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Understanding Teacher Education in Contentious Times: Political Cross-Currents and Conflicting Interests
by Catherine CornblethUnderstanding Teacher Education in Contentious Times examines how public, professional, and private or corporate agencies operate to shape teacher education and possibilities for its improvement. Teacher education programs, particularly those leading to state certification or licensure, are influenced not only by state regulations but also by required review and accreditation by an outside agency such as the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, and are subject to various contextual pressures such as the cultures of the institutions that host them and their surrounding communities, their potential student and employer markets, strong individuals, professional organizations, history or tradition, and, increasingly, external, usually privately-funded, special interest corporations such as the National Council on Teacher Quality. Unique among books on teacher education, this volume interweaves—in historical context including emerging trends—the complex contexts in which practice and reform efforts take place and are supported or impeded.
Understanding Teacher Education: Case Studies in the Professional Development of Beginning Teachers
by James Calderhead Susan B. ShorrockThis text reports a study of 20 student primary teachers, 10 on a conventional PGCE course and 10 on a school-based articled teacher training course. documenting their learning experiences over a two year period, the authors explore the factors that facilitate or impede the students' learning as teachers. In drawing upon these case studies together with existing theoretical models of professional development, the authors distinguish several key characteristics of learning to teach and discuss the implications of these for the design of effective school- based teacher education courses.
Understanding Teacher Leadership in Educational Change: An International Perspective (Routledge Research in Teacher Education)
by Peng Liu Lei Mee ThienThis book examines the vital roles of teacher leadership in the ever-evolving landscape of educational change, a constant presence in educational settings. As a cornerstone of school improvement initiatives, teacher leadership is essential; however, research in this field frequently lacks strong theoretical foundations and thorough exploration. This edited volume provides a comprehensive perspective on the roles of teacher leaders in driving educational change.The chapters discuss the competencies required for teacher leadership in turnaround schools, its influence on both school-level and systemic reforms, and the contextual factors shaping leadership development. Additionally, the book provides an in-depth examination of teacher leadership's transformative potential in fostering educational change, offering comprehensive insights into how teacher leaders drive innovation, collaboration, and improvement within schools. By addressing these themes, the volume contributes to a deeper understanding of teacher leadership's role in shaping educational outcomes.This book caters to a wide audience, including graduate students in leadership programs, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders involved in shaping educational policies. It offers valuable theoretical insights and serves as a practical reference for those aiming to understand the significant impact of teacher leadership on educational change and improvement efforts.
Understanding Teacher Learning in Professional Learning Communities in China: Experiences from a Shanghai Junior Secondary School
by Licui ChenBased on six-month fieldwork in a junior secondary school in Shanghai, this book qualitatively investigates the implementation of Teaching Research Group (TRG) practices and teachers’ different professional learning experiences within the structure of TRGs. The author situates teacher professional learning in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) within broader historical, social, and cultural contexts and further suggests that the practice of TRGs reflects the Chinese approach of balancing the seemly complex dualities (e.g., commitment and control, collaboration and authority, individual and collective approaches) in educational settings. This book supplements the present knowledge base on PLCs in the context of China and thus enriches the global discussion on constructing effective PLCs for teacher professional learning and development. Scholars and students studying teacher professional learning and development, professional learning communities, school improvement, and Chinese schooling would find this book helpful.
Understanding Teaching Excellence in Higher Education: Towards a Critical Approach (Key Issues in Higher Education)
by Alan SkeltonWhat makes a university teacher 'excellent'? As debates rage about whether this is down to subject knowledge, communication skills, taking a research-led approach or being a technological whiz, this book provides the first in-depth examination of teaching excellence in higher education. Identifying and examining interpretations of teaching excellence, it considers what ‘excellent’ means and implies for practice.
Understanding Teaching and Learning in Primary Education
by Mike Carroll Margaret McCullochThis textbook gives you guidance and insights into the knowledge, values and commitments necessary to succeed in the primary classroom, supported by links to theory and research literature and realistic scenarios you may encounter as a new teacher. Fully updated throughout, key features of this second edition include: · A new chapter on inclusive education · Newly expanded coverage of digital learning, engaging with educational research and the role of the primary teacher · New ‘View from Practice’ examples · Cross-referenced links to the Teachers’ Standards in England and the GTCS Professional Standards in Scotland and where they are covered within the book This is essential reading for professional studies modules on primary initial teacher education courses, including university-based (PGCE, PGDE, BA QTS, BEd), school-based (SCITT, School Direct) and employment-based routes into teaching.
