Context of teacher learning is described. Strategies are suggested for promoting teacher learning. Maute, J. (2003). The spirit of teaching learning. Middle Ground, 6(3), 10-12.
This book is the result of research by the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST). Their position is that the use of technology can be used to transform the nature of the curriculum itself. The e-book version has links to resources that make it a wealth of information regarding universal design for learning (UDL). UDL is a framework that can help you turn the challenges posed by high standards and increasing learner diversity into opportunities to maximize learning for every student. Drawing upon new knowledge of how the brain works and new technologies and media now available for teaching and learning, UDL frames a systematic approach to setting goals, choosing or creating flexible materials and media, and assessing students accurately.
The Middle School Portal is built specifically for middle school math and science teachers. Improve your content knowledge, more effectively integrate technology, connect to just in time teaching ideas, and search or browse by subject lists based on the national math and science education standards.
The benefits and criticism of increased assessment or testing are discussed. Increased testing helps teachers monitoring students' learning process and their own teaching strategies and school curriculum. The main criticism is "lack of value to education in its current incarnation." Suggestions of improved assessment are recommended.
The roles of technology in students' performance assessment, teachers' professional development, data management, and teaching supports are discussed. Kalmbacher, S. (2004). Data to action technology's role in accountability. Middle Ground, 8(2), 12-15.
A special page for teachers who are just beginning their classroom careers. Among recent additions: Links to a series of Teacher Magazine's Teaching Secrets articles; ideas for creating a positive and engaging classroom environment, and practical advice on developing the "Organized Middle Schooler." Check back often.
The value of using study guides to develop multiple literacies is discussed. Strategies of study guides development and the components should be included in the guides are also suggested. Wood, K. D. (2002). Using study guides to develop multiple literacies. Middle Ground, 6(2), 10-14.
Differentiating instruction is suggested to meet the needs of different students in a classroom. Strategies for conducting differentiating instruction are provided.
High achieving students are just as desperate as any other students for good teachers to help them progress. Strategies to meet the needs of advanced learners are provided in this article.
Rakow, S. (2007). All means all: Classrooms that work for advanced learners. Middle Ground, 11(1), 10-12.
Effective middle level educators seek to design homework that is motivating, enriching, and relevant. Homework is part of a comprehensive effort to help students learn skills and relate new information to their prior knowledge and experiences. Examples of Benjamin Bloom's taxonomy of higher-order thinking skills and RAFTS assignments are provided. Wormeli, R. (2002). Help with homework. Middle Ground, 5(4), 19-21.
Chunking is one of many instructional strategies supported by recent research about the human brain. By chunking we make sense of the randomness and improve the chances of moving the information to long-term memory. Strategies of chunking are suggested. Wormeli, R. (2002). Beating a path to the brain. Middle Ground, 5(5), 23-25.