New publicationsDemathifying – Demystifying MathematicsWritten for both teachers and students who find Mathematics difficult, the book aims to help motivated learners understand the key areas of algebra, calculus, geometry and statistics. The author outlines the logic behind mathematical processes by taking a 'humorous, sometimes deliberately cynical approach'. The author suggests that some mathematical terms are inappropriate and invents replacements, such as 'self-muts' as a substitute for 'powers'. While the book may appeal to well-motivated students and teachers who feel that their skills need reinforcement, the reviewer is 'doubtful' whether the 'difficult reading' presented will appeal to students who have 'already found maths too stressful to contemplate'. The reviewer also suggests that the book may assist Science students who struggle with maths. (Adapted from review in School Science Review, December 2005. For purchase information see Curriculum Online UK.)
Key Learning AreasMathematicsSubject HeadingsMathematicsMathematics teaching Disputed Histories: Imagining New Zealand's Pasts
Otago University Press,
April 2006
The book includes a variety of essays aiming to inspire exploration of and debate on New Zealand history. The limitations of national history and the search for new archives and sites of enquiry are common themes throughout the essays. The book begins by considering Maori history in the context of Pacific history, with a focus on leadership and migration connections between Maori and colonial cultures. Colonial family life is considered in two contesting essays. One essay argues that the New Zealand settler family was essentially British, while the other explores the influence of intermarriage between Maori and Pakeha and the subsequent reproduction of land, power and community issues within family life. In another contribution, photographs are used to explore aspects of life such as clothing, hairstyles and ephemera, while a further essay discusses language debates in relation to politics and gender in the 1970s. Miles Fairburn argues that New Zealand history's 'only claim to uniqueness' is the impact of American, British and Australian cultural influences, which positioned New Zealand as the 'most globalised society in the world' by the mid-twentieth century. The editors offer a joint piece on Asian influences on Murihiku in southern New Zealand. (Adapted from scoop.co.nz media release 24 April 2006, and publisher's description.)
KLA Subject HeadingsMäoriNew Zealand History Whose Wars? Teaching about the Iraq War and the War on Terrorism
Rethinking Schools,
August 2005
This book is a new publication from Rethinking Schools, a non-profit, independent publisher of educational materials which promote equity and social justice in education in the USA. The text includes classroom-tested resources for social studies, language arts and maths classes, and outlines lessons on how language is used and abused by policymakers, ways to help students read and think critically about military recruitment, and creative ideas for using videos about the war. The resources detail the USA's foreign policy and history leading up to the war on terrorism, and hope to encourage critical thinking and inquiry-based learning. Aspects covered include US students who have enlisted, military recruitment efforts and responses to the film Farenheit 911. (Adapted from publisher's description) KLA Subject HeadingsViolenceTerrorism War Social education Iraq Teaching and Learning in the Science LaboratoryBased on research gathered in several European countries, this book considers aspects of lab work, computer simulations and fieldwork in Science and their impact on learning. The epilogue argues that much practical work is unsatisfactory, and that clearer objectives and more appropriate teaching and learning strategies should be developed. Each chapter includes a selection of essays, which collectively demonstrate important features of productive practical work, eg the power of assessment and student discussion. Chapter One discusses the theoretical frameworks and research tools used. One essay offers a profile of laboratory activities linked to learning goals, design characteristics and student engagement, while others explore the definitions of effectiveness and the impact of students' views of Science on their practical work. Chapter Two covers the use of laboratory manuals and guides. Chapter Three discusses open-ended lab work, while Chapter Four reports on data handling. The impact of new information technology is analysed in Chapter Five, for example how IT can save time spent manipulating objects, allowing more time to manipulate ideas. (Adapted from review by Derek Hodson in Studies in Science Education Vol 41, No 1, 2005)
Key Learning AreasScienceSubject HeadingsScience teachingScience China: A Handbook in Intercultural Communication (2nd Edition)The book, based on the premise that culture can only be integrated into language learning through mutual exploration of cultures, is written for ESL teachers who work with foreign students in Australia. The book examines Chinese perspectives on social values, behaviours and attitudes to teaching and learning, as well as general aspects of cross-cultural communication and language teaching. The book's updated content has been shaped by political and social changes over the last decade in the People's Republic of China, and provides new chapters on Chinese business practices. Quizzes, surveys, small-scale research projects and case studies are included for use as classroom activities. The book makes comparisons across everyday contexts, such as comparing cultural differences in seeking employment, friendship expectations, gender and age roles, and behaviours such as apologising, queuing and budgeting. Statements on cultural differences from both Chinese and Australians appear throughout the book to encourage readers to examine their own assumptions. (Adapted from review by Susan Sharpe in English Australia Vol 22, No 2, 2005 and publisher's description)
Key Learning AreasStudies of Society and EnvironmentLanguages Subject HeadingsLanguages other than English (LOTE)International students English as an additional language China Closing the Achievement Gap: A Vision for Changing Beliefs and Practices (2nd Edition)Building on the first edition's discussion of urban school districts, the second edition explores achievement gaps between racial and socioeconomic groups in a range of localities in the USA. The book analyses differences in grades' test scores, dropout rates and other indicators to offer insight into the influence that race, class, and cultural experience have on learning and achievement. Reform measures are suggested in the contexts of assessment practices, learning environments, teaching preparation and curriculum developments. Accountability measurements are also discussed. (Adapted from publisher's description) KLA Subject HeadingsTeaching and learningSocial classes Social life and customs Professional development Ethnic groups Curriculum planning Assessment United States of America (USA) Socially disadvantaged |