Professional Reading
Due Date: Friday, Sept 19, 2008
Because this assignment is due in September, you will want to get a head start on this reading. Here are some details in advance.
Context
PROF 190, Theory and Professional Practice, is taught by the instructor who will also visit you during your practicum. This assignment is part of your ongoing professional learning, as required by the Ontario College of Teachers and described in their document The Foundations of Professional Practice.
The Professional Reading Assignment
a) To help you prepare for your fall practicum, read one of the books on professional practice or classroom management, listed below; or read another teaching-related book of your choice.
b) Prepare a written double-spaced 2-3-page review. Include the following:
- title and author of the book;
- strengths/weaknesses of the book. Use point form here.
- three classroom management strategies or key ideas (depending on the type of book chosen), and how you will try to implement them in the classroom. Use point form here.
- personal reflections indicating how the book is connected with the things you care most about as a teacher. Use paragraph form.
c) Bring a copy of your review to your PROF 190 class on September 19 and be prepared to discuss your book in a small group during class time.
If you are unable to complete the review by September 19, you need to discuss this with your instructor.
For further information about this assignment, please contact Ellie Deir (co-ordinator of PROF 190) at 613-533-6000 ext. 77673, or by email at deire@queensu.ca.
Readings
You may purchase any of these books from the Queen's University Campus Book Store (613-533-2955; frontdesk@campusbookstore.com), or find them in the Education Library.You may choose to read and report upon a book not from the list by arrangement with Ellie Deir or your course instructor.
Allen, R. (2002). Impact teaching. Toronto: Allyn & Bacon.
Ideas and strategies for creating effective lessons to maximize student learning and influence students positively.
Bennett, Barrie, & Rolheiser, C. (2001). Beyond Monet: the artful science of instructional integration. Toronto: Bookation.
This book focuses on how to integrate a variety of instructional skills and strategies based on knowledge of how students learn. It provides sample lessons by teacher at all grade levels.
Evertson, Carolyn. (2006). 7th edition. Classroom management for elementary teachers. Toronto: Pearson.
A comprehensive guide to managing the school classroom with chapters on managing instruction, cooperative learning and behaviour.
Faber, Adele, & Mazlish, Elaine (1995). How to talk so kids can learn. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.
Using unique communications strategies, the authors show teachers how to defuse difficult situations, avoid classroom clashes, and help children handle everyday problems that interfere with learning. Down-to-earth classroom strategies and advice.
Fennimore, B. S. (1995). Student-centered classroom management. Toronto, ON: Delmar.
Classroom management in elementary schools is addressed in a student-centered approach. This text shows how to connect issues in classroom management and discipline to curricular design and developmentally appropriate practice.
Jones, Vernon F., & Jones, Louise S. (2001). Comprehensive classroom management: creating communities of support and solving problems. (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn, Bacon.
A guide to establishing positive school and classroom climates, organizing classrooms, improving instruction, dealing with discipline problems, and developing individualized instruction plans.
Levin, J., Nolan, J. (2005). Principles of classroom management: a professional decision-making model. Canadian edition. Toronto, ON: Pearson.
Text presents an array of decision-making options to guide thinking about how to approach typical classroom management situations and prevent or solve a variety of problems.
Marzano, Robert. (2003). Classroom management that works: research based strategies. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Research supports a variety of specific strategies that educators can use to manage classrooms and learning effectively. A guide to the critical role of classroom management in student learning
Parkay, Forrest. Becoming a teacher. 2nd Canadian Edition. (2005). Toronto, ON: Pearson.
Provides tools and information to explore 21st century teaching practices and issues. A detailed overview of education and teaching in Canada: "school 101."