Theory and research suggest the critical role that formative assessment can play in student learning. The use of assessment in guiding instruction has long been advocated: Through the assessment of students' needs and the monitoring of student progress, learning sequences can be appropriately designed, instruction adjusted during the course of…

In the information age of instant access to libraries, databases, information centers, organizations, government agencies, and self-appointed experts worldwide, it is hard to decide where to turn for accurate, reliable, and up-to-date information about science education. This digest provides an annotated listing of World Wide Web resources and…

Selected resource materials and addenda of interest to educators in veterinary medicine are provided. Materials include: historical and philosophical perspectives, changing concepts and trends, instructional methods and measurement, postgraduate and continuing education, general interest and reference materials, and a short list of periodicals.…

This article provides a map for teachers of students with or without disabilities to use in searching the self-determination literature for usable ideas. The map includes two primary paths: the first leads through the conceptual literature and the second through the intervention literature. Pitfalls are identified and examples illustrate uses in…

Many instructors appreciate the importance of developing the critical thinking skills of their students yet are unfamiliar with pedagogical approaches for teaching critical thinking. These instructors rely on instructional support from teaching and learning centers or online resources. It can be time consuming, however, for instructors to…

Intended as a resource for use in the study of early developments in education in the United States, this catalog, prepared by the Educational Research Library of the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Educational Research and Improvement, contains bibliographic descriptions and brief annotations for 231 spellers published between 1775 and…

This digest discusses: (1) the main ideas contained in "The Federalist Papers"; (2) reasons for teaching "The Federalist Papers" in secondary schools; and (3) how to teach ideas of "The Federalist Papers." The authors of "The Federalist" held varying ideas about government, but strongly agreed on the…

Social studies instruction using a variety of data sources engages elementary school children in relatively autonomous collecting, organizing, and evaluating of data--processes necessary for exercising sound judgment and taking appropriate action. (RM)

Series of articles offers teaching tips and techniques for such journalism topics as newswriting, public relations, news sources, and news ethics. (HOD)

Reviews the pre-1950 literature on content area reading instruction and identifies 47 major references. Finds that contemporary researchers attend to only two of these references. (FL)

The University of Chicago School Mathematics Project (UCSMP) officially began in 1983 to improve mathematics education for the vast majority of students in grades K-12. UCSMP began by examining the curricula of other countries for proven ideas and methods, creating textbooks and training programs at the elementary and secondary levels, and…

This resource letter is an annotated bibliography aimed at individuals who have recently become interested in lecture demonstrations in physics. Listed are 103 printed sources of information on lecture demonstrations. Whenever possible, annotations are followed by reviews so that other opinions can be consulted. (BT)

Examines the use of databases for social studies. Provides a rationale for database use in light of social studies goals, contending that processing large amounts of information is essential for effective citizenship. Offers suggestions for integrating databases into the social studies classroom, and provides substantial lists of readily…

This article identifies classroom resources recommended for beginning special education teachers. Resources are grouped into six categories: (1) developing professionalism; (2) basics for effective instruction; (3) academic instruction; (4) cognitive-behavioral instruction; (5) behavioral management; and (6) classroom extras. Resources include…

Investigates how librarians learn to teach and what they need to know. Highlights include information literacy; methods of instruction; learning and motivational theories; planning instruction; working with faculty; and an annotated bibliography of 28 sources of information on teaching librarians to teach, including Web sites. (LRW)