The group work test is an assessment strategy that promotes higher-order thinking skills for solving context-rich problems. With this format, teachers are able to pose challenging, nuanced questions on a test, while providing the support weaker students need to get started and show their understanding. The test begins with a group discussion…

The present study attempted to investigate the possible impacts of Individual Concept Mapping (ICM) and Collaborative Concept Mapping (CCM) strategies on Iranian EFL learners' reading comprehension. For this purpose, 90 pre-intermediate female language learners ranged between 12 to 17 years of age were selected to randomly assign into ICM, CCM and…

This article shares pedagogical insights from a qualitative study examining the use of immersive social virtual worlds (SVWs) in language teaching and learning. Recognizing the language learning affordances of immersive virtual environments, this research examines the beliefs and practices of 'Karelia Kondor,' an avatar-learner and teacher of…

This study examined the convergent and predictive validity of self-regulated learning (SRL) measures situated in mathematics. The sample included 100 eighth graders from a diverse, urban school district. Four measurement formats were examined including, 2 broad-based (i.e., self-report questionnaire and teacher ratings) and 2 task-specific…

Self-regulated learning (SRL) -- autonomously planning, self-monitoring and self-reflecting on learning -- is a strong predictor of academic success. Mastery of the strategies needed to become a self-regulated learner does not develop automatically in all students; thus, the classroom environment, including pedagogy and modes of assessment, plays…

Various theoretical approaches propose that emotions in the classroom are elicited by appraisal antecedents, with subjective experiences of control playing a crucial role in this context. Perceptions of control, in turn, are expected to be influenced by the classroom social environment, which can include the teaching methods being employed (e.g.,…

This article examines how values embedded in the biographies of principals of successful schools influence their responses to systemic policy reforms. Drawing on examples from two secondary principals with similarly strong moral purposes but contrasting value positions, the research found that, despite differences in the cultures, practices, and…

Students' seatwork plays an important part in their learning in their lessons, and very often, students record their private work in the notebooks during seatwork. The students' private work in their notebooks reflects students' learning and thinking, representing explicit learning outcomes. The students' private work in their notebooks of 14…

Twenty students from different educational backgrounds within the UK were interviewed to investigate how well they considered their secondary school education had prepared them for the educational and social demands of an "elite" university and life within its most traditional colleges. The study asked them how they perceived students…

The "2020 Fall Enrollment Report" contains the following tables, charts, and figures: (1) System Duplicated and Institutional Headcount Enrollments; (2) Full Time and Part Time Headcount; (3) High School Students Enrolled in College Courses, Beginning Freshmen and Transfer Students, Developmental and Collaborative Course Enrollments; (4)…

The educational potentials of social media both in the formal and informal learning contexts have been widely acknowledged. However, how social media use in the informal contexts might influence students' learning in the formal contexts is still underexplored. Path analysis of 141 survey responses from secondary school ethnic minority students in…

This article examines the complexity of the affordances that mobile technologies offer in the K-12 educational context. It builds on an ecological perspective (Mercer, 2012; van Lier, 2008) informed by theories of dynamic systems and complexity (Larsen-Freeman & Cameron, 2008) to explore the concept of affordance as a complex and dynamic…

Genius Hour is a time built into the school day or week to enable students to actively create their learning rather than passively consume it. During the time set aside for Genius Hour, students choose what they will learn about, the strategies they will use to learn it, the pace of their work, the materials and resources they will use, and the…

Although the implementation of effective instructional practice is paramount to the academic success of gifted music programs in kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12), many learners in gifted music programs lack critical thinking skills, self-directed learning, a learner-centered paradigm, and learner-mentor relationship during instruction.…

Having used sustained silent reading (SSR) to motivate reluctant readers in secondary level classes, Steve Gardiner uses the writing equivalent of SSR with secondary students who he wants to motivate and strengthen as authors. He describes the masterpiece assignment he devised and uses with students. Students work all school year on an extended…