"Drawing on the work of Eleanor Duckworth, the authors examine "critical exploration in the classroom," a student-centered learning approach that Duckworth developed [herself drawing on the work of Jean Piaget). Per the authors, "such teaching and learning relies upon teachers' developed knowledge, skills, and wisdom in the practices of intentional listening, observing, and sensitive question-posing, and on their ability to conduct open and materials-based intellectual explorations with a diverse array of students." The complex work that the authors outline has grown less visible within programs of teacher education and in classrooms as other interests prevail-challenges like edTP A and standards-based instruction. The authors make a case for critical exploration within programs of teacher education, and demonstrate across chapters the ways in which such an approach may manifest itself within and across disciplinary domains"--

Mary Kay Delaney is currently visiting clinical professor at Morgridge College of Education, University of Denver and formerly professor at Meredith College. Susan Jean Mayer has worked in curricular development and teacher education and writes on a range of issues related to democratic K-12 practice and the study of learning within schools.