Grounded in research, Vibrant Learning, focuses on language-rich, literacy-based, collaborative classrooms as the foundation for transforming content area learning. The authors emphasize three areas: (1) strategies to support student understanding of concepts, (2) ideas to encourage student engagement, and (3) creating a lively and respectful classroom environment to foster an integrative approach to learning. Knowledgeable teachers with a repertoire of effective instructional strategies make genuine learning possible. With that in mind, this book presents a solid theoretical background and a set of practical tools in each of its chapters, ranging from assessment, compression, vocabulary, motivation, to integration for the content area teacher.

Merging constructivist, socio-cultural, and collaborative theories: vibrant learning -- It's not either/or, it's and: integration -- Guiding instruction: standards -- Informing instruction: assessment -- Developing a love of words: vocabulary -- Creating meaning: comprehension -- Understanding and expressing ideas: fluency -- (Re)constructing knowledge: writing -- Engaging with texts and peers: discussion -- Promoting deep thinking: questioning -- Broadening capacities for learning: the arts -- Creating lifelong, vibrant learners: motivation.