New publications

'This report describes the findings of an eight week study into the opportunities from MOOCs for UK secondary-age learners (11-19 years old), drawing on three resources – a literature review, c.50 primary interviews, and a survey of teachers.' From executive summary, part of the full report online.

This text for early childhood studies and early years students 'focuses on communication, language and literacy in the pre-school years. The text begins by discussing language acquisition and development covering development theory, talking with babies and the factors that affect development. It goes on to give guidance on how to support children's language acquisition through rhymes, songs, story books and storytelling. Finally, it examines the roots of literacy and asks "what comes before phonics?" Interactive activities are included throughout to engage the reader and research focus features help students make essential links between theory and practice.' From publisher's description.

Effective mathematics and science education 'is not equally available to all students, with some of the poorest students—those who would benefit most—going egregiously underserved'. The authors argue 'that teachers and schools should create hybrid third spaces—neither classroom nor home—in which underserved students can merge their personal worlds with those of math and science'. From publisher's description.

'To gradually release responsibility is to equip students with what they need to be engaged and self-directed learners. On a day-to-day level, it means delivering lessons purposefully planned to incorporate four essential and interrelated instructional phases... The authors explore each phase, using real-life examples from a variety of disciplines.' From publisher's description.

'Ripe for Change: Garden-Based Learning in Schools takes a big-picture view of the school garden movement and the state of garden-based learning in public K–8 education. The book frames the garden movement for educators and shows how school gardens have the potential to be a significant resource for teaching and learning.' From publisher's desciption.

'Beware the Roadbuilders: Literature as Resistance was born out of blogging as an act of social justice. Over a period of about two years, many posts built the case against market-based education reform and for a critical re-imagining of public education. This book presents a coordinated series of essays based on that work, using a wide range of written and visual texts to call for the universal public education we have failed to achieve.' From publisher's description.