Why is the understanding of the fundamentals of American education important to today’s teachers? Explore this book for answers to this fundamental question and gain an understanding of how the evolution of education impacts today’s teaching and learning. Become a highly qualified teacher by connecting theory and practice, and by examining the philosophical and historical roots of education, its current structures, and the future of the field. This 5th edition invites the reader to reflect on historical issues, consider and respond to current educational issues, and become a professional, highly qualified teacher.
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Public and political attention has been focused in recent years on improving the quality of public education. A quality teaching force is central to achieving this goal. "Efforts to improve teacher quality and to advance the professionalization of teaching have focused on the development of standards and increased testing for certification. In fact, furthering the professionalization of teaching is one of the most important movements in teaching in the last half-century.
Our primary goal in writing this fourth edition has been to provide current and useful information that will help those interested in careers in elementary and secondary education develop an understanding of the philosophical and historical roots of education, current educational structures and practices, and projections for the future. With this understanding they can make informed decisions about their professional and career goals. There is general agreement about the need for able persons in education; however, the decision to become a teacher should come only after careful deliberation. Before making the decision to enter teaching, individuals need to understand the complexities of the teacher's role, the many and diverse duties and responsibilities of the profession, and the commitment of time and energy required to be a successful teacher.
ORIENTATION OF THE TEXT
To help the student develop an understanding of education, this book follows a sequenced presentation of major topics: the status of the teaching profession and efforts to increase the professionalization of teaching; the philosophical foundations and historical background of education; the relationship between schools and society; educational responses to an increasingly diverse and multicultural society; the particular challenges of working with diverse populations and at-risk youth; the law and its effect on teachers and students; the organization and financing of elementary and secondary schools; the current and evolving process of teaching and learning; and projected demographic, social, technological, and organizational and governance changes and their impact on education. In this interdisciplinary approach we explore both the theoretical and the applied aspects of education. We have prepared a text that includes a balance of past, present, and future applications in a context that students will find both readable and challenging.
Interdisciplinary Emphasis
One of the strengths of the text is the extensive use of relevant concepts from the social sciences. The philosophical roots of education are identified and discussed. Historical materials were used in developing the extensive discussion of the evolution of schooling for the past several centuries. Disciplines such as sociology, economics, politics of education, political science, public administration, finance, and law have been used to provide an understanding of the current and developing context of education. Research from the field of psychology is used extensively in the discussion of teaching, learning, and meeting the needs of at-risk children and youth.
Theoretical and Applied Aspects of Education
Through the use of current research we have emphasized the connections between theory and research and the applied world of teaching. Unlike many foundation texts that concentrate primarily on pedagogical knowledge and academic skill domains, this text provides a comprehensive application of research and theory to actual classroom/teaching situations and practice. Through margin notes, special features, and discussion questions, the educational implications of research and theory are reinforced in ways that will be understandable to both practicing and prospective teachers.
NEW TO THIS EDITION
In order to provide an integrated and more current perspective, this edition:
PEDAGOGICAL FEATURES
Several features have been designed to help the student use the text for study and review.
Vignettes
The basic concepts of each chapter are reflected in the opening vignettes. They present teachers in real-life situations that reflect the many challenges and rewards of teaching. Vignettes may be used to stimulate interaction between teachers and students using this text.
Objectives
Each chapter begins with a series of objectives to be achieved through study and discussion. They may be used as guides for class discussion and as tools for studying and reviewing the material.
Margin Notes
Notes in the margins of each chapter ask students to reflect on their personal experiences or share their insights or knowledge related to the material presented.
Figures and Tables
Figures and tables enhance and supplement the text and add additional content. These visual features not only give an additional dimension to the chapters but also help students develop a better understanding of major concepts.
Video Insights
Video Insights in Chapters 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 14 link chapter content to ABC News video programming and can be used to promote classroom discussions of the important and sometimes controversial education issues presented in the videos.
Summary
The key points are summarized at the end of each chapter. These can be used as guides for class discussion and for study and review sessions.
Key Terms
Key terms are identified in italic type in the text, referenced at the end of each chapter, and defined in a glossary at the end of the book.
Discussion Topics
At the end of each chapter, discussion questions provide an overview of the basic concepts. They may be used as oral or written assignments, topics for class discussion, or for review of chapter concepts.
References
References at the end of each chapter provide bibliographic information for all citations. The reference lists can be used in further study to develop a better understanding of specific topics and as beginning points for identifying sources and topics for research papers.
Glossary
A glossary defines the key terms identified throughout the book. It ensures consistent definitions in the use of terms throughout the book and will help the student better understand the key concepts.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Each chapter contains pedagogical features designed to enrich learning opportunities by including historical notes and discussion stimulators drawn from current and past educational developments, current issues, or applications of educational principles in real-life situations. Special features include the following topics:
ANCILLARIES
The following ancillaries have been developed for the instructor and the student:
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