Teaching Methods

Authentic assessment, cooperative learning, inclusion – discover a vast range of current articles about teaching methodologies, ideal for all grades. Diversify your teaching strategies by implementing service-learning projects and integrating technology in your classroom. These resources will help you gain the experience and expertise you need to become a successful teacher, whether you're a new teacher or have been teaching for many years.

General Teaching Methods Learner-Centered vs. Curriculum-Centered Teachers: Which Type Are You? The difference between learner-centered and curriculum-centered classrooms is philosophical. Constructivists adhere to learner-centered classrooms. Standards-based teachers adhere to curriculum-centered classrooms. Lesson Methodologies There are many different ways in which you can effectively teach your students. Learn about many different methodologies here. New teachers will find this resource particularly valuable when they're determining which method is most effective for them. Standards for Good Teaching Learn the ten basic standards for good teaching and how you can be a successful, effective teacher. Authentic Assessment An overview of authentic assessments. Textbooks: Advantages and Disadvantages One of the most common resources in the classroom is the textbook; learn the advantages of this tool plus way to integrate other resources into your teaching. New teachers will find this resource particularly valuable. Levels of Questions in Bloom's Taxonomy Challenge your students with all levels of questions as defined by Bloom's Taxonomy. They will be doing higher-level thinking and you will have a more interesting classroom! New teachers will find this resource particularly valuable. Your Secret Weapon: Wait Time Give your students time to think about your questions before asking for an answer; this is called "wait time." This professional development advice will prove especially useful to new teachers. Problem-Solving Learn about the benefits of problem-solving and how to include it in your teaching. Problem-solving is the ability to identify and solve problems by applying appropriate skills systematically. Cooperative Learning Teaching with Cooperative Learning Learn the basics of successfully teaching your class with the cooperative learning method. Group projects are an excellent way to help your students build important communication and teamwork skills. New teachers will find this resource particularly valuable. What Is Cooperative Learning, and What Does It Do? Cooperative learning is a successful teaching strategy in which small teams, each with students of different ability levels, use a variety of learning activities to improve their understanding of a subject. By using this method, each of your students will feel that he or she is an important member of the class. Cooperative Learning Get information on cooperative learning, an instructional strategy in which small groups of students work together on a common task. This teaching method is an excellent way to allow students to think critically without relying on you for answers. More Cooperative Learning Teaching Strategies Inclusion Adapting Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science for the Inclusive Classroom A list of steps that provide a suggested framework for making decisions about using material adaptations effectively. Adapting Reading and Math Materials in the Inclusive Classroom Descriptions of eight principles for making reading and math adaptations in the inclusive classroom. Teaching Strategies for Using Materials in an Inclusive Classroom Two well-defined strategies are described for helping special needs students become independent learners. Adapt Lessons to Reach All Students An overview of six curricular design issues that help ensure appropriate inclusive teaching. More Inclusion Resources Teaching Mathematics Discovering Math in Literature Find useful tips on how to pull math concepts out of literature. Provided by Penguin Putnam. Planning Pyramid for Multi-Level Mathematics Instruction Organize you teaching by focusing on what all, most, and some of your students will learn in math lessons. Teaching Mathematics to Gifted Students in a Mixed-Ability Classroom Tips on how to teach math to gifted students in your regular classrooms. Math & Science Teaching Strategies These strategies will help to improve your students' math and science skills. Included are articles to teach you about each concept and lesson plans with which you can implement the strategies. Teaching Reading & Language Arts Teaching Strategies for Reading Use these strategies to improve your students' reading comprehension skills. Included are articles to teach you about each concept and lesson plans with which you can implement the strategies. Teaching Strategies for Language Arts Use these strategies to improve your students' language arts skills. Included are articles to teach you about each concept and lesson plans with which you can implement the strategies. Journaling Teaching Strategies Use these journaling strategies in your classroom to expand the learning capabilities of your students. Included are articles to teach you about each concept and lesson plans with which you can implement the strategies.

Using Technology Assistive Technology for Students with Mild Disabilities These simple adaptations can improve the learning experience of many children. Stages to Technology Integration Get advice on integrating technology into your classroom. Technology Strategies for Music Education Use technology strategies and activities to attract students into music curriculum. Pages organized by the National Music Standards. Integrating Technology Find ways to integrate technology – such as the Internet, DVDs, and TV programs – into your language arts program. Addressing Special Needs Teaching Students with Special Needs Prepare to teach the students with special needs you may have in your classroom using this advice on accommodating and modifying your lessons to meet the needs of everyone. New teachers will find this resource particularly valuable. Effective Accommodations for IEPs A complete chart to help IEP teams find specific accommodations in instruction, assessment, classroom management, organization, and more. This printable resource will be especially valuable to new teachers who are becoming accustomed to IEP's. Educating Children Who Are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Tips to help you ensure deaf and hard-of-hearing students are learning in your classroom. Universal Design for Learning A definition of universal design for learning. More Special Needs – Teacher Resources Learning From Social Interactions Student-to-Student Learning Experiment with several kinds of student-to-student learning with these sample activities. Use Service-Learning to Enhance Your Curriculum Information on benefits and implementation of service- learning projects for students, including case studies. Adult Mentors Mentor relationships give young people valuable educational and social support that helps them achieve their goals. The Classroom Environment Learning Centers A learning center is a self-contained section of the classroom in which students engage in independent and self-directed learning activities. Get information on learning centers and how to incorporate them in to your instructional routine using this advice. Creating an Effective Physical Classroom Environment Some useful suggestions on the physical aspects and considerations of a classroom. Conflict Resolution Lessons Find a variety of conflict-resolution lessons from Educators for Social Responsibility. You'll learn how to create a peaceable classroom, prevent bullying, and more. The Basics of Centers Centers give teachers the opportunity to focus on specific areas of study. This article describes how you can effortlessly set up centers in your classroom. Multiple Intelligences Multiple Intelligences: An Overview An overview of Multiple Intelligences theory. Using Multiple Intelligences in Testing & Assessment Information on using Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences (MI) in student assessments is found here. New teachers, who are just getting acquainted with MI will find this resource particularly valuable. Multiple Intelligences: A Three Part Series Tracy Heibeck, an expert in child development, describes how to enhance students' multiple intelligences in this three-part series. Multiple Intelligences Chart Here is a list of activities that speak to each intelligence. Related Resources Back-to-School Headquarters Return to school this fall prepared to conquer any questions you or your students might have about the school year. Our resources range from teaching students the school's layout to assessment tips. Professional Development Resources for Teachers Discover a wide range of professional development resources for educators. You can improve your teaching skills with these articles, lesson plans, and resources. New Teacher Resources Discover everything a beginning teacher will need for a successful school year, from tips for your first day, to classroom-management advice, to printables and lesson plans that will support your curriculum all year long. Personalizing the Secondary Classroom Find ideas and activities for personalizing your secondary classroom. These articles, printables, and guides will aid teachers in making their classroom safe and inviting for grades 9-12.