Home >> Parents >> Issues >> Education Methods & Programs

Search form

Home &gt Parents Community &gt School Issues &gt Education Methods & Programs

   E D U C A T I O N   M E T H O D S    &    P R O G R A M S   
General
Arts Education
Ability Grouping
Bilingual Education
Brain Based Education
Character Education
Community Service Learning
Inclusion/Mainstreaming
Montessori
Multiple Intelligences
Waldorf Education

GENERAL RESOURCES

Sections
 

Teaching Methods & Practices
This section of the Early Childhood Community provides access to information on teaching methods and educational theories. We have also included other educational practices that aren't broad enough to be considered methods, yet have merit in early childhood classrooms. Specific subject areas include:

General Resources
Montessori
Project Approach
Reggio Emilia
Waldorf

Methods & Strategies
This page in the Preservice Educators Community contains a general overview of educational methods and teaching strategies.


Articles
See also our School Administrators : School Programs Archives

The Pains and Pleasures of the Floating Teacher
Remember that old saying If life hands you lemons? Floating teachers --teachers who work from carts, not classrooms-- make their own brand of lemonade! Today, five floaters talk about the pains and the perks of teaching from a cart. They prove that you cant sink a good floater! Included: A link to a comprehensive, reproducible guide to la cart teaching for teachers and administrators.

Encourage Student Writing -- Publish on the Web!
Publishing student writing encourages the reluctant writer, strengthens kids' self-confidence, rewards interest, and promotes a positive attitude toward literature. If your school is like most, however, you lack an easy and effective way of publishing your students' work. Now, help is as close as a mouse click away! Today, Education World writer Glori Chaika explores opportunities to publish student writing --and teacher writing-- on the Web.

Teaching the American Revolution: Scaffolding to Success
A group of Wisconsin middle school students examine the Revolutionary War from both the American point of view and the British perspective while their teacher shares his experience with scaffolding instruction.

Reading Aloud --- Is It Worth It?
Why do teachers read aloud to their students? Are the benefits of reading aloud worth the time? Many teachers believe reading aloud enhances classroom instruction and improves academic achievement --- and recent research supports their belief. Included: Jim Trelease, author of The Read-Aloud Handbook, talks to Education World about the value of reading aloud!

Thirteen Strategies to Improve Reading Performance
How have some Chicago schools improved student reading performance? Leadership is essential --- leadership and 13 practical strategies to nurture concrete, measurable gains in reading! This week, Education World tells what principals and teachers do in some of Chicago's most successful schools and how they do it! Included: How to get a copy of the "Leave No Child Behind" study that documents the 13 keys to success!

 


Reviews

Learning Strategies Database
This is a computerized version of learning strategies data compiled by personnel at Muskingum College (Ohio) over a ten-year period. This site has a ton of information.

Best Practices in Education
A not-for-profit organization dedicated to working with American teachers to find effective educational practices from other countries to adapt and apply in United States schools.

 


Database

Teacher Resources:

 

Related
Links
The Primary Sources Network: An Education Resource
The Primary Sources Network seeks to transform teaching and learning by utilizing primary source materials.

Problem Based Learning
The PBL curriculum consists of carefully selected and designed problems that demand from the learner acquisition of critical knowledge, problem solving proficiency, self-directed learning strategies, and team participation skills.

Direct Teaching
A brief description and list of resources on the subject of direct teaching/direct instruction.

 

ARTS EDUCATION

 


Articles

Art Guitars Auction to Benefit Music Education
Staff members at the Fender Museum of Music and the Arts in Corona, California, hope funds from an on-line auction of celebrity-painted art guitars will help them build a larger music center and let them provide free music lessons for a greater number of kids. The museums program is one of many nationwide private initiatives to support music education. Included: Links to national organizations that promote music education.

Special Program Brings Student Excellence to Life!
"The most important thing I learned was if you work hard and put all of your heart into something, the final product will be excellent," said Heather. "It made me see that I could be more creative than I thought I could be," added Jordan. Those are the comments of two of the students challenged by a special program that paired the imaginations of 13 fifth-graders and two artists-in-residence. To participate, students must submit portfolios containing original writing and an art form. Could such a program work in your school?

Cultivating Creativity!
Kids often display incredible creativity on April Fools Day --- but those particular creative efforts are not always welcome or appropriate! This year, help your students use their imaginations and channel their creativity in productive ways, with three new books written for just that purpose. Included: One book for upper-grade students and two for young kids, plus five Web sites for inspiring creativity.

Making the Case for Music Education
What will it be -- music or computers? In some communities, it all comes down to that question. New research, special programs, and dedicated teachers and community members are helping to make a solid case for putting music "Bach" into our schools!

Making the Case for the Fourth `R: Art!
Reading and riting and rithmetic and rt (art)? Many school districts are strengthening the art components of their curricula in light of new research on the benefits of arts education.


