Discusses the benefits of laptop computers in higher education, including students' increased motivation, performance, cooperative learning and critical thinking. Describes a Microsoft/Toshiba pilot laptop learning program, technology implementation models for schools, changes in teaching and learning, and teacher training. (AEF)

Maintains that the mechanisms and learning strategies through which students learn the arts can be adapted into models of instruction for other subjects. Notes the many instances where students, particularly high-risk students, do well in arts education classes only to suffer through the more traditional curriculum. (MJP)

The Teachers Educating and Motivating Students (TEAMS) model emphasizes the use of collaborative school/university partnerships for elementary teacher preparation. This competency-based, structured block program features concurrent enrollment in groups of courses and a corresponding field component. Perception surveys and workplace competency…

A longitudinal study of 248 students followed from sixth to eighth grade was conducted to examine their perceptions of pedagogical caring in relation to their motivation to achieve positive social and academic outcomes. Perceived caring from teachers predicted motivational outcomes. Implications for understanding links between teacher behavior and…

Examines the effects of a first-language orthographic system on second-language (L2) word recognition strategies. Lexical judgment tests using Japanese syllabic script were given to native English and native Chinese learners of Japanese. Results indicated that Chinese speakers relied more on visual information in L2 Japanese words, whereas the…

Explores students' attitudes towards their enjoyment of school, enjoyment of subjects, and their attribution of academic success. Girls reported liking friends, teachers, outings, and lessons, while boys reported liking sports and school clubs. Attributions concerning academic success varied more with age than gender. Includes statistical tables…

Presents a case study of critical pedagogy in practice. Demonstrates how the "ageing women" and their teacher in a writing class came to a better understanding of their own personal texts when they learned to distance themselves sufficiently to see the broader social and cultural patterns their texts reflected and constructed. (18…

Examined the relationships among involvement in campus activities, perceptions of the institutional environment, and educational gains of undergraduates at two predominantly black and two predominantly white private liberal arts institutions. Black students at predominantly black colleges benefited more from their overall involvement than did…

Presents techniques to use in stimulating interest and effective learning outcomes in large classes, based on experiences at California State University, Los Angeles. Topics include active learning; collaborative learning; interactive learning; and use of the Web for student motivation and engaging in in-class discussions. (Author/LRW)

A study examined the effects of parent involvement and expectations on academic achievement among 567 Black and White middle school students in 18 Seattle (Washington) schools. Parent and teacher surveys indicated that parental involvement was the highest contributor to academic achievement among White students, whereas earlier educational…

Compares two board members' educational philosophies and motivations, highlighting typical power struggles with patrons, teachers, and administrators. Both board members hold traditional educational values and a "back to basics" approach to curriculum development. Whereas Tom considers his unwillingness to compromise a positive…

Describes a study of the comprehension strategies used by four community college developmental reading students, comparing results for two "less able" and two "more able" readers. Reports that the "more able" readers employed interpreting strategies more often than the "less able" readers. Reviews implications for teachers. The questionnaire is…

Recommends using "Readers' Theater" as an interdisciplinary approach to social studies. Maintains that the format lends itself to the examination of social issues and current events while it provides opportunities for a variety of learning styles. Briefly discusses Jan Truss' book, "A Very Small Rebellion." (MJP)

An Australian distance-learning college course for women uses problem-based learning to refresh their study skills, since many are rural adults that have been away from school for some time. Metacognitive and reflective cycles activate student thinking patterns, and assigned activities complement and reinforce awareness of those skills. (TD)

A secondary analysis of data from a California-wide sample of 162 American Indian, entering MSW students indicated that American Indian students demonstrated a noticeably stronger adherence toward social work's traditional mission of helping poor and disadvantaged populations when compared to all MSW students. Implications for practice with…