Teaching Middle Years Rethinking curriculum, pedagogy and assessment

Teaching Middle Years has established itself as the most respected Australian text to focus on the adolescent years of schooling. Recognition of the educational importance of this age group continues to grow as research reveals the benefits of programs designed especially for young people's needs.This third edition provides a systematic overview of the philosophy, principles and key issues in middle schooling, together with a new depth of focus on the emotional problems and behavioural challenges in working with students. The editors explore in detail two key areas in middle years pedagogy - differentiation and engagement - and there are new chapters on achieving effective transition, the importance of physical activity in adolescence, and how to develop cooperative and collaborative learning.Featuring contributions from leading experts in the field, and fully revised and updated to reflect the latest research, Teaching Middle Years will assist both pre-service and in-service teachers to bring out the very best in their students.Praise for the first edition:'Teaching Middle Years gives the reader many ideas and examples based on sound research. It's an excellent coverage of the current thinking in this critical area of education.'- from Teacher: The National Education Magazine'Offers educators a combination of theoretical constructions based on Australian and international research and practical suggestions for teaching middle years students based on the proven good practices of many effective middle years teachers.' - from the Australian Journal of Middle Schooling'This book should be required reading for every middle school leader who strives to better understand and facilitate middle level learning and achievement.' - from Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries

ContributorsTables, figures and provocationsAcronyms and abbreviationsPrefacePart 1: The middle years1. Middle years education2. The adolescent learner3. Student wellbeing and engagement4. Quality teaching and learning5. Catering for individual students6. TransitionPart 2: Curriculum practices in the middle years7. Literacy8. Numeracy9. Physical activity10. CurriculumPart 3: Pedagogical practices in the middle years11. Cooperative and collaborative learning12. Teams and teaming13. Higher order thinking14. Positive behaviour management15. Using information and communication technologies16. Parent and community engagementPart 4: Assessment practices in the middle years17. AssessmentPart 5: Middle years education in action18. School reform and sustainable practiceAcknowledgementsReferencesIndex

Professor Donna Pendergast is Dean and Head of the School of Education and Professional Studies at Griffith University. Dr Katherine Main is a senior lecturer in the School of Education and Professional Studies at Griffith University. Professor Nan Bahr is Dean, Arts, Education and Law Group at Griffith University.