Learning to Teach Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Through Research and Practice https://openjournals.utoledo.edu/index.php/learningtoteach <p><em>Learning to Teach Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Through Research and Practice</em> publishes manuscripts that address curricular innovations, thoughtful discussion of current issues for practice, or essays that inform, advocate for a position or persuade. Manuscripts must address subject-matter specific interactions of teachers and learners. </p> <p><strong>Aims</strong> —The aims of this journal are to provide an outlet for the initial publication by preservice and beginning teachers and to disseminate these works to current and future colleagues.</p> <p><strong> Audience</strong> — The primary audience is current and future licensure candidates in all subject areas, grades PK to 12. This journal is also of interest to local teachers and school administrators, program and university faculty, and college administration.</p> <p><strong>Submission Guidelines</strong> —Manuscript style is APA. Abstracts are 120 words. Manuscript length is 2000 to 2500 words, excluding abstract, tables, figures, and references. Figures must be in jpg format. Tables and figures must represent original work of the author. Photographs that include people other than the author will not be published.</p> <p><strong> Frequency —</strong> Published yearly each August; distributed electronically with limited print copies.</p> <p><strong>Acceptance Rate</strong> <strong>— </strong>60-65%</p> en-US Rhonda.Aguiton@utoledo.edu (Rhonda Aguiton, PhD) arjun.sabharwal@utoledo.edu (Arjun Sabharwal) Fri, 09 Aug 2024 20:44:28 +0000 OJS 3.3.0.13 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 Divisive Subjects in the Classroom https://openjournals.utoledo.edu/index.php/learningtoteach/article/view/1295 <p><span class="TextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">This</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">paper</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">focuses</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">on</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">how</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">current</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">social</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">studies</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">teachers</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">can</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">improve</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">discourse</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">in</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">the classroom </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">regarding</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text"> controversial topics. Social studies </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">is</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text"> a subject that involves many different topics for educators to cover. This includes current events such as the presidential elections, the legalization</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">of</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">substances,</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">bans</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">on</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">abortions,</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">and</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">border</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">control.</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">Teachers</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">need</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">to</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">be</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">prepared</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">to have these conversations and teach these lessons in their classrooms. Things like professional development, modeling respectful dialogue, and making sure the dis</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Body Text">course between students is respectful are all ways teachers can keep their classroom a safe and beneficial place for students to be.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW259184685 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:100,&quot;335559737&quot;:102,&quot;335559738&quot;:80,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}"> </span></p> Jordan Begeman Copyright (c) 2024 Jordan Begeman https://openjournals.utoledo.edu/index.php/learningtoteach/article/view/1295 Fri, 09 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000 The Importance of Scientific Literacy in Modern Classrooms https://openjournals.utoledo.edu/index.php/learningtoteach/article/view/1314 <p><span class="TextRun SCXW169201028 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169201028 BCX0">To thrive in modern classrooms, students must be equipped with scientific literacy skills that enable them to understand, evaluate, and communicate scientific information effectively. The internet and digital resources present a unique challenge, as not all online information is scientifically </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169201028 BCX0">accurate</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169201028 BCX0"> or unbiased. This article aims to </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169201028 BCX0">demonstrate</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169201028 BCX0"> how the internet and digital resources contribute to misinformation and disinformation in the classroom. It will also highlight the benefits of increased scientif</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169201028 BCX0">ic literacy for students and explore various strategies educators can use to enhance these skills. The primary goal of this research is to </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169201028 BCX0">identify</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169201028 BCX0"> effective methods to boost students' scientific literacy and overall success.