This thoughtful volume about becoming a teacher is structured as a series of reflective conversations between a young woman about to begin her first year as a school teacher. Readers will find themselves effortlessly drawn into these fascinating dialogues that encourage them to reflect on, reexamine, and refine what they believe to be the elements of good teaching and the characteristics of good teachers: Mission and Vision; Expectations; Caring; Commitment; Respect; Observation; Cultural Awareness; Balance; Teambuilding; Growth and Knowledge. The writing style is highly readable and engaging, and the conversations extend from educational theory through practical classroom strategies and teaching models. This volume will challenge beginning teachers to think about how they can become the teachers they want to be and will revitalize veteran teachers by reminding them of the reasons and desires that compelled them to teach in the first place. An eclectic list of suggested readings rounds out the volume and a detailed index allows access to core topics covered throughout the text.
"A hallmark volume by one of the nation's most accomplished school improvement scholars. This is the most thoroughly researched, well-crafted, and useful volume on continuous improvement available. Smylie does for 'continuous improvement' what Fullan did for change." -Joseph Murphy, Professor Vanderbilt University Discover what it takes to create lasting, positive change for your school, your teachers, and your students! Focusing on school change that improves teaching and learning, this guide for principals integrates evolutionary change theory with the research on continuous improvement. Mark A. Smylie begins with a succinct overview of organizational change that provides readers with the foundation they need to embark on a school change initiative. Interviews with educators involved with organizational change provide insightful examples and first-person responses to the challenges inherent in school change. Continuous School Improvement also addresses the major implementation problems that leaders face, such as: Building trust Creating a culture of mutual responsibility Building support Setting goals Responding to teachers' stress in the face of change
"Dr. Johnson's book is far more than a how-to guide for constructing meaningful learning activities for students. It is the definitive treatise on the fundamental concepts of acquiring and transferring knowledge. This is an invaluable contribution." Arlene H. Parisot, Director of Workforce Department Office of Commissioner of Higher Education Montana State System "This is a 'must' read for all teachers and administrators in their search for meaning. Elaine Johnson has artfully captured the essence of the 'best practices' conversation taking place in schools today by speaking directly to the heart of classroom experience." Stephen Olczak, Principal Reynolds High School Oregon Contextual teaching and learning (CTL) is a system for teaching that is grounded in brain research. Brain research indicates that we learn best when we see meaning in new tasks and material, and we discover meaning when we are able to connect new information with our existing knowledge and experiences. Students learn best, according to neuroscience, when they can connect the content of academic lessons with the context of their own daily lives. Johnson discusses the elements of the brain-compatible contextual teaching and learning system: making meaningful connections; investing school work with significance; self-regulated learning; collaboration; critical and creating thinking; nurturing the individual; reaching high standards; and using authentic assessment. Drawing on the practices of teachers in kindergarten through university, Johnson provides numerous examples of how to use each part of the CTL system. Contextual Teaching and Learning: What it Is and Why It's Here to Stay is more than a handbook on precise steps to follow to help children of all abilities achieve high standards by joining academic lessons with their immediate context. This book also explains how the brain works, discusses why teachers need to pay attention to context, and makes a strong case for the need to teach students to think critically and creatively. This inspirational book urges educators to eliminate the student question: "Why do we have to learn this?" If the educators invest learning with meaning by relying on context, that question won't have to be asked.
"Dr. Johnson's book is far more than a how-to guide for constructing meaningful learning activities for students. It is the definitive treatise on the fundamental concepts of acquiring and transferring knowledge. This is an invaluable contribution." Arlene H. Parisot, Director of Workforce Department Office of Commissioner of Higher Education Montana State System "This is a 'must' read for all teachers and administrators in their search for meaning. Elaine Johnson has artfully captured the essence of the 'best practices' conversation taking place in schools today by speaking directly to the heart of classroom experience." Stephen Olczak, Principal Reynolds High School Oregon Contextual teaching and learning (CTL) is a system for teaching that is grounded in brain research. Brain research indicates that we learn best when we see meaning in new tasks and material, and we discover meaning when we are able to connect new information with our existing knowledge and experiences. Students learn best, according to neuroscience, when they can connect the content of academic lessons with the context of their own daily lives. Johnson discusses the elements of the brain-compatible contextual teaching and learning system: making meaningful connections; investing school work with significance; self-regulated learning; collaboration; critical and creating thinking; nurturing the individual; reaching high standards; and using authentic assessment. Drawing on the practices of teachers in kindergarten through university, Johnson provides numerous examples of how to use each part of the CTL system. Contextual Teaching and Learning: What it Is and Why It's Here to Stay is more than a handbook on precise steps to follow to help children of all abilities achieve high standards by joining academic lessons with their immediate context. This book also explains how the brain works, discusses why teachers need to pay attention to context, and makes a strong case for the need to teach students to think critically and creatively. This inspirational book urges educators to eliminate the student question: "Why do we have to learn this?" If the educators invest learning with meaning by relying on context, that question won't have to be asked.
