The Heart and Science of Teaching

The Heart and Science of Teaching shows readers why and how to connect essential social–emotional factors and critical cognitive aspects of learning for all students. Incorporating the latest research demonstrating that students really cannot learn well without social–emotional connections within their learning communities, the book depicts classroom applications that link academic content and SEL with examples at all grade levels and all subject areas. Each chapter addresses current and emerging research around a particular component and shows how to make it work in real classrooms. Sections ground teachers in three interlocking aspects of instruction: The Heart of Teaching: Social–Emotional Learning (SEL); The Science of Teaching: Evidence-Based Instructional Practices; and 21st-Century Classroom Applications: Project-Based Learning and Digital Technologies. Blending the latest research in education, neuroscience, and cognitive psychology, this text is a practical resource that will assist K–12 teachers in creating an emotionally supportive classroom environment that makes a positive difference in student learning.

Book Features:

• Explores the transformative power of SEL on student learning and well-being.
• Highlights the critical importance of the teacher-student relationship in the classroom.
• Illustrates how teacher feedback can assist students in developing a growth mindset.
• Brings voices of real teachers in each chapter who share their application of the chapter’s ideas, and their positive results with their students.
• Lists targeted book, website, and video resources in each chapter with more examples and information to support teachers’ implementation.
• Examines the implications of current research in neuroscience for classroom teaching.
• Describes evidence-based models of teaching and how they positively affect student engagement and learning.
• Shows how to support project-based and other student-led learning while connecting to standards.
• Describes how to use blogs, podcasts, and an array of web tools to promote engaged learning.

C. Bobbi Hansen is associate professor in the School of Leadership and Education Sciences at the University of San Diego.

"A practical resource that will assist K–12 teachers in creating an emotionally supportive classroom environment that makes a positive difference in student learning...recommended as a core addition to school district, college, and community library Teacher Education instructional reference collections and supplemental studies lists."

—Midwest Book Review

"By aggregating leading-edge resources on learning and teaching from both research and the teaching profession, the author has provided new and experienced teachers from all grade levels and content areas with a rich and valuable guide to teaching in the 21st century. The book is full of evidence-based, actionable practices and provides dozens of points of departure for further exploration, dialogue, and implementation. Teachers and teacher educators looking to up their teaching EQ and IQ will love the accessibility, organization, and depth of this timely book."
—Paul M. Rogers, associate professor of English, George Mason University

"With a clear conversational style, the author provides a concise review of major concepts in the heart and in the science of teaching, with numerous examples of why they are important, how they could be implemented, and where to find further information. She reminds us of the real aims of education—students who love learning and who have learned throughout their lifetime, guided by teachers who care for their emotional and cognitive well-being."
—Kathleen Puckett, associate professor of education, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Arizona State University

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction
   Evidence-Based Instruction
   The Heart of Teaching: Social–Emotional Factors of Learning

PART I: THE HEART OF TEACHING

Chapter 1. Social–Emotional Learning
   How Much Do You Know About Social–Emotional Learning?
   The What: The Time Has Come for Social-Emotional Learning
   The Why: Just How Important Is the Teacher?
   The How: Connecting SEL to Standards-based Curriculum
   The Where: Resources for Social–Emotional Learning

Chapter 2. Cooperative/Collaborative Learning
   The What: Tenets of Cooperative Learning
   The Why: Benefits of Cooperative/Collaborative Learning
   The How: Cooperative Learning Supports Social–Emotional Growth
   The Where: Resources for Cooperative/Collaborative Learning

Chapter 3. Teachers as Changemakers
   The What: How Service Builds Social and Emotional Skills
   The Why: Evidence-Based Outcomes
   The How: Instituting a Culture of Service
   The Where: Resources for Changemaking and Service Learning

Chapter 4. Creating Emotionally Safe Classrooms
   The What: Restorative Justice
   The Why: Brain Research Support for Restorative Practices
   The How: Building Student Relationships Through Restorative Practices
   The Where: Resources for Creating Restorative Practices

PART II: THE SCIENCE OF TEACHING

Chapter 5. Brain Science 101: What Teachers Need to Know
   The What: What the Brain Can Tell Us
   The Why: The Expanding Role of Cognitive Science in     Classroom Practice
   The How: Brainy Teaching
   The Where: Resources for Brainy Teaching

Chapter 6. Evidence-Based Instruction
   The What: Evidence-based Teaching Strategies
   The Why: Where's the Evidence?
   The How: Teaching Smarter
   The Where: Resources for Evidence-based Teaching Strategies

PART III: TOOLS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

Chapter 7. Project-Based Learning
   The What: Project-Based Learning for the 21st Century
   The Why: The Power of Project-Based Learning
   The How: Classroom Integration of Project-Based Learning
   The Where: Resources for Project-Based Learning

Chapter 8. The Digital Revolution in Education
   The What: Blended Learning Pedagogies
   The Why: What is the Evidence for Digital Learning?
   The How: Employing Digital Tools in the Classroom
   The Where: Resources for Digital Learning

Conclusion
   Regarding the Heart of Teaching
   Regarding the Science of Teaching
   Regarding Your Ability to Make a Difference

References

Index

About the Author