Book Description

In the last thirty years, the educational system has become increasingly more diverse. In some school systems, the majority is now slowly moving towards being the minority within the next ten to fifteen years. Educators are confronted with several questions: How can instruction be more engaging and relevant to the needs of learners? What strategies can be employed to meet the needs of learners at different levels of the educational ladder, within the same level and in the same classroom and given the achievement gap how can educators ensure that all students learn without lowering the standards for high achieving students? This book in some ways explores these and more questions that are at the heart of teaching and learning. The contributors, who are all classroom teachers, educators or practitioners at varying levels of the education system, propose and discuss strategies that are effective in advancing student learning. After reviewing literature on research and effective teaching, the author of Chapter One pointed out that the ways to prepare effective teachers is still a work in progress and that the broad areas of subject matter specialization, certification and experience are all still valid in the discussion of effective teachers. The book is divided into five sections: Theoretical Framework, Teaching English Language Arts, Teaching Science and Mathematics, Information Technology and Assessment. Each section provides readers with issues affecting instruction and effective strategies. This book is a useful resource for prospective and practicing teachers, especially those working in schools with diverse populations.