Learn to find, store, and share the best web-based tools, information, and resources - and help your students do the same. Includes in-depth lessons and examples.
"The authors embrace the constructivist paradigm as a natural teaching and learning response to the specific needs of ELLs. A unique and remarkable contribution to the theoretical and research-based literature." -Karen C. Evans, Principal David Walker Elementary School, Evanston, IL "Reyes and Vallone invite readers on an exciting journey inside classrooms where knowledgeable, caring, advocacy-oriented teachers effectively engage English Language Learners through culturally and linguistically responsive pedagogy." -Carlos J. Ovando, Professor Arizona State University Combine constructivist methods and culturally responsive instruction to improve educational equity. As the population of English Language Learners (ELLs) grows, educators need new strategies to effectively promote second language acquisition and literacy development in all content areas. By linking constructivist pedagogies to ELL instruction, Constructivist Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners provides a culturally responsive approach that builds on students' experiences and strengths. Sharon Adelman Reyes and Trina Lynn Vallone supply in-depth classroom examples and grade-level connections to help readers apply constructivist methods in teaching ELLs. Designed for inclusive classrooms with diverse student backgrounds and abilities, this hands-on guide examines: Perspectives on second language acquisition and learning Program models for ELLs Instructional practices informed by critical pedagogy Examples of constructivist classroom programs Mainstream and bilingual teachers, ESL specialists, principals, and teacher leaders will find the conceptual foundation and practical methods needed to promote academic success for ELLs.
Linking constructivism with instruction of English Language Learners, this book provides mainstream, bilingual, and ESL teachers with a hands-on guide to using constructivist teaching methods with students whose first language is not English. Based on sound theory and best instructional practices, Constructivist Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners provides approaches and strategies that can help to provide educational equity for students who are English Language Learners. This text discusses: Perspectives on second language acquisition and learning Program models for second language learners Instruction Informed by critical pedagogy Examples of constructivist classroom programs
"Very practical and user-friendly . . ." --Linda R. Kroll, Professor Department of Education, Mills College Build student-centered learning into your standards-based curriculum and lesson plans! Educators expect learners to solve problems, think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate well. These complex processes require young learners to engage in active learning and to understand that their own experience is the foundation for new learning. They also require teachers to move from the traditional role of "sage on the stage" to the new role of "guide on the side." Constructivist Learning Design offers teachers a six-step framework for lesson planning and assessment: Situation: develop goals, tasks, and curriculum standards Grouping: group students and materials, and use cooperative learning Bridge: recall prior knowledge using students' cognitive maps, skills, values, motivation, and expectations Task: use higher-level thinking skills and problem-based learning Exhibit: arrange student portfolios and work samples Reflection: synthesize critical thinking and knowledge With clear classroom applications and ready-to-use planning templates, this research-based resource guides teachers through the complex process of aligning constructivist learning events with standards-based curriculum. Engage students in tasks, help them think for themselves, and support them in making meaning of their learning!
"Very practical and user-friendly . . ." --Linda R. Kroll, Professor Department of Education, Mills College Build student-centered learning into your standards-based curriculum and lesson plans! Educators expect learners to solve problems, think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate well. These complex processes require young learners to engage in active learning and to understand that their own experience is the foundation for new learning. They also require teachers to move from the traditional role of "sage on the stage" to the new role of "guide on the side." Constructivist Learning Design offers teachers a six-step framework for lesson planning and assessment: Situation: develop goals, tasks, and curriculum standards Grouping: group students and materials, and use cooperative learning Bridge: recall prior knowledge using students' cognitive maps, skills, values, motivation, and expectations Task: use higher-level thinking skills and problem-based learning Exhibit: arrange student portfolios and work samples Reflection: synthesize critical thinking and knowledge With clear classroom applications and ready-to-use planning templates, this research-based resource guides teachers through the complex process of aligning constructivist learning events with standards-based curriculum. Engage students in tasks, help them think for themselves, and support them in making meaning of their learning!
