The four approaches of engaging in formative assessment, deeper learning, culturally responsive and sustaining education, and personalized learning share a common aspirational commitment--to provide student learning experiences rooted in: (1) developing identity; (2) prioritizing learner agency; (3) educating for equity; and (4) honoring and…

A few years ago the author conducted a survey of a representative cross-section of a junior class to gather information about how students define success. The responses were categorized by gender and academic level and it was found found that every group defined success primarily as getting the grades necessary for admission to college. The…

Given the current international context of instability and uncertainty, we were driven by the desire to utilize a digital game to cut across the complexity of public policy, so as to educate our young with the experience and deep learning to be appreciative, accountable and proactive citizens of a globalized world. Having developed a curriculum…

Innovative programs discussed at 23rd International Conference on Alternative Education resemble those of 1960s. Although there is no typical alternative school model, some common structures and processes include collaborative, site-based management, small school/class size, extended teacher roles involving student counseling and guidance,…

Provides a curriculum unit using the novel "Fahrenheit 451" to provide student-centered activities based on solid pedagogical methodology. Emphasizes value-centered analysis of the novel, comparison of alternative arguments, and integration of cooperative learning activities. (PRA)

Describes strategies for engaging high school students, including a research-validated tool for high school teachers, and the Assessment of Learner-Centered Practices (ALCP) surveys. Based on the Learner Centered Psychological Principles, ACLP self-assessment surveys help teachers address the growing number of high school students who are…

Offers a classroom lab approach for motivating students to read and for helping them to achieve higher levels of reading skill and enjoyment. (PRA)

Explains how teachers can use written compilations of student-generated questions and comments as a basis for discussions of novels and poems. Shows that student brainstorming ideas can be used effectively as the basis for writing assignments. (TB)

Outlines a reading program based on the premises that adults need to model good reading habits for students, and that students will read what they like to read. (PRA)

Developed and constructed by individual teachers, Foxfire is an active, learning-centered approach that defines an interactive relationship among teachers, learners, and curriculum and involves learners in deciding how they will learn, assess what they learn, and apply their knowledge meaningfully. Tenets and implementation steps are discussed.…

Physical education guidelines are presented for Alberta, Canada secondary school students. Sections discuss program rationale and philosophy, focusing on a student-centered instructional philosophy that fosters self-initiated participation in developing healthy lifestyles, goals, learner outcomes, content, exemptions, requirements, and resources.…

Suggests that in social studies class, instructional methodology becomes the link between the subject matter and what is learned. Offers "All Roads Lead to Rome," a unit plan in which students have opportunities to become self-directed in their work. Provides lessons involving study skills, chronology, and culture and daily life. (SG)

This paper introduces the Learning through Inquiry Science and Technology (LIST) program conceived in 1997 as a professional development program to familiarize science teachers with inquiry-based science instruction, instructional technology integration, and alternative assessment techniques in order to change their traditional teacher-centered…

Describes one secondary school teacher's experience in experimenting with reader response literary criticism as a teaching tool and how she handles difficulties concerning teacher supervision, student motivation, and student growth. (TB)

Explores one teacher-researcher's attempt to involve students in theory-building research of their own composing processes. Aims to increase involvement of rural youth in higher education, youth who have traditionally remained on the farm or gone directly to work in now-faltering rural economies. Shares an outline of the course plan. (MG)