In this paper, we describe an exercise that challenges hetero-normative and sexist notions of sexuality, allowing students to envision alternative models. Research shows how active learning eases student anxiety over challenging or threatening material. After reading Jessica Fields' "Risky Lessons" and Waskul, Vannini, and Weisen's…

Both teacher- and learner-made computer visuals are quite extensively reported in Computer-Assisted Language Learning literature, for instance, filming interviews, soap operas or mini-documentaries, creating storyboard projects, authoring podcasts and vodcasts, designing digital stories. Such student-made digital assets are used to present to…

A comparison between the second language learner and the native language learner provides the primary argument for the importance of listening without having to produce a response immediately. The fact that children listen to their native language for at least 8 hours a day implies that students need to spend more time in listening activities. In…

Thirty classroom-tested activities are presented for motivating students to communicate orally in any foreign language. For each activity, the following information is provided: level, purpose, materials, procedure, and source. Variations and follow-up activities are also suggested. (Author/AMH)

A step-by-step procedure for teaching and reviewing dictionary skills is presented. Activities are offered to support learning objectives related to the following topics: (1) alphabetizing; (2) finding entry words; (3) using guide words; (4) learning what a definition is and that a word may have multiple definitions; (5) using the pronunciation…

Provides suggestions for combining electronic books with traditional printed materials in a school literacy program. Discusses introducing the printed version of the story to students, having students read this version to others, and encouraging student-produced CD-ROM presentations. A sidebar presents a list of electronic book publishers. (AEF)

Describes innovative ways elementary teachers turned watching and producing television programs into active, hands-on learning. Students created a videotaped student book review program, watched the weather channel, viewed public television's after school "Homework Helpline," and tuned into educational programs that could be linked to…

This booklet presents educators with practical ways to put the Internet to work in the classroom. An introduction provides resources for getting connected to and exploring the Internet. The next section on using the Web in the classroom discusses a student-created Web survey; cooperative challenge; social action; community connection; simulation;…

The teacher's handbook provides goals, objectives, and teaching strategies helpful to elementary teachers in supplementing existing law-related curriculum materials in the social studies classroom. Intended as a means of actively involving students in a study of law, the first section presents 17 lesson plans for use in grades K-2. Topics include…

"Broadsides" are notices written on disposable, single sheets of paper printed on one side only, intended to have an immediate impact on readers. Broadsides had an impact in colonial America--they delivered the latest news and much more: government proclamations, public service announcements, opinion papers, advertisements, and…

Undergraduate education students can often discuss the language experience approach intelligently, listing advantages and disadvantages with ease, but express bewilderment when it comes time in a reading practicum class to actually use the approach with a child. A teaching guide can serve as an aid to those students who have previously studied the…

The incorporation of media and technology into the classroom does not ensure the enhancement of student learning. Research has shown that students learn more through active participation in their own learning process. From 1984 to 1987, a teacher's secondary social studies students were actively involved in the National History Day Program (NHDP),…

Describes a project where fourth- and fifth-grade students in the Wales School District (Wisconsin) simulated a political campaign as part of their social studies curriculum, using HyperStudio, ClarisWorks, and the Internet. Also discusses fund-raising activities and how the unit came about. (AEF)

When students become actively involved in technology productions they develop learning skills, communication skills, and visual analysis skills, all of which are applied to real-life learning within the classroom curriculum. Students participate in all stages of the production projects, which proves to be motivating for the students and allows the…