Understanding Teaching and Learning in Primary Education
by Mike Carroll Margaret McCullochThis textbook gives you guidance and insights into the knowledge, values and commitments necessary to succeed in the primary classroom, supported by links to theory and research literature and realistic scenarios you may encounter as a new teacher. Fully updated throughout, key features of this second edition include: · A new chapter on inclusive education · Newly expanded coverage of digital learning, engaging with educational research and the role of the primary teacher · New ‘View from Practice’ examples · Cross-referenced links to the Teachers’ Standards in England and the GTCS Professional Standards in Scotland and where they are covered within the book This is essential reading for professional studies modules on primary initial teacher education courses, including university-based (PGCE, PGDE, BA QTS, BEd), school-based (SCITT, School Direct) and employment-based routes into teaching.
Understanding Teaching and Learning in Primary Education
by Margaret Mcculloch Mike CarrollThis textbook supports your initial teacher education by providing guidance and insight into the professional knowledge and understanding, skills and abilities, and values and commitments necessary in order to succeed in the primary classroom. Coverage includes: View from practice boxes in every chapter exploring real-life examples of intelligent and engaging teaching in schools Thinking points and reflective questions challenging you to engage critically with what you have read and apply it to your own teaching Links to further reading connecting you to specialised literature on every chapter topic Clear discussion of education policy differences across the UK. Mike Carroll is the PGDE (Primary and Secondary) Programme Leader and Director of the MEd Professional Learning and Enquiry programme in the School of Education, University of Glasgow. Margaret McCulloch is a University Teacher within the School of Education, University of Glasgow.
Understanding Test and Exam Results Statistically
by Kaycheng SohThis book shares the goal of the classic text How to Lie with Statistics, namely, preventing and correcting statistical misconceptions that are common among practitioners, though its focus is on the educational context. It illustrates and discusses the essentials of educational statistics that will help educational practitioners to do this part of their job properly, i. e. , without making conceptual mistakes. The examples are cast in the school/classroom contexts, based on realistic rather than theoretical examples.
Understanding The Bible (Eighth Edition)
by Stephen L. HarrisThis best-selling nonsectarian guide is designed for students undertaking their first systematic study of the Bible. Placing each book of the Old Testament, Apocrypha, and the New Testament fully in its historical and cultural context, Understanding the Bible acquaints readers with the content as well as the major themes of each biblical book, and familiarizes them with the goals and methods of important scholarship.
Understanding The Scriptures (Semester Edition)
by Scott HahnPart of the Didache series. Presenting a Catholic approach to Scripture and highlighting the theme of covenant, Understanding the Scriptures: Semester Edition will provide an understanding of Sacred Scripture so critical to the Catholic Faith.
Understanding Transitions in the Early Years: Supporting Change through Attachment and Resilience
by Anne O'ConnorThere are many transitions that children experience before they are five, including the first major transition from home to an early years setting. Successive changes can have a serious impact on young children and stress, separation and insecure attachments can affect not only a child’s emotional health but also cognitive and intellectual development. Featuring new material on provision for two year olds, school readiness, and families and transitions, this thought-provoking text explains why transitions matter and provides practical guidance on how to support young children’s developing emotional resilience and equip them to embrace change in the future. Aimed at practitioners and students, this fully-updated second edition: draws together evidence from neuroscience, attachment theory, child development and childcare practices; provides a context for practitioners to empathise with children and families as they relate to their own understanding of the impact of change and transition; looks at ways to reduce the number of transitions including the key person approach, and; offers guidance and practical strategies for practitioners, managers and head teachers for supporting children through transitions. Including case studies, examples of good practice and questions for reflection, Understanding Transitions in the Early Years emphasises the little things that practitioners can do for the individual children in their care, helping them to feel secure and confident when dealing with change.
Understanding Twice-Exceptional Learners: Connecting Research to Practice
by Wendy Behrens Cecelia Boswell C. FugateUnderstanding Twice-Exceptional Learners offers an in-depth look at the needs and lived experiences of students who are twice-exceptional. This book:Includes detailed examinations of co-occurring disabilities commonly found in twice-exceptional populations.Features studies of ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), anxiety, OCD, and more.Bridges the divide between research about and practical strategies for teaching gifted students with learning challenges.Is Ideal for university teacher preparation courses and graduate programs.Provides strength-based strategies that focus on students' unique gifts and talents.Each chapter includes a comprehensive literature review, suggested interventions, resources for further exploration, and vignettes that highlight experiences of twice-exceptional students and the behaviors and needs that practitioners might commonly see in the classroom.
