The purpose of the present study was threefold: (a) What was the state of classroom teaching in Sierra Leone's rural schools? (b) What did school leaders report to be the most immediate needs for improving schools in rural Sierra Leone? (c) What contextual features affected school improvement in rural Sierra Leone? We employed a case study method…

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explain how the Common Core State Standards may have influenced teachers' practices and philosophies regarding literacy instruction. Conducted in five kindergarten through second-grade classrooms within one elementary school, this research study collected semi-structured interviews, classroom…

This study investigates the process of identifying high-quality lessons for gifted learners that integrate the arts with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. These STEAM lessons have the potential to develop deep thinking, as well as develop creativity and visual--spatial skills that are necessary in the STEM…

The purpose of this qualitative multi-case study is to explore the ways in which preservice teachers seeking either early-childhood or elementary licensure understand their roles and responsibilities in regards to the teaching of religion. Seven participants participated in the study and provided a range of data including -- though not limited to…

For English language learners (ELLs) to productively engage in classroom discussions that foster language development, content knowledge, and analytical practices, teachers must create a trusting classroom culture. How do we ensure that all ELLs have opportunities to productively use oral language in academic settings? And how do we ensure that…

This study focuses on how elementary school students learn and think about the development and sustainability of Japanese traditional crafts through a CLIL lesson. The Japanese Course of Study (MEXT, 2017) emphasizes the importance of fostering regionalism and the development of Japanese traditional culture. This plays a significant role in global…

The authors who introduced the concepts of Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) and choice-based art education have completely revised and updated their original, groundbreaking bestseller that was designed to facilitate independent learning and support student choices in subject matter and media. More than ever before, teachers are held…

What happens when practitioners and researchers work together in an elementary classroom setting? Discover the power of using engaging and informative lesson plans developed in elementary classrooms across the U.S. and backed by current research. Hear from both sides of the profession and understand how they come together for the benefit of the…

NGSS Early Implementers is a four-year initiative created to help eight California school districts and two charter management organizations, supported by WestEd's K-12 Alliance, implement the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Designed for professional developers and administrators, this report describes 10 tools and processes that are…

Jaya Carrier's decision to focus on developing a more independent approach to learning in history at Key Stage 3 was prompted by concerns about her A-level students. In seeking to establish secure foundations for students' own historical research, Carrier first examined the assumptions of her colleagues and her students. She quickly recognised…

In this special section of "The Geography Teacher" the authors report on two Virginia Geographic Alliance-sponsored workshops that they convened during the spring semester of 2014. The central objective of these workshops was to bring pre-service education students in Virginia together with social studies teachers from around the state…

Current thinking within education circles suggests that if students are not engaged in class discussions they might not be learning. And if they are not learning--students and teachers--are wasting their time. The Teacher Effectiveness in Language Learning (TELL) Project spells out within its planning domain that teachers should plan lessons…

Equality for all was the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and he knowingly laid the foundation for and inspired the first African-American President of the United States of America, Barack Hussein Obama, who also had the dream of "Change" for America. These men exhibited how working together can make dreams become reality. For the…

Acquisitions on history and historical topics constitute an important section of Social Studies curricula. Such a curricula which is prepared on the basis of a constructivist approach should be applied within the light of accurately chosen methods. Performing social studies course, one of main objectives of which is to train active citizens by…

This article discusses the status of World Geography Education and the importance of these concepts in developing 21st century students. Moreover, the authors also showcase how World Geography concepts can be intentionally taught through a technological/engineering, design-based learning challenge that requires students to solve a global housing…