Learning happens through participation in formal community events and informal community activities. However, learning activities that take place in and out of school are often not mutually recognised. "Funds of knowledge" projects foster new ways of exchanging learning experiences in and out of school. "Funds of identity" can…

"Framework for K-12 Science Education" states that "children are natural engineers … they spontaneously build sand castles, dollhouses, and hamster enclosures and use a variety of tools and materials for their own playful purposes" (NRC 2012, p. 70). The "Next Generation Science Standards" ("NGSS") also…

The field of adult education has a longstanding tradition of student-centered approaches to learning. More recently, there has been an increased emphasis in K-12 and adult education on using evidence-based instructional practices. While there has been some tendency to dichotomize these two approaches, instruction of any kind is more effective when…

Both James Britton and James Moffett were keynote speakers at the Sydney International Federation for the Teaching of English conference in 1980--a fact reflective of the wide recognition and acceptance of their work and influence throughout Australia by that time. In Victoria, Moffett's writings became known initially through teacher education,…

The cultivation of curiosity and interest in children for their own pleasure and for their place in the world around them is a significant factor in each student's well-being as well as the future of society. Many educators think that schools no longer provide a curriculum that develops curiosity, creativity, and personal interests in young…

Discusses how the Learner-Centered Principles (LCP) can provide a framework to create effective curricula, instruction, and assessment in literacy, detailing examples of learner-centered literacy strategies and tools at various ages and stages of development; describing learner-centered literacy strategies for English as a Second Language…

Explains the term "inquiry" and what it means in science instruction. Describes the types of inquiry--open or full inquiry, guided inquiry, coupled inquiry, and structured inquiry--in order to develop an understanding of the different aspects of inquiry among teachers. (YDS)

Supports the premise that drug education should be goal oriented, and that different student goals require the use of different teaching strategies. An overview of six student goals and six corresponding teaching strategies relevant to drug education is presented. (BL)

Addresses issues related to the application of learner-centered psychological principles (LCPs) in higher education, specifically, the promotion of self-regulated learning and the importance of examining preservice teachers' beliefs regarding students, learning, and teaching, suggesting learner-centered instructional practices in teacher education…

The Foxfire Teacher Outreach Network has expanded teacher thinking and practice. Similarly, the principal must possess complementary attitudes and actions for a school to become a setting where change can occur, staff and students can flourish, and risk-taking is valued. This article explores the challenges facing administrators who create…

In this article, the authors contend that progressive theory, in particular Muzak Progressivism, as it has been adapted and institutionalized in schools has created a class of homeless social studies teachers. They are the social studies teachers who love their disciplines and seek to reach their students through disciplinary instruction, not…

Environment-based education (EBE) focuses on the interdisciplinary integration of the subject by using constructivist, team teaching, self-learning, and student-centered instructional approaches. This report defines environment-based education and discusses advanced developments in learning skills and character education. Contents include: (1)…

Summarizes the historical context for development of the Learner-Centered Psychological Principles (LCPs), discussing why LCPs and their practices are particularly important in the current educational reform era; offering implications for practice; noting how LCPs can contribute to a national framework for the systemic redesign of K-20 education;…

Discusses trends in educational facilities design away from the traditional school template, in which students sit in isolated classrooms in factory-like rows to observe teachers imparting knowledge. Explains that today's facilities are organized into learning studios that are student-driven, engaging, active, and participatory. (EV)

Discusses how to structure and design learning activities that are student-centered. Considers how to teach for understanding, especially with online tools and resources; describes specific activity structures categorized by genre and learning processes; and gives examples of curriculum-based student-centered projects that use the Internet. (LRW)