This edited book tells the story of the multifaceted efforts devoted by a "future school" in Singapore-The Nan Chiau Primary School-in shaping future learning. It documents the various measures implemented by one primary school to improve student learning outcomes in a technology-rich teaching and learning environment. With the current interest in Singapore's "Masterplan for ICT (information and communication technology) in Education," and the increasing focus on teaching and learning design by leading education researchers and professionals, this well-timed book will appeal to policy makers, educators and researchers.

This collection gathers contributions from scholars from Poland and abroad addressing different facets of research into the processes of foreign-language and second-language learning and teaching as they transpire in a typical language classroom. The book is divided into three parts, which address in turn: research directions and methodology, the findings of empirical research, and links between theoretical considerations and classroom practice. Accordingly, the first part includes papers that examine the role of different research paradigms, put forward concrete research proposals, present innovative data gathering tools or assess the role of such instruments in language teaching. The second part includes reports on original research studies focusing e.g. on teachers' beliefs, the role of lexis and pragmatics, the application of modern technologies, the teaching and assessment of primary school children, and the development of social skills from a cross-cultural perspective. Finally, the third part of the book demonstrates how theory-driven approaches can enhance the effectiveness of instructed second language acquisition.

This book offers a challenge to traditional approaches to classroom teaching and pedagogy. The SPRinG (Social Pedagogic Research into Groupwork) project, part of a larger research programme on teaching and learning funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), was developed to enhance the learning potential of pupils working in classroom groups by actively involving teachers in a programme designed to raise levels of group work during typical classroom learning activities. Internationally, the SPRinG project is the largest evaluation of effective group working methods in comparison to traditional teaching, with findings that show raised levels of pupil achievement and a doubling of sustained, active engagement in learning.

The opening chapters present arguments regarding the relationship of social interaction and children's cognitive development and examine theories that explain why social interactional processes should be integrated into primary school pedagogic practices.

Next, the book describes the conceptual and methodological basis for the SPRinG studies, especially its focus on the relational approach, the type of involvement of teachers and classroom planning. Further chapters present key results and describe the background and methods used to establish SPRinG-based effects on pupil progress in mathematics, literacy and science, including both macro and micro assessments; how the SPRinG approach affected pupil-pupil interactions and teacher-pupil interactions, as measured by systematic on-the-spot observations and analyses of videotapes of groups working on specially designed tasks work; and effects on pupil self-completed measures of motivation and attitudes to group work.

The book also analyses reflections of teachers who have worked with SPRinG: moving from theory to practice as well as adding insights associated with implementing SPRinG principles in schools. Drawing upon developmental psychological, social psychological and classroom research, it develops a new and ambitious social pedagogic approach to classroom learning, with a stress on group work, which will be of interest to researchers, teachers and policy-makers.

"This bookincludes contributions fromAndrew Tolmie andEd Baines, who were also involved inthe ScotSPRinG and SPRinG projects."

Good teachers do much more than instructing children. They develop a relationship built on trust, honesty, humor, and above all love. When two or more students discuss varied ways to solve problems we have the beginnings of a creative dialogue, which is the root of inventiveness and a direct path to successful collaboration skills. Too often we do not recognize the value of friendships that is buoyed up by the brotherhood or sisterhood among children. There is a force that flows between them, an invisible understanding cementing their friendship

