Real-World Learning Framework for Elementary Schools: Digital Tools and Practical Strategies for Successful Implementation

Creation in the real world is a disorganized process, and in order to foster authentic learning in the classroom, teachers must be flexible in planning and supporting learning experiences.

Bring about deeper, self-directed learning in elementary school students. This book outlines opportunities teachers and students have to exercise cognitive complexity, engagement, and technology integration through real-world project-based instruction. Part one details the Create Excellence Framework for 21st century skills, and part two offers sample lesson plans from real-world learning projects, so educators can help students take more responsibility for and find more enthusiasm in their own learning.

Benefits:

• Learn each of the components of the research-based Create Excellence Framework for lesson planning and how each component connects to student content standards.
• Discover the five levels of real-world learning, helping students find greater fulfillment in their PBL (project-based learning).
• Answer questions to consider in setting up the Create Excellence Framework for real-world learning.
• Consult real-world examples of Create Excellence Framework - applicable learning projects that meet the guidelines of curriculum standards.
• Learn about many online tools and resources to promote online projects that engage students in authentic learning.

Contents:

Introduction: The Create Excellence Framework for Real-World Learning

Part I:

Chapter 1 Real-World Learning

Chapter 2 Cognitive Complexity

Chapter 3 Student Engagement

Chapter 4 Technology Integration

Chapter 5 Implementation of the Create Excellence Framework

Part II:

English Language Arts Projects

Mathematics Projects

Social Studies Projects

Science Projects

References and Resources

Marge Maxwell, PhD, is a professor of educational technology at Western Kentucky University. She has been helping educators implement technology into teaching and learning for more than 30 years. Her focus is on real-world learning, incorporating critical thinking, high student engagement, and technology.

Dr. Maxwell is the author of several monographs, research articles, and book chapters, and is coeditor of a six-book series, Explore the Core: Math Problem Solving and Projects. She has presented numerous papers at regional, national, and international conferences. Since she began teaching online courses, she has researched and published on the subject of students' sense of community in virtual classes.

Dr. Maxwell earned a bachelor's degree in special education from the University of Georgia, and a master's degree in exceptional education and a PhD in curriculum and instruction from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Rebecca Stobaugh, PhD, is an assistant professor at Western Kentucky University, where she teaches assessment and unit-planning courses in the teacher education program. She also supervises first-year teachers and consults with school districts on critical thinking, instructional strategies, assessment, technology integration, and other topics. A former middle and high school teacher, she has also served as a middle school principal.

Dr. Stobaugh is the author of several books, including Assessing Critical Thinking in Middle and High Schools and Assessing Critical Thinking in Elementary Schools. She has written numerous articles for peer-reviewed journals, authored several book chapters, and presented at more than 40 national and international conferences. She is also a manuscript and book reviewer for several national journals. Dr. Stobaugh regularly serves on accreditation teams and writes grants to support K-12 professional development. She is the executive director and former president of Kentucky ASCD. Dr. Stobaugh received the 2004 Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award from the Kentucky Council for Social Studies.

She earned a bachelor's degree from Georgetown College, a master's degree from the University of Kentucky, and a PhD in K-12 education leadership from the University of Louisville.

Janet Lynne Tassell, PhD, is an associate professor at Western Kentucky University, where she teaches elementary math methods and directs the Elementary Mathematics Specialist Endorsement program. Dr. Tassell also teaches identification and current-issues courses for the university's gifted and talented master's program. She taught a semester abroad at Harlaxton College in England.

Dr. Tassell has taught mathematics at the middle school and high school levels. She spent 14 years as a gifted-education coordinator and director of learning and assessment, working with K-12 teachers in curriculum and professional development. She has been codirector of the Toyota Math and Technology Leadership Academy and professional development coordinator for the Javits grant Project GEMS (Gifted Education for Math and Science) initiative for grades 3-6 students. With Dr. Julia Roberts, she coauthored a chapter on mathematics differentiation menus and techniques. She led a team of 14 authors to design and write six books for grades 1-6 students to delve deeper into the Common Core mathematics standards.

Dr. Tassell received a bachelor's in secondary education, a master's in curriculum and instruction, and a PhD in curriculum and instruction from Indiana University.