Discusses a study to compare effects of two teaching techniques (lecture-discussion and performance-based) on attitude and knowledge level of students in two 11th grade American history classes. Findings indicate that a combination of the two methods of instruction is the best approach to teaching. (Author/DB)

Suggests ways to construct multiple choice questions which test both factual knowledge and critical thinking. Three models explain how to relate facts, fact sets, and reasons to hypotheses and concepts. (Author/DB)

Results of a study to evaluate attitudes, knowledge, and activity behaviors of college graduates who completed a lecture laboratory course in physical education suggest that conceptual physical education classes can have positive long-term effects. (Author/DF)

Although there is a need for enhanced evidence-based information on successful HIV and AIDS education interventions, much has already been learnt about good practices and policies in the education sector's response to the pandemic. This booklet, to be used in tandem with others in the series, aims to further expand our knowledge by highlighting…

"Building Decision Skills" aims to raise middle and high school students' awareness of ethics, help them gain practical experience in developing core values, and give them practical strategies for dealing with ethical dilemmas. "Building Decision Skills" consists of 10 lessons that can fill two consecutive weeks of daily…

"Facing History and Ourselves" aims to promote core character education values and to help middle and high school students develop moral reasoning skills. Students examine historical events, in particular the events that led to World War II and the Holocaust. Teachers participate in professional development seminars and apply the content…

This book sets out a constructivist, inquiry-based approach to instruction. The approach builds on clear understandings of children's current levels of knowledge, where their learning should progress to, and the means by which children learn early numeracy topics. The methods presented in this book have been used extensively by practitioners in…

The purpose of this study was to determine if factors to predict success in college biology (i.e., prior knowledge of biology or reasoning ability) depend on the instructional method employed (i.e., expository or inquiry). Reasoning ability was found to account for a significant amount of variance in final examination scores, regardless of…

Recent research documents students' misconceptions about key math and science ideas, parochial views of history, and tendency to reduce complex literary works to stereotypes. To improve understanding, learners should focus on activities asking them to generalize, find new examples, and apply principles thoughtfully. Teachers should pursue…

Development of a student learning model, based on the analysis of 14 students' classroom experiences in 3 elementary and middle school studies, is described. Data analysis rules derived from the model predicted learning with 80-85% success across the studies. (SLD)

The pencil-and-paper assignment "Represent water in its three states using a model" was given to pupils (n=227) from eighth to twelfth grades. The findings show that the dominant model used was the space filling type; movement of particles was indicated by a minority of pupils; size of the model changed when drawn in different states.…

Studies of long-term retention of what is taught in the classroom (62 articles) were reviewed. It is concluded that students retain much of what they are taught, that retention decreases over time, and that increasing original learning affects retention. Effects of instructional strategy and ability are discussed. (SLD)

The relationship between teacher performance related to student essential skills achievement and teacher performance related to student acquisition of higher order thinking skills was examined for 19 secondary school teachers. Effects of a training program in teaching higher order skills and relationships between teacher knowledge and practice…

An expert teacher was studied, using ethnographic and phenomenological techniques, as he planned and taught 2 philosophy courses to gifted students, ages 12-18. The paper provides an overview of the teacher's thoughts and an explanation of the impact of an unwritten and unobservable collection of knowledge on the teacher's observable planning and…

Focuses on knowledge and the use of research in relation to local actors in social situations by analyzing data from ongoing research in Swedish schools. Proposes a theoretical framework for knowledge utilization. Concludes that a teacher's knowledge is mainly personal, specific, and action-oriented concerning its origin, content, and function.…