In this teaching tip, I describe how students in my second grade classroom and I developed a curricular structure called Monday Music that involved reading, singing, the study of grammar conventions in the English language, and critical conversations about popular music. Drawing on Dyson's conceptualization of the permeable curriculum, I offer…

Explore the next step forward for teachers and teaching--one that helps all students gain a deeper understanding of themselves, others, and the world. "Learner-centered classrooms rely on teachers who are willing to change and grow, and on school leaders who are willing to intelligently support them. Change is never easy, but teaching has…

"What is a fandom, and why do fandoms matter for school?" Fandoms are passionate communities dedicated to appreciating and engaging with texts of interest (movies, TV shows, books, bands, brands, sports teams, etc.) via personally and communally meaningful literacy practices. It is increasingly obvious that scripted literacy curricula…

Drive boredom out of your classroom--and keep it out--with the student-engagement strategies in this book. You'll learn how to gain and sustain the attention of your students from the moment the bell rings. Perfect for teachers of all subjects and grade levels, these activities go head-to-head with student boredom and disengagement, resulting in…

The need for a revised curriculum within the life sciences has been well-established. One strategy to improve student preparation in the life sciences is to redesign introductory courses like biology, chemistry, and physics so that they better reflect their disciplinary interdependence. We describe a medically relevant, context-based approach to…

Give your students the tools they need to motivate themselves with tips from award-winning educator Larry Ferlazzo. A comprehensive outline of common classroom challenges, this book presents immediately applicable steps and lesson plans for all middle and high school teachers looking to help students motivate themselves. With coverage of…

Not so many years ago, comic books in school were considered the enemy. Students caught sneaking comics between the pages of bulky--and less engaging--textbooks were likely sent to the principal. Today, however, comics, including classics such as "Superman" but also their generally more complex, nuanced cousins, graphic novels, are not only…

How to Differentiate Learning provides guidance for schools and districts to start or improve the effort to differentiate instruction. Based on what educators know about the differences among children they teach, and based on what is known of brain research, teachers must find and embrace ways to differentiate curriculum, assessment and entry…

Discusses the polarized educational system that emerged in Great Britain between 1770 and 1850, based upon student mentality levels. Explains that the differing treatment of higher and lower mentalities was incorporated into a system of separate schools. Describes the system as an institutionalization of the mental and manual divisions of labor…

Describes the development of a computer tutorial for use in a history of economic ideas class. Discusses choosing topics intended to attract and hold student attention and writing the tutorial text. Recounts steps taken in obtaining student reactions to the tutorial and subsequent adjustments. (SG)

Practical and engaging, this book contains 21 case studies that help students apply curriculum theory to classroom reality. Each case is authored by an in-service teacher, reflecting on ways to improve instruction by making changes to various aspects of the curriculum. These real-life examples investigate up-to-date curricular issues ranging from…

Maintains that the wide-ranging children's literature of Jane Yolen created a rainbow of effective instructional materials for elementary social studies. Recommends instructional strategies for teachers using Yolen's books. Presents a bibliographic essay describing 12 Yolen books. (CFR)

Contends that the Commission on Graduate Education in Economics report addresses issues related to doctoral programs but does not provide information on master's degree programs. Reports on a study of 123 colleges offering master's degrees in economics. Finds a surprising lack of variation among the programs. (CFR)

The redesign of basic science curriculum at the Columbia University (New York) dental school is outlined. Goals included development of a medical continuum allowing students to apply basic science to patient care; decompression of crowded second-year content; and facilitation of student pursuit of research and other biomedical interests in third…

This book helps create the optimum learning environment by linking research-based teaching and classroom management to the needs and interests of students. Drawing from the theories of renowned psychologist William Glasser and the wisdom of teachers and education experts, Jonathan C. Erwin gives hundreds of effective teaching and management…