Curriculum is an important concept, especially in regards to the value education has on the growth of a successful society. Through research and analysis, this report examines discussions surrounding curriculum theories, the personal implications that these theories put on me as an educator, and the results of experimentation in the different methods of pedagogy. Through dissections of topics . . .
This paper examines some literature of curriculum theories, which led the author to investigate the role of teacher autonomy in enacting curriculum. In addition, the author researched the role of curriculum in the post-pandemic teacher shortage. Through this research, the author found that anti- “critical race theory” policy and ideology cause a great deal of stress for educators . . .
This essay analyzes the effects of long-held racism on American education and proposes the employment of critical pedagogy as a way forward. In the United States today, students of color face an education industry that has and continues to fail them. The work of education theorists, equity advocates, and critical pedagogues supports the development of anti-racist educators and schooling. Their work is used as a . . .
Youth participatory action research (YPAR) can be powerful for youth and teachers, but can also be difficult to explain. In a profession where teachers are expected to explain and justify every move, being able to articulate YPAR pedagogy is not easy. This essay explores one middle-school classroom’s journey into YPAR, the challenges to put this experience into . . .
“Undergirded with Urgency” provides a framework for educators and scholars to engage in Roundtable Discussions that challenge participants to make effective, equity-oriented curricular decisions while teaching in the context of poverty. On top of providing a plan for a Roundtable Discussion, this paper synthesizes how theories presented by Paul Gorski (2018), Gloria Ladson-Billings (1995), Django Paris (2012), Michael Schiro (2013), and Elliot . . .
This paper evaluates a variety of curriculum theories and basic principles of curriculum and instruction with the ultimate goal of understanding how curricular orientations can affect the experiences of both students and educators. Upon examination of my curricular beliefs in conversation with the views of employer, the Denver Public School District, I have discovered that a majority of my previous curricular understandings . . .
This paper explores curriculum theory literature that leads the author to understand the importance of developing critical thinking skills among students. The author then created a unit in which 6th grade students on Individual Education Plans (IEPs) were given an opportunity to read a novel that discussed misconceptions and bias, and write a personal reflection . . .
There is considerable research regarding prescribed curricula and how these curricula are based on the language, culture, and history of white European descendants, while not acknowledging the history and culture of other racial groups in the United States. I prepared and implemented a unit around identity in my classroom with my students. First, I gave an overview of intersectionality, specifically looking . . .
To overcome the difficulty in learning Chemistry for students and in particular to help with their understandings of Organic Chemistry reactions, I used mind maps as a technique. Mind maps are an outline of ideas that emerge from a central theme or concept. Each student developed their own mind maps after I taught them first, and the students then used them consistently . . .
This practitioner research explored Study Circles and students’ indiscipline cases in a secondary school in Malawi. The purpose was to examine how Study Circles contribute to the management of discipline in a Malawian public secondary school. I targeted members of prefects’ council who are in their final year in secondary school . . .
In this practice-based inquiry, I aimed to answer four specific questions related to a support program in a school: (1) what are the re-integration challenges of a sample of Form 3 girl students who temporarily withdrew due to pregnancy and were re-admitted? (2) What are the psychosocial support approaches of Mother Group . . .
This essay is presented as an evaluation of leading teacher learning in secondary schools. The paper considers three key areas: (1) The role of school leaders in relation to the professional development of teachers; (2) The contribution of mentoring in relation to teacher development; and (3) The concept and value of teacher leadership in relation to coaching and learner . . .
Teachers’ workload and its impact on staff recruitment and retention are a growing concern. This essay examines the perspectives of three teachers working in a secondary school in the UK and shows how workload has impacted their careers. Through the use of email interviews, the paper aims to explore the perspectives of the individuals, providing a glimpse into . . .
Educational action research seems wonderful on paper, where teachers actively participate in developing themselves, learning from each other and trying to improve classrooms, schools, and education systems. However, in reality, the use of action research in education can be a daunting task, and depending on the education policy direction underlying its use in an education system can be anything but a wonderful experience. This essay . . .