Reviews
Association for the Advancement of Arts Education
Arts resource center for students, educators and teachers.
(Grades: K-12)

The Star
This is a Web site for anyone involved with arts education. The site has resources for students and teachers as well as links to art images and suppliers. (Grades: 9-12 & Professionals)

Arts EdNet
Lots here on the broad subject of Arts education including some good advocacy resources. (Grades: K-12)

The Kennedy Center's ARTSEDGE
The mission of ARTSEDGE is to help artists, teachers, and students gain access to and/or share information, resources, and ideas that support the arts as a core subject area in the K-12 curriculum. (Grades: K-12)

 

 

Related
Links
How the arts contribute to education -- an evaluation of research
The AAAE's review of hundreds of research studies, program evaluations, and research analyses conducted since 1983 provides recent compelling evidence that the arts must be included in the education of all students if we want our children to be prepared for the challenges of life and work in our global society.

Arts in Education Programs
The Arts in Education Department of the National PTA focuses on advocacy in quality arts education. The National PTA also works with state PTAs to manage the Reflections program which recognizes students for achievement in the arts.

Transforming Ideas for Teaching and Learning -- The Arts
A U.S. Dept of Education special report.

The ArtsEdNet Reading Room & Publications Page
Here you'll find all sorts of materials including some great arts ed advocacy resources.

Music Is.....
Check out the "Music and the Brain" page for some great links on brain research. This is also a great general music education resource!

Americans for the Arts

Arts Education Partnership

Association for the Advancement of Arts Education

National Art Education Association

National Endowment For the Arts

National Guide to Funding in Arts and Culture

The Association for the Advancement of Arts Education

 

ABILITY GROUPING / TRACKING

 


Articles
Homogeneous or Heterogeneous: Which Way to Go?
Is ability grouping the best way for students to learn or does it hold many back? Education World takes a look at recent information -- from researchers and from teachers -- on the issue.

Is Ability Grouping the Way to Go---Or Should It Go Away?
Logic, emotion, and research often clash in the longstanding debate over the advantages and disadvantages of ability grouping (tracking). Should it be left up to the courts to decide whether such grouping is fair or not?


Database
Administration Resources : Education Issues:
Related
Links
The Tracking and Ability Grouping Debate
This 1998 Fordham Report by Tom Loveless delineates the essential points of the debate, with sections such as What Is Tracking?, The History of Tracking, The Research, Principles for Future Policy, and Impact of Grouping on Achievement.

Ability Grouping in Elementary Schools
An ERIC Digest from the ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Urbana, Ill.

BILINGUAL EDUCATION

 


Articles

Will STAR 2000 Kill Bilingual Education?
California puts bilingual education to the test!

The Bilingual Education Debate: Part II
Thirty years after its introduction, bilingual education still generating controversy.

The Bilingual Education Debate: Part I
Thirty years after its introduction, bilingual education is still generating controversy.


Reviews

 

National Clearinghouse for Bilingual Education
Resources for bilingual and language education. (Grades: K-12)


Database
Administrative Resources : Education Issues:

Arts & Humanities: Linguistics / Language Arts:

Related
Links
Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Language Affairs
at the US Department of Education

National Association for Bilingual Education
Promoting educational excellence and equity through bilingual education.

Ke Kula Kai Puni
This is the homepage of the Hawaiian Language Immersion Program schools that are under the State of Hawai'i Department of Education.

Electronic Textbook: Bilingual Education
From the Graduate School of Education at Eastern Connecticut State University.

The Montessori Bilingual Institute
The Montessori Bilingual Institute website offers Montessori strategies for encouraging early childhood and elementary level bilingualism.

BRAIN BASED EDUCATION

 


Articles
Growing Bigger Brains: Research Affects How Teachers Teach
To enhance public awareness of the benefits to be derived from brain research, Congress designated the 1990s as the Decade of the Brain. Now, as that decade draws to a close, Education World takes a look at the results of some of the most recent brain research and explores the implications for you and your students.

The Brain and Behavior -- Programmed for Violence?
In the aftermath of the latest school violence in Colorado, the entire country is once again asking "Why?" Many researchers and educators now believe that some of those answers -- and perhaps some solutions -- might be found in brain research.

Making the Case for Music Education
What will it be -- music or computers? In some communities, it all comes down to that question. New research, special programs, and dedicated teachers and community members are helping to make a solid case for putting music "Bach" into our schools!


Reviews
The Center for Critical Thinking (/cthink)
/cthink is dedicated to the art of teaching critical-thinking skills in the classroom, offering articles, and providing other resources. (Grades: K-12+)
Related
Links
How Julie's Brain Learns
Follow a typical student through her day at school--from the perspective of her brain.

