Topic > New teaching styles - 1292

1. What new forms of education are emerging in grades K-12? A current trend in education appears to be the integration of technology for instructional purposes. One such technological advancement is the inclusion of the iPod Touch in the classroom. This technology hosts a wide range of applications in different subject areas that can be used at all grade levels. There are many ways the iPod Touch can be integrated to personalize the learning experience for everyone (Banister, 2010). Laptops are also used more in the classroom. Teachers do not use laptops simply as a means to plan and deliver instruction, but rather as tools for authentic learning in which students use computers during lessons (Kemker, Barron & Harmes, 2007). There are several web-based programs, such as Education City, Study Island, and Compass Learning, to promote achievement in different disciplines.2. What do we know about what makes good teaching? Good teaching involves identifying the relevance of the material learned. This helps students understand the need for the information and become more motivated in the process. Instruction should be student-centered and include the inclusion of meaningful activities that are relevant in the real world (Kemker et al., 2007). Another effective teaching practice is differentiation. This method provides the opportunity to modify instructions, activities, and projects based on a variety of factors. Some things to consider include student needs, multiple intelligences, and preferred learning styles. Using this approach to instruction promotes the implementation of higher order thinking skills (Bailey & Williams-Black, 2008). An additional component of effective teaching... at the heart of the paper... schools. 27(2), 121-131.Bas, G. (2010). Effects of multiple intelligences teaching strategy on students' achievement levels and attitudes towards English class. Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences, 5(3), 167-180. Kemker, K., Barron, A. E., & Harmes, J. (2007). Laptops in elementary classrooms: Authentic instruction with at-risk students. Educational Media International 44(4), 305-321. Lawrence-Brown, D. (2004). Differentiated instruction: Inclusive strategies for standards-based learning that benefit the whole class. American Secondary Education, 32(3), 34-62.Moon, T. R. (2005). The role of evaluation in differentiation. From Theory to Practice, 44(3), 226-233.Stiggins, R., Arter, J., Chappuis, J., & Chappuis, S. (2006). Classroom assessment for student learning: Doing it well – using it well. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.