In this dissertation the author has surveyed reports of experimental studies comparing discovery-oriented instruction with expository instruction. The studies analyzed focused on retention or transfer and were concerned with five subject matter areas: mathematics, science, language, geography, and vocational education. The author reports that no…

The goals of social studies--defined as thinking, understanding, attitudes, and skills--are considered within the framework of a cognitive and an affective taxonomy of educational goals. The first lesson in this series of lessons on social studies instructional strategies deals with modes of inquiry and with the value of responsible consent and…

The general purpose of this paper is twofold. One is to survey the research and literature on the learning of oral and written language in the elementary schools. The other is to propose a statement of needs, objectives, and components for an oral and written language program for elementary grade children. The method used for this study consists…

Reports on a study to determine the interaction effects of selected personality characteristics, science achievement, and two classroom climates, one which encouraged discovery learning and one that did not. Demonstrated that student achievement is influenced by dynamic interactions within classrooms. (TW)

Describes a study in which kindergarten and first-grade students discussed the subject of shadows. Two students became teacher/leaders, and the rest asked questions for clarification or gave input. The classroom teacher modeled questioning and communication skills all year. The goal was to empower students to have a role in their own education.…

Explains how the Mathcad computer program can promote the development of higher-order chemical thinking skills of students taking junior-level physical chemistry courses. The kinetics of first-order series and reversible reactions is used as an example of how this can be implemented within an interactive laboratory or lecture format. (PVD)

Stresses that media literacy is a skill which can and must be learned in the classroom. Urges that media be placed on center stage not merely used as audio-visual aids. Lists eight statements which can serve as the basis of curricula concerned with media literacy. Suggests pedagogical approaches to the subject. (KO)

Describes a community study project that uses history and the five fundamental themes of geography as a framework. The project involves organizing committees to study the need for a traffic signal in a small town. By studying various dimensions of the issue, the committees are able to demonstrate the need for a signal. (KO)

Examines an unusual approach to aesthetic education utilizing open-ended philosophical inquiries (conundrums) to facilitate class discussions. The conundrums were submitted by artists, gallery owners, and teachers. Results showed the approach to be an effective adjunct to instruction, provided the teachers could refrain from "filling in"…

Proposes that problem scenarios are activities that give students opportunities to employ mathematics across the curriculum by asking them to define problems, identify information needed and potential sources of data, and make related conjectures. Discusses an example of a scenario involving transportation. (MDH)

Presents activities that utilize representations of the side, front, and top views of three-dimensional configurations of blocks to develop spatial-visualization skills and aspects of the concept of function. Provides worksheets of these open-ended investigations. (MDH)

Discusses and provides sample lessons of learning by discovery and weekly problem sets, which are presented as alternative methods for teaching college calculus. Both approaches stress conceptual understanding and guide the students to explore the ideas of calculus in small groups in a computer laboratory setting. (JJK)

Presents three features of "Good" questions: requires students to do more than simply remember a strategy to answer; promotes student learning while answering the question; and have several acceptable answers. Considers how questions can be used to cater to the range of student abilities. (MDH)

Presents a gamelike context that provides general-mathematics students the opportunity to explore situations involving chance and develop reasoning about probability. Provides three worksheets for activities that promote components of the NCTM's Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics. (MDH)

The third in a series of 3 articles, a study of 30 students was conducted to test the effect of restructuring a unit on trigonometric identities around microcomputer activities based on the themes of educational undercurrents identified in Part II. Experimental-group students scored significantly higher relating trigonometric functions to their…