Best+Practices

As part of our pedagogical instruction, we are asked to research practices and methodologies that will be useful in our future classrooms. The links below will take you to the articles written on diverse topics of which educators must maintain an awareness and experience.

[|Discovery Learning.pdf] By: Kara Blue __Abstract__: Discovery learning has been the source of some controversy since its introduction to the pedagogical world. Based on the constructivist methods of instruction, discovery learning is encouraged because it allows students to learn information through exploration rather than having an instructor directly relay the material to the class. The controversy that arises, however, is over the level of structure and guidance applied to the discovery learning process and the effect that it has on the understanding of emphasized concepts, principles, and approaches. The intent of this article is to engage in the debate by examining how discovery learning works, its uses in the classroom, and finding the best means of incorporating discovery learning to achieve the active engagement of students in the learning environment.
 * What Every Teacher Needs to Know About Utilizing Discovery Learning in the Classroom**

[|Piaget - Cognitive Development.pdf] By: Katie Valliere __Abstract:__ The essay that follows focuses on defining and explaining Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. Piaget’s theory includes four stages of cognitive development, all of which provide an explanation of how a person’s development of thinking changes and becomes more complex as they move from infancy to adulthood. The purpose of this articles is to first explain the various elements of Piaget’s theory including his belief in two basic tendencies in all human thought (organization and adaptation), the development of schemes, the process of assimilation and/or accommodation, and the four factors that affect and change a person’s thinking process as he or she ages. After describing the various factors in Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, the essay focuses on explaining in detail the four stages of cognitive development; the sensorimotor stage, preoperational stage, concrete-operational stage, and formal operations. Finally, the essay explains some of the reasons why Piaget’s theory is important to teachers, and how the theory can be implemented by teachers in the classroom. There is also a list of other resources that can be used to learn more about Piaget’s theory.
 * What Every Teacher Needs to Know About Jean Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development**

[|Authentic Assessment.pdf] By John Skelton __Abstract:__ Authentic Assessment is the term used to describe the use of real-life or student-pertinent assignments in the classroom. The purpose of this article is offer a list of considerations that educators should explore when designing such assignments. This article also links to various recognized sites for standards and offers connections to professional life beyond school, demonstrating how students may benefit from the unique learning opportunities that authenic teaching presents. Authentic Assessment in the Classroom also explores the pros, cons and complexities of assessing such student centered learning and offers tips from professional educators and researchers on how to assess these personalized student efforts.
 * What Every Teacher Needs to Know About Authentic Assessment in the Classroom**