Knowledge-centered learning environment

A knowledge-centered learning environment, in the context of powerful teaching, stresses conceptual understanding applied to problem solving and higher-level cognitive tasks, not simply recall of isolated facts. The following DLC resources support this specific element of powerful teaching.

DLC Library

Facts on File: Issues and Controversies in American History Sign in for access to this resource: History comes to life not as a mere recitation of names and dates, but as a series of turning points where arguments for and against offer a framework for understanding and analysis of each issue—as it was seen in its time and as it relates to our own.

SIRS: Researcher: Leading Issues Sign in for access to this resource: Students study opposing viewpoints on controversial issues, learn to differentiate between fact and opinion, come to their own conclusions, and apply their understanding in a research paper, PowerPoint presentation, or debate outline.

Facts on File: Today's Science: Critical Thinking Tools Sign in for access to this resource: Templates are provided to help students analyze science news stories and/or organize a science debate. Examples and suggested stories or topics for class exercises are included.

netTrekker d.i.: Timeline Sign in for access to this resource: Students are able to contextualize their study of specific events by considering contemporaneous events across a range of disciplines: history, the arts, science, literature, etc.

Teaching Resources

ExploreLearning Gizmos: Animated, highly interactive simulations enable students (and teachers, in demo mode) to manipulate conditions and variables, leading to immediately visible results. Support materials focus on discovery learning to reinforce math and science concepts.

Mathcasts: Narrated screencasts offer conceptual solutions to math problems modeled on the most frequently missed items on the 7th and 10th grade WASL, providing students with their own personal tutor.

ClassTools: Each ClassTools course includes a range and variety of interactive activities and virtual manipulatives that provide visual reinforcement of key concepts.

Thinkfinity: Illuminations: Click on Illuminations to access a range of interactive online activities and virtual manipulatives that provide visual demonstrations and explanations of key mathematical concepts.

Thinkfinity: Science NetLinks: Click on Science NetLinks to access hundreds of web-based interactive tools that support AAAS Benchmarks, a set of science literacy goals developed through Project 2061, AAAS's long-term initiative to reform K-12 science education.

Digital Tools

Portfolio Project Builder: Guide students through the process of creating online portfolios. Create web-page templates with instructions, prompts, and questions for students to respond to as they create portfolios. You can also review and comment on students' work.