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW169201028 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}"> </span></p> Samuel Graham Copyright (c) 2024 Samuel Graham https://openjournals.utoledo.edu/index.php/learningtoteach/article/view/1314 Fri, 09 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Using Methods to Facilitate an English Classroom Environment that Motivates All Students to Learn https://openjournals.utoledo.edu/index.php/learningtoteach/article/view/1318 <p><span class="TextRun SCXW124409027 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW124409027 BCX0">In this paper, I delve into strategies that English teachers can use to build a classroom environment that inspires all students to learn, regardless of their backgrounds. I draw on motivation and belongingness theories to emphasize the significance of positive peer interactions and strong student-teacher relationships in cultivating a supportive learning space. Furthermore, I explore how community engagement initiatives can help tackle broader social issues that affect student motivation and engagement. By focusing on these elements, English teachers can </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW124409027 BCX0">establish</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW124409027 BCX0"> a classroom atmosphere that motivates every student to excel.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW124409027 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}"> </span></p> Joshua Snider Copyright (c) 2024 Joshua Snider https://openjournals.utoledo.edu/index.php/learningtoteach/article/view/1318 Fri, 09 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Writing Improves Reading Comprehension https://openjournals.utoledo.edu/index.php/learningtoteach/article/view/1293 <p><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW175353570 BCX0">Reading and writing are both critical skills students need to be successful both in and out of the classroom. Researchers have devoted much attention to understanding predictors of reading success and effective instruction. </span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW175353570 BCX0">The purpose of this article is to provide teachers with information and research that supports using writing to improve reading comprehension.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW175353570 BCX0"> This article first examines the research as to why writing is such an important skill and how reading and writing correlate. It will examine </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW175353570 BCX0">different types</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW175353570 BCX0"> of reading and writing instruction, and offer suggested approaches based on research findings. The article will conclude with a look into </span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW175353570 BCX0">whether or not</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW175353570 BCX0"> teachers are prepared to teach reading and writing the way research suggests it should be done.</span></p> Lisa Stokes Copyright (c) 2024 Lisa Stokes https://openjournals.utoledo.edu/index.php/learningtoteach/article/view/1293 Fri, 09 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Teaching Reasoning within Mathematics to Students with Severe to Profound Needs https://openjournals.utoledo.edu/index.php/learningtoteach/article/view/1312 <p><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW135238184 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW135238184 BCX0">Teaching reasoning within mathematics to students, specifically students with severe to profound special needs; requires student adaptive pedagogy, the use of discourse, and a focus on increasing motivation. This manuscript will explore some methods to promote and encourage discourse within mathematics, with a focus on how to do so in a practical and meaningful way for students with severe to profound special needs. All of this must be done by considering the individual needs of each student </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW135238184 BCX0">to</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW135238184 BCX0"> increase intrinsic motivation which will help promote both generalization and maintenance of the skills learned.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW135238184 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:360,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}"> </span></p> Pon Tsou Copyright (c) 2024 Pon Tsou https://openjournals.utoledo.edu/index.php/learningtoteach/article/view/1312 Fri, 09 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Integrating Reform Math Instruction in the Special Education Classroom https://openjournals.utoledo.edu/index.php/learningtoteach/article/view/1317 <p><span class="TextRun SCXW31844795 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW31844795 BCX0">Over the past twenty years, the goals of mathematics education </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW31844795 BCX0">ha</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW31844795 BCX0">ve</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW31844795 BCX0"> evolved. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW31844795 BCX0">While procedural knowledge </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW31844795 BCX0">remains</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW31844795 BCX0"> important, there is now a greater emphasis on reasoning, problem-solving, and discourse. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW31844795 BCX0">The direct instruction approach, commonly used for students with learning disabilities, has not kept pace with these new expectations and does not adequately develop the conceptual knowledge and reasoning skills emphasized by the Common Core State Standards for Mathemati</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW31844795 BCX0">cs</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW31844795 BCX0">. By </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW31844795 BCX0">combining</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW31844795 BCX0"> the reform-math approach, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW31844795 BCX0">which is</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW31844795 BCX0"> preferred in general education, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW31844795 BCX0">with direct instruction, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW31844795 BCX0">students with learning disabilities can achieve deeper understanding and </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW31844795 BCX0">improved</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW31844795 BCX0"> generaliz</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW31844795 BCX0">ation of</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW31844795 BCX0"> their math skills, leading to holistic development</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW31844795 BCX0">. This paper will provide information on improved learning outcomes for students with learning disabilities when these two approaches are integrated. </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW31844795 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}"> </span></p> Amy Rahal-Shelton Copyright (c) 2024 Amy Rahal-Shelton https://openjournals.utoledo.edu/index.php/learningtoteach/article/view/1317 Fri, 09 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000