The core practice of professional scientists is inquiry, often referred to as research. If educators are to prepare students for a role in the professional scientific and technological community, exposing them to inquiry-based learning is essential. Despite this, inquiry-based teaching and learning (IBTL) remains relatively rare, possibly due to…

National efforts have been made to encourage technology integration in teacher preparation with expectations for frequent and successful applications with K-12 learners. While online learning has become pervasive in many fields in education, it has been somewhat slow to catch on in K-12 settings. The "Handbook of Research on Emerging…

In this inquiry study, teachers will explore the concept of "critical literacy" and its implications for classrooms. Each study group will reread cultural texts--media, print, commercial--to consider how teachers, as well as the younger learners they teach, are "positioned." This new awareness provides the opportunity for…

Discusses the value of professional development for media specialists, conditions which bring about a positive attitude toward professional development, and the role of college and university preparation programs. Obstacles to professional development are also discussed, and six recommendations for library media educators in the move toward…

As a result of a growing immigrant population in the United States, many adult education programs are working with new populations of adult learners who need to learn English. There is a need for a strong workforce of trained and knowledgeable practitioners who can work effectively with adults learning English and facilitate transitions to…

Discusses reform of the educational system through teacher education. Describes the Professional Development School Model which urges that education departments not emulate other academic departments. Addresses the nature of social studies teacher instruction and social studies as a cooperative learning device between the school and the community.…

In this introductory inquiry study, teachers will explore why the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Reading Initiative is developed from the theoretical position of "teaching as inquiry." Teachers will live through several learning projects, identify important issues in practitioners' teaching lives, and read the work of…

Many questions are on the minds of middle school teachers, principals, and curriculum leaders as they respond to a growing pressure to produce better educated students. Some of the questions are the following: Which language arts curriculum will sustain the interest of middle grades students? How can educators be certain the curriculum meets state…

This book provides support and guidance to teachers in their professional development. A constructivist approach was used while exploring the implementation of standards into the mathematics and science curriculum. Contents include: (1) "Engagement: Thinking about Standards and Instruction"; (2) "Exploration: Discovering National Standards…

Describes and presents examples of external and internal characteristics of learning environments that may help students' achievement and interest in mathematics. External characteristics include time, space, and support while internal characteristics include teachers' habits of mind. (MKR)

Addresses the concept of mathematical definition as well as the definitions of different mathematics concepts. Focuses on the possibility of defining a mathematical concept in several ways based on logical relationships between different mathematical statements related to the concept. The choice of one of these statements as definitional plays a…

The National Center for Science Teaching and Learning (NCSTL) located at The Ohio State University conducts research on factors that while influencing the teaching and learning of science are generally outside teacher control. This NCSTL digest deals with the professional status and responsibility of science teachers in schools. While giving…

In this Inquiry Study, participants will learn about or refine their understanding of the components of a quality reading program, or what some teachers organize as Reading Workshop. Participants begin by living as readers themselves and then explore how to create supportive contexts for the learners in their classrooms. The use of a variety of…

An annual publication, "To Improve the Academy" offers a resource for improvement in higher education to faculty, instructional development staff, and administrators. The chapters of part 1, "Past, Present, and Future of SoTL," contains: (1) "The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning: Past Lessons, Current Challenges, and Future Visions" (Kathleen…

In 1998, the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) launched an ambitious effort to create on-line science courses for K-12 educators that would immerse them in exciting science topics and give them access to the Museum's scientific resources (scientists, research, expeditions, collections, and exhibitions). This project, called Seminars on…