This text is intended for students taking courses in teaching methods offered through elementary, secondary, or general education programs. Early chapters explore the contemporary social context of teaching. Later chapters describe teacher-centered and student-centered approaches to instruction, and look at ways to use the various approaches together. There is special emphasis on using and understanding research, with notes on connections to research, research summary boxes, and a reference handbook on reading and using research. Student diversity and technology are two other major themes. The unassuming yet reader-friendly two-color layout includes stories from real teachers, portfolio and field activities, lesson planning exercises, and resources for preparing for the Praxis II exam. A glossary is also included. This eighth edition contains new and expanded material on self-regulated learning and how the brain works. Arends teaches educational leadership at Central Connecticut State University. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Read Less