The Open University implemented a project called M205-STILE (Students' and Teachers' Integrated Learning Environment), a fundamental computer science course, with 110 distance learning students and nine tutors in the United Kingdom and Europe. This article examines, from student and tutor perspectives, the knowledge, social, and motivational use…

Describes an introductory undergraduate survey course on European history that incorporates three interrelated sections: constitutional government in Europe, the American revolution, and the French Revolution. The instruction emphasizes the interconnectedness among the events and includes repetition of key ideas and information. Discusses the…

Discusses a graduate course that prepares language teachers by emphasizing ways to tailor instruction to learners' needs and demonstrates multiple forms of collaboration. Course participants discuss their collaborative learning experiences and their expectations for using such approaches in their own teaching. (14 references) (Author/CK)

Describes the development of an instructional technology course at Fairmont State College (West Virginia) for education majors that included a teaching module combining steps of the writing process to provide for the interdisciplinary focus of writing across the curriculum. Discusses desktop publishing, the National Writing Project, and student…

Qualitative methodology examined behaviors and strategies used by 12 high-potential middle school students when they did not feel challenged in school. Data analysis found students engaged in the following behaviors: selective attention, focused curricular involvement, involvement with others, humor, participation in extracurricular activities,…

Examines whether training teachers to apply research-based commenting guidelines can help them write comments between composition drafts that result in effective revisions. While results are inconclusive, they do indicate that students of English as a Second Language respond to teacher comments between drafts and write revisions according to the…

Presents a case study of the effects of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) on two teachers in the same institution. The study investigates claims that the TOEFL exerts an undesirable influence on language teaching. Findings reveal that influences on what happens in class are more complex than unexamined beliefs about washback allow.…

Defines behaviors that fall under the rubric of second language (L2) learner strategies and classifies different types of verbal report, indicating areas where it has contributed to the understanding of L2 learner strategies. Focuses on problematic issues regarding the use of verbal reports and notes ways to refine verbal report methods. (62…

Describes the development of a distance education graduate course at Arizona State University; the course is text-based, supported by the Internet and computer conferencing. Discusses course planning and design factors, implementation strategies, technical considerations, students' evaluations, and instructor perspectives. (AEF)

Describes a service-learning program at Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration that provides courses and community service activities related to homelessness and hunger. Reviews the program's three components: a course on housing and feeding the homeless, industry linkages, and a research and advocacy center. Presents student…

Compares second-grade children's judgments and ratings of punishment severity on children who broke neutral, sex-appropriate, or opposite-sex toys. Findings from 80 urban school children illustrate both the direct and the devious impact of gender stereotypes on children's social cognitive processes. (GR)

Describes a technique called compliment sandwich that enables students to evaluate their teachers. Explains that students write a letter to the teacher offering praise in the first and last paragraphs and include ideas for improvement in the middle paragraphs. Discusses lessons learned from this experience. (CMK)

Reports on the experience of using the Patchwork Text strategy in a modular course structure. The idea was to provide formative feedback for the students who traditionally complain that all the assessment occurs at the end of the module. A surprising side-effect was that students were clearly studying earlier in the module. (Author/AEF)

Presents the case that evaluation is an essential element of successful distance education programs. Uses a synthesis of the program evaluation and distance education research literature to form a framework for conducting evaluations of online programs. Evaluators should assess student performance, determine program and cost effectiveness, monitor…

Describes a flexible format for a literature unit which avoids the problems associated with a structure which is too rigid or allows too much latitude for students. Notes that the students produce some excellent thinking and writing. (MG)