Understanding Twice-Exceptional Learners: Connecting Research to Practice
by Wendy Behrens Cecelia Boswell C. Matthew FugateUnderstanding Twice-Exceptional Learners offers an in-depth look at the needs and lived experiences of students who are twice-exceptional. This book:Includes detailed examinations of co-occurring disabilities commonly found in twice-exceptional populations.Features studies of ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), anxiety, OCD, and more.Bridges the divide between research about and practical strategies for teaching gifted students with learning challenges.Is Ideal for university teacher preparation courses and graduate programs.Provides strength-based strategies that focus on students' unique gifts and talents.Each chapter includes a comprehensive literature review, suggested interventions, resources for further exploration, and vignettes that highlight experiences of twice-exceptional students and the behaviors and needs that practitioners might commonly see in the classroom.
Understanding Undergraduates: Challenging our preconceptions of student success (SEDA Series)
by David A. Green Celia PopovicMost university teachers have ideas about the typical good or not-so-good student in their classes, but rarely do they share these thoughts with others. By keeping quiet about the preconceptions – or stereotypes – they harbour, teachers put themselves at risk of missing key evidence to help them revise their beliefs; more importantly, they may fail to notice students in real need of their support and encouragement. In this unique work, the authors explore UK and US university teachers’ beliefs about their students’ performance and reveal which beliefs are well-founded, which are mistaken, which mask other underlying factors, and what they can do about them. So is it true, for instance, that British Asian students find medicine more difficult than their white counterparts, or that American students with sports scholarships take their studies less seriously? Is it the case that students who sit at the front of the lecture hall get better grades than those who sit at the back? By comparing students’ demographic data and their actual performance with their teachers’ expectations, the authors expose a complex picture of multiple factors affecting performance. They also contrast students’ comments about their own study habits with their views on what makes a good learner. For each preconception, they offer clear advice on how university teachers can redesign their courses, introduce new activities and assignments and communicate effective learning strategies that students will be able to put into practice. Finally, the authors explore the ramifications of teachers’ beliefs and suggest actions that can be taken at the level of the institution, department or programme and in educational development events, designed to level the playing field so that students have a more equitable chance of success. Ideal for both educational developers and university teachers, this book: reveals general tendencies and findings that will inform developers’ own work with university teachers, provides practical guidance and solutions for university teachers to be able to identify and address students’ actual – rather than assumed – needs, explores means of addressing and challenging people’s natural tendency to rely on preconceived ideas and stereotypes, and explains an action research method that educational developers can use on their own campuses to unravel some of the local preconceptions that may be hampering student success.
Understanding University Committees: How to Manage and Participate Constructively in Institutional Governance
by David A. FarrisCommittees are indispensable to the governance of higher education, yet there is seldom guidance to faculty and administrators on how committees should be conducted or how to maximize committee obligations. This is the first handbook on how both to manage committees and how to engage effectively as members to achieve departmental or broad institutional goals, and how participation valuably contributes to individual learning and advancement.Based on empirical research, organizational theory, and interviews with faculty and administrators, Dr. David Farris provides an informative and vivid examination of the dynamics of committee work, addresses the planning, conduct, roles, composition, and dispositions of members as well as the institutional context and structures in which they operate that are vital to organizational success.Committees are not just laboratories for implementing the vision of university leadership, developing solutions to institutional challenges, and refining organizational procedures; they are the proving ground for future leaders in higher education. How members perform in committees reflects our professionalism, aptitude, integrity, and character – all-important considerations given that we serve as ambassadors for our department, college, office, and colleagues.In offering guidance on good committee practices, a recurring theme of this book is that readers should critically evaluate individual performance and how it impacts others or the committee at large. Too often the locus of control is presumed to be reserved for the chairperson even though significant influence can be exercised through informal leadership, member dispositions, and leveraging social networks.In addition to reviewing the mechanism of committees, David Farris provides practical information regarding the functional application of committees (tactical, operational, or strategic), committee leadership and management, group dynamics that influence committee performance, and the importance of diversity and inclusive committee cultures to institutional performance. Throughout the book he identifies opportunities for faculty and administrators to reflect on their committee experiences, challenges readers to consider how to capitalize on committee experiences, and consider the various ways that committees shape institutional culture and performance.This book provides guidance on how to create committees that are conducive to fair, equitable, and engaging participative decision-making experiences to yield the best results and to promote enthusiasm for participation in committees, whether as chairs or committee members.
