Introducing CLD ? Constructivist Learning Design ? a new and different way of thinking about learning and teaching. Teaching and learning are two sides of the same coin; this ground-breaking book realizes that, and builds on the pioneering work of Piaget and Vygotsky to offer a new approach to the constructivist classroom. Learn how to organize groups, build bridges, ask questions, arrange exhibits, and invite reflection in the creation of whole new ? and successful ? teaching/learning designs. A major new work for students of teaching, teachers, administrators, and parents who want to know how to apply constructivist learning theory in the classroom.

"A fine blend of analysis and highly practical advice. Useful for anyone interested in the professional development of teachers as a collaborative learning process."
Stephen Brookfield, Professor
University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota

Encourage your teachers to form study groups to enrich their professional development programs.

This book shows how "Learning Circles"?small groups of learners who come together to support each other in learning?can make great improvements in the quality of teaching and learning in your school.

Based on six key conditions, teachers form Learning Circles by learning how to:

Help your teachers see how reflective practice can boost their effectiveness! They can make significant, positive differences in your school by improving how people relate to each other and sharing a vision for change.

Build student-centered learning into your standards-based curriculum and instructional practice! Educators expect learners to solve problems, think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate well. These complex processes require an approach to learning that is much more than memorizing facts. To truly succeed, young learners need to engage in active learning and understand that their own experience is the foundation for new learning. Constructivist Learning Design for the Standards-Based Classroom balances the required learning of facts and concepts with the hands-on learning of experience. The Constructivist Learning Design (CLD) model uses six fundamental elements to provide a different way of thinking about learning and teaching: o Situation: develop goals, tasks, and curriculum standards o Grouping: group students and materials, and cooperative learning o Bridge: recall prior knowledge using students' cognitive maps, skills, values, motivation, and expectations o Task: use higher level thinking skills and problem-based learning o Exhibit: arrange student portfolios and work samples o Reflection: synthesize critical thinking and knowledge With clear classroom applications and ready-to-use planning templates, this excellent resource will guide teachers through the complex process of aligning constructivist learning with standardized outcomes and goal-centered curriculum. Engage students in tasks, help them think for themselves, and support them in making meaning of their learning!

"A fine blend of analysis and highly practical advice. Useful for anyone interested in the professional development of teachers as a collaborative learning process."
Stephen Brookfield, Professor
University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota

Encourage your teachers to form study groups to enrich their professional development programs.

This book shows how "Learning Circles"?small groups of learners who come together to support each other in learning?can make great improvements in the quality of teaching and learning in your school.

Based on six key conditions, teachers form Learning Circles by learning how to:

Help your teachers see how reflective practice can boost their effectiveness! They can make significant, positive differences in your school by improving how people relate to each other and sharing a vision for change.

Introducing CLD ? Constructivist Learning Design ? a new and different way of thinking about learning and teaching. Teaching and learning are two sides of the same coin; this ground-breaking book realizes that, and builds on the pioneering work of Piaget and Vygotsky to offer a new approach to the constructivist classroom. Learn how to organize groups, build bridges, ask questions, arrange exhibits, and invite reflection in the creation of whole new ? and successful ? teaching/learning designs. A major new work for students of teaching, teachers, administrators, and parents who want to know how to apply constructivist learning theory in the classroom.