Introduces a study that identifies which learning styles are prevalent in biology majors. Uses the findings of the study to design a microbiology course. Presents activities that address the different learning styles. Uses self-assessment and portfolios for student evaluation. Includes recommendations for instructional improvement. (Contains 19…

Tests the hypothesis that personalized messages in a multimedia science lesson can promote deep learning by actively engaging students in the elaboration of the materials and reducing processing load. Instructional messages were presented in either a personalized style or a neutral style. Results reveal that personalized messages produced better…

Reviews the course, Psychology of Ethnic Groups in the United States (University of San Francisco). Explains that the goals of the course are to educate, sensitize, and stimulate critical thinking about the role of culture and ethnicity in human social behavior. Addresses course content and issues, the class project, and student evaluation of the…

Describes the "Reading and Writing for Critical Thinking Project" which has now sent more than 70 volunteer teacher educators into 20 countries across Central Europe and Central Asia to help teachers to try out methods that foster active learning and critical thinking. Discusses support for the project, teaching strategies introduced,…

Describes a simulation exercise called "The Summit of the Americas" that enables students to apply economic concepts. Discusses the four segments of the simulation: (1) pre-negotiation phase; (2) negotiation phase; (3) the debriefing phase; and (4) an economic impact report. Addresses the issues involved when incorporating the simulation into a…

Describes different research activities that can be used in a college dining facility to make it a real-life laboratory where students can apply research skills and learn about the scientific method. Offers evidence that the experience provides an effective tool to teach the scientific method. (CMK)

Contends that early adolescents need to learn how the jury trial system works. Provides background information on the topic for teachers. Includes a two-day lesson plan on jury duty as a civic obligation, background information for students, and extension activities relating to jury trials in the appendix. (CMK)

Discusses four elements essential for successfully using role playing in the history classroom: (1) background knowledge: building on the knowledge that students possess; (2) perspectives: designing the role to maximize involvement and conflict; (3) situation: having a "focal point for debate"; and (4) management: the teacher's management of the…

Investigates the differences in academic achievement and performance for two groups of at-risk students in large and small group instructional settings when activity-based informal collaboration is applied as a teaching method. Includes 40 references. (YDS)

Argues that problems with teaching the Talmud are methodological not didactic. Talmudic methodology is reviewed and summarized. Suggests a new curriculum based on four curricular stations from study of Mishnah to study of the Talmudic superstructure. Argues that the new method allows students to be active participants in the learning process. (DSK)

Recollections of a small childhood neighborhood suggest that the theory and research on integrating curriculum and community can be implemented by sharing curriculum mandates or standards with students. Once they know what they need to learn, students can draw on shared experience to identify places and people in the community where they might…

Reviews the series of books, "The Geography Discipline Network Guides on Teaching, Learning, and Assessment," produced by the Geography Discipline Network. Reveals two strengths of the series: (1) it provides practical guidelines on improving traditional teaching strategies; and (2) it promotes active learning. Considers the potential…

Presents a classroom simulation that employs active learning to introduce students to congressional politics using the national issues of the Gilded Age. Explains that the students are divided into groups in order to simulate the U.S. Senate and then discuss, amend, and vote on legislation. Provides four detailed simulation options. (CMK)

Focuses on integrating social studies and environmental education. Offers three scenarios that provide opportunities for teaching environmental literacy in the classroom. Provides a set of guiding principles that can assist social studies teachers in making the most of environmental issues. (CMK)

Describes an active learning approach to teaching sampling and measurement in an undergraduate course on research methods. Students complete a content analysis on desired partner attributes in personal advertisements. Discusses concerns and issues in relation to sampling, content analysis, and other potential problems. (CMK)