Describes an assignment sequence using photographs to introduce developmental students to conventions of academic inquiry, and to give them practice analyzing and synthesizing. Reports that students link details observed in the photos to inferences drawn about them. Concentrates on the assignment linking a photo of E. B. White with an essay by him…

Critical thinking is seldom effective at encouraging students to challenge and examine preconceived positions. There is a tendency to use the rigorous questioning methods to defend preconceived positions and deflect the serious consideration of alternatives. An exercise that focused on the Cuban missile crisis is described. (MLW)

Students academic development, as reported by students themselves, was unattributable to precollege characteristics, and significantly tied to participation in classroom activities. (Author/MLW)

Major functions of teaching assistants (TAs) and innovative methods are proposed. TAs help students learn through interaction, coach students in higher thinking skills, and provide a communication channel to integrate the course. A course planning guide based on performance objectives and classroom activities to stimulate student participation are…

A study is described that scientifically validates the common assumption that travel and exchange programs abroad are educationally beneficial. A questionnaire was used to ascertain which areas of students' lives had benefitted from overseas experience. (TE)

Describes learning-teaching styles characteristic of educators and students who flourish in the experiential environment of investigation, process-orientation, experimentation, and stimulation. Explains three other mind-styles and points out how recognizing them can enhance communication, enrich curriculum, and help students and teachers cultivate…

A trend away from higher education as vocational education and toward student development is occurring in West Germany, but will require less emphasis on specialization and more recognition and cultivation of students as individuals with different interests, experiences, needs, goals, and behaviors. (MSE)

Focuses on elementary and middle school students as peer helpers. The five articles describe the peer helper concept and how it can enhance learning, offers suggestions for training peer helpers, describes helping projects and program evaluation, and suggests other ways of improving school climate through cross-age interaction. (JAC)

Describes a program that trains middle school students to provide guidance and counseling services to elementary school students. The Total Involvement Program includes classroom guidance and both individual and group counseling and has been shown to be effective for both the younger students and facilitators. (JAC)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of reverent relationships on learning. The hypothesis was, that if an instructor individualizes a curriculum, they can and will facilitate "the love of learning." If projects were personalized, students would find themselves interested in their work. Hence, they would be more…

Community service is excellent for students if done in proper circumstances. There should be worthwhile, carefully chosen, objectives for learner attainment. Learning opportunities need to be safe and emphasize the psychology of education. Noting that he has supervised student teachers in the public schools for 30 years, the author of this paper…

The Connecticut Comprehensive School Counseling Program provides an important resource to Connecticut's school districts in their mission to prepare students to meet high academic standards and to become productive and contributing members of society in the 21st century. This new document represents a model that helps to prepare students for…

Reflecting the ideas of many diverse individuals and organizations involved in reading education, this booklet presents Reading Framework for the 2003 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which provides the guidelines and theoretical basis for the 1992-2003 reading assessments. The first chapter, What Is the NAEP Reading…

Intended for teachers of grades 4-8, this book is designed to challenge students to think critically about the books they are reading. Projects in the book incorporate creative writing skills and artistic and oral development. The book is designed so that teachers can choose the projects that best connect with their students' interests and…

This book provides many diverse ideas for creating a learning environment that is alive with discovery and discussion, but peaceful and respectful, too. The book offers activities and practices from classrooms all over the United States that focus on year-long practices that promote a sense of community: 20-minute class meetings, effective…