In response to optometry student complaints about group scores as an inadequate reflection of individual effort, two different procedures for assessing individual contributions to a group learning project were investigated, one based on evaluations by students outside the group and one using student evaluations of their fellow group members'…

Proposes a novel method of introducing and promoting the topic of geometric sequences through the problem of calculating the number of games necessary to determine the winner of a single elimination tournament in which two, three, or more teams compete at a time. (MDH)

Describes a class project to determine which environmental condition, such as light, heat, and type of basking substrate, would result in the least and most turtle basking behavior. (PR)

Describes how students in grades 2-8 can make beakers from quart-sized oil containers and calibrate them in milliliters. In an second activity, students estimate the volume of water in four jars and use their beakers to measure the water in each. The estimates are compared to the true measurements. (PR)

Describes a simulation of chemical reactions to help students understand factors that affect the rates of chemical reactions. (PR)

Observes that students in introductory and intermediate economics courses often have difficulty understanding concepts of trade and budget deficits. Presents a graphical technique to be used as a framework for teaching these concepts in the classroom. Claims that this technique is effective in other comparative statistics exercises. (NL)

Provides a way to enliven the classroom lecture by involving students in the lecture. Students role-play characters in the teacher's lecture becoming active learners through participation. Students learn their roles and make decisions based on the lecture situation presented. Provides an example unit on the growth of big business in U.S. history…

Describes the 75 hours of primary source material compiled on videotape, covering 2217 individual units, and spanning 93 years of world history found in "The Video Encyclopedia of the 20th Century." Presents strategies for using the "Video Encyclopedia" themes for world history, as well as descriptions of sample units contained…

Maintains that comparison of students' sketch maps at the beginning and end of the year can provide information on how student's representations of the world changes. Describes a study from the California International Studies Project (CISP) that provides an easy method for sorting and summarizing sketch map data. Illustrates the method with…

Described are ways in which some teachers have used a software package called "The Geometric Supposer." The development of inquiry skills is stressed. Recommendations for students using the Supposer are provided. (CW)

The use of calculators in helping students to construct their own learning is discussed. Two games which illustrate this concept are presented. The features of a constructivist lesson which uses calculators are listed. (CW)

Presents methods and questions for discussion, activities, role plays, and assessment methods for helping students understand the importance of water conservation. (PR)

Contends that criticism of progressive pedagogical methods may be creating an ideologically neutral orthodoxy of primary school practice in Great Britain. Expresses caution about this development by defending principles underlying progressive education. Argues for the development of child-centered teaching methods within the National Curriculum.…

Describes activities to help students understand pH scales and acid rain. (PR)

Describes the background and development of the Geographic Inquiry into Global Issues (GIGI) project. Maintains that the secondary school lessons are designed to teach citizenship and critical thinking skills. Emphasizes that the pedagogical approach is founded on the inquiry approach. (CFR)