PIPPIN PUBLISHING

INQUIRY IN THE CLASSROOM: CREATING IT, ENCOURAGING IT, ENJOYING IT

ISBN: 0-88751-098-1    View Graphical Site    Go Back


Descript:

Dinosaurs. Life under the sea. Airplanes. Ancient Egypt.

These are the things that interest children - much more than reading period or the daily math lesson. All teachers know that interested students are better learners, and that's why projects have long been part of the elementary curriculum. But how can teachers build on the enthusiasm they generate? Can project work really become the focus of the classroom, without sacrificing important teaching and learning? And how can project work be evaluated?

In Inquiry in the Classroom, David Wray shows how projects can be a driving force in the early school years. With careful planning, project work can touch on all aspects of the curriculum. By involving students in that planning, we can ensure that their interest will be maintained. And, by setting realistic goals and allowing for creativity and flexibility in project outcomes, evaluation can be designed to reflect real learning.

Special Features: Numerous photocopiable charts and diagrams.

Audience: Creative teachers of young children who are looking for activities that work successfully, excite young learners and please the parents.

Paperback  6" x 9"


Table of contents:
 Introduction

The Aims of Project Work
  Building on Children's Interests
  Developing Knowledge and Concepts
  Developing Skills
  Developing Attitude
  Aiming High

Curriculum Coverage and Continuity
  What Is the Elementary School Curriculum?
  Project Work within the Curriculum
  Building on Learning across the Years

Planning Project Work
  Planning as a Framework
  Project Starting Points
  Choosing and Developing Ideas
  Involving the Children
  Choosing Resources and Planning Acces
  Planning the Physical Context
  Planning the Social Context

Planning Project Outcomes
  Aiming for an Audience
  End Products

The Role of the Teacher
  Direct Teaching
  Facilitating Learning

Evaluating the Project
  What to Evaluate
  Methods of Evaluation
  Involving the Students
  Record Keeping