This paper presents a model of adult reasoning that is consistent with a set of related psychological theories of learning known collectively as constructivism. Three general factors comprise the model: (1) personal epistemology (defined as beliefs about learning, dispositions toward thinking, and assumptions about knowledge itself); (2) sustained…

A university supervisor used a "Stages of Concern" activity to promote reflective practice in preservice teachers. She wanted to show student teachers early in the semester that changes could be predicted, followed, and charted through their practicum to assess professional growth. The "Stages of Concern" model provides an…

Research suggests a strong association between the existence of professional learning communities within schools, increases in the effectiveness of practice, and improvement in student achievement. This paper describes the National School Reform Faculty (NSRF), a professional development program at the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at…

This study reports on a high school teacher using emancipatory action research to implement cooperative learning strategies in a chemistry class. Data were collected and analyzed using qualitative methods. The findings of the study indicate: (1) students accept cooperative learning if they feel it can increase their ability to learn content; (2)…

Members of the National Center for Research in Mathematical Sciences Education Working Group on the Teaching/Learning of Quantities began research in 1991 to identify the teacher characteristics associated with individuals considered by their peers as leaders or early adopters--whose mathematics teaching already exemplifies the spirit of the…

Preservice teacher education curriculum and instruction were surveyed to reveal the state of the art, to identify issues and problems, and to submit suggestions for improvement. Part I, "The Teacher Education Curriculum," presents an overview of current practice in the preservice curriculum. It considers both the general and professional education…

The paper describes efforts to support the development of reflective practice at a basic school in Brno, the Czech Republic. The aims, structure, content and methods are mentioned, as well as some preliminary results. Also, the authors suggest a few preconditions of the success of possible future actions. The specific case is seen from the…

This collection of papers delves into reflection as a concept and provides specific, replicable tools for professional practice. Each chapter draws on a particular school situation, demonstrating the value of teacher reflection and describing the nuts and bolts of the process, offering protocols for handling many different circumstances. After…

This book aims to support and prepare practitioners to undertake small-scale inquiries and research investigations. The processes of research and inquiry-based learning help teachers come to terms with the complexities and challenges of teaching as their responsibilities widen to include the notion of the teacher as researcher. This major shift in…

The purpose of this exploratory case study is to describe efforts made to encourage reflection, interaction, and collaboration for educational innovation and professional growth in three contexts where interactive information and communication technology (ICT) was introduced. The study is framed in adult learning theory (Knowles, 1980; Merriam,…

The impact of surface and reflective teaching and learning on students' academic success was studied with 178 students in grades 6 through 8 at a middle school in Tennessee. Students were surveyed to determine their experiences in the classroom with regard to surface or reflective teaching in their Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social…

This paper outlines a way of connecting theory and reflective practice in mathematics teacher education. The construct of personal theories is put forward as an innovative pedagogical tool for connecting theory to practice through reflective writing. The cognitive process of "noticing and naming" emerged as way of theorising practice and helped to…

Become a successful literacy leader and improve the vision of literacy in the classroom, school, and community. This book's six proven strategies will help the reader do the "peoplework" at the heart of successful leadership: Creating and communicating a vision; Modeling that vision; Experimenting with new ideas and taking risks; Nurturing…

This paper examines some of the emotional issues that can interfere with teachers' professional skills and abilities to reflect on what they are doing in a non-emotional, non-judgmental way. For example, the recent move to include students with disabilities in mainstream classes has placed stress on many teachers, making them feel overwhelmed,…

This paper describes an alternative methodology used to study students' constructions of meaning as they engage in a curriculum-making project while taking "Global Perspectives," a foundational graduate preservice teacher education course at Pace University, New York. Global Perspectives offers opportunities to explore the power of…