Understanding Vocabulary (The Jamestown Comprehension Skills Series)
by McGraw-Hill Education Editors McGraw-Hill Education Staff Jamestown PublishersThe Comprehension Skills Series teaches students to become stronger, efficient readers by developing ten important, specific reading comprehension skills.
Understanding Waldorf Education: Teaching from the Inside Out
by Jack PetrashWritten by a teacher with more than 25 years of experience, this book offers a jargon-free view of Waldorf education and its philosophy of the importance of a three-dimensional education. Through learning experiences that involve all of the senses, children use a variety of intelligences to develop thought, feeling, and intentional, purposeful activity. Whether you're Waldorf parent or teacher, or you just want to learn more about these innovative educational concepts, this book contains important ideas on learning that you can apply today.
Understanding Wellbeing in Higher Education of the Global South: Contextually Sensitive and Culturally Responsive Perspectives (Wellbeing and Self-care in Higher Education)
by Abdellatif Sellami Youmen Chaaban Igor MichaleczekThis edited book gives voice to previously unheard narratives on wellbeing in higher education and provides novel implications for higher education policy and practice.Offering contextually sensitive and culturally responsive perspectives, the book problematizes wellbeing in higher education as it is currently theorized in the Global North, bringing to the fore perspectives and multi-disciplinary insights from the Global South region. Chapters present an alternative conceptualization of wellbeing in higher education based on stories, perceptions, and experiences of university students, faculty, and leaders from the Global South region, challenging a reductionist view of wellbeing and embracing its complexity, multi-dimensionality and context-sensitivity. The authors present an alternative non-Western approach to thinking, researching, and doing wellbeing in higher education, offering clear guidelines to support teachers, educational researchers, and leaders in fostering a more holistic teaching and learning experience.This volume will stimulate policy development and enactment, as well as university-wide interventions and practices that can make a difference in the lives of students in higher education.
Understanding White Privilege: Creating Pathways to Authentic Relationships Across Race (Teaching/Learning Social Justice)
by Frances KendallKnowingly and unknowingly we all grapple with race every day. Understanding White Privilege delves into the complex interplay between race, power, and privilege in both organizations and private life. It offers an unflinching look at how ignorance can perpetuate privilege, and offers practical and thoughtful insights into how people of all races can work to break this cycle. Based on thirty years of work in diversity and colleges, universities, and corporations, Frances Kendall candidly invites readers to think personally about how race — theirs and others’ — frames experiences and relationships, focusing squarely on white privilege and its implications for building authentic relationships across race. This much-anticipated revised edition includes two full new chapters, one on white women and another extending the discussion on race. It continues the important work of the first, deepening our knowledge of the recurring history on which cross-race relationships issues exist. Kendall’s book provides readers with a more meaningful understanding of white privilege and equips them with strategies for making personal and organizational changes.
Understanding Whole-School Approaches to LGBTQ+ Inclusion: Theory to Inform Policy and Practice in Schools and Universities (ISSN)
by Jonathan Glazzard Samuel StonesThe book provides a comprehensive theoretical exploration of LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools drawing on critical insights from across the disciplines of sociology, psychology, history, and queer theory to present a robust theoretical foundation for school-wide approaches to LGBTQ+ inclusion.Examining key concepts such as minority stress and ‘post-gay’ identities, it offers a nuanced understanding of the historical attitudes and systemic oppression faced by the LGBTQ+ community. The chapters construct an ecological framework that highlights the unique challenges encountered by LGBTQ+ students and teachers in educational settings. This framework serves as the basis for a model that advocates for proactive measures in fostering an inclusive environment in schools. This includes the development of inclusive policies, practices, culture, and curricula. The book concludes by contemplating the potential applications of this model in Higher Education, extending its relevance beyond K-12 schools to also include universities and colleges.This volume will be valuable resource for researchers, scholars, educators, and policymakers interested in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion in educational institutions, and with interests in gender and education, whole-school approaches, LGBTQ+, and diversity and inclusion more broadly.
