Fostering Learner Independence

An Essential Guide for K-6 Educators
Fostering Learner Independence
November 2008 | 240 pages | Corwin
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ISBN: 9781452295947
Available from January 0001
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ISBN: 9781412966078
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Description

"This one will be dog-eared, highlighted intensely, and readily accessible on the corner of my desk. However, in the spirit of this book's call for independent thinking, don't take my word for it. Read and judge for yourself. You won't be disappointed."
—Rick Wormeli, Columnist
Middle Ground Magazine, National Middle School Association

Learner independence = student success!

While every teacher's goal is to help students become independent thinkers, determining exactly how to lead students toward self-sufficiency can be a challenge. This straightforward resource invites teachers to reflect on their philosophy of teaching and learning, and helps identify the key ingredients for creating a classroom that promotes student success and independence.

Teachers will discover how to build on student strengths and interests and provide authentic learning experiences. The book includes checklists, examples, and tips, and shows readers how to:

  • Identify practices that hinder independence as well as those that foster student self-sufficiency
  • Engage learners so they can contribute information about how and what they want to learn
  • Promote development of good work habits, self-motivation, resiliency, and peer-to-peer problem solving
  • Strengthen students' critical thinking and inquiry skills
  • Incorporate differentiation and formative assessments

Infused with research and real classroom experiences, this readable handbook helps educators develop students who can solve problems and learn independently.

Contents

Foreword by Ron Ritchhart

Foreword by Ron Ritchhart

Preface

Preface

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

  • 1. Learner Independence
  • Defining Learner Independence
  • Learner Independence Encourages Self-Esteem
  • Independent Learning: A Habit of Mind
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 2. Structuring for Learner Independence
  • Controlling Versus Structuring for Learning
  • Fostering Independence Through Student Thinking
  • Interdependence Encourages Independence
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 3. Teaching That Promotes Independence
  • Implicit and Explicit Teaching
  • Constructivist Education
  • Supporting Students: The Zone of Proximal Development
  • Problem-Based Instruction
  • Gradually Releasing Responsibility
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 4. Expectations and Communication That Supports Independence
  • Benefits of a Well-Managed Classroom
  • Setting Expectations
  • Communicating With Students
  • Language of the Classroom
  • Peer Communication
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 5. Aligning Understandings and the Environment for Independence
  • Benefits of a Well-Planned Environment
  • An Environment That Mirrors a Teacher's Understandings
  • Analyzing the Physical Environment
  • Role of the Teacher
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 6. Setting Up for Independence
  • Arranging the Physical Environment
  • Whole Group
  • Small Group
  • Student Seating
  • Student Seating: The Freedom to Choose
  • The Teacher's Desk
  • Learning Centers, Materials, Supplies, and Resources
  • Wall Space
  • A Final Touch
  • Routines and Procedures
  • Change Over Time
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 7. Assessment That Fosters Independence
  • A Comparison of Assessments
  • The Link Between Rubrics and Independence
  • Assessment That Encourages Independence and Creativity
  • Assessing With Purpose
  • Reflect on Your Use of Rubrics
  • The Benefits of Assessment for Learning
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 8. Evaluation and Analysis That Develops Independence
  • Supporting Students Through Evaluation
  • Using Evaluation in Planning
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 9. Information That Fosters Learner Independence
  • Observations as Assessment
  • Conversations as Assessment
  • Feedback: Descriptive and Evaluative
  • Feedback That Informs Instruction
  • Analyzing Student Work for Evidence of Instruction
  • Analyzing With Others
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 10. Planning to Support Independence
  • Purposeful Decisions
  • The Teaching and Learning Cycle
  • Long-Range Planning
  • Daily Planning
  • Approaches, Grouping, and Resources
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 11. Differentiating for Independence
  • All Students Can Learn
  • Teaching Responsively Encourages Independence
  • Using a Variety of Processes and Resources to Encourage Independence
  • Go Deep, Avoid Coverage
  • Students Need to Know Themselves as Learners
  • Student Choice Is Critical
  • Differentiation Leads to Independent Learners
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 12. Conclusion: Changing and Reflecting
  • Our Behaviors Are Influenced by Thought and Perception
  • Teaching Is Constant Decision Making
  • Learning Requires Engagement and Alteration in Thought
  • Humans Continue to Grow Cognitively

Resource A: Task Analysis

Resource A: Task Analysis

Resource B: Moving From Controlling Learning

Resource B: Moving From Controlling Learning

Resource C: Responses That Encourage Independence

Resource C: Responses That Encourage Independence

References

References

Index

Index

Additional materials

Description

"This one will be dog-eared, highlighted intensely, and readily accessible on the corner of my desk. However, in the spirit of this book's call for independent thinking, don't take my word for it. Read and judge for yourself. You won't be disappointed."
—Rick Wormeli, Columnist
Middle Ground Magazine, National Middle School Association

Learner independence = student success!

