Enhancing Student Learning in Middle School by Martha Casas (English) Hardcover

Publisher Description

A comprehensive introduction to middle school teaching, this textbook focuses explicitly on instructional strategies that encourage adolescents to become active participants in their own learning within a world of accountability and standardized testing. The author, an experienced middle school teacher and teacher educator, takes a constructivist approach to teaching that considers the whole child, including the emotional, psychological, social, and cultural variables uniquely associated with adolescence. The text examines the full range of middle school topics, from the development and diversity of middle school learners, to the structures, curriculum, and management of the classroom itself. Special features include: "Empowering Middle School Students to Take Ownership of their Learning," "Teaching Scenario," "Key Points," and "Creating an Anti-Oppressive Atmosphere in Your Classroom" textboxes help teachers gain a clearer understanding of content presented and encourage them to become reflective practitioners. Callouts throughout explicitly link chapter content to NMSA standards.Discussion of the unique challenges of actively engaging bilingual students, special needs students, and students exhibiting antisocial behavior. Accounts about middle school students illustrate the ways adolescents think about school and learning. A chapter that focuses on ways teachers can apply the general teaching strategies to specific subject areas. Sample Lesson Plans, Focus Questions, Chapter Summaries, Journal Entries, and Student Activities/Assignments are included throughout to encourage readers to actively participate with the text.

Back Cover

A comprehensive introduction to middle school teaching, this textbook focuses explicitly on instructional strategies that encourages adolescents to become active participants in their own learning. The author, an experienced middle school teacher and teacher educator, takes a holistic approach to teaching that considers the whole child, including the emotional, psychological, social, and cultural variables associated uniquely with adolescence. The text examines the full range of middle school topics, from the development and diversity of middle school learners, to the structures, curriculum, and environment of the school itself.Special features include:Chapter action research activities to help teachers gain a clearer understanding of content presented and to encourage them to become reflective practitionersDiscussion of the unique challenges of actively engaging bilingual students, special needs students, and students exhibiting antisocial behaviorWriting and vignettes from middle school students to provide first person accounts of the ways adolescents think about school and learningA chapter that focuses on ways teachers can apply the general teaching strategies discussed to specific subject areasTeaching suggestions, chapter summaries, questions for class discussions, journal entry questions, student activities/assignments are included throughout to encourage readers active participation with the text.

Table of Contents

1. Rationalizing the Middle School Concept2. Theoretical Frameworks 3. Motivational Theories and Early Adolescence4. Effective Classroom Management5. What is Antisocial Behavior? 6. Designing and Enacting the Curriculum7. Using Multicultural Education to Enhance Student Engagement in Learning8. Assessing Student Learning9. Instructional Strategies for Developing Higher-Level Thinking10. Enhancing Student Engagement in the Content Areas11. Parental and Community Involvement

Review

"Enhancing Student Learning in Middle School is a remarkably insightful and unique text for both aspiring and practicing middle grades teachers. Casas offers realistic, relevant, and well-grounded approaches for promoting engagement and addressing the academic and affective needs of young adolescents. It is a must read for teachers who wish to improve their teaching and student learning."--Micki M. Caskey, Professor, Middle Grades Education, Portland State University

Review Quote

"Enhancing Student Learning in Middle Schoolis a remarkably insightful and unique text for both aspiring and practicing middle grades teachers. Casas offers realistic, relevant, and well-grounded approaches for promoting engagement and addressing the academic and affective needs of young adolescents. It is a must read for teachers who wish to improve their teaching and student learning." --Micki M. Caskey, Professor, Middle Grades Education, Portland State University

Details