Understanding Williams Syndrome: Behavioral Patterns and Interventions
by Eleanor Semel Sue R. RosnerComprehensive and readable, Understanding Williams Syndrome: Behavioral Patterns and Interventions is an essential guide for all those professionally, scientifically, or personally involved with this so frequently misunderstood and underserved population--psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other mental health professionals; special educators and vocational counselors; speech-language, physical, and occupational therapists; audiologists; physicians; and parents. In the last 20 years, Williams syndrome has captured the interest of large numbers of scientists and attracted considerable media attention in spite of its rarity (estimated at no more than one in 30,000 births). Those diagnosed display a unique pattern of behavioral, cognitive, and physical limitations and strengths with fascinating neurogenetic implications--a pattern that poses enormous challenges to their parents and caregivers. The authors, a specialist in learning disabilities and a developmental psychologist, review basic information about Williams syndrome, its medical conditions, paradoxical profile, and neurobiological mechanisms; and discuss distinctive features of the language and perceptual and motor performance of children and adults with the syndrome. Other features include:* Strategies for working with patients.* An examination of the difference between Williams syndrome and other developmental disorders.* Problem-specific alternatives for treatment.* Analysis of new directions in research, clinical intervention, education, and systems for care delivery. Throughout, they stress variations among individuals and subgroups in ability level, skills, talents, and problem severity; and emphasize the necessity of recognizing these components in planning treatment on an individual basis.
Understanding Working Memory
by Tracy Packiam Alloway Ross G AllowayWorking memory is how your brain stores information for a short period of time and how much you can fit on this 'post-it note' hugely influences how well you do at school and beyond. Understanding working memory means you will be able to better support children's learning and concentration. This can be particularly useful to children with conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD and autistic spectrum disorders, where poor working memory is thought to be an underlying factor. New to this edition are: · A new chapter on emotional difficulties and working memory · A clear chapter structure which looks at the what, where, why and how for every difficulty. · More information on how to work with younger children This book will make sure you are able to spot problems early, work with children to improve their working memory and ensure they reach their full potential. Tracy Packiam Alloway is an award-winning psychologist based at the University of North Florida Ross Alloway is the CEO of Memosyne Ltd, a company that brings cutting-edge scientific research to parents.
Understanding Writing Transfer: Implications for Transformative Student Learning in Higher Education
by Randall Bass John N. Gardner Betsy O. Barefoot Jessie L. MooreWhile education is based on the broad assumption that what one learns here can transfer over there– across critical transitions – what do we really know about the transfer of knowledge?The question is all the more urgent at a time when there are pressures to “unbundle” higher education to target learning particular subjects and skills for occupational credentialing to the detriment of integrative education that enables students to make connections and integrate their knowledge, skills and habits of mind into a adaptable and critical stance toward the worldThis book – the fruit of two-year multi-institutional studies by forty-five researchers from twenty-eight institutions in five countries – identifies enabling practices for, and five essential principles about, writing transfer that should inform decision-making by all higher education stakeholders about how to generally promote the transfer of knowledge.This collection concisely summarizes what we know about writing transfer and explores the implications of writing transfer research for universities’ institutional decisions about writing across the curriculum requirements, general education programs, online and hybrid learning, outcomes assessment, writing-supported experiential learning, e-portfolios, first-year experiences, and other higher education initiatives. This volume makes writing transfer research accessible to administrators, faculty decision makers, and other stakeholders across the curriculum who have a vested interest in preparing students to succeed in their future writing tasks in academia, the workplace, and their civic lives, and offers a framework for addressing the tensions between competency-based education and the integration of knowledge so vital for our society.
Understanding Young Children’s Learning through Play: Building playful pedagogies
by Pat Broadhead Andy BurtThis timely and accessible text introduces, theorises and practically applies two important concepts which now underpin early years practice: those of ‘playful learning' and 'playful pedagogies'. Pat Broadhead and Andy Burt draw upon filmed material, conversations with children, reflection, observation, and parental and staff interviews, in their longitudinal study of outdoor and indoor play environments in an early years unit. This research-based text offers extensive insights into related theories, as well drawing on the authors’ skills and knowledge as researcher and as class teacher in order to provide opportunities for personal reflection and possibilities for practical application in early years classes and settings. Discussing both indoor and outdoor environments, the text explores ideas surrounding ‘open-ended play’, and ‘the whatever you want it to be place’. It illustrates how the themes of children’s play reflect their interests, experiences, knowledge gained at home and in school, and their cultural heritages. By showing how children become familiar and skilful within open-ended play environments, the authors illustrate how the children’s co-operative skills develop over time as they become connected in communities of learners. Alongside the examples of children’s playful learning, the book also considers the implications for resourcing and organising playful settings through playful pedagogies that connect with the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum (DfES 2007) and with the Tickell Review, ongoing as the book went to press. Understanding Young Children's Learning through Play uses children’s perspectives on their play to illustrate how rich their personal understandings are. It also includes parental reflections on what may initially appear a risky and unusual outdoor environment, and it draws attention to the importance of conflict resolution in play in order to extend children’s resilience and assertiveness. This insightful text will be of interest to students of early years education, early years practitioners, academics and researchers.