A pleasant environment contributes to a peaceful mind as well as success in education. A stress-free mind for students is facilitated by a pleasant school environment created by the students by cleaning the school environment before the commencement of the school day. That was the focus of the project reported in this paper. The school where I was first appointed as a teacher is located in a . . .
Microteaching and teaching practice are two integral parts of pre-service teacher education programmes. Microteaching has been used since the 1960s in teaching and learning environments including teaching practices of pre-service teachers. The emphasis of professional development in teacher education has been on . . .
Since 2017, the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) has supported members to undertake year-long action research projects which contribute to their own professional learning. This EIS Action Research Grants scheme offers up to 20 EIS members each year a small financial . . .
Our global population continues to increase and so must our food production. However, literatures indicate that fewer people have access to safe or sufficient food sources. This research is intended to address this problem, as we look at ways to increase middle school student interest in agriculture, including food production, distribution, and agricultural technology. . .
I wrote this piece after hearing many of my peers expressing confounding perspectives on “learning loss” during a pandemic which has turned everyone’s life upside down. I published this on a Facebook page and was astonished at how far it has traveled and how many people around the globe have responded that it expressed their concerns as well. Ultimately, the piece has received about 1,000,000 global interactions in . . .
Scientific literacy and critical thinking are key components of science education aiming to prepare students to think and function as responsible citizens in a world where science and technology play a key role. Students should be given opportunities to engage in learning experiences that promote development of critical-thinking skills, resulting in their ability to take . . .
This writing is for teachers who are either returning to schools to conduct research or are hoping to conduct research within their own institution. I explore how my previous role may have been seen by the young people within the school and how that impacted on the young people’s perceptions of me. The aim of the writing is to reflect on my preparation to conduct qualitative research on power in a school where I . . .
Project-based education was first introduced to the education system of Sri Lanka through the “Handessa” scheme of 1932. Subsequently projects were included in the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level curriculum by the educational reforms introduced in 1972, 1997 and 2007. In the 1997 reform, all . . .
It is widely documented that white working-class children are underperforming academically compared to peers from ethnic minority backgrounds. Consequently, opportunities for higher education and well-regarded careers are often foreclosed for these young people. There is a perception, albeit contested, that this pattern of underperformance is rooted in . . .
This Project was initiated to shed light on teachers’ experiences as a result of this Spring’s school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020. Its primary goal was to understand teachers’ experiences with mandated online schooling. Related goals included gathering information about . . .
The creation of a virtual classroom for special education students, as a result of physical school closures due to the COVID-19 virus, offered many challenges including the need to create temporary educational plans and to learn the mechanics of online service delivery. Unexpected and positive outcomes of the virtual classroom included improved therapist and teacher . . .
Most of the students in my intensive math class are multiple years below grade level and struggle with basic math facts. To help students recall the basic facts with automaticity so they can solve more advanced math problems without being hindered by their lack of basic skill, I implemented the Reflex program, a game-based computer program that was . . .
Graphic novelist, cartoonist, and teacher, Gene Yang, chose his platform, “Reading Without Walls” (Yang, 2016), to challenge America’s youth to read a book about a character that did not look or live like the reader themselves or a book about a topic that the reader knew nothing about. The goal of this project was to explore . . .
This study explored teacher professionalism, perceptions, as well as factors that impact upon their performance and the role of leadership in the enhancement of teacher effectiveness. As the teaching profession has been through harrowing times and the recruitment and retention issue has been a major focus of public attention in the U.K., this study . . .
This work explores a process of reflection accompanying an innovation in a 5th grade primary class at a public school in Santander, Spain. Combining conceptualization of curricular innovation and action-research as the instrument for innovation and professional development, this work resulted in a deeper knowledge . . .
Learning and practicing skills such as mindfulness and yoga have been shown to provide students with tools they needed to self-regulate and manage the increasing demands placed upon them in the classroom. This project examined whether incorporating mindfulness and yoga . . .