An Australian preservice teacher education course used interactive television to present real-life, rural teaching situations as examples of best practice. These were integrated with problem-based learning scenarios focusing on dilemmas faced by practicing teachers in multigraded rural classrooms. Evaluation revealed positive feedback from both…

Reports on a study of the impact of metacognition among 10 middle school-aged British students with learning difficulties. Finds that student awareness and subsequent control over thought processes were enhanced through self-reporting and self-appraisal. Examines this kind of reflection on enhanced learning capabilities and self-esteem. (CFR)

Maintains traditional grading techniques can be a form of authentic assessment. Discusses three aspects of authentic assessment: (1) interdisciplinary problem-solving; (2) grading process as well as the product; and (3) developing a grading rubric to be shared with students. (CFR)

Information on the content of the intended science curriculum, what science was actually taught by the teachers, and how that science was taught is presented. Student achievement and attitudes were assessed using tests and questionnaires. Data were obtained from teachers regarding whether the content had been taught to the students (n=657) who…

This paper describes (1) the role of reflection in learning and teaching as presented at a Philippines-Australia Science and Mathematics Education Project training program; (2) the use of writing as a tool for reflection; and (3) examples of teacher reactions to the training on reflection. (25 references) (MDH)

This article reviews six models of literacy strategy instruction in special and remedial education and reports on a study which manipulated teacher and student control of activity, as well as the instructional context, in examining the implementation and outcomes of three models: direct instruction; reciprocal teaching; and collaborative problem…

The characteristics of migrant students that place them at risk educationally are described and reasons for low special education delivery rates are examined. Guidelines for educational intervention are offered, with the goal of increasing migrant children's economic options and opportunities. Three methodologies are recommended: learning…

Describes how a walking tour of New York City gives students firsthand exposure to urban history. Suggests that history can be recreated with walking tours through areas of historical significance, combining them with classroom lectures. Gives tips for planning successful tours and suggestions for making historical periods come alive. (NL)

Reported is an approach to teaching the use of Macintosh computers to sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students within the context of a simplified model of scientific research including proposal, data collection and analyses, and presentation of findings. Word processing, graphing, statistical, painting, and poster software were sequentially…

Describes "Family Computers," an educational program developed by EQUALS that brings families together weekly to have fun with mathematics while using computers. Discusses software selection, provides a lesson plan for grades 4-8, and presents 7 tips for instructors. (MDH)

Presents four hands-on and computer-based activities to develop measurement skills. Students examine, measure, compare, and contrast the area, perimeter, and volume of geometric figures using concrete materials and computer spreadsheets. (MDH)

Presented are the results of an extra-credit assignment to a group of intermediate-algebra students, which entailed the writing of word problems in poetic form. Included is the history of such writing from the trivial pursuitlike games of the Middle Ages in India. (JJK)

Considerations in planning optometric clinical experiences are discussed, including guidelines for curriculum design, typical teaching strategies, teaching methods and materials, support services and resources, student orientation and debriefing, logistics, costs, personnel, funding sources, and legal liability issues. (MSE)

Chemistry can be described on three levels: sensory, molecular, and symbolic. Proposes a particle approach to teaching chemistry that uses magnets to aid students construct molecular models and solve particle problems. Includes examples of Johnstone's model of chemistry phenomena, a problem worksheet, and a student concept mastery sheet. (MDH)

Outlines a series of simulation activities using historical incidents to illustrate the importance of the decision-making process. Students act out historical roles as the leaders of Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Russia in the days leading up to World War I and as the Tsar of Russia after the Bloody Sunday massacre. (MJP)