This paper examines some aspects of a graduate course in educational technology at the University of Regina (Saskatchewan). The focus of the course (offered in the fall 1999 semester) was to examine how aspects of learning theory can impact the use of technology in schools and to develop a theoretical model that could drive and reflect appropriate…

Teachers' subject matter knowledge is a particularly important issue in science education in that it influences instructional practices across subject areas and at different grade levels. This paper provides an overview of efforts to develop a unique elementary science methods course and related field experience through a partnership between…

This article describes an investigation with a class of seventh graders to determine what impact the study of traditional literature would have on their narrative writing. The classroom teacher emphasized the narrative structure of the traditional literature genre by prompting his students to respond both orally and in writing with their thoughts…

School district associations across the country have often opposed charter school legislation as strongly, or more strongly, than have teachers unions. They typically argue charter schools will threaten the tradition of local control of schools by elected officials, drain their financial resources, and distract them from pursuing…

Assessed the relative effects through age 23 on young participants born in poverty of the High/Scope, Direct Instruction, and traditional Nursery School preschool curriculum models. Found against using Direct Instruction in preschool programs and for using a well-defined curriculum model based on child-initiated learning activities. (Author)

Three optometric educators provide separate perspectives on how and why to increase the amount of clinical experience in the optometry program, addressing such issues as how many patient encounters are enough to provide adequate training, salient factors in clinical experience outside patient encounter numbers (facilities and equipment, preceptor,…

Argues that incorporating research into teaching intermediate macroeconomics can present challenging material to students thereby increasing their critical and evaluative thinking. Recommends sacrificing advanced textbook topics, historical perspectives on theories and policies, and current debates in favor of theoretical insights and empirical…

Criticizes the recent practice of inviting white supremacists and Holocaust revisionists to speak at local classrooms. Maintains that, rather than expose racial hatred and fanaticism, the visits may create credibility and converts. Suggests alternate activities for teaching about the destructive nexus of racism, violence, and ideology. (MJP)

Discusses and illustrates three ways to promote prosocial attitudes towards global issues among students. Includes classroom environments that reinforce desired attitudes; facilitating direct "emotional" experiences that influence attitudes; and engaging students in thoughtful deliberation about global issues. Offers illustrative…

Observes that the form and structuring of musical rehearsals should be determined by the compositional structure of the work. Explores various rehearsal formats for choral fugues, renaissance chansons, and folk songs. Maintains that this approach develops comprehensive musicianship, promotes aesthetic experience, and makes efficient use of…

Investigated the effects of cooperative instruction, individual instruction, and learner control of instructional elements (practice items, summary material, review material) on 128 undergraduate students' test performance, attitudes, option use, and student interactions and found that posttest performance was not influenced by either learner…

Presents survey results that reveal that most political science departments have clearly defined systems of summative teaching evaluation. These systems, however, lack diversity. Most rely solely on student assessment and use this primarily to identify potential problems. Recommends adopting more flexible and constructive approaches. (MJP)

Analysis of data from 5 years shows that students enrolled in the Dalton Junior College (Georgia) first-year seminar, although similar to a comparison group in age, sex, standardized entrance test scores, degree objectives, and group grade point average, attempted more course hours, showed a higher retention rate, completed more hours, and had a…

Discussion of the use of classroom television focuses on the need for effective instruction rather than sophisticated technology. Highlights include math activities developed by teacher Kay Toliver; a PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) series for elementary math students; integrated learning, with an interdisciplinary approach; and teacher training…

Contends that teacher's decisions regarding textbook use can be understood through public choice theory. This theory claims decisions are made balancing competing interests of scarcity, time, costs, benefits, and incentives. Teachers use textbooks because of their efficacy in organizing and providing instructional material. (MJP)