New Brains, New Schools?
This discussion of the special characteristics of the brains of today's students includes information about how schools can adapt.

Making Connections: Teaching and the Human Brain
This site provides discussion of the special characteristics of the brains of today's students and how schools can adapt.

Music Is.....
Check out the "Music and the Brain" page for some great links on brain research. This is also a great general music education resource!

CHARACTER EDUCATION

 


Articles

Teacher Crowned Miss America 2001: An Education World e-Interview
An elementary school gym teacher is the new Miss America. Angela Perez Baraquio says schools need to infuse character education into the daily culture of every school. This week, Education World and Ms. Baraquio discussed character education and other issues facing educators. Included: Baraquio talks about teacher pay, who inspired her to become a teacher, and being the first Asian American to wear the Miss America crown!

Character Education Getting a Boost
Some schools that received federal funding to pilot character education programs are now going to their state legislatures or local communities to continue them. Included: Links to character education resources from Utah and New Jersey.

Three Ways to Make Values Last at Your School - By guest editor Elaine L. Lindy
"Core values allow the school community to remain focused on what's important," says Marilynne Quarcoo, principal of the Cabot Elementary School in Newton, Massachusetts. Today, Education World guest editor Elaine L. Lindy documents the process and benefits of creating a set of core values at any school. Included: Tips for helping your school team develop a dynamic list of core values.

Books of Character: Eighteen Books for Teaching About Character Across the Grades
Every year, across the country, people celebrate National Character Counts Week during the third week of October. Teachers have a great opportunity to initiate discussion and projects that examine the meaning of character. Today, Education World offers a selection of books that might be used -- in or out of the classroom -- to spark discussion about character. Included: Eighteen titles arranged by age level and a link to a list of more than 200 other titles for teaching about character!

One Character Education Program That Works!
Many schools, lacking the time and resources required to develop their own character education curricula, are instead turning to established programs that have proven successful in other school districts. Read about one such program ---recently adopted by schools in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania--- in which the whole community is involved.

Is Character Education the Answer?
As incidents of in-school violence become more common, and strict disciplinary techniques and increased security measures fail to control the problem, many parents, educators, politicians, and social leaders are looking for reliable methods of prevention. Is character education the answer?


Database
Administrative Resources : Education Issues:
Related
Links
The Center for the 4th and 5th Rs
a national resource for character education

Partnerships in Character Education Pilot Projects
Provides information about character education programs funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Education's Partnerships in Character Education Pilot.

A Certain and Reasoned Art: The Rise and Fall of Character Education in America
Craig Cunningham's Master's thesis for the University of Chicago Education Department.

Character Education: A General Introduction
Includes a history of character education in public schools.

COMMUNITY SERVICE LEARNING

 


Articles

These Kids Made a Difference!
Make a Difference Day, October 28, is a great time to get students thinking about ways they might contribute to their community. To help, a terrific new book that shares the real-life experiences of 20 teen volunteers will inspire your students to come up with their own volunteer activities!

Students Learn While Helping at Soup Kitchen
Students' service-learning project picks up where holiday donations leave off!

Service Learning in Action Across the Grades
Three service-learning projects that work!

Is Community Service a Waste of Time?
Service learning equals community service plus learning!

Community Service: Opportunity or Exploitation?
What about mandatory community service programs in schools? Are they a wonderful opportunity or are they "slave labor" for students?

Related
Links
National Service-Learning Clearinghouse The National Service-Learning Clearinghouse is a comprehensive information system that focuses on all dimensions of service learning, covering kindergarten through higher education school-based as well as community based initiatives.

The Big Dummy's Guide to Service-Learning
This online guide includes sections devoted to Four Things Faculty Want to Know About Service Learning; Three Steps to Involving Faculty; Reflection -- What It Is and How to Encourage It; Planning Your Next Successful Volunteer Project; Mandatory Service; 101 Ideas for Combining Service and Learning; and more.

Service-Learning
This site includes sections on the benefits of service learning, discussions, definitions, and more.

INCLUSION / MAINSTREAMING RESOURCES

 


Articles

Inclusive Education: An Online Forum
Last month, Education World reported on a new booklet about inclusive schooling from the National Institute for Urban School Improvement. Today, we bring you news of an online forum designed to provide teachers, parents, and advocates with the opportunity to virtually meet the author of that booklet and share questions, ideas, and experiences regarding inclusive educational practices.

What Does An 'Inclusive' School Look Like?
Improving Education: The Promise of Inclusive Schooling, a new booklet from the National Institute for Urban School Improvement, offers educators a close-up view of inclusive education. The free booklet includes a questionnaire to help educators evaluate and improve their schools.

Inclusion: Has It Gone Too Far?
Inclusion of all children with disabilities in regular classrooms seems to be the law of the land. But is it the right thing for all kids? And how are teachers handling it?