While every teacher's goal is to help students become independent thinkers, determining exactly how to lead students toward self-sufficiency can be a challenge. This straightforward resource invites teachers to reflect on their philosophy of teaching and learning, and helps identify the key ingredients for creating a classroom that promotes student success and independence.

Teachers will discover how to build on student strengths and interests and provide authentic learning experiences. The book includes checklists, examples, and tips, and shows readers how to:

  • Identify practices that hinder independence as well as those that foster student self-sufficiency
  • Engage learners so they can contribute information about how and what they want to learn
  • Promote development of good work habits, self-motivation, resiliency, and peer-to-peer problem solving
  • Strengthen students' critical thinking and inquiry skills
  • Incorporate differentiation and formative assessments

Infused with research and real classroom experiences, this readable handbook helps educators develop students who can solve problems and learn independently.

Contents

Foreword by Ron Ritchhart

Foreword by Ron Ritchhart

Preface

Preface

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

  • 1. Learner Independence
  • Defining Learner Independence
  • Learner Independence Encourages Self-Esteem
  • Independent Learning: A Habit of Mind
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 2. Structuring for Learner Independence
  • Controlling Versus Structuring for Learning
  • Fostering Independence Through Student Thinking
  • Interdependence Encourages Independence
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 3. Teaching That Promotes Independence
  • Implicit and Explicit Teaching
  • Constructivist Education
  • Supporting Students: The Zone of Proximal Development
  • Problem-Based Instruction
  • Gradually Releasing Responsibility
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 4. Expectations and Communication That Supports Independence
  • Benefits of a Well-Managed Classroom
  • Setting Expectations
  • Communicating With Students
  • Language of the Classroom
  • Peer Communication
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 5. Aligning Understandings and the Environment for Independence
  • Benefits of a Well-Planned Environment
  • An Environment That Mirrors a Teacher's Understandings
  • Analyzing the Physical Environment
  • Role of the Teacher
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 6. Setting Up for Independence
  • Arranging the Physical Environment
  • Whole Group
  • Small Group
  • Student Seating
  • Student Seating: The Freedom to Choose
  • The Teacher's Desk
  • Learning Centers, Materials, Supplies, and Resources
  • Wall Space
  • A Final Touch
  • Routines and Procedures
  • Change Over Time
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 7. Assessment That Fosters Independence
  • A Comparison of Assessments
  • The Link Between Rubrics and Independence
  • Assessment That Encourages Independence and Creativity
  • Assessing With Purpose
  • Reflect on Your Use of Rubrics
  • The Benefits of Assessment for Learning
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 8. Evaluation and Analysis That Develops Independence
  • Supporting Students Through Evaluation
  • Using Evaluation in Planning
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 9. Information That Fosters Learner Independence
  • Observations as Assessment
  • Conversations as Assessment
  • Feedback: Descriptive and Evaluative
  • Feedback That Informs Instruction
  • Analyzing Student Work for Evidence of Instruction
  • Analyzing With Others
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 10. Planning to Support Independence
  • Purposeful Decisions
  • The Teaching and Learning Cycle
  • Long-Range Planning
  • Daily Planning
  • Approaches, Grouping, and Resources
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 11. Differentiating for Independence
  • All Students Can Learn
  • Teaching Responsively Encourages Independence
  • Using a Variety of Processes and Resources to Encourage Independence
  • Go Deep, Avoid Coverage
  • Students Need to Know Themselves as Learners
  • Student Choice Is Critical
  • Differentiation Leads to Independent Learners
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 12. Conclusion: Changing and Reflecting
  • Our Behaviors Are Influenced by Thought and Perception
  • Teaching Is Constant Decision Making
  • Learning Requires Engagement and Alteration in Thought
  • Humans Continue to Grow Cognitively

Resource A: Task Analysis

Resource A: Task Analysis

Resource B: Moving From Controlling Learning

Resource B: Moving From Controlling Learning

Resource C: Responses That Encourage Independence

Resource C: Responses That Encourage Independence

References

References

Index

Index

Additional materials

SAGE Publishing Logo

Fostering Learner Independence

An Essential Guide for K-6 Educators


November 2008 | 240 pages | Corwin

Format Published Date ISBN Price
Paperback 27/02/2023 9781412966078 $41.95
Lifetime 30/09/2024 9781452295947 $38.00

"This one will be dog-eared, highlighted intensely, and readily accessible on the corner of my desk. However, in the spirit of this book's call for independent thinking, don't take my word for it. Read and judge for yourself. You won't be disappointed."
—Rick Wormeli, Columnist
Middle Ground Magazine, National Middle School Association

Learner independence = student success!

While every teacher's goal is to help students become independent thinkers, determining exactly how to lead students toward self-sufficiency can be a challenge. This straightforward resource invites teachers to reflect on their philosophy of teaching and learning, and helps identify the key ingredients for creating a classroom that promotes student success and independence.

