The goal of this paper is to sketch the epistemological roots of constructivism, to clarify certain implications of Piaget's constructivist theory for science education, and to explicate the issues surrounding a specific research study and its replication. Constructivist epistemology is described in terms of its emergence from rationalist,…

A study of the effects of the Instrumental Enrichment cognitive intervention program with 41 severely hearing impaired secondary school students was conducted. Experimental and control groups were compared in regard to general cognitive functioning, problem-solving strategies, reading comprehension, and mathematics. Experimental subjects were…

This book is for both teachers in training and those already in the classroom. It covers the underlying skills necessary for curriculum development, focusing on initiating, developing, implementing, and evaluating written lesson and unit plans. In addition, the book presents a wide range of instructional strategies, from the lecture method to…

This curriculum guide is a systematic instructional strategy designed to enhance the intrinsic motivation of learning disabled adolescents. The complete strategy encompasses three major phases. Phase P (Preparing for Challenges) describes steps in preparing the classroom environment and presenting program goals to students. Phase A (Attacking…

Academic learning experiences provided during a unit on genetics were examined in this case study report of two honors biology classes. It was conjectured that the nature of students' work and how it is handled by teachers affects how students attend, how they process information, what skills they practice, how they are evaluated and ultimately…

This six-chapter document (part of a series on biology and human welfare) focuses on ecology, ecosystem management, and biology teaching. Chapter 1 discusses the basic elements of ecology (considering organisms and their environment, populations, and communities and ecosystems). Chapter 2 describes several aspects of human ecology and resources…

Following some years of eclipse by the basics, imparting thinking ability to students is once again emerging as the primary goal of public education. How to teach thinking skills, is, however, subject to question. For example, not only is the domain of the higher order skills broad and imprecisely specified, there is also considerable naivete in…

Francis P. Robinson's 1946 text, "Effective Study," first presented his Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review (SQ3R) study system, which is held to be the most widely advocated textbook study system. This paper traces the development of the ideas behind the SQ3R. SQ3R's theoretical foundation began with work in…

The basic communication theory course offered at Central Michigan University is designed to provide students with an understanding of fundamental concepts and terminology, and to expose them to theory and research in communication. The course gives students the opportunity to engage in simulations and other in-class activities, thus making…

Contradictory research findings on teachers and teaching are frequently the result of overlooking or neglecting a systematic approach to teaching, using principles of human learning to enhance pupils' learning and their enjoyment of learning. In discussing teacher preparation, it is pointed out that task analysis is a crucial operation, in which…

Cooperative learning methods capitalize on the heterogeneous student bodies of most urban schools. They appear to foster better student achievement than individualistic methods, to increase cross-ethnic friendships, and to improve students' self-esteem and positive attitudes toward other students and the school. Six currently published cooperative…

Designed to provide teachers with new knowledge about the goals of science instruction and practical recommendations for instructional practice, this third of a three part series of guidebooks provides guidance for teachers in incorporating the scientific literacy components into different scientific topics. A review is provided of the major…

This series is intended for music educators and features speeches and articles by leaders in music and arts education on a wide variety of current issues. The issue develops notions based on two core events: the teaching of music and the learning of music. Two major concepts are addressed: the identification of a realm of competence acceptable in…

Content-based ESL is a method that integrated English-as-a-second-language instruction with subject-matter instruction. The technique not only focuses on learning a second language, but on using that language as a medium to learn mathematics, science, social studies, and other academic subjects. Although this approach has been used for many years…

A teacher of English as a second language in a Japanese university found that despite large classes and time limitations, by changing four aspects of classroom instruction, the students increased their language capabilities and confidence. The four aspects are the teacher's role, the student's role, classroom materials, and student evaluation. The…