This testimonio examines how a 3rd grade bilingual teacher unpacks the learning process as it relates to her agency in implementing culturally relevant (Ladson-Billings, Am Educ Res J, 32(3):465-491, 1995, Soc Stud Curric Purp Probl Possib, pp 201--215, 2001; Quiocho and Rios, Rev Educ Res, 70(4):485-528, 2000) and culturally sustaining (Paris,…

A Vygotskian approach to assessment is proposed by invoking the distinction between the development of lower and higher psychological functions. Higher psychological functions are specifically human and develop with the use of cultural tools via mediation. Accordingly, a distinction is made between tests that are based on association, which have…

In the United States, visits to informal learning environments [ILEs] such as zoos, have historically been considered to be important educational experiences that promote increased student achievement in content-area subjects. Recently, however, funds are more likely to be diverted away from field trip experiences, depriving less-privileged…

In this column, the three authors address the teaching of ELs within the content areas. Specifically, they highlight the difference between having language and content objectives, utilizing small-group work to maximize involvement, and inclusion of beginning English speakers into the learning process. Currently there is a gap of 36 points between…

In this study, we examined the development of maths skills in 269 Estonian primary school children (119 boys and 150 girls; 20 classes). Testing was carried out over a three-year period (Grade 1-Grade 3). Before the last testing session, children's verbal skills and motivational orientations were also tested. In addition, teachers evaluated…

Experiment 1 examined the time course of orthographic learning among Grade 3 children. A single encounter with a novel orthographic string was sufficient to produce reliable recall of orthographic detail. Moreover, newly acquired orthographic information was retained 1 month later. These data support the logistic learning functions featured in…

The recent Carvo/Chall phonics debate (in the September and November "Kappan" issues) reduces children's early literacy development to a battle over methods. Reductionist disagreements and simplistic notions about complex behaviors must yield to a theoretically grounded, unified approach to literacy learning and instructional practices.…

Examines why and how one elementary teacher--a veteran third-grade teacher in Arizona--uses drama in the classroom. Discusses how the teacher uses drama as a means for personal and professional growth, focuses on students achieving an understanding of self and others, and defines the drama curriculum as an "expressive orientation" within…

The impact of a field trip on the attitudes, behavior, and learning of 196 third- and fifth-grade students was assessed. Third grade students seemed overwhelmed by the field trip and learned more from an outdoor science activity near their school. Fifth grade students were stimulated by the trip and bored by the outdoor lesson. (Authors/PP)

Explanation as a genre may support children's reasoning and understanding particularly effectively. In this study, 20 fourth graders were given the task of explaining the effects of a pollutant on an ecosystem to third graders. Before writing, they completed a commercially developed science unit, instruction in reading and writing an explanation,…

Although a major purpose of the Massachusetts Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) is to measure science achievement, it is also designed to provide information that can be used to improve curriculum and instruction. Student, teacher, and principal surveys were used to gather information on instruction, training, resources and other variables…