The Thinking/Writing model integrates principles of learning theory, composing process research, and practical writing strategies. It is developed to motivate teachers to use writing as a tool for promoting cognitive growth. (MD)

By encouraging students to use their minds in new ways, consciousness education enhances awareness and creativity. Examples include using guided cognitive imagery to introduce new material and using dreams for introducing students to poetry. (Author/MLF)

In this interview, teaching models are rejected for their formulaic, inflexible approach to inculcating cognitive skills. Instead, teachers need to understand the logic of their subject matter and should master a set of pedagogical skills to use as necessary. Includes one reference. (MLH)

Using short-term pilot programs to evaluate textbooks can lead to unreliable results and interfere with effective education. Alternative methods for evaluating textbook-based programs include obtaining documented analyses of competitors' products from sales agents, visiting districts using programs being considered, and examining publishers' own…

Pellicer claims that personal interviews for selecting teachers can be made more reliable by using a structured approach. In response, Muller agrees that the structured interview is better than informal procedures, but states that the instrument used must be the product of careful research. (Author/MLF)

A study of 13 American high schools reveals a disturbing lack of good teaching techniques. In the 525 classrooms visited, pretests and small group activities were seldom used. Teachers should learn to use a wider variety of learning materials and activities, ask more open questions, and require more essays. (JBM)

This article reviews the research on student summarization of text--presenting basic rules of summarization, relating grade-level abilities, and giving teacher guidelines. A 10-item reference list is provided. (DCS)

Various approaches to supervision can be grouped into three models categorized as nondirective, collaborative, and directive. Supervisors should recognize stages of professional development and treat teachers as individuals. (Author/MLF)

Each of the five principal goals of education--cultural literacy, understanding, synthesis, mastery, and involvement--is best achieved using teaching strategies that develop thinking skills appropriate to the curriculum objectives associated with the goal in question. The specific strategy selected depends on learner readiness and content…

A learning environment stimulating enough for extraverted students may be too stimulating for introverted students (and for the teacher). (Author)

Sifts through confusing intelligence theories, arguing that intelligence is a combination of influences involving power, tactics, and content. Good thinking is an unnatural act demanding evenhanded reasoning, problem finding (versus solving), and knowledge as invention. Discusses thinking frames guiding thought processes and the implications for…

This interview with David Perkins, codirector of Harvard's Project Zero and author of "The Mind's Best Work," focuses on the links between creative and critical thinking styles. Exercises in Venezuela's Project Intelligence are also discussed, along with possible curricular approaches to teaching skills. (11 references) (MLH)

Proposes a method for evaluating courseware as an integral part of curriculum, based both on "curriculum commonplaces" (the curriculum content and all that surrounds it) and on educational values and beliefs; an evaluative matrix is offered, with the commonplaces arrayed along one axis, values and beliefs along the other. (MCG)

By focusing on goegraphy, music, art, and literature, one teacher teaches her students about the history of Russian culture without having to fight student predjudice against the Soviet government. (PGD)

Students can learn from writing, regardless of subject area, by keeping a learning log or journal. Several types of questions and topics are suggested for the teacher to guide students in making their entries. (DCS)