Inquiry-Based Learning Is The Key To Adolescent Readers' Success Says Author Of McGraw-Hill's Glencoe Literature: Texas Treasures

Inquiry is a research-based teaching approach that gives students significant, contextual reasons for learning. Because adolescents often need additional motivation and "reasons" to learn, Inquiry is the ideal foundation for Glencoe Literature: Texas Treasures, a comprehensive collection of engaging literature and non-fiction with integrated skill development and targeted differentiated instruction for Texas students in Grades 6-12.

Glencoe Literature: Texas Treasures is anchored in inquiry. This all-new program organizes instruction around Big Ideas and Big Questions that engage, motivate, and challenge students to build and utilize their literacy skills while grappling with real life issues and concepts.

Glencoe Literature: Texas Treasures Senior Program Consultant Jeffrey Wilhelm, Ph.D., an associate professor of English Education at Boise State University and the Founding Director of the Boise State Writing Project, has spent his career studying how students learn. He has found that inquiry is a proven method for teaching students at all levels.

"Inquiry is a powerful instructional treatment for engaging students and assisting them to learn essential concepts and strategies. Exploring a real idea and trying to answer a real question engages students in the same conversations, problem solving, and applications they encounter outside of the classroom," Dr. Wilhelm said.

Each unit in Glencoe Literature: Texas Treasures begins with a Big Question or Big Idea that is relevant to real life for adolescents. Reading assignments, both fiction and nonfiction, throughout the unit, map back to the unifying Big Question or Big Idea and ask students to think critically about what they read and how literature connects to their lives. These explorations engage students in conversations, problem solving and real life application. Inquiry also allows students to learn and practice grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, and media literacy TEKS in the context of literature and nonfiction. When learning is organized around real issues and questions, it becomes more meaningful.

Dr. Wilhelm believes this real world context helps students better understand the reason for learning. "Students should be able to see themselves reflected in the literature they read. This includes not only their cultures but their interests. This connection provides motivation to read and continue reading," he concluded.

For more information about Glencoe Literature: Texas Treasures, please visit: http://connected.mcgraw-hill.com/.

About McGraw-Hill School Education Group

McGraw-Hill Education, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP), is a leading global provider of print and digital instructional, assessment and reference solutions that empower professionals and students of all ages. McGraw-Hill Education has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 65 languages. Additional information is available at http://www.mheducation.com/.

  Contacts:         Tom Stanton                   Caroline Golon
                    McGraw-Hill Education         Paul Werth Associates
                    (212) 904-3214                (614) 580-2445
                    tom_stanton@mcgraw-hill.com   cgolon@paulwerth.com

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SOURCE: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill

CONTACT: Tom Stanton, McGraw-Hill Education, +1-212-904-3214,
tom_stanton@mcgraw-hill.com, or Caroline Golon, Paul Werth Associates,
+1-614-580-2445, cgolon@paulwerth.com

Web Site: http://www.mheducation.com/