The volume is organized around three aspects of professional development for international teaching assistants: Part 1: Grounding Practice in Research and Researching Practice; Part 2: Beginnings, Challenges, and Growth; and Part 3: Collaborative Practices and Partnerships Across Disciplines. Change, progress, and commitment are themes that are…

Presents a dialog between an educational psychologist and a middle school social studies teacher concerning the integration of the arts into social studies curriculum. Both agree that the use of the arts can simultaneously enhance the presentation of content while providing multiple paths to learning. (MJP)

Maintains that fundamental historical concepts can be imparted to high school students through the use of photography, painting, film, literature, and other forms of popular culture. Provides many examples of students utilizing popular culture to understand conceptions of historical time, locate meaning, and empathize with historical people. (MJP)

Examines several important principles of writing (e.g., different approaches for different audiences) and applies these to economics and business education. Discusses approaches to teaching writing in this context. Includes a rhetorical case assignment, teaching tips, and discussion of students' reactions to this approach. (MJP)

Lauds the interdisciplinary approach in social studies instruction and specifically recommends a close and cooperative working relationship between high school English and social studies departments. Describes one such relationship, the hurdles overcome during its inception and establishment, and the creation of an interdisciplinary course titled…

Describes an assignment where students chart the development of a film or literary character's racial identity according to theoretical models of identity development. Students found the exercise thought-provoking, intriguing, and informative. Includes outlines of the racial identity model and an examination of the issues raised during discussion.…

Describes a fourth grade teacher's interdisciplinary efforts at imparting the joys of archaeology to her students. The students read fiction and non-fiction materials about the physical environments and participated in a series of hands-on learning activities. These involved simulated archaeological digs, personal artifacts, and realia. (MJP)

Briefly summarizes a study testing the efficacy of some of the ideas delineated in the "Handy Dandy Guide for Solving Economic Mysteries." The guide stresses an experiential approach where students solve "mysteries" using their knowledge of basic economic principles. The study's findings suggest a significant improvement in…

Illustrates the social construction of scientific knowledge by examining the modernist literary works of Chekhov, Ibsen, and Kafka. Demonstrates philosophical conflicts among the authors centering on the benefits and drawbacks of scientific inquiry and modernism. Students also read textbooks and treatises on the history of science. (MJP)

Overviews the impetus for an overhaul of the U.S. educational system with special reference to reform of foreign language education. The author covers goals, standards, implementation of new policies, local control, interdisciplinary teaching, teacher education, parental role, assessment techniques and staffing. Two responses to this overview are…

Contends that, although the Eurocentric focus in art and literature currently may be out of favor, the lack of a cultural background may hurt students' scores on standardized tests. Describes a teaching plan based on artist John Constable's painting, "Salisbury Cathedral from the Bishop's Garden." (CFR)

Maintains that music technology growth can assist teachers in implementing interdisciplinary approaches involving history, culture, and music. Presents suggested classroom strategies utilizing CD-ROMs and other interactive media technology. Discusses downloading music education resources from the Internet. (CFR)

Asserts that the guiding principles of the United Nations and the issues it faces are a major part of the interdisciplinary program at Morristown-Beard School in New Jersey. Describes the Model UN club and how it reinforces the content and values presented in the regular curriculum. (CFR)

Presents a learning activity in which the location of National Football League teams are used to explain geographic concepts. Contends that geography presented in most history textbooks is limited primarily to simple name-place identification. Provides maps and teaching suggestions to help students understand spatial perspective and historical…

Describes using the movie "Jurassic Park" as a foundation for a middle school interdisciplinary unit involving science, math, language arts, history, and geography. Suggested books and activities are presented. (PR)