Succeeding With Inquiry In Science And Math Classrooms

This book shows K-12 STEM teachers how to maximize their effectiveness with students by shifting to an inquiry-based instructional approach and creating a rigorous, engaging learning environment.

"Thinking critically. Communicating effectively. Collaborating productively. Students need to develop proficiencies while mastering the practices, concepts, and ideas associated with mathematics and science. Successful students must be able to work with large data sets, design experiments, and apply what they're learning to solve real-world problems. Research shows that inquiry-based instruction boosts students' critical thinking skills and promotes the kind of creative problem solving that turns the classroom into an energized learning environment. No matter what your experience with inquiry-based instruction, Succeeding with Inquiry in Science and Math Classrooms will help hone your ability to plan and implement high-quality lessons that engage students and improve learning"--Provided by publisher.

"We decide, every day, whether we are going to turn students on or off to science and mathematics in our classrooms." Daily decisions about how to incorporate creativity, choice, and autonomy—integral components of engagement—can build students' self-efficacy, keep them motivated, and strengthen their identities as scientists and mathematicians. In this book, Eric Brunsell and Michelle A. Fleming show you how to apply the joyful learning framework introduced in Engaging Minds in the Classroom to instruction in science and mathematics. Acknowledging that many students—particularly girls and students of color—do not see themselves as mathematicians and scientists, the authors provide a series of suggested activities that are aligned with standards and high expectations to engage and motivate all learners. Given the current focus on encouraging students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) studies, this book is a welcome addition to every teacher's reference collection. Eric Brunsell is a former high school science teacher and is now associate professor of science education at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Michelle A. Fleming is a former elementary and middle school teacher and is now assistant professor of science and mathematics education at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.

A framework of 7 research-based, classroom-tested rubrics and examples that support teachers as they intentionally work to evaluate, assess, and improve teaching and learning.

Do you sense that some students have mentally "checked out" of your classroom? Look closely and you'll probably find that these students are bored by lessons that they view as unchallenging and uninteresting. In this follow-up to The Highly Effective Teacher: 7 Classroom-Tested Practices That Foster Student Success, Jeff Marshall provides teachers with a blueprint for introducing more rigor to the classroom by - Reorienting themselves and their students toward active learning—and establishing the habits that allow it to flourish; - Creating a classroom culture where students aren't afraid to take risks—and where they grow as learners because of it; - Planning the same lesson at different levels of challenge for different levels of development—and designing assessments that gauge student progress fairly without sacrificing expectations; and - Implementing inquiry-based activities that push students beyond their comfort zones—and that result in well-rounded learners with stronger character and sharper thinking skills. Leveraging the latest research in the field as well as years of hard-won classroom experience, this book offers practical strategies, replicable examples, and thoughtful reflection exercises for educators to use as they work to help students embrace the mystery, complexity, and power of challenge.

What are the secrets to unlocking student success? And what can teachers do to get better at helping students develop deep understanding of content, attain higher-order thinking skills, and become secure, confident, and capable learners? In this book, teacher and professor Jeff Marshall showcases how teaching with intentionality answers these questions. Specifically, he introduces the Teacher Intentionality Practice Scale (TIPS), a framework for both supporting and measuring effective teaching. Taken together, the framework’s seven TIPs provide a research-based, classroom-tested guide to help teachers * create coherent, connected lessons; * use strategies and resources, including technology, that truly enhance learning; * organize a safe, respectful learning environment; * develop challenging and rigorous learning experiences; * promote interactive, thoughtful learning; * nurture a creative, problem-solving classroom culture; and * deliver feedback and formative assessment that inform teaching and learning. Marshall’s needs-assessment instrument can help teachers, working independently or in a cohort, determine the best starting point for improving their practice. Practical, straightforward rubrics for each TIP describe the various levels of teacher proficiency. Based on his own teaching experience and observations in hundreds of classrooms, Marshall also offers action tips for each framework component and a list of resources for further study. Written for teachers and leaders at all levels and in all content areas, The Highly Effective Teacher is a guidebook for thoughtful, intentional teaching with one goal: success for all students, in every classroom.

This easy-to-read guide provides new and seasoned teachers with practical ideas, strategies, and insights to help address essential topics in effective science teaching, including emphasizing inquiry, building literacy, implementing technology, using a wide variety of science resources, and maintaining student safety.

In this second volume of It’s All About Thinking, the authors focus their expertise on the disciplines of mathematics and science, translating principles into practices that help other educators with their students. How can we help students develop the thinking skills they need to become successful learners? How does this relate to deep learning of important concepts in mathematics and science? How can we engage and support diverse learners in inclusive classrooms where they develop understanding and thinking skills? In this book, Faye, Leyton and Carole explore these questions and offer classroom examples to help busy teachers develop communities where all students learn. This book is written by three experienced educators who offer a welcoming and “can-do” approach to the big ideas in math and science education today. In this book you will find: insightful ways to teach diverse learners (Information circles, open-ended strategies, inquiry, manipulatives and models) lessons crafted using curriculum design frameworks (udl and backwards design) assessment for, as, and of learning fully fleshed-out lessons and lesson sequences; inductive teaching to help students develop deep learning and thinking skills in Math and Science assessment tools (and student samples) for concepts drawn from learning outcomes in Math and Science curricula excellent examples of theory and practice made accessible real school examples of collaboration — teachers working together to create better learning opportunities for their students