When the original Visible Learning published in 2008 it instantly became a publishing sensation. Interest in the book was unparalleled; it sold out in days and was described by the TES as revealing 'teaching's Holy Grail'. Now John Hattie returns to this ground-breaking work. The research underlying this book is now informed by more than 2,100 meta-analyses (more than double that of the original), drawn from more than 130,000 studies and involving more than 400 million students from all around the world. But this is more than just a new edition. This book is a sequel that highlights the major story, taking in the big picture to reflect on the implementation in schools of Visible Learning, how it has been understood - and at times misunderstood - and what future directions research should take. Visible Learning: The Sequel reiterates the author's desire to move beyond claiming "what works" to "what works best" by asking crucial questions such as: Why is the current 'grammar of schooling', so embedded in so many classrooms and can we improve it? Why is the learning curve for teachers after the first few years so flat? How can we develop teacher mind-frames to focus more on learning and listening? How can we incorporate research evidence as part of the discussions within schools? Areas covered include: * The evidence base and reactions to Visible Learning * The Visible Learning model * The intentional alignment of learning and teaching strategies * The influence of home, students, teachers, classrooms, schools, learning and curriculum on achievement * The impact of technology Building upon the success of original, this highly anticipated sequel expands Hattie's model of teaching and learning based on evidence of impact and is essential reading for anyone involved in the field of education either as a researcher, teacher, student, school leader, teacher trainer or policy maker.

The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in primary schools is often problematic and frustrating for teachers and pupils alike. Drawing on a study of the experiences and perceptions of over 600 primary pupils, this book explores how ICT provision may be improved from a 'bottom-up' perspective - considering a number of radical suggestions for recasting primary schools as sites of innovative, imaginative and empowering technology use. There have been relatively few empirical studies of primary school IT use, and very few studies of pupils' perceptions of using technologies in primary schools. This book addresses the lack of 'learner voice' in the existing literature by providing interesting, thought-provoking insights into children's views of ICT. From this background, the book is able to make a number of practical suggestions for changes to the nature of ICT organisation and provision in schools, and so will benefit schools' efforts to better align education ICT use with the needs of children.

This volume systematically applies the accumulated knowledge of developmental psycholinguistics to the field of language instruction. The first part of the book draws together a wide range of theoretical material from developmental psycholinguistics. Furthermore, suggestions are made of how psycholinguistically based material can be graded in the various years of elementary school. The second part presents practical applications, maps out experimentation done in elementary schools, and analyzes the results obtained from a series of interviews and language tests. In closing, a summary is made of the volume's central topics relating to developmental psycholinguistic theory and teaching techniques.

Volume V of ""The Handbook of Research in Middle Level Education"" highlights action research in middle grades education. As a method of inquiry, action research compels educators to take action and think reflectively about those actions in order to effect positive educational change (Mills, 2000). Teachers, administrators, university professors, and other professionals conduct action research in different ways to examine classroom practices and school issues. Educational action researchers initiate their inquiries in various contexts: alone, in small peer teams, or larger faculty groups (Zeichner, 2001). Using individual and collaborative approaches, educators gain insights into teaching and learning processes. As evidenced throughout this volume, action research in the middle grades occurs in a variety of configurations. This volume examines the dynamic ways that preservice and inservice teachers, school administrators, university faculty, and educational consortia use action research.

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What are the beliefs that influence your professional practice? Have you ever thought about why you make the decisions you make as a teacher? What influences your teaching style? Beyond the technical skills and knowledge aspects of education, teachers and student teachers face questions which challenge their beliefs and approaches to their teaching and learning. This book contains a series of short articles which not only offer guidance on key topics but encourage the reader to engage in reflecting on their own practice. Questions explored include: - Is learning through practical work worth the effort? - What can we learn from comparisons with education in other countries? - Is there a smarter way to use digital imagery in your teaching? - What's the point of theory? Isn't teaching just a craft?

Young Children and the Arts: Nurturing Imagination and Creativity examines the place of the arts in the experiences of young and very young children at home and in out-of-home settings at school and in the community. There is great need for development of resources in the arts specifically designed to introduce babies and toddlers to participatory experiences in the visual arts, dance, music, and storytelling/theater. This book presents valuable guidelines for early childhood teachers, families, caregivers and community organizations. Young Children and the Arts presents a comprehensive approach to the arts that is aligned with early childhood developmentally appropriate practice and that combines an exploratory, materials-based approach with an aesthetic-education approach for children from birth to eight years of age. It addresses both how the arts are foundational to learning, and how teachers and parents can nurture young children's developing imagination and creativity. The models presented emphasize a participatory approach, introducing young children to the arts through activities that call for engagement, initiative and creative activity. Additionally, Young Children and the Arts addresses the intersection of early childhood education and the arts-at points of convergence, and at moments of tension. The role of families and communities in developing and promoting arts suffused experiences for and with young children are addressed. Young Children and the Arts examines the role of innovative arts policy in supporting a broad-based early arts program across the diverse settings in which young children and their families live, work, and learn.

