An action research approach called soft systems methodology (SSM) was used to foster organisational learning in a school regarding the role of the learning support department within the school and its relation with the normal teaching-learning activities. From an initial situation of lack of coordination as well as mutual misunderstanding and…

In this integrated unit, third grade students become spider scientists as they observe spiders in their classroom to debunk some common misconceptions about these intimidating creatures. "Charlotte's Web" is used to capture students' interest. In addition to addressing philosophical topics such as growing-up, death, and friendship; E.B. White's…

Because of the emphasis on high-stakes testing, art has often become a neglected subject. Research indicates that the teaching and integration of art increases academic performance and promotes engagement in other disciplines. Science provides stimulating potential for learning content, practicing observational skills, and expanding students'…

In this article, the authors discuss how learning contracts can motivate students. "A learning contract is simply a written agreement between teacher and learner in which the learner undertakes to complete mutually agreed upon tasks in a specified amount of time on his or her own initiative" (Greenwood, 2003, p.1). Contracts are designed to…

This paper describes the second part of a new three-part study of STEM and engineering design research--termed Design-Without-Make--conducted by NC State University in 2009-10 in an NC high school. The hybrid quantitative, qualitative case study is being developed with the purpose of capturing what new technological learning occurs and how the new…

Through directing concerted efforts and educational services of seven Faculties of Helwan University towards socially underprivileged pupils in slum areas (EL-Marg area in big Cairo) this research project had two main aims: firstly, modifying a set of arbitrary behaviors of those pupils, in a trial to develop some behavior skills associated with…

Government, employers and professional societies want university graduates who are better prepared for employment. The UTS Work-Ready Project is a curriculum renewal initiative that aims to improve graduates' professional attributes and employability skills. The paper provides an overview of the project's curriculum renewal strategy of…

A liberatory pedagogy, from a Freirean perspective, seeks to transform the classroom into a dialogic and student-powered learning environment by restructuring the student-teacher dichotomy. The purpose is change--not only to individual students' lives and opportunities but also to the wider social reality. While these are the goals of many science…

TWO REPLICATIONS OF AN EXPERIMENT WERE CARRIED OUT WITH GIFTED (MEAN VERBAL IQ -- 127) 11TH GRADE STUDENTS IN A LARGE HIGH SCHOOL. THE MAIN PURPOSE WAS TO EXPLORE WHETHER "SET-LEARNING" MIGHT BE A MECHANISM OF LEARNING EMPLOYED TO A MARKED DEGREE BY GIFTED SECONDARY STUDENTS. CONTROL AND EXPERIMENTAL GROUPS WERE THE TWO TOP-ABILITY…

Because the lecture format is usually an unsatisfactory teaching technique, this author uses an active experiential learning technique, the parts party which provides students of varied interpersonal sophistication with a working knowledge of personality theory and dynamics. (Author/JR)

Described are five techniques to improve student learning during lectures: (1) separating listening from recording and requiring note-taking to be undertaken from memory; (2) using active review during the lecture; (3) using structured discussion; (4) using instant questionnaires; and (5) having students summarize important things from the…

Increased student involvement using a feedback lecture format demonstrated that lectures can be more active and assignments can be tailor-made for students. Guided learning activities (managed by a feedback lecture study guide) are used prior to, during, and after lectures. (Author/JN)

A culture of candor can bring numerous benefits to any organization. Yet, candor is rare in most organizations. Despite the scarcity of its practice there is a need to develop leaders who value and use candor by demonstrating and practicing candor in the leadership classroom. A description of seven key actions that enable leadership instructors to…

Nowadays mass media shape the perception of social values and roles. Thus, aspects of media education that deal with various kinds of inequalities influence general sensitivity to diversity and its consequences. In this respect media and intercultural competences interrelate. Not only minorities' rights have to be secured, but also majorities…

This phenomenological study investigates conceptions of statistical variation that secondary mathematics teachers who are recognized leaders in AP Statistics exhibit. This study also investigates perceptions and recollections of activities and actions that teachers who exhibited robust understandings of variation suggest contributed to their…