Describes an informal discussion between a museum docent and a group of students visiting the museum. Compares the instructional strategies used in museum education and the regular school classroom. Concludes that students would gladly take responsibility for their own learning if textbooks and curriculum guides did not constrain them. (CFR)

Discusses some scaffolds or prompts for helping students to ask themselves better questions about science topics. Presents some teacher questions that test and develop some core thinking skills. (PR)

Discusses four elements of cooperative learning in science classrooms: cooperative task structures; cooperative incentive structures; individual accountability; and heterogeneous grouping. Presents and describes seven cooperative learning methods. (MDH)

Asserts that the use of computer networks provides an important and effective resource for geography instruction. Describes the use of the Internet network in physical geography instruction. Provides an example of the use of Internet resources in a climatology/meteorology course. (CFR)

Reports on a study of 129 secondary students' cognitive style as related to instructional effectiveness. Finds that graphic and pictorial information improves fact retention. Recommends that teachers and teacher trainers should be aware of students' learning styles and attempt to meet their needs. (CFR)

Presents the focus of this theme issue that is devoted to examining critical, feminist, and poststructural theories and the implications these theories have for considering the ideal, a science education for all children. (PVD)

Clarifies the position of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) on informal science education. NSTA support of all elements of informal science education is strong and this position statement includes many specific examples of informal science education. (DDR)

Describes a way to enhance student/instructor communication through regular student feedback on key concepts. Argues that examinations also serve this purpose but are too infrequent and that anonymous quizzes can be used effectively. (DDR)

Reports on the application of technology in elementary and secondary education. The report is based on a review of the research literature and on written submissions and oral briefings from a number of academic and industrial researchers, practicing educators, software developers, and government agencies. (DDR)

Describes three experiments with high school and college students concerning learning with ill-structured hypertext; in each study, one different kind of external learning aid (memo pads, learning time, and teaching objectives) was manipulated and examined for its effect on intentional and incidental knowledge acquisition. Findings are discussed…

Explores the link between research and teaching in higher education. Topics include various perspectives on the central function of universities; models of departmental practice linking research and teaching; a deep approach to learning as a bridge between research and teaching; and implications for the education and training of academic staff.…

Studies student response to a developmental reading strategies course, in which students learned specific reading and study strategies with each chapter. Student questionnaires and follow-up phone calls indicated that students did use some of the strategies taught, but only the most basic. (AS)

Describes a study that examined perspectives of university faculty and students currently involved in distance education through Web-based instruction. Students and faculty were surveyed on the advantages, disadvantages, and general effectiveness of using the Internet as a teaching and learning tool. (Author/LRW)

Reports a study in Hong Kong that used a think-aloud protocol to examine the use and effectiveness of Chinese university students' inferential strategies for dealing with unknown words while reading in English. Findings show that advanced second-language readers are moderately efficient at using local and discourse context clues, although wrong…

Summarizes "Generation X Goes to College" (Peter Sacks, 1996) and critically discusses its main points. The role of postmodern culture and its effect on education form the core of the discussion on contemporary students' approach to higher education. Notes the roles that teachers must play in this new educational environment. (DSK)