K-8 Classroom Methods: From Teacher Reflection to Student Responsibility

Teachers play many roles and wear many hats: this is the concept behind this research- and reality-based look at how best to teach children in grades K-8. With the central belief that teachers play a major role in creating and maintaining an environment in which children can become active, responsible learners, the authors examine planning, instructing, and managing a classroom, as well as ways to help youngsters develop the desired ?learner responsibility.? The book is organized around four critical roles every teacher plays?person, guide, strategizer, and planner?and the transition from one role to another underlies coverage of such diverse topics as the home/school connection, using computers, and digital portfolios. Especially current coverage also addresses a diverse range of other contemporary and controversial issues such as service learning, reciprocal teaching, metamemory strategies, and student-led parent-teacher conferences. For future teachers preparing for the challenges of the twenty-first century classroom.