This paper discusses the differences between spatial and sequential learning, characteristics of individuals who exhibit stronger visual-spatial learning, and strategies for teaching children with visual-spatial strengths. Techniques include: (1) using visual aids, such as overhead projectors, and visual imagery in lectures; (2) using manipulative…

Now mandated in a number of states, student portfolios are being adopted by many local school systems. Using the metaphor of travel, this guide presents practical and innovative ideas for working with student-managed portfolios--from planning and preparation to maintenance and evaluation. After describing what portfolios are and offering a…

This project developed materials for an innovative new approach to calculus for students in business, economics, liberal arts, management, and the social sciences. With the focus on rates and accumulation of change and their interpretations in real life situations, the materials are data driven, technology based, and feature a unique modeling…

The activities presented in this guide are designed for elementary age students, and intended to provide hands-on, integrated learning experiences. A learning station format is indicated for open ended activities which include a "Preliminary Activity: Free Exploration First!", an "Introductory Activity: Architect/Builder", and…

To help educators better understand how to prepare reflective teachers, this study examined four preservice elementary teachers' theories regarding how elementary children learn and what instruction should look like. Participants designed and implemented learning activities for elementary students. Each activity was videotaped, observed, and…

This book argues that the goal of foreign language education has to be expanded from communicative competence towards what might be called an intercultural action competence. This book explores and integrates the knowledge base and educational practices necessary in foreign language teaching for intercultural competence. This book shows that the…

This paper focuses on the learning experiences of two college students enrolled in an experientially based art education course. The students, "Beth" and "Alissa," were interviewed regarding their responses to viewing an art exhibit. The students also completed a writing assignment incorporating personal contemplations about…

The articles in this volume are based on a survey of language learners carried out at five Swiss universities. The surveys (done through interviews and questionnaires) concern the ways that students encounter their second language (French) outside the classroom, and which of those practices are the most effective in improving their French. The…

This book offers advice to facilitators and change agents who wish to build systems-level learning to create knowledge that can be used to gain a competitive advantage. Chapter 1 describes forces driving companies to build, sustain, and effectively use systems-level learning and presents and links a working definition of the learning organization…

The Cup'ik people are a group of Yup'ik Eskimos who live in southwest Alaska. This curriculum aims to enhance Cup'ik students' interest in their own culture by making that culture a part of their daily activities; to teach students to practice the traditional Cup'ik respect for elders, fellow students, and others in the community; and to teach…

Many of today's popular sports are based around the use of a ball yet none are alike. In fact, they are all designed with specific characteristics in mind. In this activity, students investigate different balls' ability to bounce and represent the data they collect graphically. This activity uses a time frame of 100 minutes. (Author/SOE)

Depending upon the climate, the features of a house will be different to satisfy particular needs: hot, cold, windy, and/or rainy weather. In this activity, students investigate different types of roofs found on various houses in different environments throughout the world. Books and photos are used to provide information. Models of the houses are…

In this activity, students conduct several simple lab activities to learn about the five fundamental load types that can act on structures: tension, compression, shear, bending, and torsion. In Part One, students play the role of molecules in a beam subject to various loading schemes. In Part Two, students break foam insulation blocks by applying…

After a discussion about what a parachute is and how it works, students create a parachute using different materials that they think will work best. They then test their designs, which is followed by a class discussion to highlight which paper material worked best. This activity requires a 60-minute time period for completion. (Author/SOE)

This paper identifies five types of learning experiences which are relevant to understanding students' grasp of concepts and principles. These include exploring existing concepts, honing and clustering concepts, developing analytical and reasoning skills, developing problem solving skills, and structuring knowledge in memory. Each of these…