Many teachers use traditional counting and shape books in math class. But what would happen if we approached any story with a math lens? How might mathematizing children's literature give learners space to ask their own questions and make connections between stories, their lives, and the world around them? These are the questions Allison Hintz and Antony T. Smith set out to explore in this book as they invite us to consider fresh ways of using interactive read-alouds to nurture students as both readers and mathematicians. Inside Mathematizing Children's Literature, you'll learn how to do the following: Select picture books according to the goals of the read aloud experience. Plan and facilitate three kinds of read aloud discussions-Open Notice and Wonder, Math Lens and Story Explore. Utilize Idea Investigations-experiences that invite students to pursue literacy and math-focused ideas beyond the pages of the-read aloud. Connect with students' families and communities through stories. Along the way, Allison and Antony offer a wide range of picture book suggestions and appendices that include ready-to-use planning templates, a note-taking form, and a bookmark of guiding questions. Mathematizing Children's Literature is a practical resource you'll find yourself referring to frequently.

Animals make learning the ABC's fun The amazing animal instructors are clever characters as they make use of items available and associated with them to create the ABC'S A to Z. From the ape using his favorite food bananas and turning them into the letter A to the zebra painting the letter Z similar to stripes. Come and join the rest of the animals to learn their letters of the alphabet. They are entertaining and full of surprises.

Build student success in math with the only comprehensive guide for developing math talent among advanced learners. The authors, nationally recognized math education experts, offer a focused look at educating gifted and talented students for success in math. More than just a guidebook for educators, this book offers a comprehensive approach to mathematics education for gifted students of elementary or middle school age. The authors provide concrete suggestions for identifying mathematically talented students, tools for instructional planning, and specific programming approaches. "Developing Math Talent" features topics such as: strategies for identifying mathematically gifted learners, strategies for advocating for gifted children with math talent, how to design a systematic math education program for gifted students, specific curricula and materials that support success, and teaching strategies and approaches that encourage and challenge gifted learners.

Literacy and popular culture are intrinsically linked as forms of communication, entertainment, and education. Students are motivated to engage with popular culture through a myriad of mediums for a variety of purposes. Utilizing popular culture to bridge literacy concepts across content areas in K-12 settings offers a level playing field across student groups and grade levels. As concepts around traditional literacy education evolve and become more culturally responsive, the connections between popular culture and disciplinary literacy must be explored. Disciplinary Literacy Connections to Popular Culture in K-12 Settings is an essential publication that explores a conceptual framework around pedagogical connections to popular culture. While highlighting a broad range of topics including academic creativity, interdisciplinary storytelling, and skill development, this book is ideally designed for educators, curriculum developers, instructional designers, administrative officials, policymakers, researchers, academicians, and students.

From the creator of the hugely popular Vocabulary Ninja comes an essential handbook of strategies and photocopiable resources to supercharge primary pupils and transform them into little comprehension ninjas! Comprehension Ninja for Ages 10-11 presents 24 high-quality non-fiction texts and photocopiable activities with strong links to the National Curriculum to help embed reading skills in the primary classroom. With accompanying question sets that challenge pupils to effectively skim, scan and retrieve information and improve subject knowledge, this practical guide features theory and teaching approaches that can be applied to any curriculum area. As well as improving their comprehension skills, Comprehension Ninja for Ages 10-11 provides excellent SATs practice for every child and covers topics from obesity and diabetes to Barack Obama and The Shard. If you're searching for an exciting way to bring comprehension more firmly into your primary setting using strategies and question types such as true or false, labelling, matching, highlighting, filling in the gap, sequencing and multiple choice, look no further than Comprehension Ninja for Ages 10-11.