Building Background Knowledge for Academic Achievement

Building Background Knowledge for Academic Achievement
Author: Robert J. Marzano
Publisher: ASCD
Total Pages: 228
Release: 2004
Genre: Education
ISBN: 0871209721

The author of Classroom Instruction That Works discusses teaching methods that can help overcome the deficiencies in background knowledge that hamper many students' progress in school.

Building Background Knowledge for Academic Achievement

Building Background Knowledge for Academic Achievement
Author: Robert J. Marzano
Publisher: ASCD
Total Pages: 228
Release: 2004-08-15
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1416615806

In Building Background Knowledge for Academic Achievement, Robert J. Marzano shows how a carefully structured combination of two approaches—sustained silent reading and instruction in subject-specific vocabulary terms—can help overcome the deficiencies in background knowledge that hamper the achievement of many children. Readers will learn * The principles that underlie an effective sustained silent reading program * A five-step process for using sustained silent reading to enhance background knowledge * The defining characteristics of effective vocabulary instruction * A six-step process for direct instruction in vocabulary in each discipline * The vocabulary terms critical to students' success in every academic subject Vignettes suggest how the recommended reading and vocabulary instruction programs might be implemented in elementary schools, middle and junior high schools, and high schools. The book also includes a list of 7,923 vocabulary terms culled from the national standards documents and other publications, organized into 11 subject areas and 4 grade-level categories. With its research-based recommendations and step-by-step approach, Building Background Knowledge equips educators with the tools they need to help close the achievement gap and enable all students to succeed.

Background Knowledge

Background Knowledge
Author: Douglas Fisher
Publisher:
Total Pages: 208
Release: 2009
Genre: Education
ISBN:

Why background knowledge? Because the Grapes of Wrath is dry reading if students don't know about the Dust Bowl. Because the Boston Tea Party is a non-event if students don't know loyalists from patriots. Because knowing a triangle has 180 degrees isn't the same as knowing why. Because content-area comprehension depends on it, you and your students need Background Knowledge. Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey help you develop lasting subject-area understanding with ideas for modeling, guided practice, productive group work, and independent work that effectively engage adolescents. You'll learn to: distinguish incidental knowledge from core background knowledge check students' understanding prior to a unit with tools such as opinionnaires, interest surveys, and anticipation guides model how to activate and apply prior knowledge so kids can wrestle with new content build up students' background knowledge through virtual fieldtrips, YouTube, guest experts, and more provide collaborative ways for students to develop expertise, show what they know, and own their learning. Doug and Nancy also build your background knowledge with multimedia book-study resources at www.heinemann.com/backgroundknowledge. "As teachersour job is not to simply fill students' heads with facts," write Doug Fisher and Nancy Frey. "We need to have students manipulate and apply information so that it becomes a permanent understanding." That's why the time is now for Background Knowledge.

Building Academic Vocabulary

Building Academic Vocabulary
Author: Robert J. Marzano
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2006-12-01
Genre:
ISBN: 9781418949860

In Building Academic Vocabulary: Teacher s Manual, Robert J. Marzano and Debra J. Pickering give teachers a practical way to help students master academic vocabulary. Research has shown that when teachers, schools, and districts take a systematic approach to helping students identify and master essential vocabulary and concepts of a given subject area, student comprehension and achievement rises. In the manual, readers will find the following tools: * A method to help teachers, schools, and districts determine which academic vocabulary terms are most essential for their needs * A six-step process for direct instruction in subject area vocabulary * A how-to to help students use the Building Academic Vocabulary: Student Notebook. The six-step method encourages students to learn critical academic vocabulary by connecting these terms to prior knowledge using linguistic and non-linguistic means that further encourage the refinement and deepening of their understanding. * Suggestions for tailoring academic vocabulary procedures for English Language Learners. * Samples and blackline masters for a variety of review activities and games that reinforce and refine student understanding of the academic terms and concepts they learn. The book also includes a list of 7, 923 vocabulary terms culled from the national standards documents and other publications, organized into 11 subject areas and 4 grade-level categories. Building Academic Vocabulary: Teacher s Manual puts into practice the research and ideas outlined in Marzano s previous book Building Background Knowledge for Academic Achievement. Using the teacher s manual and vocabulary notebooks, educators can guide students in using tools and activities that will help them deepen their own understanding of critical academic vocabulary--the building blocks for achievement in each discipline.

The Literate Classroom

The Literate Classroom
Author: Prue Goodwin
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 305
Release: 2010-12-16
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1136851534

Now in its third edition, The Literate Classroom offers essential information and advice from leading experts about the teaching of primary English to students, NQTs and less confident teachers of literacy. Presenting a range of refreshing and challenging viewpoints from experienced classroom practitioners, this book describes how the theory behind key areas of literacy teaching can be transformed into realistic learning experiences within the classroom. Split into five sections, this book outlines effective measures in inspiring children to become confident with all aspects of literacy through speaking and listening, creative approaches to reading and writing and new experiences with poetry and drama. This fully updated edition includes: shared and guided reading and writing guidance on literacy teaching with EAL pupils comprehension through response to children’s literature working with drama, ICT, poetry and language study new chapters on speaking and listening, reading aloud to children and children’s development as independent readers. This accessible and informative collection is a must-have for all trainee and practising teachers, as well as teaching assistants and support workers, looking to enhance literacy learning in the primary classroom.

