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Active and Engaging Classrooms: A Practical Exploration of P-12 School Contexts empowers educators to transform their classrooms into vibrant spaces where students actively lead their own learning. This edited volume explores how teachers can design and facilitate learning environments that promote student agency, curiosity, and collaboration. It emphasizes that active and engaging learning is not accidental—it requires intentional planning, responsive teaching, and a deep understanding of how students learn best.
The book offers practical strategies for creating classroom climates that support meaningful participation, including classroom management techniques, systems thinking, and the importance of trust in student-teacher relationships. It also explores how active learning connects with multicultural education and Culturally Responsive Teaching, providing inclusive approaches that resonate with diverse learners. Real-world examples include project-based learning, dual-enrollment courses, problem-solving games, and the integration of multimedia and AI.
Designed for both new and experienced educators, as well as teacher educators, this collection provides a comprehensive look at how to cultivate classrooms where students are not just engaged—but empowered. Whether you're refining your teaching practice or preparing future educators, this book offers the tools and insights needed to foster dynamic, student-centered learning environments.
Candace Schlein is Professor of Curriculum Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Sara Crump is an English Instructional Coach Grades 9-12 for the Blue Springs School District. Additionally, she works as an Adjunct Instructor in the Department of Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Chapter 1. Active and Engaging Learning from a Classroom Management Perspective; Kent Divoll
Chapter 2. Moving From Control to Community: A Classroom Management Framework; Yelena Patish Johnson, Charles A. Peck, and Elizabeth A. West
Chapter 3. “You’re Not Meant to Learn Alone”: A Second Grade Teacher’s High-Leverage Pedagogical Practices Driven by Systems Thinking; Amy Ardell, Margaret Sauceda Curwen, and Laurie MacGillivray
Chapter 4. Trust: Foundation to Passion-Driven, Student-Activist, and Community-Engaged Learning; Bonnie H.K. Tai, Abby Plummer, Sarah Kearsley, and Beth Heidemann
Chapter 5. Better Together: Considering Active Learning as a Means of Enhancing Culturally Responsive Teaching; Candace Schlein and Ami Ladhawala
Chapter 6. Project Learning in a Diverse Classroom as Multicultural Education-in-Action; Candace Schlein and Elaine Chan
Chapter 7. Providing Knowledge and Guidance: Tales of a High School Dual-Enrollment English Support Teacher; Sara Abi Villanueva
Chapter 8. Engaging Students in Social Justice Lessons Using Multiple Forms of Media; Candace Schlein, Loyce Caruthers, and Jennifer I. Friend
Chapter 9. Deliberations on ChatGPT as an Active Learning Tool; Deepak Kumar Deo and Candace Schlein
Chapter 10. Engaging Students in Mathematics Learning Through Team Problem-Solving Games; Margo Kondratieva
Chapter 11. Powerful Teaching: Unlocking Our Potential with Instructional Self-Coaching; David C. Coker