How This Book is Organized

This textbook is an edited volume; some chapters have been written by our colleagues and collaborators. Those author names appear at the beginning of the chapters. Chapters without an author listed are contributed by the two editors. Examples from observation, research, and experience appear throughout the text, and names have been changed to pseudonyms, with one exception–in the chapter by Sandra Kelish, her own name is used. Any other examples bearing a similarity to actual people is coincidental.

There are several interactive features throughout the book in the form of hyperlinks, most notably in Chapter 14. You will also find a series of video links in Appendix A. While it may take a moment to visit that list during your reading and then return to the chapter, separating the videos from the text of the chapters is an intentional choice that we have made to facilitate the flow of reading the content of the chapters.

Throughout this book, you will see four recurring features: vignettes, lesson templates, model steps, and key chapter takeaways and application questions.

Vignette

Most chapters in this text will begin with a brief classroom situation in the form of an italicized vignette and then explain several relevant concepts and theories related to that situation. The chapters will discuss methods of instruction, kinds of objectives, and forms of assessment that may differ from your experience, but the practices in this book are all grounded in research.

Lesson Template

A lesson template will appear in many chapters, with the parts of the template highlighted that are relevant to the content of that chapter. This is just one possible lesson planning template; different teacher education programs and school divisions will have formats that work for them.

Model Steps

Throughout the text we will call attention to various models of instruction that are relevant to the content of each chapter. Models can be adapted to suit your students, objectives, and purposes, but the steps are a good starting point as you begin to develop and refine your lessons.

Key Chapter Takeaways and Application Questions

Each chapter will conclude with some key summary points and questions for reflection. These provide opportunities to reflect on what you learned during the chapter and revisit any areas of confusion.