Five educational researchers, coming from a variety of higher education institutions, academic disciplines, and cultural backgrounds, met together over a three-year period to discuss the present and future of doctoral education and training in the field of education. Their hope was that the product of their discussions would enable educators and policy makers around the world to rethink, restructure, and even design new programs to prepare the rising generation of educational researchers in their countries. These differences in academic, national, and institutional perspectives led to a variety of ways, even conflicting ones, in which the quality of doctoral education and training could be improved. Based on our discussion, we came to the conclusion that there are no universal solutions to the problems involved in setting up and operating a quality doctoral program. Rather, educators would be wise to be aware of the alternatives at their disposal and make informed choices based on an understanding of the larger societal and political contexts in their states, regions, or nations. To facilitate this decision-making process, we have chosen to conclude with a set of key questions that should be addressed by those seeking to examine and improve their doctoral programs in education and briefly describe some of the alternative ways of answering these questions. Instead of passively absorbing a unified position, then, the reader is invited to join the dialogue that has taken place (and is still taking place) between and among the authors. To exemplify such a dialogue, each chapter is followed by one or two commentaries written by members of the group. We would encourage the reader to write commentaries on the individual chapters (and perhaps the commentaries), thereby engaging in a dialogue with the authors on a fairly personal level.

Tap into children's natural curiosity and scaffold their creative abilities across all domains of learning--and nurture your own creativity!

In his international bestseller How Children Succeed, Paul Tough introduced us to research showing that personal qualities like perseverance, self-control and conscientiousness play a critical role in children’s success. Now, in Helping Children Succeed, he outlines the practical steps that adults – from parents and teachers to policymakers and philanthropists – can take to improve the chances of every child, however adverse their circumstances. And he mines the latest research in psychology and neuroscience to show how creating the right environments, both at home and at school, can instil personal qualities vital for future success.

Nurturing Students’ Character is an easy-to-use guide to incorporating social-emotional and character development (SECD) into your teaching practice. The links are clear—elementary and middle school students have better odds of academic success if you nurture their social and emotional skills. Drawing on broad field experience and the latest research, this book offers intuitive techniques for infusing your everyday teaching and classroom management with SECD opportunities. With topics ranging from self-regulation and problem solving to peer communication and empathy, these concrete strategies, practical worksheets, and self-reflective activities will help you foster a positive classroom culture.

A fascinating look at the evolution of behavioral science, the revolutionary way it’s changing the way we live, and how nurturing environments can increase people’s well-being in virtually every aspect of our society, from early childhood education to corporate practices. If you want to know how you can help create a better world, read this book. What if there were a way to prevent criminal behavior, mental illness, drug abuse, poverty, and violence? Written by behavioral scientist Tony Biglan, and based on his ongoing research at the Oregon Research Institute, The Nurture Effect offers evidence-based interventions that can prevent many of the psychological and behavioral problems that plague our society. For decades, behavioral scientists have investigated the role our environment plays in shaping who we are, and their research shows that we now have the power within our own hands to reduce violence, improve cognitive development in our children, increase levels of education and income, and even prevent future criminal behaviors. By cultivating a positive environment in all aspects of society—from the home, to the classroom, and beyond—we can ensure that young people arrive at adulthood with the skills, interests, assets, and habits needed to live healthy, happy, and productive lives. The Nurture Effect details over forty years of research in the behavioral sciences, as well as the author’s own research. Biglan illustrates how his findings lay the framework for a model of societal change that has the potential to reverberate through all environments within society.

Examines and responds to the tension educators face while trying to nurture creativity within the curricular constraints of the classroom.

First Published in 2001. Nurture groups are spreading rapidly throughout the UK. This fully updated second edition is written in response to the support given by the DfEE to the Nurture Group project and the recognition by every major special needs policy document that they provide effective early intervention for children showing signs of emotional and behavioural difficulties.