Integrating ICT and primary science appears to be a "tall order." Imposing it, or merely suggesting it to teachers as an approach to teaching science in school, can induce feelings of apprehension, reluctance or, indeed, doubt. In this article, the author describes an innovative approach that may dispel some of these fears, and suggests a…

This article describes a sophomore transition-to-advanced-math course taught via a modified Moore method at Lebanon Valley College.

This article argues that the merger of simulations and problem-based learning (PBL) can enhance both active-learning strategies. Simulations benefit by using a PBL framework to promote student-directed learning and problem-solving skills to explain a simulated dilemma with multiple solutions. PBL benefits because simulations structure the…

Inquiry instruction is a hallmark of the current science education reform efforts. Science teachers know that inquiry is important, yet most teachers lack a practical framework of inquiry to inform their instruction. Defining inquiry and assessing how much inquiry is supported by a particular activity or lab can be difficult and confusing. This…

For some students, using the method of cross sections to find the volume of a solid is difficult to understand because of the abstraction involved. This paper demonstrates a fun way for students to visualize the method of cross sections. Although a fun activity, the paper implicitly conveys the importance of connecting theory and experiment.…

Everyone has heard about online courses, and how they are good for students because they offer schedule flexibility or opportunities to take courses that a school would not normally provide. After all, students can take and complete these courses anytime, anywhere. As their popularity grows, several states have added online learning to their…

This article describes a problem-based learning (PBL) project that incorporates active learning into an organizational behavior (OB) course. It describes a six-step process for designing a course around problems that students identify in their work, school, or personal lives. In addition to researching an OB concept to address their problem,…

This article discusses the use of computer-based technology in the educational system. The author contends that while this technology is useful as an instructional tool, it is no substitute for face-to-face education. The author provides four principles of learning that will allow teachers to use this type of technology in the service of discovery.

By using a problem-posing, critical literacy approach employing children's literature, even the complex issues of a world in conflict and confusion can be addressed through an ongoing dialogue. In this article, the author defines "critical literacy" as a process of constructing and critically using language (oral and written) as a means of…

This article focuses on the use of problem-based learning in high school foods and nutrition classes. Problem-based learning, an instructional approach that promotes active learning, is the elaboration of knowledge that occurs through discussion, answering questions, peer teaching, and critiquing. Students are confronted with a simulated or real…

To complement traditional learning activities in a masters-level research methodology course, social work students worked on a formal research project which involved: designing the study, constructing measures, selecting a sampling strategy, collecting data, reducing and analyzing data, and finally interpreting and communicating the results. The…

The purpose of this study was to analyze characteristics of online learning environments. Data collected using the Distance Education Learning Environments Survey (DELES) were used to explore the relationship between student satisfaction and the following predictor variables: instructor support, student interaction and collaboration, personal…

Two experiments investigating the benefit of computer-based applications in geography education are presented. The computer-based methods employ concepts of visualization, including animation and interactivity, to facilitate active learning. These computer-based methods are compared with physical (i.e. tangible) models, which themselves can be…

We tested five course designs that varied in the structure of daily and weekly active-learning exercises in an attempt to lower the traditionally high failure rate in a gateway course for biology majors. Students were given daily multiple-choice questions and answered with electronic response devices (clickers) or cards. Card responses were…

This study aims to establish the effectiveness of an industrial data set in the delivery of an active approach to teaching and learning across a range of programme levels from NVQ to MSc within Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE) Institutions in North Wales. The result described in the paper reinforces in FE and HE the advantages of…