Reports on a two-year project in a biology course for nonmajors in which lectures were replaced with guided learning activities and weekly exams designed to help students gain the confidence to be independent learners, especially in science, assume responsibility for their own learning, improve study skills, and make more effective use of class…

Describes three experiments with high school and college students concerning learning with ill-structured hypertext; in each study, one different kind of external learning aid (memo pads, learning time, and teaching objectives) was manipulated and examined for its effect on intentional and incidental knowledge acquisition. Findings are discussed…

Evaluation of the Teaching and Learning Project Scheme at Southampton Institute (United Kingdom) examined the effectiveness of a scheme that released staff for limited periods of time for work concerned with teaching and learning. An internal, local evaluation methodology was used that involved questionnaires and interviews. The evaluation set the…

The amount and type of reading instruction going on in middle school science classrooms were studied in middle school classes of four science teachers. About 16% of teacher time was spent in active reading instruction and about 33% in oblique reading instruction. Implications for increasing reading instruction in these classes are discussed. (SLD)

A quality education means that all students are achieving at high levels in all curricular areas. A former principal of a Colorado elementary school explains how he and his staff substantially improved student achievement among even the most disadvantaged students by maximizing three educational fundamentals: academic instructional time, mastery…

Critically analyzes the University of West Indies' admissions policy of increasing the share of undergraduate part-time students. Data on student grades in first-year social-science courses shows that part-time students are significantly more likely to fail these courses, due to lower motivation and greater time constraints. (10 references) (MLH)

Describes a Learning Development Model developed by a Michigan school working to foster an evolving process of staff collaboration and curriculum integration. Supportive professional-development activities include staff-planned and -facilitated workshops, staff writing and sharing of learning activities, and local university partnerships requiring…

A study investigated effects of classwide peer tutoring (CWPT) on classroom behavior and academic performance of 18 students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). CWPT led to improvements in performance in math or spelling for 50% of students with ADHD, along with reductions in off-task behavior for most participants. (Author/CR)

Research indicates that the most profound barriers to implementing portfolio assessments are time requirements and grading difficulties. Principals can help teachers by allowing released time for organizing meetings, developing curriculum, networking, and grading portfolios. Teachers also need recognition and storage/documentation materials and…

Explores the often-negative impact homework assignments pose for students already short of time, and for their parents. Includes case vignettes and sidebars on the effects of poverty on homework environments, how technology will affect homework assignments, and treating homework as an opportunity rather than as a threat. (HTH)

Describes a four-tier model for designing and developing practice and assessment in computer-based training. Topics include teaching versus assessing; levels of knowledge; taxonomy levels and intended learning outcomes; and time and cost constraints that result in criterion-referenced tests being most widely used. (Author/LRW)

Both simultaneous prompting and antecedent prompt and test procedures were effective in teaching four adolescents with moderate mental retardation to read grocery sight words. However, the antecedent prompt and test procedure was more efficient on measures of acquisition and the simultaneous prompting procedure was more efficient on measures of…

Port Washington-Saukville (Wisconsin) School District created the Bright Beginnings Committee to identify effective teaching strategies to engage all students in relevant learning. Brain-based strategies include use of movement, music, metaphors, personal stories, humor, color, brainstorming, prime teaching time, and project demonstration. (11…

Discusses multimedia software and describes the production and the learning rationale of a series of six multimedia CD-ROMs that develop the listening skills of learners of Business English. Describes problems of cost, time, and quality in producing multiple courseware and explains the programming solution which gives control to subject experts.…

A study of 97 adult distance learners introduced and evaluated the effectiveness of an embedded study strategy. Determined less experienced learners embraced the strategy and more experienced learners rejected it if it conflicted with existing study strategies, time constraints, or their need for self-direction. Appendices includes the evaluation…