Teachers will discover how to build on student strengths and interests and provide authentic learning experiences. The book includes checklists, examples, and tips, and shows readers how to:

  • Identify practices that hinder independence as well as those that foster student self-sufficiency
  • Engage learners so they can contribute information about how and what they want to learn
  • Promote development of good work habits, self-motivation, resiliency, and peer-to-peer problem solving
  • Strengthen students' critical thinking and inquiry skills
  • Incorporate differentiation and formative assessments

Infused with research and real classroom experiences, this readable handbook helps educators develop students who can solve problems and learn independently.


Table Of Contents:

  • Foreword by Ron Ritchhart
  • Preface
  • Acknowledgments
  • About the Authors
  • 1. Learner Independence
  • Defining Learner Independence
  • Learner Independence Encourages Self-Esteem
  • Independent Learning: A Habit of Mind
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 2. Structuring for Learner Independence
  • Controlling Versus Structuring for Learning
  • Fostering Independence Through Student Thinking
  • Interdependence Encourages Independence
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 3. Teaching That Promotes Independence
  • Implicit and Explicit Teaching
  • Constructivist Education
  • Supporting Students: The Zone of Proximal Development
  • Problem-Based Instruction
  • Gradually Releasing Responsibility
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 4. Expectations and Communication That Supports Independence
  • Benefits of a Well-Managed Classroom
  • Setting Expectations
  • Communicating With Students
  • Language of the Classroom
  • Peer Communication
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 5. Aligning Understandings and the Environment for Independence
  • Benefits of a Well-Planned Environment
  • An Environment That Mirrors a Teacher's Understandings
  • Analyzing the Physical Environment
  • Role of the Teacher
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 6. Setting Up for Independence
  • Arranging the Physical Environment
  • Whole Group
  • Small Group
  • Student Seating
  • Student Seating: The Freedom to Choose
  • The Teacher's Desk
  • Learning Centers, Materials, Supplies, and Resources
  • Wall Space
  • A Final Touch
  • Routines and Procedures
  • Change Over Time
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 7. Assessment That Fosters Independence
  • A Comparison of Assessments
  • The Link Between Rubrics and Independence
  • Assessment That Encourages Independence and Creativity
  • Assessing With Purpose
  • Reflect on Your Use of Rubrics
  • The Benefits of Assessment for Learning
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 8. Evaluation and Analysis That Develops Independence
  • Supporting Students Through Evaluation
  • Using Evaluation in Planning
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 9. Information That Fosters Learner Independence
  • Observations as Assessment
  • Conversations as Assessment
  • Feedback: Descriptive and Evaluative
  • Feedback That Informs Instruction
  • Analyzing Student Work for Evidence of Instruction
  • Analyzing With Others
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 10. Planning to Support Independence
  • Purposeful Decisions
  • The Teaching and Learning Cycle
  • Long-Range Planning
  • Daily Planning
  • Approaches, Grouping, and Resources
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 11. Differentiating for Independence
  • All Students Can Learn
  • Teaching Responsively Encourages Independence
  • Using a Variety of Processes and Resources to Encourage Independence
  • Go Deep, Avoid Coverage
  • Students Need to Know Themselves as Learners
  • Student Choice Is Critical
  • Differentiation Leads to Independent Learners
  • Conclusion
  • A Time to Reflect
  • A Visit to Our Classrooms
  • 12. Conclusion: Changing and Reflecting
  • Our Behaviors Are Influenced by Thought and Perception
  • Teaching Is Constant Decision Making
  • Learning Requires Engagement and Alteration in Thought
  • Humans Continue to Grow Cognitively
  • Resource A: Task Analysis
  • Resource B: Moving From Controlling Learning
  • Resource C: Responses That Encourage Independence
  • References
  • Index

Recent Product Reviews:

"This excellent book covers all aspects of what teachers can do with their students to help them develop as independent learners.”
Linda Lee and Mary Haymond, Multi-age Classroom Teachers, Spokane Public Schools, WA
“This one will be dog-eared, highlighted intensely, and readily accessible on the corner of my desk. However, in the spirit of this book’s call for independent thinking, don’t take my word for it. Read and judge for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.”
Rick Wormeli, Columnist, Middle Ground, National Middle School Association
"The authors have spent years thinking and writing about the conditions necessary to design, implement, and reflect upon for teachers to be intentional in our work and what independence means for our students. Their book acts as a personal coach for any teaching wanting to increase the rigor of their classroom, establish a classroom of independence, manage their own planning time productively, increase parent support, and truly increase student achievement."
Dawn Christiana, Teacher, Literacy Consultant, Bellingham School District, WA
“Teachers and administrators will find this book valuable. It has a strong theory and research base along with concrete examples from many classrooms.”
Marilyn Duncan, Literacy Consultant, Author, The Learning Network
“The authors have written a highly accessible book that could change not only the way teachers teach and students learn, but also contribute to the satisfaction that both teachers and students feel at the end of the day.”
Cynthia L. Wilson, Associate Professor of Teacher Education, University of Illinois at Springfield

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