Describes problems associated with teaching a multigraded social studies class. Relates an apocryphal story about how one teacher used innovative practices in a multigraded class but aroused administrative ire. Questions whether scores on achievement tests are more important than critical-thinking and decision-making skills. (CFR)

The main objective of this publication is to raise awareness of the capacity of elementary students to learn using a process termed designing activity. The text is divided into nine chapters. Chapter 1 describes the principles of designing activity. The difference between design activity and design educational activity is discussed in Chapter 2.…

This report presents detailed summaries of the responses of seven exemplary elementary teachers to a series of open-ended questions about effective social studies curriculum and instruction. The questions addressed the teachers' opinions about elementary social studies purposes and goals, content selection, and representation modes; forms and…

The Individualized Critical Skills Model (ICSM) is an individualized, systematic instructional process that emphasizes teaching severely handicapped learners relevant skills in the environment in which they would naturally occur. The manual is divided into three sections. The first section discusses the historical perspective of the ICSM and gives…

Presents an approach to teaching basic and advanced courses in cataloging that determines course objectives by identifying the categories of students involved. The course content, instructional materials, and presentation methods are described in detail, and the success of the courses in generating interest among students is discussed. (CLB)

Describes rationale, organization, and requirements of urban/rural mini-semester, a field experience program which provides social work students at Elizabethtown College (Pennsylvania) with an appreciation of both rural and urban social welfare systems. Suggests how other colleges/universities, regardless of size, could implement this curriculum…

Introduces a research activity program in which 10 students worked during the summer as part of a team that developed software for a larger project. Lists names of students, the professors with whom they worked, and their research efforts. (RT)

Presents a practical model for planning and implementing a field trip as an integral part of the science curriculum. Reviews the literature related to the role of field trips in the learning process; describes the model; and provides an example implementing the learning cycle method. (Contains 17 references.) (MDH)

Describes the failed effort to establish certification procedures for an Applied Social Research Specialist, a sociologist who would work in research-related positions. Compares the program to the Ford Motor Company's development of the Edsel. Discusses reasons why the application estimates were wrong. (CFR)

Maintains that the need for music educators to provide services for adult learners is increasing. Discusses modifying music teacher education programs to meet this need. Reviews theories of developmental education and the special needs and concerns of older learners. (CFR)

Cooperative education is a method of instruction that enables students to combine academic classroom instruction (school-based learning component) with occupational instruction through learning on the job (work-based learning component) in a career area of choice. Emphasis is placed on the students' education and employability skills. Co-op is a…

This manual provides an overview of the concepts and issues involved in the assessment of prior learning in the context of the increasing numbers of older, nontraditional students returning to higher education. Section 1 gives background information about prior learning assessment (PLA) and defines PLA as assessment by some valid and reliable…

Describes the support given by a Miami (Florida) area chamber of commerce to a group of junior high school students starting a school-based junior chamber of commerce. Visits by chamber members to the school and by students to chamber meetings and local businesses were part of the program. (PGD)

Everyone talks about "best practice" teaching--what does it actually look like in the classroom? How do working teachers translate complex curriculum standards into simple, workable classroom structures that embody exemplary instruction--and still let kids find joy in learning? In this book, the authors present seven basic teaching structures that…

This book offers strategies to help teachers and curriculum coordinators strengthen student interest through meaningful and purposeful learning. The 15 chapters are: (1) "Introduction: Planning a Connected Curriculum"; (2) "Children, School, and Community"; (3) "On Connections"; (4) "Making Connections: An Interdisciplinary Approach"; (5) "Making…