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The InterActive Classroom
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The InterActive Classroom
Practical Strategies for Involving Students in the Learning Process

Third Edition (Revised Edition)
  • Ron Nash - Ron Nash and Associates, LLC

Foreword by John Almarode



August 2019 | 168 pages | Corwin
Shift Students’ Roles from Passive Observers to Active Participants.

Preparing students for a world that did not exist when they were students themselves can be challenging for many teachers. Engaging students, particularly disinterested ones, in the learning process is no easy task, especially when easy access to information is at an all-time high.  
How then do educators simultaneously ensure knowledge acquisition and engagement? 

Ron Nash encourages teachers to embrace an interactive classroom by rethinking their role as information givers. The Interactive Classroom provides a framework for how to influence the learning process and increase student participation by sharing
Proven strategies for improving presentation and facilitation skills
• Kinesthetic, interpersonal, and classroom management methods
Brain-based teaching strategies that promote active learning
Project-based learning and formative assessment techniques that promote a robust learning environment

Intended to cultivate an interactive classroom in which students take an active role in learning, this book provides a blueprint for educators seeking to amplify student engagement while imparting critical twenty-first century skills.

 
Foreword by John Almarode
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Author
 
Unique Features of this Book
 
Introduction
 
Chapter 1. The Tinkerer’s Mindset
Pay It Forward

 
Some Reflections on Reflecting

 
What I Did With My Summer Vacation

 
Getting Better at Getting Better

 
The Synergy in Collaborative Planning

 
An Innovative Spirit

 
Turning Talk Into Action

 
 
Chapter 2. Some Assembly Required
When Plans Go Plop

 
The Work in Working Relationships

 
Embrace the Motivators

 
Avoid the Demotivators

 
 
Chapter 3. Incorporating Structured Conversations
Making Time to Process New Information

 
Life in the “Telling” Classroom

 
The Simultaneity Principle

 
Working in Pairs

 
TTYPA (Turn to Your Partner and . . .)

 
Modeling and Teaching Empathetic Listening

 
Pausing and Paraphrasing

 
 
Chapter 4. Managing Movement in the Classroom
Reimagine Classrooms With Movement in Mind

 
Getting Both Partners Involved

 
Paired Verbal Fluency (PVF)

 
Gallery Walks

 
 
Chapter 5. Presenting With Confidence
Presenters and Facilitators

 
Rapport, Relationships, and Rehearsals

 
Purposeful Movement

 
Visuals and Technology

 
Seek Clarity and Simplicity

 
Measure Twice, Cut Once

 
Provide Process Time

 
Verbal Miscues

 
The Mighty Pause

 
Humor

 
 
Chapter 6. Let’s Be Clear
Do as I Do

 
High Operational Standards

 
One at a Time

 
Remove Barriers to the Message

 
Clear and Unambiguous Feedback

 
“Why are we doing this?”

 
“Who is making the decision here?”

 
 
Chapter 7. Making Time to Write
Speaking Supports Writing

 
Hooking Kids on Writing

 
Let Students Be Teachers

 
Learning Logs and Journals

 
Reflective Blogs

 
Connecting the Writing to the Writer

 
Quickwrites

 
Connecting Speaking With Writing

 
Confident Writers

 
 
Chapter 8. Using Music to Facilitate Process
Music to Support Transitions and Breaks

 
Music to Enhance Discussions and Support Activities

 
The Role of Music in Choosing Learning Partners

 
Choosing Music

 
Technology

 
 
Chapter 9. Unlocking Doors With Storytelling
The Focus Factor

 
Opening Doors to the Content Material

 
Ownership Through Questions

 
It’s What They Think That Counts

 
 
Chapter 10. Accelerating Progress
The Role of Feedback in the Continuous-Improvement Process

 
A Clear Picture

 
Bringing Students Into the Conversation

 
Checklists and Rubrics

 
Working the Room

 
 
Chapter 11. Behind the Seen
That Whole Groundwork Thing

 
Finding Time to Reflect and Ask Questions

 
Challenging Seven Common Assumptions

 
Final Thoughts

 
 
Notes
 
References
 
Index

"This extraordinary book is unique in two very important ways: Rarely do we find books by someone who has the wisdom of teaching for decades who also truly understands the next generation of students. And rarely do we find a book that spans fun, interactive strategies such as movement with essential methods for improving thinking and writing. New and veteran teachers alike will find countless ideas to continuously improve their teaching practices.” 

