This book provides teachers with practical ways of constructing lessons that will engage students and help them develop personal responsibility for their own learning. State learning standards and related core curricula require students to demonstrate what they know and understand. Students cannot learn to demonstrate their understanding if they sit passively. The authors call for constructivist practices which recognize the important role played by standards and student accountability, and which also acknowledge the practical need for lecture in an appropriate context. This book also shows the links between constructivism and differentiated instruction and other approaches to teaching and learning.

This book provides teachers with practical ways of constructing lessons that will engage students and help them develop personal responsibility for their own learning.

"Very practical and user-friendly . . ." --Linda R. Kroll, Professor Department of Education, Mills College Build student-centered learning into your standards-based curriculum and lesson plans! Educators expect learners to solve problems, think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate well. These complex processes require young learners to engage in active learning and to understand that their own experience is the foundation for new learning. They also require teachers to move from the traditional role of "sage on the stage" to the new role of "guide on the side." Constructivist Learning Design offers teachers a six-step framework for lesson planning and assessment: Situation: develop goals, tasks, and curriculum standards Grouping: group students and materials, and use cooperative learning Bridge: recall prior knowledge using students′ cognitive maps, skills, values, motivation, and expectations Task: use higher-level thinking skills and problem-based learning Exhibit: arrange student portfolios and work samples Reflection: synthesize critical thinking and knowledge With clear classroom applications and ready-to-use planning templates, this research-based resource guides teachers through the complex process of aligning constructivist learning events with standards-based curriculum. Engage students in tasks, help them think for themselves, and support them in making meaning of their learning!

This reader-friendly text is solidly grounded on the three legged stool of constructivist theory, science content standards and practical applications. In this book for both experienced and novice teachers of elementary and middle school science, the authors connect constructivist compatible theory with practical teaching strategies and activities. Special features include original activities, a rich resource list for the constructivist science teacher, as well as strategies for working with special education students and English language learners (ELLs) in science. Classic and new ideas for student activities include "Big Science" activities such as tissue paper hot air balloons, cardboard boats and catenary arch projects developed by Edward Ebert. Discussion questions for teacher study groups close each chapter.

This book demonstrates how student-centered learning activities can help your middle and high school students meet curriculum standards. Its vivid and authentic examples will appeal to you if you embrace active learning and want to apply constructivist methodologies in your classroom. This book explains the links between constructivism and other innovative teaching practices such as: - cooperative learning - multiple intelligences - portfolio assessment - curriculum mapping - culturally relevant teaching - and many others Applications of these practices in classrooms are demonstrated and displayed by: - sample lesson and unit plans - summary charts - classroom management models - examples of student assessments

In the movement toward standards-based education, an important question stands out: How will this reform affect the 10% of school-aged children who have disabilities and thus qualify for special education? In Educating One and All, an expert committee addresses how to reconcile common learning for all students with individualized education for "one"â€"the unique student. The book makes recommendations to states and communities that have adopted standards-based reform and that seek policies and practices to make reform consistent with the requirements of special education. The committee explores the ideas, implementation issues, and legislative initiatives behind the tradition of special education for people with disabilities. It investigates the policy and practice implications of the current reform movement toward high educational standards for all students. Educating One and All examines the curricula and expected outcomes of standards-based education and the educational experience of students with disabilitiesâ€"and identifies points of alignment between the two areas. The volume documents the diverse population of students with disabilities and their school experiences. Because approaches to assessment and accountability are key to standards-based reforms, the committee analyzes how assessment systems currently address students with disabilities, including testing accommodations. The book addresses legal and resource implications, as well as parental participation in children's education.

The activities that transpire within the classroom either help or hinder students' learning. Any meaningful discussion of educational renewal, therefore, must focus explicitly and directly on the classroom, and on the teaching and learning that occur within it. This book presents a case for the development of classrooms in which students are encouraged to construct deep understandings of important concepts. Jacqueline Grennon Brooks and Martin Brooks present a new set of images for educational settings, images that emerge from student engagement, interaction, reflection, and construction. They have considerable experience in creating constructivist educational settings and conducting research on those settings. Authentic examples are provided throughout the book, as are suggestions for administrators, teachers, and policymakers. For the new edition of their popular book, the authors have written an introduction that places their work in today's educational renewal setting. Today, they urge, the case for constructivist classrooms is much stronger and the need more critical. Note: This product listing is for the Adobe Acrobat (PDF) version of the book.

Educate the whole child—improve the whole school. Implementing new teaching practices can feel like juggling. This book shows you how to balance standards-based learning, social-emotional learning, and cognitive development and build realistic plans for success. With a flexible, three-tiered, visual framework designed for schoolwide collaboration, it helps you build on your school’s strengths and the potential of existing programs. It also offers: • An integrated philosophy focused on self-directed learning and the whole child • Attention to academic inclusion, behavior intervention, and classroom management • Research sourced from CASEL and state programs and initiatives • Numerous illustrations, tables, and graphics • Tools and supplemental resources for implementation

The Constructivist Leader provides educational leaders at all levels with a conceptual framework for leadership defined as reciprocal, purposeful learning in community. The updated Second Edition of this best-selling book enables readers to carry this constructivist vision and purpose forward, while effectively implementing standards-based reform, authentic assessment, and constructivist-based accountability. This new edition features: an expanded theory of Constructivist Leadership reflecting the most recent thinking in leadership, learning, and ethical communities; a comprehensive approach to issues of equity, diversity, and multiculturalism; additional strategies for the implementation of constructivist leadership practice; principles and examples to guide new approaches to accountability; and much more!