Preparation is the most important stage in teaching and is the foundation upon which all effective instruction is based. The preparation stage consists of making a lesson objective, gathering information and materials, writing a lesson plan, rehearsing, and making final arrangements. (LRA)

Outlines sample exercises developed in a program designed to teach minimal (threshold level) competencies based on students' communication needs and the concept of a notional syllabus. (AM)

Desktop Adventures are computer-based scenarios incorporating the standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics for practicing problem solving across the curriculum suitable for whole class or cooperative group instruction. Reviews problem solving steps and approaches and describes introducing, creating, and extending desktop…

Discussion of the World Wide Web as a source of information for science instruction focuses on a structure created by the Network Montana Project (NMP) that students can navigate. Highlights include scientific investigation; bringing real data to students; and lesson plans available on the Web created by the NMP. (LRW)

The authors of an article (EC 614675) on special education teachers' lesson planning reflect on concerns surrounding the traditional comprehensive lesson planning model. The article emphasizes the need for teacher education programs to train beginning teachers to develop streamlined lesson plans instead of comprehensive lesson plans. (CR)

The Yes I Can Social Inclusion Program fosters the development and maintenance of social relationships of students with and without developmental disabilities by helping them to overcome negative behaviors and increase interpersonal skills. A sample lesson plan is included. Two case studies illustrate the program's effects on socially isolated…

This article offers guidelines for planning distance professional development via interactive video for special educators in rural areas. A comprehensive planning checklist is organized into nine tasks. Other suggestions address equipment and interaction tips for receiving sites and setting up the site to encourage inclusion and active…

Discussion of how to assess information found on the Internet focuses on helping teacher educators, particularly mathematics educators, prepare future teachers. Lessons that were designed for undergraduate students in a mathematics methods course are explained, including objectives of the lessons, student opinions, and assessment of the class.…

Explores ways in which conventional assignments can be modified and expanded to include critical thinking and writing vis-a-vis the main concepts of the course. Argues for engaging students' pre-existing ideas in order to incorporate new ideas into class content. Presents course exercises and grading rubrics that can serve as formative assessments…

This article discusses how Magnetic Levitation (Maglev) can be taught to gifted students in grades 4-9 using hands-on activities that align to the National Science Standards. Principles of magnetic levitation, advantages of magnetic levitation, construction of a Maglev project, testing and evaluation of vehicles, and presentation of the unit are…

Reviews 10 resources on First Amendment issues and related social studies topics available from the Educational Resource Information Center (ERIC). Presents information pertinent both to the classroom teacher and to school administrators concerned about First Amendment issues. Gives annotated bibliographical information. (CH)

The "Topic Game" offers teachers in Great Britain a way to plan schemes of work, lessons, and activities for special needs students organized around themes and subthemes, and to build banks of cross-curricular projects cross-referenced with National Curriculum attainment targets. (Author/JDD)

Outlines an exercise dealing with the geographic concept of regions. Suggests this activity as a means of relating theory to students' personal understanding of the world. Provides a lesson plan which helps students appreciate the concept of region as an analytic tool through a "hands-on" exercise. (KO)

Briefly describes a program of supervised independent study of German as a second foreign language for fourth year students in a British secondary school. The study guide for students is presented. A sample workplan for one week is also included. (LMO)

Lists sources for instructional materials and products for teaching about the census, the demographic and socioeconomic composition of the country, immigration, congressional reapportionment, collecting and analyzing demographic data, and related concepts. Organized by type of media, and by vendor. (LS)