This book reports on a three-part qualitative research study examining multiage classrooms from different perspectives. Part 1 of the book describes the activities of a K-3 multiage classroom, based on 40 days of observation and participation. The four chapters in this part offer a description of a typical day in the observed classroom; a brief…

Drawing from research, this book examines the current state of moral education, and asks how schools can foster the moral development of children. Following a preface, the book is divided into three parts. The first part is entitled "Educating for Values and Character" and contains four chapters: (1) The Case for Values Education; (2)…

This book discusses the first order principles (FOPs) of college teaching and their role as the easiest route to working happily and successfully in the classroom. Part 1 lists the 10 principles: (1) moderate classroom incivilities with prosocial immediacies; (2) wait actively for the fruits of one's teaching efforts; (3) begin before feeling…

Based on the experiences as a researcher and teacher in lower-track, high school Algebra One classrooms, this book illuminates the complex dynamics of the algebra classroom and explores how to really know students, how to find engaging material, and how to inspire meaningful classroom conversations. A teacher's evolving understandings of his…

This book, intended for anyone involved in the education of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students, explores the social and cultural factors in second language learning in the school setting. The first section examines the situation inside the classroom, looking at the characteristics of ESL learners, factors affecting their academic…

Since the first edition was published in 1994, Rethinking Our Classrooms has sold over 180,000 copies. This revised and expanded edition includes new essays on: (1) science and environmental education; (2) immigration and language; (3) military recruitment; (4) teaching about the world through mathematics; and (5) gay and lesbian issues. Creative…

Teachers, parents, policymakers, and others interested in researching what is best for teaching children literacy skills will find literally thousands of resources purporting to be "best practices." This book suggests examining real classrooms--teachers and students actively involved in literacy learning--to determine what works in…

This book suggests that professional knowledge (knowledge of subject matter, curriculum, and pedagogy) is not sufficient for becoming an exemplary teacher. It must be combined with interpersonal knowledge (relationships with students and with the educational and local communities), and intrapersonal knowledge (teachers ethics, dispositions, and…

This book is based on the belief that the American education system is in crisis and requires radical systemic change. Because this change is to be designed and carried out by those within schools and not through external mandates, the book focuses on the management responsibilities of the principal and teachers. It draws heavily on the…

Fourth graders around the country face new, high-stakes standardized tests, drawing increased attention to the need for effective literacy instruction in the upper elementary grades. This book goes beyond "political catch phrases" to examine what actually works in the fourth-grade classroom. The book offers a view of the techniques and…

This collection of articles focuses on the practice and policy of staff development in terms of recent developments in teacher learning. Following an introduction by the editors, the book is divided into five parts. Part 1: New Perspectives on Practice contains three chapters: (1) "Reconceptualizing Teaching: Moving toward the Creation of…

This book offers a generalized way of examining the moral significance of what occurs in classrooms, with a focus on analyzing classroom interactions from a symbolic/expressive point of view. The book's ideas were derived from the Moral Life of Schools Project, a 2-year study that investigated the ways in which moral considerations permeate the…

This personal report of classroom experiences at an urban commuter college relates the experiences of a teacher and a group of working-class students studying the book "Utopia," which is also the metaphor for the hoped-for learning experience. The book, illustrated by excerpts from student-submitted work, shows how pedagogical theory leads to…

An argument is presented for making English language education more appropriate to the social requirements of students and educators in different environments throughout the world. This book recommends the use of ethnographic action research to find culturally appropriate methodologies and a shift in teacher education from mastery of culturally…

This book explores the educational mission of teachers. Based mainly on opinion and anecdotal evidence--yet supported by some research--this book calls on teachers and parents to look beyond the old myths about what a good school is and instead focus on facilitating intellectual, ethical, and aesthetic growth in students and in themselves. The…