Cultivating the Learner-Centered Classroom : From Theory to Practice

by Kaia Tollefson

• ISBN13: 9781412949972
• ISBN10: 1412949971
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-12-11
• Publisher: Sage Pubns

Summary

Teachers at every level face the challenge of finding a balance between learner-centered philosophies and day-to-day classroom life. Aligned with progressive educational thought, this book shows teachers how to make the jump from theory to practice and cultivate learning communities in the classroom and in their schools.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. vii
Time to Learn	p. viii
Fighting for Hope	p. ix
Acknowledgments	p. xiii
About the Authors	p. xv
Introduction: Progressivism and Traditionalism-A Continuum of Educational Thought	p. 1
Facilitating Community Development in the Classroom	p. 11
The Teacher's Essential Attributes: Confidence and Humility, Compassion and Faith	p. 14
The Basis of the Teacher-Student Relationship: Motivation or Coercion?	p. 18
Who Decides Who Belongs? A Note on Inclusive Education	p. 23
From Theory to Practice: Strategies for Facilitating Relationship and Community	p. 25
Classroom Organization	p. 53
Finding You in Your Classroom	p. 55
From Theory to Practice: Strategies for Organizing a Learner-Centered Classroom	p. 58
Observing and Assessing What Students Know and Can Do	p. 67
Understanding Terminology	p. 68
You Can't Teach Someone You Don't Know	p. 70
You Will Assess What You Value	p. 71
You Will Never Finish Learning How to Assess Students' Knowledge	p. 72
From Theory to Practice: Strategies for Assessing What Students Know and Can Do	p. 73
Planning Instruction	p. 97
From Theory to Practice: Strategies for Planning Instruction	p. 100
Evaluating and Reporting Student Growth	p. 129
Common Assumptions About Grades	p. 131
A Brief History of Grading	p. 131
Evaluation as Grading: Critiquing Traditional Purposes of Letter Grades	p. 133
Learner-Centered Evaluation: Reframing the Purpose of Grading	p. 138
From Theory to Practice: Strategies for Evaluating and Reporting Student Growth	p. 140
Facilitating Community Development With Parents	p. 153
From Theory to Practice: Strategies for Facilitating Community Development With Parents	p. 160
Holding On: Leading With Heart	p. 173
On Becoming a "Real" Leader	p. 175
Democratic Faith: The Final, Essential Component of Leadership	p. 179
From Theory to Practice: Strategies for Holding On and Leading With Heart	p. 180
References	p. 187
Index	p. 193
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