Through the first-hand experiences gained from out-of-school visits in which they observe and talk with adults in the workplace, and through gaining elementary rules of exchange via classroom simulations, young children can develop a rudimentary understanding of the complexities of commerce and trade. (MDM)

Describes the Living in a Changing World program, a series of half-day classes offered by the Saint Louis archdiocesan schools at a zoo, historical museum, botanical garden, archaeological center, science center, and arboretum. Through letter writing, social events, and field trips, the program pairs and provides interaction between fourth-…

Describes the use of generative curriculum in a first-grade class, whereby students pursue their own topics of interest and ways of learning as they engage in meaningful inquiry. Outlines demonstrations that teachers can use to help students develop their own topics. Areas covered include composition, visual arts, notetaking, interviews, surveys,…

Presents three hands-on, discovery geometry lessons based on the use of special pieces called Polydrons by a fifth-grade class to build and investigate special properties of polyhedra and to stimulate students to think geometrically. Includes reproducible student worksheets. (MKR)

A workshop that provides instruction about chemistry and physics concepts and about novel hands-on ways to teach the concepts using toys is described. Sample topics by discipline and related toys and a daily workshop schedule are included. The results of formative, summative, and follow-up evaluations are presented. (KR)

Describes Eastern Kentucky Teachers' Network (EKTN), developed by Foxfire Teacher Outreach program for training teachers in "Foxfire approach" to education. Describes development of EKTN from summer workshop idea to three-woman office. Describes classroom projects initiated by EKTN, and program's effect on teachers. (TES)

Examines aspects of Navajo cosmology relevant to understanding Navajo spatial representations. Compares Navajo children's spatial knowledge with Piaget's findings about the development of geometric concepts in Swiss children. Describes classroom activities whereby Navajo children explore the geometry inherent in their cultural and physical…

A teacher describes a Foxfire project in which learning-disabled seven year olds made and sold Christmas cards to help the homeless. Outcomes included improved writing skills, understanding of money and math applications for the elementary students, and positive teaching experiences for high school computer students who assisted. (SV)

LEAP (Learning through an Expanded Arts Program), a nonprofit educational organization aimed at improving educational quality in New York City's five boroughs, has served over 400,000 students over the past 12 years. LEAP projects such as Promoting Success and fraction quilts provide hands-on experience with art and music that help students learn…

Urban education reformers are now abandoning basic skills instruction and emphasizing critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity. An autocratic "pedagogy of poverty" undermines reform efforts by forcing compliance without involving students in learning and self-discipline. Good teaching is happening whenever students are actively involved…

Describes reform of a Chinese vocational teaching program. Emphasizes a teaching structure combining theoretical and practical teaching. Lists prerequisites for an independent teaching system as suitable instructors (usually engineers), equipment for practice, and a transformation of the students' views toward study. Urges revision of teaching…

Discusses a psychology curriculum with two programs for involving students in volunteer community service. Describes an elementary school tutoring within a child psychology course and a program of credit for other volunteer work in a variety of settings. Includes procedures, decisions, pitfalls, and rewards of volunteer placement. Suggests that…

It is argued that the current agenda for improving teacher education only seeks to improve the present system. A new, radically restructured approach would train teachers to learn from their experiences, communicate clearly, know their subject matter, integrate ideas into practice, apply learning theory and child development principles, and…

Advocates conducting oral history projects as part of elementary school social studies programs. Outlines key steps for incorporating oral history projects including determine a focus; identify local residents to interview; practice interviewing techniques; exchange information; and create booklets. Lists research resources. Stresses the…

Describes a secondary science and mathematics teacher education course at Cornell University which encourages students to think reflectively about their understanding of subject matter and question common schooling practices contributing to poor understanding of science. The course requires significant amounts of involvement through writing,…