Books & Resources

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) research refers to experiments conducted to address problems in those fields that can be tested using the scientific method. The scientific method is an inquiry process used to systematically study, investigate and to provide explanations for observed phenomenon in the natural world. This method is used by STEM professionals to answer questions they have about important world problems and usually includes carefully orchestrating a situation that allows them to observe, measure and test their ideas.

This anthology introduces the Framework for 21st Century Learning from the Partnership for 21st Century Skills as a way to re-envision learning and prepare students for a rapidly evolving global and technological world. This dynamic new framework promotes innovation through critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration and technology integration, while building on mastery of core content and background knowledge. Highly respected education leaders and innovators address critical concepts supporting the Framework for 21st Century Learning. The afterword by Andy Hargreaves then looks at the implications of the 21st century skills framework and how we can continue to build on the movement.

Differentiation may imply many different things to different people in varying contexts. In an inclusive classroom, what students learn and do, and how they may show understanding and are assessed, may all vary. This book provides practical information for teachers and school leaders on how to address the issues of inclusivity, differentiation, providing challenging learning environments and the development of a classroom culture of thinking that encourages high levels of student engagement in high-order thinking in every lesson, every day.

This book provides school administrators with practical, easy-to-use and inexpensive ways to reward and recognise the efforts of their staff. More than 100 ideas are divided into three categories based on the amount of effort they require. Recognising and rewarding your staff can be as simple as writing a heartfelt thank-you note to a bus driver or as unexpected as taking a teacher's marking duty for a night. This invaluable guide will help principals and administrators everywhere bring out the best in their teachers and staff members. The best part is that rewarding and inspiring your staff will be rewarding and inspiring for you too.

In Wisdom from the field, multi-award winning principal Judy Dixon shares her life experiences and insights about the spirituality of leadership. Drawing on the infinite wisdom of a plethora of philosophers, spiritual mentors and fellow educators, Judy takes you on a journey of self-reflection to help you improve and develop as a leader. By asking reflective questions, such as: Do I create a clear vision for this time in my life and in my leadership? Am I aware of, and awake to, opportunities and challenges? Do I use positive language? What is my language of leadership? The book also includes comments from colleagues about what sustained them when dealing with the stresses and complexities of the leadership role.

Literacy is an integral part of our lives, whether we are students or adult professionals. Giving all educators the breadth of knowledge and practical tools that help students strengthen their literacy skills is the focus of Read, Write, Lead. This book offers time-tested advice on how to develop a schoolwide learning culture that leads to more effective reading and writing across the curriculum. In their own voices, teachers, principals, literary specialists and students offer real-life examples of changes that led to dramatic improvement in literacy skills and - perhaps just as important - increased joy in teaching and learning. Scattered through the book are "Quick Wins" - ideas and actions that can yield positive, affirming results while tackling the tough work of long-term change.

Everybody talks about STEM initiatives, but is anybody doing them effectively? This book's answer is a resounding yes! It tells the inside stories of 24 science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs that both connect with the Next Generation Science Standards and lead to successful student learning. The featured programs make it clear that STEM education can work for all age levels and in a variety of settings - traditional classrooms, charter and magnet schools, informal education programs, and after-school and summer activities.

The STEM Student Research Handbook outlines the various stages of large-scale research projects, enabling teachers to coach their students through the research process. This volume provides enough detail to embolden all teachers to support science, technology, engineering and mathematics student-researchers through the experimental process. Early chapters help students conceive and implement their projects, while later chapters on descriptive and inferential statistics, as well as graphical representations, help them correctly interpret their data. Final chapters enable students to effectively communicate their results by writing and documenting a STEM research essay, as well as by preparing for oral and poster presentations.

This indispensible textbook supports life-long learning throughout medical and nursing school, into post-graduate training, residency and fellowships, precepting and community practice; and from there, into research and advocacy. Authors tackle the most onerous challenges in primary care: How to actually implement quality developmental-behavioural care in busy clinics. The books comes with access to a website offering downloadable, customisable tools for learning and teaching, as well as tools for community practice. The many website offerings facilitate instruction and aid practising clinicians in complying with American Academy of Pediatrics' policy - all within the time constraints of primary care.

What comprises skilful and effective critical thinking? Using a discussion-based approach with easy-to-follow stories, teaching tips and accompanying student activities and focus questions, Thoughtworks introduces students to some of the key concepts and skills that underpin sound reasoning and rationality. Thoughtworks helps students to understand critical thinking through philosophical enquiry, and features teacher's notes and solutions with each exercise. It is ideal for enrichment and extension programs, and introduces reasoning and rationality to middle-years students with included student activity pages.

Teachers of all year levels are increasingly moving into STEM (Science, Technologies, Engineering and Mathematics) instruction, but time constraints and heavy workloads can make the transition hard. In 20 Strategies for STEM Instruction, William N. Bender provides customisable, step-by-step guidelines for various teaching strategies that have been shown to strengthen STEM instruction. Today’s students need to be able to solve problems, make decisions and learn from failure. STEM instruction celebrates the fact that there can be more than just one correct answer to a question – and learning should be framed accordingly in any STEM classroom.

From inner-city, mainline churches to rural parishes, congregations of all denominations and faiths struggle with the challenge of service to the poor. You're called to reach out, but to whom are you reaching? The mindsets of people in poverty may differ strikingly from those of your membership. To be effective, you have to know what poverty does to human beings. What have they experienced? What are their real needs? How can they be integrated into your congregation, become members, rise above their past, offer their gifts and skills in return? This is a comprehensive and useful guide for helping churches understand and reach out to people in poverty.