This paper provides guidelines for creating REALs (Rich Environments for Active Learning) on the World Wide Web and demonstrates how those guidelines have been applied in a variety of Web-based learning environment contexts. The paper is organized according to the following attributes of student-centered REALs: (1) promote intentional learning by…

This publication encourages student involvement in biological research through student research with the cooperation of teachers and scientists. The contents of the book are divided into two sections. The first section introduces students to research investigations and includes: (1) "How the Investigations Are Set Up and the Rationale Behind…

This research examines the critical factors in a science/math methods course and its effect on the dispositions of preservice elementary education majors. In order to break the cyclical axiom that "teachers teach as they were taught," this study used a paired-t test design to indicate any significance. The preservice education majors indicated…

A project explored the Internet's potential to teach instrumental music online to students in regional or remote regions of Western Australia. The project was established on the expectation that, at some time in the not-too-distant future, instrumental music tutors located in metropolitan regions may have, in their normal studio practice, a…

The future of rural schools is inextricably linked to the future of their surrounding communities, and service learning is a powerful tool for capitalizing on those links. Service learning makes students active participants in service projects that respond to community needs while furthering the academic goals of students. Service learning…

This report discusses the outcomes of a qualitative study conducted to investigate how preschool children with hearing impairments learn about literacy within a school setting. Seven preschool children with hearing impairments were observed in their school setting two days a week for nine months for a total of 283 hours of observation. One class…

Modern means that can be used in the framework of teaching substantially extend the possibilities of schoolmasters, but they also complicate the pedagogical process. Can we make really effective use of them? Have we, at their application, really greater pedagogical effect? How do we include the possibilities of audiovisual techniques into the…

This learning module aims to engage students in problem solving, critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and cooperative learning. The module is appropriate for use in any introductory or intermediate undergraduate course that focuses on human-environment relationships. The module stresses the key principals, concepts, and problems in the emerging…

In Reading Recovery, the fostering of active learning begins immediately. The three actions children must learn to take from the beginning as teachers move into instruction are: do some reading "work" at the point of difficulty; take some initiative; and make some links between new items learned and existing knowledge. Active learners…

Since 1993, an Israeli junior high school has been conducting a regional computer communications class with a special multimedia-based curriculum. Students express what they know via text, videos, pictures, sound, and animation and demonstrate their ability to apply knowledge in research and documentary projects. Although staff encountered some…

Discussion of constructivist learning environments focuses on the concept of grounded design, a process that involves linking the practices of learning systems design with related theory and research. Topics include directed versus situated learning environments, situated cognition and anchored instruction, social constructivism and problem…

Discusses the collaboration of the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) with faculty from eight community colleges to develop an innovative curriculum for use in a one-semester general education course in biology that would reflect the recommendations of the current reform movement in science education. Discusses important issues in helping…

States that many students enroll in the introductory history survey course soley because of curricular requirements. Discusses assignments and content of the course, including topics and teaching strategies. Focuses on group activities that engage students and prompt them to participate. (CMK)

Describes the process of design and development of two Web-based training templates (i.e., a newspaper metaphor and a theater metaphor) to prompt rapid development of active learning environments. Findings suggest that design elements to support limitations of short-term memory are important considerations in template design. (MES)

In Appalachian Alabama, AlabamaREAL helps individuals, schools, and rural communities grow through hands-on entrepreneurship education. School-based businesses teach students to recognize business opportunities; encourage participatory learning; and meet the needs of small, rural communities. The Appalachian Regional Commission provides schools…