States that in early 20th century Germany, elementary school teachers were seen as low-level civil servants and their teaching methodology was dictated to them by the state. Explains that to free themselves from political and religious authorities, school teachers began advocating a child-centered, active-learning approach based upon recent…

Eleven high schools with advanced technology programs were examined for their use of technology, particularly the Internet, in classrooms and school libraries. Discussion includes teacher attitudes, teacher training, local politics and the school environment, the power of the individual to enhance or inhibit success, guidelines and ethics, and…

A study examined the attitudes of 352 pharmacology students from eight different semesters toward computer-based classroom learning. Significant differences were found between semesters. Results showed a general trend toward more open-minded attitudes toward active learning and greater acceptance of computer use in that context. (MSE)

Addresses two issues confronting teachers who use theme immersion in their classrooms: integration of content through theme, and inquiry-based curriculum. Discusses the challenge and justification for each issue. Notes that inquiry teaching means constantly searching for better ways to support children' s own inquiry processes. (BAC)

Two experiments examined how learning from different media--real pulley systems or simple line diagrams--affected mechanical learning and problem solving. The first showed that subjects' learning improved equally in both cases; all subjects showed an increase in quantitative understanding as they learned; and subjects manipulating real pulley…

Active learning strategies help teachers grab students' attention and keep it. Three suggested learning strategies include the think, share, and learn method; the practice, instruct, and review method; or the whip around and pass method. The article offers resources for further information on active learning. (SM)

Discusses the use of virtual reality as an educational tool. Highlights include examples of virtual reality in public schools that lead to a more active learning process, simulated environments, integrating virtual reality into any curriculum, benefits to teachers and students, and overcoming barriers to implementation. (LRW)

Real-life expeditions to several regions of the world, offered online by GlobaLearn, Inc., provide social and cultural connections, along with curricular materials that help teachers engage students in active inquiry. Through the eyes of real explorers making actual expeditions, students can discover and become familiar with people and places…

Answers the what, why, how, and for whom questions concerning a collaborative-learning-lab component of the introductory economics course at Occidental College (California). Reports on the program's effectiveness based on a student questionnaire: they overwhelmingly report that the lab is worthwhile and that group work is both enjoyable and…

Fourth-grade students went to Foxfire Center (Mountain City, Georgia) to learn through experience how pioneers of the 1800s lived a typical day. Their school, Isaac Dickson Elementary in Asheville, North Carolina, has implemented the Foxfire Core Practices. Students learned survival skills, edible-plants identification, crafts, and cooking, and…

Nineteen elementary grade teachers who worked with minority, rural, and disadvantaged gifted students participated in a workshop on interdisciplinary active learning. Pretest and posttest scores revealed increased levels of perceived knowledge, skills, and implementation. Mixed results were obtained from comparison with a control group. (DB)

Details the University of Colorado (CU) Assessment Project, designed to help teachers create and implement classroom-based performance assessments to complement mathematics and literacy instructional goals. Notes patterns of change, including: instructional and assessment practices with greater emphasis on conceptual understanding; higher…

Discusses the use of student-based focus groups as one component of university course evaluations. Steps in planning and conducting focus groups are detailed and applied to the evaluation of a freshman-level general health course. Finds that participants wanted to retain the health content but add more of a teaching emphasis to the course.…

A work of art documents the artist's perceptions. The conundrum of how to communicate one's perceptions effectively is the foundation of art. Making art in the classroom involves dialogs between artists and themselves, and artists and their audience. An entire class collaborating on a work augments the learning experience. Instructions are given…

Contends that active learning allows students to become involved in learning by exploring issues and ideas under the guidance of the instructor. Describes the Market Game as an example of active learning that is an interactive game that simulates the behavior of a competitive market. Explores the students' reactions to the game. (CMK)