Summarizing and In-Text Citation

Original text:

"The school environment emerged as one of the most important factors affecting the quality of students' learning in school. Many had said that there was a need for schools to provide 'a good working environment' but there were also the calls for school buildings and resources to be more 'inspiring' and 'exciting'"

Paraphrase: Students learn best in a stimulating learning environment.

Original Text:

"Get over whatever fear you may have that games are frivolous or inappropriate. They are sophisticated and it's a space kids are comfortable with. Playing a game can help students understand something, and educators need to embrace this as a potential way to deliver learning."

Paraphrase: Lose the fear that games are inappropriate in schools. They are complex and kids like them. Game play helps students understand class material better. Teachers need to see this as a possible way to deliver instruction.

"Motivating means stimulating interest in a subject and, therefore, the desire to learn it" (Nilson, 2003, p.73).

Stories help us to make sense of the world around us. "Each time we tell stories, we teach ourselves the point of the stories. The more stories we experience that share the same point, the more we can glean a larger lesson about the point itself" (Schank, Smith & Berman, p.221). Therefore, having students recall or share stories that they have experienced that relates to the topic being covered in class can help them to better remember that concept.

            One aspect of being a student-centered instructor involves giving students a new perspective on the content you are covering. Ideally, instruction will challenge preconceived notions about the topic and open students' minds to the possibility of a different point of view. As Haas remarked; "I want them to watch television differently. I want them to read the newspaper differently. I want them to think about the world differently" (263).

When constructing spaces in schools for students, it is important to ask the students for their input.  In the UK, government policy states; "we want to hear the voices of young people, influencing and shaping local services; contributing to their local communities; feeling valued; being treated as responsible citizens'" (Flutter 189). Giving students a voice can help them develop a sense of ownership and pride in their school. Students like to feel that their opinions matter and their voices are heard.