Julie Stern, author of "Tools for Teaching Conceptual Understanding" and developer of the workshop series "Making Sense of Learning Transfer"

"In The InterActive Classroom, Ron Nash draws on his wealth of experience in education and offers useful ideas, strategies, and tools that busy teachers can apply immediately in their classrooms. The suggestions in this book are not only practical, but also based on principles of sound pedagogy. When put into place, they will undoubtedly improve students’ experiences in schools."

Jenni Donohoo, Educational Consultant and author of "Collective Efficacy"

“Would you like to unlock the door to active cognitive engagement? No matter what role you find yourself in—teacher, mentor, trainer, and/or facilitator—this book offers a wealth of strategies that will help you become an activator and orchestrator of learning. Ron Nash’s proactive approach will not only increase the rate and degree of learning, but also encourage students to take ownership of their own learning.  Every toolbox should be filled with these practical and user-friendly strategies!”

Ann Miller, Director of Elementary Instruction and Professional Development
Waynesboro, VA Public Schools

"Ron Nash taught middle and high school for years, and in his own humorous, self-deprecating way, he shares how he overcame his mistakes and recreated himself into a much more effective teacher. The InterActive Classroom is truly an interactive experience. Ron gives examples from his own teaching, then challenges his readers in "Your Turn" sections to implement his ideas and reflect on how teachers can use techniques come Monday morning! This is a book every teacher needs; let Ron be your mentor. Whether you are a beginning teacher or a seasoned veteran, you (and more importantly your students) will benefit for years to come."

Mary Ferrell, Senior Lecturer, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Appalachian State University, NC

"Ron Nash has given us an extraordinary back-to-school gift! It’s obvious his heart and soul are in this project; he shares personal classroom experiences, walk-the-talk demonstration lessons, and coaching. Years of classroom-tested and perfected strategies for involving all kiddos in the learning process highlight the art and craft of teaching from day one through lifelong learning. The book includes a vast repertoire of strategies for energizing learners, organizing a classroom layout, enhancing project-based learning, and much more! Ron structures his research-based work in an easy-to-follow sequence, with Tactical Tips adding proverbial fresh air and wisdom. You will also receive a wealth of resources, reflective questions to involve the reader, and an extensive bibliography and index for further learning. Nash encourages us to be lifelong learners, modeling the joy of learning with brain-compatible activities sure to engage all students! (“Learning is not a spectator sport.”) Perfect for the novice or veteran instructor, I’d add the book to all new teacher support programs, university teacher prep, book clubs...You get the idea!"

Rita M. Wirtz, MA, Author of "Reading Champs" and "Stories from a Teacher’s Heart"
Key features
  • New chapters on Project-Based Learning and Formative Assessment
  • Purchase of this book will become mandatory for training in all consulting work
  • New artwork throughout book, commissioned by Ron specifically for this project
  • New Foreword from John Almarode
  • Focuses on kinesthetic education, interpersonal and classroom management skills, establishing rapport and building relationships between fellow classmates and teachers, and engaging students' active participation in the learning process
  • A reader-friendly compilation of teaching strategies that are brain-based and promote active learning, interactive learning environments, and the inclusion of all learning modalities
  • Offers practical, proven strategies for improving presentation and process facilitation skills
  • Provides a wealth of valuable strategies and activities for enhancing teaching and learning
  • Explains relevance of ideas and demonstrates practical ways for putting them into action in the classroom or workshop
  • A "how-to" book for the classroom
  • Addresses key elements of an interactive classroom

Select a Purchasing Option


Rent or Buy eBook
ISBN: 9781544394107

Paperback
ISBN: 9781544377711
$33.95

This title is also available on SAGE Knowledge, the ultimate social sciences online library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial.