Real-world Learning Framework for Secondary Schools: Digital Tools and Practical Strategies for Successful Implementation - bring about deeper and self-directed learning in students

Foster authentic learning in classrooms. Students desire to find meaning in what they learn and to exert creativity in their schoolwork. Using the Create Framework, educators can help students find greater fulfillment in learning, while also meeting the guidelines of curriculum standards. Explore the framework's main components, and understand how to use the framework for classroom, school, and district pursuits. Sample lessons will address various school subjects and framework levels for grades 6-12.

Benefits:

• Learn each of the components of the research-based Create Framework for lesson planning and how each component connects to student content standards.
• Discover the five levels of real-world learning to give students opportunities to exercise cognitive complexity, engagement, and technology integration.
• Answer questions and get action steps to set up the Create Excellence Framework for real-world project-based instruction in grades 6-12.
• Consult examples of Create Excellence Framework learning projects aimed at different content areas and specified by grade level.
• Explore online tools and resources to promote online projects that engage students much more than traditional lecture and textbook learning.

Contents:
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

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.