This essay shows how I came to assume the role of an activist-scholar and educator through engaging in self-observation and self-reflection in the course of my day-to-day professional practice. The story of my professional growth comprises epiphanies that were transformational, enabling me and my students to transcend our traditional roles. This…

This article explores three current, influential English language teaching (ELT) curriculum approaches to the teaching of English in public-sector schools at the primary and secondary level and how the theory of each approach translates into curriculum practice. These approaches are communicative language teaching (CLT), genre-based pedagogy, and…

This article shares the experience of a teacher investigating the tension between a mandated literacy program and his desire to teach in response to his perceptions of students' needs. Qualitative teacher research methodology is used to study the impact of mandated literacy practices on teaching and learning; and to answer the question: how is my…

This enlightening handbook offers current, international perspectives on the conditions in communities, contemporary practices in schooling, relevant research on teaching and learning, and implications for the future of education. It contains diverse conceptual frameworks for analyzing existing issues in education, including but not limited to…

A look at curricular reforms and reflection on the evolution of a kindergarten language arts curriculum lead to a description of how one teacher integrated several theoretical perspectives in her practice. An ongoing dialogue between teachers and theorists, researchers, and policymakers would foster a more comprehensive view of the learning…

This article describes a model for action research which encourages collaboration between researchers and teachers, especially in curricular research and development. This model encourages teachers to act as researchers. A rationale is discussed and steps to follow are given. (JL)

This resource guide provides a theoretical and practical text for teaching character education. It allows educators to do their own in-depth teacher education and implementation of virtue-centered character education. With this information, teachers can move character education from theory to practice. Chapter 1 begins with a definition of…

This paper describes efforts to develop a social studies methods course based on a foundation of critical theory in education. The literature concerning critical theory is discussed. Critical theory focuses on three areas of educational thought: (1) the relationship of school to society; (2) conceptions of knowledge and curriculum; and (3) the…

Offers a framework to help teachers change their personal or curricular perspective from "mainstream" to more "diverse" and to incorporate that new perspective into whatever subject matter they teach. Discusses the teacher's role, analyzing one's personal attitude, choosing instructional materials, and goals and objectives. (SR)

This article reviews aspects of the work of Lawrence Stenhouse in curriculum development and research, identifying and summarizing his core ideas: curriculum development as social and political action, the importance of case studies for involving teachers in research, and teaching as an art. (TE)

This paper outlines the assumptions about the work and working conditions of teachers evident in various practices of action research in education. First, a thorough analysis of documents from the period of action research in the post-World War II era in the United States is presented. Images of the work and workplace of teaching from this period…

Discusses the evolving role of teachers in educational research, focusing on teacher empowerment. Over time, teacher role in educational research has been as minimally informed participants, collaborative participants, and researchers. Literature indicates a trend toward teacher empowerment via involvement in research and curriculum development.…

This book calls for a radical reappraisal of the phenomenon of literacy, and hence for a profound shift in educational practice. Through close attention to the multitude of objects which children constantly produce (drawings, cuttings-out, writings, collages), the book suggests a set of principles that reveal the underlying coherence of children's…

British primary schools will change significantly if recent recommendations (concerning subject orientation and specialist approaches) are implemented. Key 2 curricular approaches are similar to those advocated for middle schools, but a middle school philosophy could only be sustained in schools of a certain size and with proper teacher…

Suggests that the articles in the book cover many of the aspects of discussion in the early years education debate. Notes that the articles are well-written, well-researched, and successfully link theoretical issues with practical implementation. Discusses some criticism related to the epistemological and conceptual framework presented. (AA)