Provides activities to be used when teaching novels, including reading aloud to students, using student-generated questions for discussion, having students write on key words selected from the text, having students brainstorm together on butcher-block paper before writing an essay, and playing bingo with students to help them recall the…

Argues that the reason computer-based foreign language (FL) materials lack key elements of proficiency-oriented teaching is because FL professionals were excluded from their development. These professionals continue to be excluded because they lack the necessary computer skills; however, computer-oriented training workshops can equip FL…

Presents suggestions for the implementation of constructivist teaching-learning strategies. Discusses the following topics: teacher's role; classroom management; planning; pedagogic skills, including negotiation and group work; and assessment. (JRH)

Surveys English language teaching texts organized around the teaching of functions to explicate problems evident in their presentation of speech acts. The ability to communicate with native speakers appropriately is crucial. Whereas phonological, syntactic and lexical errors are often forgiven, sociolinguistic errors are interpreted as breaches of…

Explores how teachers and parents who currently use worksheets might do so in more meaningful and creative ways, including children creating worksheets, storytelling, and role playing. (MKR)

The paper describes how preservice elementary teachers interpreted events in an elementary science teaching methods course that implemented innovative instructional strategies, exploring the benefits of student empowerment. Interviews, surveys, student journals, observation, and field notes provided data on syllabus negotiation, cooperative lesson…

A book-centered, whole-language approach to literacy education is proposed for young children with hearing impairments. Through the context and vocabulary of a selected book, children work on gross and fine motor skills, language, speech, audition, writing, cognitive skills, and social skills. Two sample lesson plans are described. (JDD)

Presents positive aspects of lesson design models in science instruction. Rebukes arguments made within an accompanying article that argues against lesson design models. States that lesson designs, if correctly viewed as planning guides, are always valuable in science teaching. Mentions an unnamed study that provides evidence of the effectiveness…

Suggests using an example versus nonexample format to teach geographical concepts related to landforms in the elementary grade classroom. Describes lesson plans and includes objectives, methods, and instructional strategies. Recommends using a conceptual framework rather than rote memorization. (NL)

This article outlines the development of a nine-week communication skills program for elementary grades using a collaborative/consultative model. The program emphasizes social skills training and the importance of using good communication skills. The article outlines program development and procedures for teaching each concept. (DB)

Presents a hands-on approach to developing connections between mathematics and other subject areas by using thematic webbing. Includes a sample brainstorming aid plus a sample web and thematic unit on teddy bears. (Contains 36 references.) (MKR)

This article examined the English language knowledge of four trainee English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) teachers, two who were native speakers of English and two who were nonnative speakers. An analysis of lesson-planning discussions found that the nonnative teachers had more developed and context-oriented models of language and learning than the…

Describes four main components of a constructivist science lesson or unit. A review of commonly used environmental education materials from six environmental education projects was conducted to look for these components. Parallels between teaching strategies used in environmental education and constructivist methods are discussed. (Contains 27…

Presents ideas for getting the most out of an elementary school trip to the zoo. The article offers before, during, and after lesson plans which touch on biology (the life cycle), geography (continents and regions of the world), conservation (endangered species), ecology (natural communities), and career guidance (zoo jobs). (SM)

This article reviews literature on the behavior of deaf adolescents; pinpoints problems in students' lack of social skills, decision making, and lack of goal orientation; and offers guidelines for teaching values in tandem with decision-making skills. Six sample lessons are briefly outlined, on defining problems, predicting consequences,…