Presents a replication study to determine the effects of an innovative activity-centered biology program on attitudes toward science teaching among 159 prospective elementary teachers. Concludes that the course was influential in promoting positive teacher attitudes toward science and science teaching and recommends that the course be incorporated…

Presents two activities that utilize problem solving to promote concept development. The first uses a treasure hunt to teach locus of points. The second uses a tug-of-war model to teach mixture problems involving ratios. (MDH)

This study of community-based instruction with 34 high school students with moderate to profound mental retardation found (1) students made significant gains in 3 of 4 independent behavior domains; and (2) amount of community-based instruction was a more powerful predictor of gains than were intelligence quotient, level of student ambulation, or…

Ways in which experiential learning theory can be used to teach introductory world politics at the college level are discussed. Student learning styles and modes are considered in course design and student evaluation, with the objective of creating a learning environment that facilitates active participation and reflection. (Author/MSE)

A survey of 54 pharmacy schools' experiential learning programs found that most either were reviewing or had adopted nationally recognized competencies into their experiential programs, but a third had made no such effort. Almost all used a formative or interim evaluation process and a student performance evaluation process, some with written…

The National Core French Study, a four-year curriculum project sponsored by the Canadian Association of Language Teachers and government-funded, resulted in the recommendation of a multidimensional curriculum model based on a communicative/experiential approach. The model and its implications for professional development, program design, and…

Presented are three ideas for teaching mathematical concepts including "The Gymnasium- A Dynamic Classroom for Teaching Slope,""The Graphics Calculator: A Helpful Tool," and "The Point-Slope Equation Revisited." (CW)

This article reviews the literature on the role of first-hand experiences, language, reading aloud, and scribbling on the preliteracy development of normal and visually impaired children. It describes a specific program developed by the American Printing House for the Blind which includes a handbook and 27 tactile-visual read-aloud story books.…

A University of Northumbria (England) survey found that Britain's new emphasis on experiential and active learning in higher education is more problematic for part-time than full-time students, despite greater life and work experience. Greater attention to these students' needs, motivations, learning attitudes, and existing knowledge and skill…

Asserts that college students often do not understand or appreciate the way that the mass media construct images of place. Describes a day-long simulation exercise in which students work on journalistic teams sent to an unfamiliar location to report on its landscape and environment. (CFR)

Describes the Sociological Resources for the Social Studies (SRSS) materials developed during the "New Social Studies" period in the 1960s and 1970s. Concludes that the limited success of the program was a result of not including school administrators in dissemination efforts. (CFR)

Discusses an introductory mathematics course for six year olds which incorporates visual reflection of essential links and relationships, broad and flexible approaches, student actions, and meaningful cooperation of students. The four topics covered are determination of attributes, symbolic representation of relations and transformations, the…

Describes how a small group of elementary school teachers and a principal used collaboration, inservice workshops, shared leadership and planning, peer coaching, and the informal sharing of ideas and materials to establish an effective hands-on science program. (PR)

Asserts that economics education is a desirable goal for the elementary curriculum because elementary students can learn and understand economic concepts. Reviews four "Teaching-Learning Principles" based on empirical research about learning effectiveness. Applies these principles to economic concepts such as scarcity, cost-benefit analysis, and…

Discusses guidelines to provide developmentally appropriate environmental education experiences for young children. Guidelines include (1) keeping children actively involved; (2) beginning with simple experiences; (3) encouraging use of the senses; (4) focusing on developing relationships; (5) demonstrating enjoyment of nature; (6) involving…