Language, Literacy and Children with Special Needs: Enabling Teachers to Enable Children
A new book goes a long way toward helping teachers develop strategies that work with special needs children in the regular classroom.


Reviews
National Institute for Urban School Improvement
The National Institute for Urban School Improvement is dedicated to supporting urban educational communities that are implementing mainstream inclusion programs for disabled students. The site includes an excellent library of resources, a discussion forum, events calendar, and newsletter. (Grades: K-12)

Database
Administration Resources : Education Issues:
Related
Links

A Curriculum Every Student Can Use: Design Principles For Student Access
An ERIC project.

Consortium on Inclusive Schooling Practices
This site describes its activities and provides links to other information about inclusion.

Utah's Project for Inclusion: Promoting Quality Inclusive Education for All The site provides information about Utah's Project for Inclusion as well as an extensive listing of inclusion-related links.

Circle of Inclusion
Here you'll find demonstrations of and information about the effective practices of inclusive educational programs for children from birth through age eight.

Family Village Inclusion Resources
An exceptional variety of inclusion resources.

Kids Together, Inc
A nonprofit organization designed to promote inclusive communities where all people belong.

PEAK Parent Center
This group works to ensure that individuals with disabilities, young and old, are able to participate as fully as possible n their schools and communities.

Sherman Consulting, Inc.
This site is dedicated to providing information that assists school districts, educators, parents, and students in making inclusion work.

MONTESSORI

 


Reviews
Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators
The Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA) Web site contains information about its services and member Montessori schools. Users will also find information on the Montessori method of education and other Montessori resources on the Web. (Grades: PreK-12)

Database
Teacher Resources : Methods:
Related
Links
The American Montessori Society
AMS serves as a national center for Montessori information, both for its members and for the general public--answering inquiries and facilitating research wherever possible.

Association Montessori Internationale
The Association Montessori Internationale was founded in 1929 by Dr. Maria Montessori to maintain the integrity of her lifes work, and to ensure that it would be perpetuated after her death.

Montessori Resources
Links to resources on the Web with information about Montessori institutions, teacher training centers, teaching resources, material suppliers, and other Montessori resources.

The Montessori Bilingual Institute
The Montessori Bilingual Institute website offers Montessori strategies for encouraging early childhood and elementary level bilingualism.

 

MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES

 


Articles

What Do Tests Test? --- A Commentary by Howard Gardner
Howard Gardner, the John H. and Elisabeth A. Hobbs professor in cognition and education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the "father" of multiple intelligences theory, weighs in on the issue of high-stakes testing in this commentary. "We must proceed cautiously before we place students' minds and hearts at risk with tests of dubious quality whose meaning can be over-interpreted and whose consequences can be devastating," writes Gardner.

Multiple Intelligences: It's Not How Smart You Are, It's How You're Smart!
Howard Gardner's multiple intelligence theory asks educators to take a fresh look at our assumptions about children and learning. Teachers around the world are rethinking lessons and units -- and their entire approaches to teaching -- based on his research. This week, Education World provides resources to help you explore the wealth of information on multiple intelligence theory available on the Web!

Multiple Intelligences: A Theory for Everyone
Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences makes people think about "IQ," about being "smart." The theory is changing the way some teachers teach. Included: Gardner has now identified an eighth intelligence!


Reviews
Exploring Multiple Intelligences: New Dimensions of Learning
Exploring Multiple Intelligences is a web site about Dr. Howard Gardner's revolutionary theory of eight different forms of intelligence and/or learning modes. The site has descriptions and lesson plans for each intelligence as well as articles, links, and a list of books and audio-visual resources. (Grades: K-12+, Professional)
Related
Links
Multiple Intelligences and Technology
Jack Edwards discusses ways educational technology might be matched to the various intelligences.

"Multiple Intelligence Theory"
Information on the different intelligences and how to work with them.

MI - The Theory
This is a great overview of MI Theory.

The Key School Web Page This is the school homepage for the first public school in the US to structure it's curriculum around MI theory and practice.

Multiple Intelligence Schools
This article outlines a research project by Project Zero, the Harvard University educational research center where Howard Gardner originated MI theory. The short article includes an excellent bibliography on MI theory.

Dr. Thomas Armstrong
This web site challenges current thinking about learning disablities in the light of MI Theory.

WALDORF EDUCATION

 


Database
Teacher Resources : Methods:
Related
Links
Steiner Schools in Australia
This site contains lots of information on Waldorf Education in Australia, and beyond.

Waldorf World
This is a great site to come learn about Waldorf Education. Included are school directories, articles, teacher training and employment links, plus links to other sites.

Live Education!
Here you'll find commercial homeschooling supplies for families inspired by a Waldorf perspective.