Seminar paper from the year 2014 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Other, grade: 2.0, University of Duisburg-Essen (Anglophone Studies), course: Learner Autonomy in Practice, language: English, abstract: This paper aims at providing an analysis of learner autonomy in the classroom. It presents an examination of how a positive learning atmosphere in a language classroom can be achieved, i.e. the question “how to teach” (Brown 1994: 51) in a classroom has to be considered. First of all, some theoretical positions and beliefs in the context of learner autonomy will be depicted, especially the definition of the term ‘learner autonomy’ will be discussed. Regarding the theories, in particular task-based learning (TBL) and project-based learning (PBL), it will be examined how learner autonomy can be promoted. However, the emphasis in section 2.2 will be laid on the definition of both task types. Although there exist a variety of theories regarding learner autonomy, this paper will only focus on the two theories mentioned above. After having presented a definition of learner autonomy and focusing on learner autonomy in language learning, as well as the teacher’s role in the classroom, this paper will take a specific look at the question how a positive learning atmosphere can be achieved. Therefore, the emphasis of this paper will be laid on chapter 3, i.e. on the analysis of how a positive learning atmosphere can be created with regard to the theoretical context. Finally, it is important to establish a connection between the theoretical context and the practical application. Therefore, based on a project at the University of Essen called “Great Books to Read”, methods and strategies as well ...

This edited work presents a collection of papers on motivation research in education around the globe. Pursuing a uniquely international approach, it also features selected research studies conducted in Singapore under the auspices of the Motivation in Educational Research Lab, National Institute of Education, Singapore. A total of 15 chapters include some of the latest findings on theory and practical applications alike, prepared by internationally respected researchers in the field of motivation research in education. Each author provides his/her perspective and practical strategies on how to maximize motivation in the classroom. Individual chapters focus on theoretical and practical considerations, parental involvement, teachers’ motivation, ways to create a self-motivating classroom, use of ICT, and nurturing a passion for learning. The book will appeal to several different audiences: firstly, policymakers in education, school leaders and teachers will find it a valuable resource. Secondly, it offers a helpful guide for researchers and teacher educators in pre-service and postgraduate teacher education programmes. And thirdly, parents who want to help their children pursue lifelong learning will benefit from reading this book.

This practitioner-focused guide to creating identity-safe classrooms presents four categories of core instructional practices: Child-centered teaching ; Classroom relationships ; Caring environments ; Cultivating diversity. The book presents a set of strategies that can be implemented immediately by teachers. It includes a wealth of vignettes taken from identity-safe classrooms as well as reflective exercises that can be completed by individual teachers or teacher teams.

Creating an inclusive classroom means understanding federal legislation as well as national and state standards, but the practical and streamlined seventh edition of Creating Inclusive Classrooms: Effective and Reflective Practices recognizes that it means more than that. This text goes beyond the typical inclusion text, translating theory and research into practices you can use in your inclusive classroom by illustrating the principles of effective inclusion through classroom scenarios, online footage, and successful strategies. The text has the most current vision of today's inclusive classroom, which truly helps you create a successful educational experience for all students. New to This Edition: *NEW UDL and You features throughout the text guide you in understanding and implementing the principles of universal design to help all learners access the general education curriculum and succeed in inclusive classrooms.

The untold story of the root cause of America's education crisis--and the seemingly endless cycle of multigenerational poverty. It was only after years within the education reform movement that Natalie Wexler stumbled across a hidden explanation for our country's frustrating lack of progress when it comes to providing every child with a quality education. The problem wasn't one of the usual scapegoats: lazy teachers, shoddy facilities, lack of accountability. It was something no one was talking about: the elementary school curriculum's intense focus on decontextualized reading comprehension "skills" at the expense of actual knowledge. In the tradition of Dale Russakoff's The Prize and Dana Goldstein's The Teacher Wars, Wexler brings together history, research, and compelling characters to pull back the curtain on this fundamental flaw in our education system--one that fellow reformers, journalists, and policymakers have long overlooked, and of which the general public, including many parents, remains unaware. But The Knowledge Gap isn't just a story of what schools have gotten so wrong--it also follows innovative educators who are in the process of shedding their deeply ingrained habits, and describes the rewards that have come along: students who are not only excited to learn but are also acquiring the knowledge and vocabulary that will enable them to succeed. If we truly want to fix our education system and unlock the potential of our neediest children, we have no choice but to pay attention.

Children in today's world are inundated with information about who to be, what to do and how to live. But what if there was a way to teach children how to manage priorities, focus on goals and be a positive influence on the world around them? The Leader in Meis that programme. It's based on a hugely successful initiative carried out at the A.B. Combs Elementary School in North Carolina. To hear the parents of A. B Combs talk about the school is to be amazed. In 1999, the school debuted a programme that taught The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Peopleto a pilot group of students. The parents reported an incredible change in their children, who blossomed under the programme. By the end of the following year the average end-of-grade scores had leapt from 84 to 94. This book will launch the message onto a much larger platform. Stephen R. Covey takes the 7 Habits, that have already changed the lives of millions of people, and shows how children can use them as they develop. Those habits -- be proactive, begin with the end in mind, put first things first, think win-win, seek to understand and then to be understood, synergize, and sharpen the saw -- are critical skills to learn at a young age and bring incredible results, proving that it's never too early to teach someone how to live well.

This book is a collection of papers that explores the notion of learner autonomy and the problem of helping language learners to manage their learning effectively. The first part of the book deals with issues of definition: what is the cognitive base for autonomous learning behaviour and how is this mediated by social and cultural expectations of a learner's role? The second part reports on experiences of working with learners and with teachers to promote learner autonomy. In working with learners, the focus is on language learning strategies and how strategic learning might be developed through strategy training, materials design, reflection and counselling. In working with teachers, the focus is on bringing about change in traditional perspectives on the roles of learners and teachers within education systems.