Effective Teaching and Successful Learning

There's a Chinese proverb that says, "Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand."

Schools that are most successful in producing work-ready graduates are those that involve them, or those that encompass professional development along with their academic coursework. This means rather than just research, presentations and publications, students are encouraged to make connections in industry through work placements, visiting speakers, cross-disciplinary learning, and being exposed to society at large via an international outlook or community engagement.

Classrooms in the 21st century have by law become inclusive, typically comprised of general education and special needs students. Included students are those who present with mild to moderate learning and behavioral challenges. They add another layer of complexity to classroom management, requiring teachers to be highly structured, consistent and reinforcing. Teacher fidelity to behavioral expectations that have been established for the classroom is essential. Classroom management strategies discussed include changing the teacher approval to disapproval ratio, using selective ignoring, focusing on structure and routine, increasing student locus of control, de-escalating student aggression and hostility, and limiting the use of punishment. Hands-on strategies are highlighted.

Effective Teaching and Successful Learning: Bridging the Gap between Research and Practice explores how educators can combine professional and academic practice to improve teaching and learning. Highlights from the book include:

* Debate on the effect of class size on students' academic performance.

* Class management and large class size.

* Strategies to managing large class size

* Perspectives on classroom management, class size, and students' academic performance.

* The link between professional and academic practice in education.

* Combining professional development with academia.

* Reflecting on the effect of large class size on students' academic performance.

* Experience from managing large classrooms.