Modular middle school technology programs, generically called Exploring Technology Education (ETE) courses, are described and analyzed to determine their strengths and weaknesses and their appropriate role in middle school curricula. Interviews were conducted with teachers, officers of the Exploring Technology Educators Association, vendors and…

The report discusses incorporating more math, physics, chemistry, engineering and computer science into classes and laboratory work and emphasizing independent research will help undergraduate education reflect real-world science. Schools, professional societies and funding agencies should develop new teaching materials and facilitate faculty…

Presents an account of a week of learning and instruction from a high school physics course to provide a context for discussion of the role and demands of teacher inquiry. Argues coordination of student inquiry and traditional content is a matter of discerning and responding to students' particular strengths and needs. (Author/KB)

Describes a research project in which the students examine data showing the income disparity between men and women. The students decide on which sociological theories might explain this discrepancy and devise a study to test this hypothesis. Includes instructions for the assignment and guidelines for cooperative learning. (MJP)

Presents a model for a course on information literacy that was developed by librarians at California State University at San Marcos. Topics include the role of the library in higher education reform; active learning activities; convincing faculty and administrators of the need for information literacy courses; and future implementation. (LRW)

An approach has been developed at the US Military Academy (New York) to supplement computer-assisted instruction for weaker students. Four components include computerized grading and feedback on nightly assignments, in-class group exercises that are quickly graded, an adaptive hypermedia interface to the hypermedia course based on individual…

Describes the process of problem-based learning (PBL), discusses the history of the movement, and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of PBL. Explains the advantages of PBL in developing desirable attributes in biochemistry graduates which include being able to generalize, being able to interpret data, and possessing knowledge of relevant…

Uses the case study of a new private school to investigate the implementation of a curriculum designed to incorporate project-oriented, problem-based learning, and a constructivist approach to challenge gifted learners. Discusses the origins of the school, influencing factors, and implications for initiating similar efforts. (MJP)

Maori pedagogical and research principles provide a foundation for an alternative model of Maori schooling that emphasizes empowerment, student-teacher co-construction of knowledge, and the critical importance of cultural recognition. Principles include self-determination, uniqueness of each child, reciprocal learning, home-school relationship,…

Contends that barriers to effective education can be overcome by using the community as a living laboratory for social studies learning. Discusses out-of-school learning opportunities that meet four criteria: (1) goal relevance; (2) appropriate level of difficulty; (3) feasibility; and (4) cost effectiveness. (CFR)

Equity pedagogy involves teaching strategies and environments that help diverse students attain necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes for functioning effectively within a just, democratic society. The article examines how equity pedagogy interacts with other dimensions of multicultural education (content integration, knowledge construction…

Maintains that the history of psychology course is a common capstone course in the undergraduate psychology curriculum. Describes exercises designed to encourage active learning and critical thinking. Presents basic steps in completing the exercises and students' reactions to them. (CFR)

Whatever forms they take, colleges of the 21st century must incorporate the educational fundamentals that underlie traditional residential institutions. Key ingredients of these educationally powerful environments include clear purposes, maximization of human interaction, pedagogies for active learning, recognition of individual differences,…

Readers' theater engages students in reading and writing activities that offer both affective and cognitive rewards. Students can develop their own scripts that introduce books, replacing the traditional book report with creative participation and active peer recommendation. Appendices provide two sample scripts. (AEF)

Academic disciplines with soft paradigmatic development have greater affinity for practices designed to improve undergraduate education than do hard paradigmatic disciplines. A study extends this hypothesis to the seven principles of good practice, garnering empirical support for four principles: encouragement of faculty-student contact;…