The cognitive load that a teacher experiences is mind-numbing. To improve, a teacher must begin by reflecting on his or her work, but with the mountain of decisions, where does a teacher find time or have the capacity to notice the way in which students are interacting with lessons? In 2014, the St. Vrain Valley School District Office of…

In this article, I reflect on my use of collage-making as an arts-based method in self-study doctoral research. My self-study was guided by sociocultural learning theories that assume education is an individual activity and a social phenomenon. I ask, "How did collage-making allow me to refine my teaching and learning?" I utilized…

This is a substantially expanded and enhanced revision of Phyllis Blumberg's acclaimed and bestselling book, "Developing Learner-Centered Teaching: A Practical Guide for Faculty" (Jossey-Bass, 2009). This easy to follow how-to-guide provides faculty with both a thorough introduction to this evidence-based approach to teaching and…

The purpose of this article is to present a variety of teaching strategies in one of the most difficult courses undergraduates are required to take: exercise physiology. This course is unique because it challenges students to constantly recall and apply complex concepts to a variety of exercise modes, intensities, and conditions. Further, both the…

What is the secret to success in the 21st Century? According to the New Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce (2008), the standard of living for the middle-class American is no longer guaranteed with only a secondary education degree and a strong work ethic. Due to increased global competition, America needs to rank in the top two…

This study investigated the effects of a classroom intervention on prospective elementary teachers' ability to evaluate evidence of student achievement of mathematical learning goals. The intervention was informed by a framework for teacher education which aims to provide prospective teachers (PTs) with the skills needed to systematically learn…

Several years ago, in the roots of the author's teaching career, she was consumed with reading research papers, creating innovative lesson plans, and grading. While today these activities still fill her time, now her days are marked more by dismantling and reassembling a wheelchair, programming an augmentative communication device, and carrying…

It's an empowering feeling to be in a room full of people who know the lingo of teaching, who understand the demands of teaching young children, and who want to learn more to be able to put best practices in place in their classrooms. Professional development (PD) can put you there and lead to new ways of teaching, deeper understanding of…

Defined as "any systemic inquiry conducted by teachers... for the purpose of gathering information about how their particular schools operate, how they teach, and how their students learn" (Mertler, 2009), "action research" is empowering and professional research done by teachers to inform and improves their own practices. Although there are many…

Recent education reform has emphasized the importance of teacher learning in improving classroom instruction and raising student achievement. This article focuses on teachers' learning opportunities, including formal professional development and on-the-job learning that occurs through interactions with colleagues. Using data from 30 elementary…

Math coaches play a vital role in strengthening math instruction and learning in schools. However, without a collegial relationship with the teachers they are trying to help, it is difficult to foster productive collaborations that lead to better teaching practice and increased student achievement. This resource helps coaches confidently clarify,…

It's much faster and easier to implement Charlotte Danielson's renowned framework for teaching from "Enhancing Professional Practice" when you have this collection of tools, examples, and assessments. Teachers can use the tools, either on their own or with their students, to: (1) Analyze and assess teaching practice; (2) Integrate elements of…

In Japan, "jugyou kenkyuu"--or lesson study--is the most common form of professional development among elementary school and lower-secondary school teachers. While in the United States it is best known as a means of improving math instruction, in Japan, lesson study is practiced in all subjects, from language studies to physical…

What do we mean by reflective practice? What does it involve? How can it help you develop as a teacher? "The Teacher's Reflective Practice Handbook" is an essential source of advice, guidance and ideas for both student and practising teachers. Helping you to translate pedagogical knowledge into practice, this "Handbook" guides you through studying…

Case studies of Authentic Intellectual Work (AIW) in the Iowa project included four high schools that have been practicing this professional development model for the last five years. The schools, AHST Secondary School, Cedar Falls High School, Spencer High and Middle Schools and Valley High School were visited in April, 2011. The visits included…