Investigates high school students' knowledge of natural phenomena related to the concept of light flux as it applies to the seasons and illumination after they studied optics. Discusses didactic, cognitive, and ontological perspectives in relation to specific changes in the science curriculum. Contains 71 references. (DDR)

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…

Summarizes in chronological order the main issues that have been considered in defining primary English (elementary school English) in the United Kingdom as a subject. Discusses the English subject knowledge considered necessary, over time, for teachers to know. Concludes that primary English, when compared with other subjects, is a special case:…

A study examined differences between 30 high school students who participated in a peer buddy program with peers with severe disabilities and 30 who chose not to volunteer. After one semester, participants showed greater social willingness to interact with those with disabilities, greater knowledge of disabilities, and increased contact scores.…

A survey sent to 172 British professionals working with people who have learning difficulties examined their knowledge of symptoms or behaviors indicative of possible depressive disorders. Results indicated a relatively high baseline level of knowledge about depression and an enthusiasm for further training. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

Points out that constructivist approach to science education is recognized as a valuable approach for building deep student understanding of scientific content and inquiry. Introduces a constructivist approach in two teacher training courses in the Spring 2000 semester and assessed their resulting content knowledge with examination-based…

Performances on Steps 1 and 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) were compared for classes that had completed a new problem-based learning curriculum and for previous, traditionally instructed classes at the University of Missouri Columbia School of Medicine. Students in the problem-based learning curriculum outperformed…

Intends to lead music teachers away from the traditional grading method of relying on nonmusical factors such as attendance, effort, and attitude. States that music teachers should grade on student progress in learning specific skills and knowledge in music as outlined in applicable standards (national, state, or local). (CMK)

Summarizes findings on infants' capacity for object segregation. Maintains that infants can use featural and experiential information for segregation and individuation purposes long before 12 months of age. Disputes the claim that formation of object categories awaits early word learning, but acknowledges that language may play a key role in…

Explored nature and extent of track and field injuries of 8- and 9-year-olds and their injury prevention methods. Found that about one-third had at least one injury. About one-fourth considered their injuries serious. Most serious injuries occurred during track and field events. There were no age or gender differences in injury rates. Injury…

This study explored first graders' fraction learning when the teacher elicited and built on children's informal knowledge of fractions during discussions of equal-sharing tasks; the study focused on key classroom interactions resulting in cognitive change. Findings suggest that thinking about fractions is influenced by the structure of the child's…

Contends that the general development acquired in preschool provides the foundation for a child's acquisition for any specialized kind of knowledge and assimilation of various activities. Views the organization of public preschool education as the creation of equal starting conditions for the shaping of the preschooler's personality, particularly…

Explores the factors that may influence the decisions made by students aged 9-15 years old as they chose musical sounds and constructed compositions. Indicates that age, formal music training, and aesthetic response to musical sounds are the primary factors affecting specific choices made in the compositional process. (CMK)

The first phase of the Association of American Medical Colleges' Medical School Objectives Project, to develop consensus on the attributes medical students should possess on graduation, is reported. Each of the four identified attributes is explained, and the associated learning objectives are stated. Attributes are the physician must be…

A study assessed effectiveness of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) education courses required in Florida of persons engaged in professions requiring licensure. Results indicate few differences in knowledge or attitudes before and after the course. In general, course participants had good knowledge of…