Primary Voices, Vol. 8, No. 2, October 1999

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: Transforming Our Teaching and Learning

• Message from the Editors

  Katie Wood Ray and Lester L. Laminack

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: In an introduction to the themed issue, " Transforming Our Teaching and Learning," the editors write of the power of collaboration, community, and focus on students can lead to transformation growth for teachers across their careers.

  Keywords: Elementary

• Spiders, Rats, and Transformation

  Richard J. Meyer

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Discusses how two first-grade teachers listen to their students in an effort to improve their teaching skills. Describes the transformational experiences in classrooms as being rooted in a progressive view of curriculum, in teachers' and students' inquiry and in an understanding that teaching and learning are political activities. Concludes that much happens because they "listened to kids."

  Keywords: Elementary

• Poetry and Transformation

  Tamra Filbrandt

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Considers different fifth-grade students' transformations through expressing themselves with poetry. Claims the content of children's writing suggests a complete revision of standard educational ideas about who the children are, what they know, how they think, and how much they can learn if teachers only know how to tap into their brilliance.

  Keywords: Elementary

• Community Investigations: Looking at Uncertainty

  Tom Kolbe

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Describes a three-year collaborative project, Investigating Our Community, involving teachers and fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. Focuses on moving from mandated curriculum that defines inquiry with known outcomes to inquiry that explores the unknown knowledge and stories of their school's neighborhood. Finds that a community investigation improved the school's relationships with people and businesses who were strangers to the school.

  Keywords: Elementary

• A Teaching Conversation about Transformation

  Jean LaGrone and Shawn R. Williams

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Discusses transformation from two different points of view regarding teaching children's writing. Consists of two main parts by the two authors. Presents in each writer's portion interspersed comments by the other writer reflecting the differences and the similarities in these two teachers' ongoing processes of personal and professional transformation.

  Keywords: Elementary

• Transforming the Principalship

  John Zetterman

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Offers ways in which a principal can support student and teacher transformation. Lists 12 characteristics of a transformational principal.

  Keywords: Elementary

• Reflections: Transforming Identity

  Richard J. Meyer

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Presents six themes that undergird teaching and learning for transformation included in this themed issue. Recognizes that these themes are not isolated categories; rather, they influence one another and contribute to educators' identities as teachers and learners. Concludes with a hope that teachers nurture their students' transformations as a way of uncovering many possibilities for teaching and learning.

  Keywords: Elementary

• Growing Your Knowledge Base

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: A selected bibliography related to the themed issue, " Transforming our Teaching and Learning."

  Keywords: Elementary

* Journal articles are provided in PDF format and can be opened using the free Adobe® Reader® program or a comparable viewer. Click here to download and install the most recent version of Adobe Reader.