Discusses how four different teachers utilize active instruction in their social studies classrooms. Addresses how the textbooks should be used. Covers materials and objectives, the reactions of community members to new methods, and the benefits of active instruction over an increased workload. Discusses how to begin and provides a bibliography of…

Asserts that technology can be one of the strongest teaching and learning tools available today if used well. Finds that, in particular, courses enriched through use of e-mail, electronic bulletin boards, "drill and practice" software, and the Internet can help to engage developmental students, motivating and enabling them to achieve greater…

Demonstrates a model system that recreates seasonal processes on Mars. Lists necessary materials and explains the construction of the demonstration. Provides discussion questions. (Contains 11 references.) (YDS)

Summarizes obstacles to effective teaching for community college faculty and presents strategies for overcoming them. Obstacles include faculty isolation, growing reliance on part-timers, pressure to produce research, underprepared students, and inadequate resources for development. Faculty have responded by developing learning communities,…

A professional development experience introduced 102 traditional teachers from rural Michigan to constructivist pedagogy over a 3-year period. Participant comments reveal three themes: frustration with the uncertainties of changing mindsets and incorporating constructivism into practice; the usefulness of representing thoughts about constructivism…

Describes an activity called the jigsaw classroom technique for use with working groups of undergraduate statistics students that divides a worksheet into two to four steps. Reveals that the students viewed the technique positively because it helped them understand statistical procedure and offered a variety of learning experiences. (CMK)

Provides background information on the problem-based learning (PBL) model used in medical education that was adapted for high school economics. Describes the high school economics curriculum and outline the stages of the PBL model using examples from a unit called "The High School Food Court." Discusses the design considerations. (CMK)

Argues that students should do hands-on work with original primary sources that are within archival collections. Gives students an opportunity to interact in an unfamiliar environment, learn new techniques for discovery, and develop a connection with people from the past. Offers examples of how students can work with archival materials. (CMK)

Describes the course "The World According to Microbes" which puts science, mathematics, engineering, and technology majors into teams of students charged with problem solving activities that are microbial in origin. Describes the development of learning activities that utilize key components of cooperative learning including positive…

Examines adolescents' study of place from the perspective of urban and rural Montessori programs. Adolescents are invited into a study of the city or town or even a neighborhood surrounding the school as an opportunity to experience their own community and society. Highlights potential activities and areas for research. (KB)

Describes how the author sets the stage for student ownership in learning and encourages students to ask and pursue their questions. Shows how she supports her students so that they view themselves as readers, writers, and thinkers. Encourages her students to become compassionate problem solvers. (SG)

Describes a cooperative, interactive problem-solving exercise for studying eukaryotic cell structure and function. Highlights the dynamic aspects of movement through the cell. Contains 15 references. (WRM)

Discusses how educators are increasingly recognizing the value of instruction that focuses on developing metacognitive skills, or comprehensive strategies for thinking and independent learning. Summarizes research on metacognitive reading skills and then describes two sample classroom exercises to teach these skills to developmental college…

Illustrates the project approach by describing a classroom unit on Pueblo Indians. Discusses each phase of the project, including assessment, research, hands-on activities, and evaluation. Includes instructions for the hands-on activities used in the project, and offers strategies to guide the study of Native Americans. (TJQ)

Discusses the history and development of the library instruction movement and of the Association of Research Libraries' Instruction section, especially in relation to course-related instruction at Earlham College. Considers search strategies; teamwork between librarians and faculty; the effects of active learning; use of the World Wide Web; and…