Vocabulary Games for the Classroom

Vocabulary Games for the Classroom
Author: Lindsay Carleton
Publisher: Solution Tree Press
Total Pages: 711
Release: 2010-11-01
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1935543113

Make direct vocabulary instruction fun and successful with this simple, straightforward, and easy-to-use book. Hundreds of critical vocabulary terms handpicked by Dr. Marzano cover four content areas and all grade levels. Each game identifies the appropriate grade level and subject area, as well as whether or not the students should already be familiar with the vocabulary.

Learning in the Fast Lane

Learning in the Fast Lane
Author: Suzy Pepper Rollins
Publisher: ASCD
Total Pages: 187
Release: 2014-04-10
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1416618716

Too often, students who fail a grade or a course receive remediation that ends up widening rather than closing achievement gaps. According to veteran classroom teacher and educational consultant Suzy Pepper Rollins, the true answer to supporting struggling students lies in acceleration. In Learning in the Fast Lane, she lays out a plan of action that teachers can use to immediately move underperforming students in the right direction and differentiate instruction for all learners—even those who excel academically. This essential guide identifies eight high-impact, research-based instructional approaches that will help you * Make standards and learning goals explicit to students. * Increase students' vocabulary—a key to their academic success. * Build students' motivation and self-efficacy so that they become active, optimistic participants in class. * Provide rich, timely feedback that enables students to improve when it counts. * Address skill and knowledge gaps within the context of new learning. Students deserve no less than the most effective strategies available. These hands-on, ready-to-implement practices will enable you to provide all students with compelling, rigorous, and engaging learning experiences.

Understanding by Design

Understanding by Design
Author: Grant P. Wiggins
Publisher: ASCD
Total Pages: 383
Release: 2005
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1416600353

What is understanding and how does it differ from knowledge? How can we determine the big ideas worth understanding? Why is understanding an important teaching goal, and how do we know when students have attained it? How can we create a rigorous and engaging curriculum that focuses on understanding and leads to improved student performance in today's high-stakes, standards-based environment? Authors Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe answer these and many other questions in this second edition of Understanding by Design. Drawing on feedback from thousands of educators around the world who have used the UbD framework since its introduction in 1998, the authors have greatly revised and expanded their original work to guide educators across the K-16 spectrum in the design of curriculum, assessment, and instruction. With an improved UbD Template at its core, the book explains the rationale of backward design and explores in greater depth the meaning of such key ideas as essential questions and transfer tasks. Readers will learn why the familiar coverage- and activity-based approaches to curriculum design fall short, and how a focus on the six facets of understanding can enrich student learning. With an expanded array of practical strategies, tools, and examples from all subject areas, the book demonstrates how the research-based principles of Understanding by Design apply to district frameworks as well as to individual units of curriculum. Combining provocative ideas, thoughtful analysis, and tested approaches, this new edition of Understanding by Design offers teacher-designers a clear path to the creation of curriculum that ensures better learning and a more stimulating experience for students and teachers alike.

How Learning Works

How Learning Works
Author: Susan A. Ambrose
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 336
Release: 2010-04-16
Genre: Education
ISBN: 0470617608

Praise for How Learning Works "How Learning Works is the perfect title for this excellent book. Drawing upon new research in psychology, education, and cognitive science, the authors have demystified a complex topic into clear explanations of seven powerful learning principles. Full of great ideas and practical suggestions, all based on solid research evidence, this book is essential reading for instructors at all levels who wish to improve their students' learning." —Barbara Gross Davis, assistant vice chancellor for educational development, University of California, Berkeley, and author, Tools for Teaching "This book is a must-read for every instructor, new or experienced. Although I have been teaching for almost thirty years, as I read this book I found myself resonating with many of its ideas, and I discovered new ways of thinking about teaching." —Eugenia T. Paulus, professor of chemistry, North Hennepin Community College, and 2008 U.S. Community Colleges Professor of the Year from The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education "Thank you Carnegie Mellon for making accessible what has previously been inaccessible to those of us who are not learning scientists. Your focus on the essence of learning combined with concrete examples of the daily challenges of teaching and clear tactical strategies for faculty to consider is a welcome work. I will recommend this book to all my colleagues." —Catherine M. Casserly, senior partner, The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching "As you read about each of the seven basic learning principles in this book, you will find advice that is grounded in learning theory, based on research evidence, relevant to college teaching, and easy to understand. The authors have extensive knowledge and experience in applying the science of learning to college teaching, and they graciously share it with you in this organized and readable book." —From the Foreword by Richard E. Mayer, professor of psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara; coauthor, e-Learning and the Science of Instruction; and author, Multimedia Learning