This paper discusses the uses and applications of the Pedagogy of Experience Complexity for Smart Learning (PECSL), a four-tier model of considerations for the design and development of smart learning activities. Using existing mobile apps and relevant activities as illustrative examples, the PECSL is applied to indicate concepts and mechanisms by…

A century ago, spelling skills were highly valued and widely taught in schools using traditional methods, such as weekly lists, drill exercises, and low- and high-stakes spelling tests. That approach was featured in best-selling textbooks such as the "Horn-Ashbaugh Speller" of 1920. In the early 21st century, however, skepticism as to…

Most teachers are concerned about the teaching of vocabulary. However, it is much more effective to focus on the ways in which vocabulary can be learned. This article looks at the jobs of the teacher, which include, in order of importance, (1) designing a balanced course, (2) organizing classroom work and homework, (3) training the learners in how…

To address teachers' difficulties in implementing effective self-regulated learning (SRL) for their professional knowledge and practice as well as for their students' learning, a conceptual framework and a practical model for professional development is proposed that can help bridge theory, practice, and research on teachers' SRL. Expanding on…

Those responsible for supervising teacher candidates have an obligation to promote socially just pedagogies. In this paper, I investigate my own supervisory practice as a novice supervisor in my mediation of a teacher candidate's understanding of social justice. I rely on a sociocultural theoretical perspective (Vygotsky, 1978) and the…

Talent development research has uncovered common conditions for nurturing talented individuals: enriched early environment, appropriate instruction, long-term and deliberate practice, singleness of purpose, and centers of excellence. Talent research also reveals that parents play a critical role in arranging and facilitating these conditions and…

The quest to improve teaching on a wide scale is an enduring challenge globally. Yet demonstrable improvement in teaching quality is both elusive and slow. In this essay, I explore some of the complexities that contribute to the slow pace of change, including: the slippage between teachers and teaching as the object of improvement; the poorly…

In this article the author examines and reflects about what anti-racism education can look like in a privileged suburban high school that includes mainly White students. She draws on the work of anti-racism and equity-focused authors to provide suggestions to teachers of all grade levels across multiple contexts.

At the heart of education are two fundamental questions: "What should we teach?" and How should we teach it? Educators striving to design and deliver the best-possible learning experiences can feel overwhelmed by the possibilities. To help them make these critical decisions, Angela Di Michele Lalor identifies five key priorities of a…

Racial literacy is a skill and practice by which individuals can probe the existence of racism and examine the effects of race and institutionalized systems on their experiences and representation in US society. Students who have this skill can discuss the implications of race and American racism in constructive ways. Racially literate teachers…

The problem addressed in this study is even though many early childhood educators participate in required professional development, they still lack the ability to transfer their professional development experiences into classroom practices. No program can impact what is learned from professional development if it is not appropriately implemented.…

Chinese choral music has been developing for more than a century, as has higher choral music education in China. There is not yet a standard choral curriculum system in Chinese music colleges and universities. Furthermore, because of the language barrier and cultural differences, Chinese choral educators and conductors show a strong preference for…

This study is an extension of Slutsky's (2016) dissertation about technology self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to extend the generalization of the original study, considering the knowledge of teacher technology self-efficacy as it relates to integrating technology in the classroom. I built on previous research and added related…

Despite the fact that professional learning is the main means for maintaining quality educators and improving school instruction, professional learning does not guarantee teacher implementation of professional learning or increased student achievement. The inconsistency reflects the complexity of implementing professional learning with teachers…

In 2012, Northern Kentucky University began offering a Best Practices in College Teaching (BPCT) course. Prior to this program evaluation, the course had not been assessed in any formal manner. The gap in knowledge lies in understanding the unique aspects that the BPCT course offers. The Utilization-Focused Evaluation (UFE) developed by Michael…