New publications

Dynamic assessment embeds interaction within the framework of a test-intervene-retest approach. This book offers an introduction for diagnostic assessors in psychology, education and speech/language pathology to the basic ideas, principles and practices of dynamic assessment. It presents an array of specific procedures developed and used by the authors that can be applied to clients of all ages in both clinical and educational settings. Adapted from publisher's description.

Assessing and Guiding Young Children’s Development and Learning presents assessment as a process teachers can use to improve teaching and ensure student learning. It incorporates current trends in assessment with examples and approaches being used in early childhood classrooms. The text includes guides for interpreting and using assessment information once it has been collected. Assessment strategies presented are compatible with all approaches to educating young children. The social, cultural, legal and ethical context of assessment and its implications for teachers and teaching are also presented. Adapted from publisher's description.

Written in a conversational style, Qualitative Research in Education: A User’s Guide provides those new to the field with a blend of practical and theoretical information. The author addresses a broad spectrum of recent information about the process of qualitative educational research, blending history and tradition with some practical ideas. There is a focus on aspects of methodology and evaluating qualititative research. Adapted from publisher's description.

Knowledge under Construction investigates how young children develop spatial, geometric and scientific thinking skills – particularly those associated with architecture. Based on original research and analysis of videotapes of children's play with blocks, the authors' findings suggest that such play is very important. Their conclusions fill in gaps in our current understanding of how children learn to think spatially and scientifically, as well as challenging parts of that understanding, including some of Piaget's thesis about the primacy of topological space in children's learning. Adapted from publisher's description.

Combining classic articles that have been key markers in recent debates with some new material, this book addresses the problems involved in educational research and the issues surrounding its contribution to policymaking and practice. The authors examine the diverse approaches within qualitative research and address some of the key areas which have attracted criticism. They consider what role research should play and examine the case for randomised controlled trials and for action research. Adapted from publisher's description.

Armed with a solid understanding of subject matter and the very best of intentions, even the most skilful teachers face roadblocks in decoding the frustrating and often puzzling behaviour of adolescents. New findings in brain research, however, are shedding light on teenage behaviour. This book incorporates current neurobiological knowledge and illustrates practical methods for creating meaningful learning experiences. Included are a discussion of common emotional states for adolescents; effective techniques that prevent students from mentally 'checking out'; music as part of classroom instruction – from classical to pop to hip hop; and risk-taking behaviours such as violence and substance abuse. Adapted from publisher's description.