Free, downloadable publications from NWREL
It's Just Good Teaching
This publication series for elementary and secondary teachers addresses effective practices in mathematics and science education drawn from the research literature and practice. Download at www.nwrel.org/msec/resources/justgood.html
-
Assessment strategies to inform science and mathematics instruction (It's just good teaching)
Classroom assessments play a key role in effective teaching. An overview of the reasoning behind using assessment to inform instruction is followed by a variety of strategies, including interviews, observations, writing activities, and student self-assessment. (33 pp.) (1997; 34 p.)
Online at:
http://www.nwrel.org/msec/book4pdf.pdf
-
Engaging families in mathematics and science education
A wealth of ideas and resources are shared to help mathematics and science teachers build stronger, more active partnerships with families, focusing on working with parents in the classroom, providing home learning activities, and planning events for families. Barriers are summarized that teachers and parents must overcome to work together. Part of the It's Just Good Teaching Series. (1998; 41 p.)
Online at:
http://www.nwrel.org/msec/book5.pdf
-
Inclusive classroom: Mathematics and science instruction for students with learning disabilities (It's just good teaching)
One of a three-part series focusing on inclusive math and science classrooms, this publication highlights research-based strategies for meeting the needs of students with learning disabilities. To ensure that students engage meaningfully in science inquiry and mathematics problem solving and all other aspects of the mainstream classroom, teachers can use strategies that draw on key principles of inclusion, special education, multiculturalism, and standards-based reform. Part of the It's Just Good Teaching Series. (1999; 41 p.)
Online at:
http://www.nwrel.org/msec/book7.pdf
-
Inclusive classroom: meeting the needs of gifted students: differentiating mathematics and science instruction
This booklet provides teachers a variety of strategies and resources for providing different levels of content and activities that will challenge all students, including gifted learners. Part of the It's Just Good Teaching Series. (1999; 50 p.)
Online at:
http://www.nwrel.org/msec/just_good/9/
-
Inclusive classroom: teaching mathematics and science to English-language learners
This book offers ideas about how to link standards-based teaching strategies with techniques from the field of second-language acquisition. Part of the It's Just Good Teaching Series. (1999; 41 p.)
Online at:
http://www.nwrel.org/msec/just_good/8/
-
Inquiry strategies for science and mathematics learning
Provides rationale for using inquiry-based teaching and offers specific strategies for teachers to facilitate students' learning of concepts and skills. Based on research and including interviews with Northwest teachers, the publication addresses issues such as new roles for students and teachers; choosing and presenting an inquiry topic; classroom discourse and questioning; and ensuring attention to content as well as process. A list of resources, including print materials, online sources, and organizations, enables teachers to explore additional tools to support theirefforts in creating an inquiry-based classroom. Part of the It's Just Good Teaching Series. (1997; 37 p.)
Online at:
http://www.nwrel.org/msec/book2pdf.pdf
-
Integrating technology into middle school mathematics (It's just good teaching)
Innovative ideas are offered to show mathematics teachers how to tap into technology’s potential. When students research information sources on the Internet, engage in educational electronic games, or construct presentations incorporating text, sound, animation, and hyperlinks, they are working in an interactive environment that may stimulate them to explore ideas more deeply and present their knowledge more effectively. Part of the It's Just Good Teaching Series. (1998; 61 p.)
Online at:
http://www.nwrel.org/msec/book6.pdf
-
Mathematics and science classrooms: building a community of learners (It's just good teaching)
To meet state standards, classrooms must become places where rigorous mathematics and science learning occurs, where teachers and students recognize and use errors and misconceptions, not as shameful missteps, but as vital aspects of learning for achieving deep conceptual understanding. This booklet offers strategies and resources for creating a learning community culture that supports high-quality learning experiences for continuous improvement for students and teachers alike. Part of the It's Just Good Teaching Series. (2000; 46 p.)
Online at:
http://www.nwrel.org/msec/just_good/10/
-
Science and mathematics for all students (It's just good teaching)
Equity practices lie at the core of good teaching and therefore will benefit all students, not only those traditionally filtered out of the science and mathematics pipeline. This guide of proven practices eases the challenge of translating theory into classroom practice. It provides lists of books, curricula, organizations, and online resources to help teachers implement the equitable teaching strategies that work for them. Practices discussed include topics such as expectations, interactions, hands-on activities, cooperative learning, learning styles, ability grouping and tracking, family involvement, and professional development. Part of the It's Just Good Teaching Series. (1997; 34 p.)
Online at:
http://www.nwrel.org/msec/book1pdf.pdf
-
Science and mathematics standards in the classroom (It's just good teaching)
The vision and rationale for the national standards documents and the current literature on this topic are presented. Teaching strategies and resources are offered for implementing a standards-based approach to teaching, including ideas for planning; selecting and designing instructional tasks and units; facilitating discourse; and developing reflective practices. Part of the It's Just Good Teaching Series. (1997; 30 p.)
Online at:
http://www.nwrel.org/msec/book3.pdf