States that in order to gain students' attention, social studies teachers should use more active teaching strategies. Describes six hooking strategies that immediately draw students in: (1) inquiry; (2) media hook; (3) sentence synthesis; (4) what they know, what they want to know, what they learned (K-W-L); (5) roundtable; and (6) concept…

Examines whether active instruction in music enhances preschool and elementary school student performance on spatial tasks. Reports that music enhances the spatial-temporal performance of children during and up to two years following the instruction and that the effect is moderate and consistent. Includes references. (CMK)

Discusses the use of focused interactive learning (FIL), in which students participate in focused discussions with their peers to learn about psychological concepts. Evaluates the use of FIL at Florida Atlantic University (Boca Raton, Florida). Addresses student benefits resulting from this technique. (CMK)

At the Duquesne University (PA) school of pharmacy, five self-paced computer exercises using a molecular modeling program have been implemented to teach stereochemical concepts. The approach, designed for small-group learning, has been well received and found effective in enhancing students' understanding of the concepts. (Author/MSE)

Discusses the elements of Montessori education that distinguish it from traditional education for older children and from much current group experience for young children. Focuses on the respect for each child as a unique individual with unique interests and learning styles and on how Montessori education responds to that individuality to…

Examines the quality of teaching offered at the Hutterian kindergarten school in New Meadow Run, Pennsylvania, as an example of an outdoor school. Suggests that, based on the ideas of Rousseau, Pestallozzi, and Froebel on early play and natural development, outdoor schools can offer an alternative to current structured academic school activities…

The use of overt answer construction in computer-based programmed instruction was studied. Four college students completed an instructional program that alternated between presenting frames with blanks requiring overt responses and complete frames without blanks. All students produced more correct answers corresponding to program segments that…

Six specific instances in which supplemental instruction (SI) leaders guide student inquiry in college algebra and calculus are described. The active learning strategies used in the situations are analyzed, focusing on the role of the leader and the support provided by SI leader training and supervision. (MSE)

Using an integrated curriculum anchored in science and multimedia technology, Project LINCOL'N (Living in the New Computer Oriented Learning 'Nvironment) facilitates active learning for all students. The project's vision is to enable all students, including those with disabilities, to engage in authentic learning in a problem-solving environment.…

Presents an action-oriented research account of higher-order cognitive skills (HOCS)-oriented teaching of organic chemistry to freshman and sophomore science majors in small and large classes at a relatively small and large university respectively. Finds that inquiry-oriented class discussions, students' active involvement in the learning process,…

Examines students' beliefs about knowledge, and their motivation, learning strategies, and academic performance in two instructional contexts in introductory Calculus classes. Sophistication of epistemological beliefs was positively correlated with motivation, self-efficacy, self-regulation, and grades. Students in the more active, cooperative…

Describes the implementation of student active-learning methods into sections of mainstream, introductory general-chemistry courses. Discusses strategies used, including an absolute grading scale, use of informal "ConcepTests" in lectures, cooperative learning workshops, cooperative take-home examinations, and a student advisory…

Explains integrated science and emphasizes the need for integrative conceptual themes, changes in science teacher preparation, and a focus on student motivation and active student involvement in learning. Describes Science Links, a multimedia curriculum in integrated science designed for ninth graders. (Author/LRW)

Presents an active-learning technique in which students design their studies that was found to be successful in an animal behavior laboratory course. Divides the laboratory course into three components: (1) structured and technique-oriented exercises; (2) open-ended and student-designed investigations; and (3) independent projects. Explains…

Discusses different teaching methods beginning with the least effective to the most effective and addresses some general weaknesses and strengths of each of the styles as a means of moving from the traditional mode of teaching and learning to a more active engagement with students. (CMK)