Literature circles generally involve four or five students who are actively engaged in cooperative learning. Learners choose a library book to read based on interest. The same titled paperback might be discussed by participants in the literature circle. Alternative suggestions for literature circles include choosing a library book on a similar…

This guide uses current brain research to show that some traditional instructional and assessment methods may actually work against the brain's natural way of learning. The guide shows how to enhance traditional methods of assessment using techniques derived from recent research on the brain. Practical approaches to assessment are illustrated with…

This overview of several programs, techniques, and approaches related to improving schools and student learning includes brief outlines of restructuring, effective schools, cooperative learning, whole language, technology, multiple intelligences, the Coalition of Essential Schools, the Accelerated Schools Project, the School Development Program,…

Noting that for computers to become an important part of education, they must be in the classroom rather than just in computer labs or media centers, this book focuses on integrating computers into daily classroom instruction. Part 1 of the book contains 18 short essays grouped into 5 chapters: (1) "First Principles" deals with the…

This book outlines how educators can design meaningful learning experiences that address standards and utilize cooperative learning, brain research, and the Internet to effectively develop a students' ability to thrive in the 21st century workplace. After an introduction that explains cooperative work groups, there are 13 chapters in four parts.…

Learning how to think is essential for children to grow into responsible citizens and contribute to society. Schools need curricula that support a variety of thinking strategies as students read, write, and study content-area subjects, and learn to evaluate and manage what they do. This book for teachers provides a framework for creating a…

This workbook, one of six professional development manuals for adult education (AE) teachers, explores instructional methodologies to promote student success, the theories behind them, and their applications in the self-paced, open-entry/open-exit AE classroom. The pretest and posttest appear first. Each of the seven units begins with a list of…

This guide is designed for elementary school teachers to assist them in developing multi-age classrooms as part of their school restructuring efforts. Each of six sections presents a story from teachers who describe the challenges and joys of multi-age teaching, from parent backlash to school district support and praise. Section 1, "Step by…

This book is designed to help social work students prepare a social work portfolio to be used as a learning guide, and following graduation, as a tool to maintain their social work licenses or other pertinent professional credentials. There are independent and collaborative group learning exercises as well as portfolio preparation exercises…