Understanding How Students Learn : A Guide for Instructional Leaders

by P. Karen Murphy

• ISBN13: 9781412908863
• ISBN10: 1412908868
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-10-07
• Publisher: Corwin Pr

Summary

Recognize and promote exceptional teaching based on how students learn! To improve teaching, school leaders must understand how students learn. Authors P. Karen Murphy and Patricia Alexander explore key psychological dimensions of learners and explain how these dimensions can be incorporated into more effective teaching strategies. Their accessible overview of classic and current educational research is part of the Leadership for Learning initiative of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). Understanding How Students Learn provides guiding principles that school leaders can use to help their teachers develop a learner-centered approach to instruction that enables all students to learn at high levels and do well on common measures of academic achievement. Concepts explored in-depth include: Learner growth and development Acquiring knowledge and understanding Cultivating learner motivation Strategic teaching and strategic learning The power of shared learning In addition to outlining specific guidelines for research-based action, the authors provide leaders with an understanding of student learning that empowers them to work more productively with teachers, parents, community leaders, and students. Designed for principals and school administrators who have assumed the role of instructional leader, this book will also be an invaluable resource for those contemplating a career in school administration or teachers concerned with improving academic performance.

Table of Contents

List of Tables and Figures	ix
Series Introduction	xi
Preface	xiii
Acknowledgments	xv
About the Authors	xvii
Essential Components of Learning	1	(14)
What Can Psychological Theory and Research Contribute to Our Understanding of How Students Learn?	1	(3)
What Are the Key Dimensions of Academic Learning?	4	(1)
How Can Instructional Leaders Apply the Dimensions of Learning?	5	(10)
Growth and Development Stages in Grades PreK--12	15	(18)
What Is Development?	15	(2)
What Are the Developmental Milestones for Preschool to High-School Students?	17	(5)
How Do Instructional Leaders Put Development Research Into Practice?	22	(8)
Chapter Reflections	30	(3)
How Students Acquire Knowledge	33	(24)
What Is Knowledge?	33	(8)
How Do Students Acquire or Alter Their Knowledge?	41	(9)
How Do Instructional Leaders Put Knowledge Research Into Practice?	50	(3)
Chapter Reflections	53	(4)
Cultivating Student Motivation	57	(22)
What Does It Mean to Be Motivated?	57	(4)
How Do Students' Goals and Competency Beliefs Relate to Their Learning and Achievement?	61	(8)
What Can Instructional Leaders Do to Foster Motivation in Students?	69	(8)
Chapter Reflections	77	(2)
Strategic Learning and Strategic Teaching	79	(22)
What Does It Mean to Be a Strategic Learner?	79	(1)
Are Some Basic Strategies Required to Achieve Academically?	80	(12)
What Principles Can Instructional Leaders Employ to Promote Students' Strategic Behavior?	92	(6)
Chapter Reflections	98	(3)
Harnessing the Power of Shared Learning	101	(20)
What Is Meant by Shared Learning?	101	(3)
Are There Approaches to Shared Learning That Promote Achievement?	104	(10)
How Can Instructional Leaders Promote Shared Learning in Classrooms?	114	(4)
Chapter Reflections	118	(3)
Concluding Thoughts	121	(4)
References	125	(16)
Index	141