This paper explores the use of the long-term project as an educational tool in early childhood classrooms. In particular, it focuses on the way in which long-term projects can reflect John Dewey's notion of the "dynamic aim" as a primary force in education. In "Democracy and Education," Dewey suggests that when teaching is…

Describes an analytical chemistry course restructured around the use of cooperative groups to help students become active learners in a non-competitive environment. Five years of experience with the course indicates that the syllabus covers almost exactly the same content as old courses and that test scores compare favorably on the national level.…

Argues against the merely descriptive presentation frequently used in teaching biochemistry and in favor of a constructivist approach called heuristic-teleonomic, which unites the process of discovery with adaptation to functional ends. Discusses difficulties inherent to the nature of biochemistry, including the conflict between acquiring…

Examines the constructivist theory of knowledge which basically proposes that knowledge is constructed in the mind of the learner. Particular emphasis is placed on how a shift can be made from someone who teaches to someone who facilitates learning in a classroom environment in which the students are active participants in the learning process.…

Suggests ways in which instructors can engage students in large classes. States that short weekly written student responses can ameliorate the problems of dealing with large classes. Explains that such responses help students gain power over the material and assists in developing competence. (Contains 19 references.) (NB)

Describes a course developed by a librarian and an economics teacher using active learning techniques to teach research skills and critical thinking. Topic include the course development, including course objectives and clarification of the librarians role; a search strategy; and revisions to methodology to achieve course objectives. (six…

Attempts to develop an understanding of the activity-based learning approach adopted by teachers after they themselves experience hands-on science teaching. The case of a fifth-grade teacher who incorporated a hands-on approach for teaching science in the classroom after attending a workshop is discussed. (LZ)

Discusses environmental education, noting that teachers' science backgrounds are not nearly as important as their showing interest in children's experiences and discoveries, respect for environment, and encouragement of close observation of the world. Suggests that to help children understand and appreciate nature, teachers can focus on having…

Reports on a study of 11 preservice teachers' beliefs and practices about secondary social studies education. Finds that the preservice teachers held positive conceptions about social studies, stressing active learning techniques and knowledge construction. (ACM)

Offers guidelines for enhancing science instruction for students with disabilities by adapting, implementing, and assessing an activities-based approach. This approach features a structured learning cycle, emphasis on the relationship of science to students' lives, experiential learning, interdisciplinary themes, cooperative learning groups,…

Introduces the Towson Transition Course (TTC) which focuses on preparing students to be scientifically literate and describes the components of the course. Focuses on problem solving, gathering traditional and electronic information, using the case study teaching method, ethical scientific behavior, and evaluation. (Contains 33 references.) (YDS)

Explains situated approaches to teaching, exploring the pedagogical significance of intervention projects produced by college students to interrupt business as usual in their education. The projects were context-specific actions emerging out of interactions between the course material and students' understandings of how these issues were manifest…

An alternative school in southern Oregon that allows students to make up missing credits offers project-based thematic classes that take students outside the school. One course studied the Klamath Basin's water crisis and involved exploring the area and the perspectives of farmers, biologists, park rangers, and Native Americans. Courses culminate…

Explains that an organic curriculum embraces a social studies curriculum that is supported by multidisciplinary social science methods and is grounded in the students' real-world experiences. Maintains that this organic social studies methodology is a means for implementing the thematic strands of the National Council for the Social Studies…

Involving students in inquiry-based exercises is much more difficult than simply providing activities for them to do in the classroom. While active learning suggests students are physically participating in the lesson, inquiry learning requires that they are also mentally participating in it. Academic theorists agree it is more the mental…