of substitute teachers. At the heart of this crisis…

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It’s easy to overlook curiosity as just a personality quirk or a remnant of childhood innocence. But nurturing your curiosity can make you smarter, more creative, and lead to a life of constant learning and growth. As a child my grandfather instilled in me a love for reading. I remember he had an entire wall in his study with three bookcases that reached from floor to ceiling; full of books. He read to me often, and by the time I was 4 years old I could read an entire book to him. Back in the early 70s and 80s all…

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Independent learning is easier now than ever before. People may be fooled into thinking it is easy since you often can do it on your own time. But, learning exhaustion and self-study tiredness are real challenges, and the significance of self-care cannot be overstated. For self-learners, the pursuit of knowledge through online learning platforms can often spill over towards burnout without proper care. However, there are effective strategies for burnout prevention that can co-exist with your educational endeavors. These strategies are more than just taking sporadic breaks; they represent a holistic commitment to self-care for self-learners. Online learning can be stressful, especially when balancing…

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Looking for a way to boost your brain power? Well, look no further! Your brain is a remarkable organ that you want to keep functioning at optimal capacity. By incorporating memory-enhancing foods into your diet, you can fuel your brain and unlock its full potential. In this article, we will share some delicious and nutritious recipe ideas that can help improve your cognitive function and overall brain health. A colorful array of ingredients, such as blueberries, spinach, avocado, and salmon, arranged in a circular pattern with bursts of light emanating from the center. The image could convey a sense of…

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Teaching and learning with AI in the classroom is quickly becoming the new normal. Teachers can now use AI for lesson planning, information gathering, and preparing classroom materials such as quizzes or tests. A few weeks ago, I used the Quizizz AI feature that extracts information from a PDF document or a YouTube video. It definitely made creating a fun practice game for students much easier and saved me a ton of time. In this article, we look at how this cutting-edge technology can enhance students’ learning experience and provide educators with access to essential knowledge outside the textbook. We’ll…

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Building a habit of learning is essential for personal and professional growth. Studies have shown that continuous learning improves cognitive function and helps individuals stay competitive in today’s fast-paced world. Here are seven effortless strategies to develop a habit of learning: Commit to Lifelong Learning Making lifelong learning a priority is crucial for developing a habit of learning. To begin, you must commit to change and make learning a regular part of your daily routine. By dedicating time and effort to learning, you set the foundation for your learning journey and pave the way for continuous growth. Embrace the mindset that learning is a lifelong process and…

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Forget using filters for a flawless selfie; what if you could unlock your inner Einstein while you cleanse your skin? Yes, it sounds strange, but a scientifically backed connection exists between self-directed skincare and brainpower. Imagine moments of brilliance during your journey of lifelong learning can happen while you apply your toner. Honestly, it happens to me quite often. I always say I have my best ideas and come up with solutions during my daily skincare ritual. Curious? Keep reading because today we will explore how your skincare routine can become a secret weapon for lifelong learning and improved memory.…

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Are you worried about your student loan payments? Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. The repayment period can seem like an uphill battle. The interest keeps piling up, and your balance never seems to shrink. I was one of those people as well until a few months ago. And, after many years, my loans were forgiven through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The result of many years of making payments, not knowing if it would ever happen. But, what if you aren’t eligible for forgiveness? You are not alone! Millions of Americans struggle with the burden of student loan…

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New year, new tongue? The fresh start to the new year always brings in a flood of resolutions to lose weight, be more productive, or exercise more.  But, this year, for many, a promise to learn a new language is sitting at the top of their goals list. The quest for fluency in a second language is one of the most popular resolutions in 2024. Learning a new language can be rewarding; however, with so many approaches and theories to support them, where does an eager learner begin? Let’s take a closer look at the link between behaviorism and learning…

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In a world where every tick of the clock is a reminder of our endless tasks, finding an ally in the quest for productivity can be a game-changer. Enter the bullet journal. This revolutionary approach to organizing can help with everything from goal setting to establishing beneficial habits. If you struggle to understand a difficult subject in school or want to keep track of your goals, a bullet journal can be helpful. It can make tasks feel more manageable and organized. I know what you’re thinking. It’s a journal; how can something so simple help me achieve everything that seems…

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Are you ready to embark on a learning journey but feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of options available online? Don’t worry; we’ve got your back! In this blog post, we will break down the two most popular modes of online learning: microlearning and full-length courses. Whether you prefer bite-sized nuggets of knowledge or a deep dive into a subject, join us as we explore which approach is best for you. Get ready to unleash your inner learner and discover the perfect fit for your educational needs! Understanding Microlearning: A Quick and Focused Approach Are you easily overwhelmed by large chunks…

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Student loan forgiveness is a hot topic lately. Anyone who has been to college and especially graduate school probably has loans they must repay. But, do student loans really get forgiven? The road to student loan forgiveness, is long, but it can really happen. I know, because it happened to me. Yes, my loans were actually forgiven, all $279,000. How did I incur so much debt? Stick around and I will explain. I’ll also tell you how to navigate the maze of student loan forgiveness and how you may be able to get your loans wiped out too. Overwhelmed with…

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