Making Schools Matter: Good Teachers at Work

Edward L. Edmonds is a professor of education at the University of
Prince Edward Island and honorary chief of the Mi’kmaq of Prince
Edward Island.

In 13 chapters, this book addresses the question of what should be
taught in today’s schools, and how it should be taught. The book is
divided into four sections: A Canadian Curriculum, Social Justice,
Issues of Equity (Gender, Race, Culture), and Science Teaching. Each
contributor brings impressive teaching credentials to the book.

Ken Osborne explores the critical question of what students should
learn about the Canadian identity. Bob Davis describes his wide-ranging
“centre of interest” approach in teaching streamed students. Marie
Baptiste’s comments on teaching a heritage Mi’kmaq language have
relevance for other heritage languages, particularly French. Eleanor
Duckworth draws on her own rich teaching experience in presenting a
creative approach to science teaching. On the question of
self-expression, one teacher comments: “If I am fair to my students,
and if I debate and tolerate all ideas, I should also be permitted to
express my own views.”