In today's academic environment, one essential skill that is often overlooked is active listening. While educators dedicate substantial time to teaching reading, writing, and speaking, listening skills remain a marginalized aspect of education. This negligence leaves students ill-prepared for the demands of the modern world and results in billions of dollars being spent by companies to train their employees in effective listening. The gap between the need for proficient listeners and the scarcity of resources to nurture this skill is harming or at least significantly delaying the potential of these students. Mindful Listening Instruction in the Elementary Classroom: Authentic Strategies Using Picturebooks is the solution we've all been waiting for. Academic scholars are deeply committed to improving education, and they have recognized the urgency of addressing this pervasive issue. This book offers a transformative solution by advocating for the integration of listening skill instruction into elementary classrooms, using the engaging medium of picture books. This book is a roadmap to a brighter future for our students and society. By addressing the problem of neglected listening skills and offering a compelling solution, this book equips educators, academics, and anyone invested in education with the tools to bridge the gap between the demand for proficient listeners and the current educational landscape's shortcomings.

There has been an increasing issue in STEM education as many students lack interest and knowledge in STEM disciplines and fields. Given the high demand for STEM workers, and the projected growth of STEM fields, it is important to expose students to STEM education beginning as early as elementary school. Some K-6 programs are not preparing teacher candidates adequately for STEM content or skills, especially in engineering. Integrating these disciplines and practices throughout elementary education programs could result in more exposure for K-6 students. Using STEM-Focused Teacher Preparation Programs to Reimagine Elementary Education presents anecdotal stories of how elementary education programs have altered their content offerings, field experiences, and curricula to expand their teacher candidates’ knowledge and exposure to STEM disciplines and fields. Covering key topics such as diversity, teacher education, and technology integration, this premier reference source is ideal for industry professionals, policymakers, administrators of K-12 education, pre-service teachers, teacher educators, researchers, scholars, academicians, practitioners, instructors, and students.

The role of literacy instruction extends far beyond traditional English language arts classrooms. Cultivating Literate Citizenry Through Interdisciplinary Instruction delves into the necessary concepts within the realm of literacy across and within various academic disciplines. From the foundational core courses of English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies to enriching extracurricular pursuits like agriculture, theater arts, visual arts, and kinesiology, this book encapsulates the essence of fostering literacy competencies in all domains. This comprehensive resource caters to a diverse audience, spanning preservice and in-service teachers, teacher educators, district and school leaders, and educational researchers. It is a versatile tool, ideal for integrating literacy methods courses focusing on content-area and disciplinary literacy instruction across all age groups. Practicing teachers will find it an invaluable resource for their ongoing professional development, while educational leaders will gain profound insights to inform their instructional support strategies.

Within parenting, a complex dynamic emerges as empirical research intersects with practical applications. Parental Influence on Educational Success and Wellbeing navigates uncharted territories in parenting research, tackling pivotal issues like culture, minority experiences, lifespan perspectives, disabilities, and the convergence of medical and legal dimensions. Its uniqueness lies in theoretical exploration and in providing tangible solutions—offering parents concrete best practices and strategies. This book is an indispensable resource for parents seeking to navigate the multifaceted challenges of nurturing their children in diverse contexts. By integrating insights from various dimensions of parenting research, the book equips parents with a nuanced understanding of how their actions reverberate through their child's life, influencing academic achievement and emotional well-being.

Perspectives on Empowering Intergenerational Relations in Educational Organizations is a groundbreaking book that addresses the urgent need to build and maintain peace between generations. Edited by Soner Polat and Ça?lar Çelik from Kocaeli University, Turkey, this comprehensive exploration delves into intergenerational relations within educational settings, equipping readers with the knowledge and strategies needed to foster positive interactions between different generations. From intergenerational communication and conflict resolution to empathy development and leadership, this book empowers individuals with the essential skills for peaceful coexistence. With a focus on practical guidance and real-life examples, Perspectives on Empowering Intergenerational Relations in Educational Organizations offers valuable insights for educators, administrators, students, and parents. It serves as a valuable resource for navigating and improving intergenerational dynamics within educational institutions. By engaging with this book, readers gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of intergenerational relations and acquire the competencies necessary to build stronger, more harmonious connections across generations. Through concrete strategies and research-based guidance, it provides a roadmap for promoting empowering intergenerational relations, paving the way for a more inclusive and harmonious future in educational organizations.

The PK-12 education system in the United States suffers from anti-democratic and authoritarian ideologies, policies, and power structures, leading to limited educational access and oppressive disciplinary practices for marginalized communities. PK-12 Professionals’ Narratives of Working as Advocates Impacting Today’s Schools offer a powerful solution to these challenges. This book comprises a collection of counter-narratives that empower educators, counselors, and stakeholders to challenge and disrupt the anti-democratic and authoritarian forces prevalent in schools. By sharing personal experiences, strategies, and recommendations, the book inspires academic scholars to reflect, (re)learn, and take action to support students, communities, and personal growth. It serves as a critical teaching tool, encouraging professionals to reimagine their practices and collaborate with others in creating inclusive, equitable, and transformative educational environments. PK-12 Professionals’ Narratives of Working as Advocates Impacting Today’s Schools present a path toward dismantling oppressive structures, ultimately advocating for an education system that prioritizes the needs and voices of all learners.

In the world of education, technology has revolutionized teaching and learning practices globally. However, the widespread adoption of technology, especially in response to Covid-19, has led to a deluge of data from students' digital footprints. The challenge lies in effectively using this data through learning analytics (LA) to optimize K-12 classroom practices. Emergent Practices of Learning Analytics in K-12 Classrooms, edited by Dr. Nurdan Kavakl? Uluta? and Dr. Devrim Höl offers a comprehensive solution to these challenges. This book gathers academic scholars to explore practical perspectives on applying learning analytics in K-12 classrooms, combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Addressing topics such as predictive analytics, ethical considerations, and future directions, it empowers educators to make data-driven decisions, creating engaging learning experiences for improved student outcomes. By embracing the insights and recommendations presented in this book, academic scholars can confidently navigate the realm of learning analytics and shape the future of K-12 education.