curriculum

brain

Learning on Our Minds: Brain Based Classroom applications

Brain-based learning theory is guided by the assumption that “research in neuroscience should guide learning and assessment.” (Gulpinar, 2005) Much of brain-based learning (or BBL) theory stresses the importance of environment and learning climate and engaging students by reducing stress … Continue reading →

charter schools

Swimming Away From the Lifeboat: What the Charter School Movement is Telling Us

In a series of recent articles, authors in union publications have decried the effects of corporate America to give funding with“strings attached” as “being divisive”, and “punishing our schools rather than helping them”1. The districts that have accepted this ‘poisoned … Continue reading →

curriculum

Thematic Instruction

Definition Thematic instruction is the organization of a curriculum around macro “themes.” Thematic instruction integrates basic disciplines like reading, math, and science with the exploration of a broad subject, such as communities, rain forests, river basins, the use of energy, … Continue reading →

curriculum

Core Curriculum

Definition In a core curriculum, a predetermined body of skills, knowledge, and abilities is taught to all students. Discussion The core curriculum movement assumes there is a uniform body of knowledge that all students should know. Presumably, this curriculum will … Continue reading →

Activities

TXT Me L8r!

FYI my little 1s (3rd g8rs) just did a unit re: how 2 rite a ltr. Like, a ltr ltr. Old skool, LOL. U haf 2 start w the d8 @ the top. Nxt rite ur address. Not ur email… like @ ur house. Then ur BFF’s address 2. U… Read More

Curriculum

You Majored in What?!

Graduation season is upon us, the time when we pause to celebrate the accomplishments of newly-minted degree-holders. Of course, in economic times such as these, there’s no guarantee that a new graduate, professionally green and facing unprecedented competition for jobs, will land solid employment just on the strength of a… Read More

Activities

Science Through Literature in Inner City Schools

It was very exciting – and a little intimidating – to be invited to spend a day at an inner-city high school in Los Angeles. I have spent over a decade developing and promoting an interdisciplinary approach to teaching core concepts in science and mathematics; throwing out the traditional text… Read More

Learning on Our Minds: Brain Based Classroom applications